Later, visit Abeno Harukas , the city's tallest tower, for stunning sunset views of all of Osaka. The same building also houses a shopping mall with delicious sushi restaurants to round off your evening.
Capital
Tokyo
Language
Japanese
Flight time
11 hours
Tips for your tour in Japan
In Japan, ancient traditions meet modern technology. From the metropolis of Tokyo to the medley of temples in Kyoto: every location has its own charm. In this blog post, I'll take you on a journey through the rich culture, delicious food, and impressive nature of this culturally exotic country. Discover if you can handle the culture shock in a country that has something for everyone!
How many weeks do you need for your tour?
During this two-week trip through Japan, you'll experience a wonderful combination of city life, culture, and nature. You'll begin your journey in vibrant Tokyo . Then, you'll head to the iconic Mount Fuji and take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and Nara . You'll also make a stop in modern Osaka before returning to Tokyo. With this trip, you'll have experienced most of the highlights this country has to offer!
Tokyo
Tokyo is a fantastic city where young and old are amazed by the surroundings.
Amidst the bustling streets and tall buildings, there's a surprising amount of peace to be found, such as in Hamarikyu Garden . This park offers a moment to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a matcha tea in a traditional teahouse.
Each neighborhood in Tokyo has a unique atmosphere. Harajuku is the hub for striking fashion and creative street style, especially around the famous Takeshita Street .
Akihabara is all about anime, manga and games, with large arcades and brightly lit shops.
Shibuya is still Japan's most iconic location, with the famous Shibuya Crossing , endless shops with dozens of floors, and a vibrant nightlife.
The mix of beautiful parks, shops, culture and infrastructure makes Tokyo a city with something for everyone: You will be surprised every day here.
A green light and it's off to Shibuya Crossing
Enjoy a delicious matcha at Hamarikyu Gardens
Tokyo is also a great place to eat. One of Japan's most famous dishes is Okonomiyaki , a type of savory pancake. While Japan also has other food specialties, such as sushi and ramen, this dish is definitely worth trying. Try it at the Osaka Okonomiyaki Tomokunchi restaurant.
Also worth a visit is the Meiji Shrine , located next to Yoyogi Park , in the heart of the city.
At the Kokyo (Imperial Palace), you'll find a beautiful green setting. This palace served as the emperor's official residence from 1868, when he moved to Tokyo.
In the evening, the vibe changes when you exit at Shin-Okubo subway station. This vibrant neighborhood is famous for its Korean influences, with atmospheric restaurants, street food, and neon lights. From here, it's a short walk to Shinjuku , where bars, clubs, and izakayas stay lively until the wee hours.
Sunset Kokyo Imperial Palace
Night vibes from Shin-Okubo towards Shinjuku
Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji is undoubtedly one of Japan's most iconic locations and is an absolute must-see for your trip. The volcano towers over the landscape and offers a different look from every angle. Surrounding the mountain are lakes, small villages, and stunning viewpoints offering excellent views and photos of Mount Fuji.
After checking out of your hotel, take the Shinkansen from the nearest station to Mount Fuji in the morning. From this station, there are buses that take you directly to Mount Fuji. Once you arrive, it's recommended to take a bicycle, which shouldn't be a problem for a Dutch person ;)
Tip if you want to climb Mt. Fuji:
The official hiking trail is open from early July to early September. The most popular and accessible trail is the Yoshida Trail, which starts at the 5th Station (accessible by bus).
This trail is 6.8km long (with 1.5km of elevation gain ), taking about 8-10 hours from top to bottom. Depart around 6-7am to avoid the crowds and heat. Because it's a challenging hike, you can also choose not to go to the peak, which is definitely worth it.
View over Mt. Fuji
The Yoshida Trail hiking trail
Kyoto
Travel by Shinkansen from Mt. Fuji to Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Temple in the evening; its thousands of red torii gates create a magnificent view, especially at sunset. Explore Kyoto further with well-known attractions like Kinkaku-ji , the famous Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizudera Temple , known for its wooden stage and stunning views of the city.
In Kyoto, you can see free-roaming monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Mountain . In the same area, we also recommend taking a short walk along the river. Also visit Toji Temple, where you can explore traditional houses and buy beautiful souvenirs. End your stay in Kyoto with a traditional tea ceremony and a visit to one of the many ramen restaurants dotted around the city.
A monkey in Arashiyama Monkey Park
A golden edge at Kinkaku-ju Temple
Visit Ginkaku-ji Temple. This temple was founded in 1482 as a residential villa but was later converted into a Buddhist temple. It is part of the Higashiyama culture, which had a significant impact on Japanese art and style.
Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera (Kiyomizu Temple) is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kyoto. This temple is famous for its wooden platform, which is constructed without nails and symbolizes "spiritual purification."
The Ginkaku-Ji residential villa
From Kyoto, you can easily take a day trip to Nara . In Nara Park, you can relax with hundreds of deer that you can feed with your own hands. Within walking distance of the park, you'll also find impressive temples, such as the Todai-ji Temple with the Great Buddha. You'll also find the Kasuga Taisha Shrine here, known for its many lampposts. It's the perfect place to take a break from the touristy Kyoto.
Free-roaming deer in Nara Park
The Todai-Ji Temple in Nara
Osaka
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto and check in at your hotel in the Shinsaibashi district. This area is famous for its vibrant vibe, bright neon lights, and nightlife.
Also check out Dotonbori , a vibrant district full of street food, entertainment, and illuminated billboards. This is the place to be for a delicious cocktail or to dance with tourists and locals!
Osaka's highlight is undoubtedly the historic Osaka Castle . This castle was built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a symbol of his influence in Japan. The castle played a crucial role in the power struggle that resulted in the rise of the Tokugawa military dictatorship.
Tonbori River walk in Shinsaibashisuji
Bottom view of Osaka Castle
For a bit of nature, take the metro to Minoh Park , located just outside the city center. Here you can walk along waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the spring (cherry blossom) and autumn seasons.
For the gaming fanatics among us, head to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, where Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minions are brought to life. You'll also find Resident Evil and Attack on Titan. The park combines global blockbusters with Japanese pop culture.
Minoh Park in autumn
The entrance to Universal Studios
