Japan 2024

At the time of our travel:

100 Yen (Japanese Yen - (¥) - JPY) = 0,58 euro = 2,71 zł (PLN)

eSim from Airlo 20GB for 1 month - 26 USD
JR Pass for 14 days - 513 euro

Tokyo

teamLab Planet ticket - 4200 (¥)
Tokyo Sky Tree - 80 zl
Kura sushi - 1 plate - 150 (¥)

Kyoto

Kimono Tea Ceremony Gion Kiyomizu - 6930 (¥)
Samurai Ninja Museum - 2970 (¥)
bus ride - 230 (¥)
octopus balls - 500 (¥)
sento visit - 490 (¥)
stamps in the Fushimi Inari temple - 300 (¥)
dolls in Fushimi Inari temple - 550 (¥)
matcha latte - 750 (¥)
coffee - 180 (¥)
ramen - 990 (¥)
Golden Temple ticket - 500 (¥)
matcha ice-creams - 300 (¥)
Nijo Castle ticket - 1300 (¥)
beer - 800 (¥)

Nara

deer wafels - 200 (¥)

Kanazawa

loundry - 600 (¥)
gold leaf ice-cream - 790 (¥)
Nomura-ke Samurai Residence - 550 (¥)
Kenroku-en Garden ticket - 320 (¥)

Himeji

bento box for the train - 1180 (¥)
castle ticket - 1050 (¥)
sake shoot - 150 (¥)

Hiroshima

castle ticket - 370 (¥)
Peace Memorial Museum ticket - 200 (¥)
audioguide at the museum - 400 (¥)
lunch for two - 4350 (¥)

Miyajima

boat tax - 100 (¥)
Itsukushima Jinja temple ticket - 300 (¥)

Hakone

boat ride - 3700 (¥)

travel dates: 12 April - 3 May 2024
accommodation: Tokyo - Airbnb (2 nights), Kyoto - Piece Hostel (5 nights); Myjajima - Ouchi Hotel Miyajimaguchi (2 nights); Kanazawa - Amanek Hotel (3 nights); Hakone - Mitake (2 nights), Tokyo - APA Hotel Nihombashi Bakuroyokoyama Ekimae (5 nights)
currency: Japanese Yen

TIPS:

get QR code to make immigration process easier - on Visit Japan Web's website
useful travel information - www.japan-guide.com
all hotels have a great cosmetic selection - including toothbrushes, etc.
tap water is ok to drink
get SUICA Travel Card on your iPhone - best for travel and shopping; you can also get SUICA Card in Tokyo Train Station or airport
7/11 is the best shop ever 🙂
carry your passport with you for Tax Free Shopping (for over 5000 Yen)
for internet we use eSim from Airlo - easy and efficient
for great bargain shopping - check Flea Markets in Japan, often called Open-air Antique Markets

Tokyo

teamLab Planets - a museum where you walk through water, and a garden where you become one with the flowers
Tokyo Skytree - soars 634 meters high and gives the best panoramic views of the city
Traveler's Factory Store - great notebooks and other stationery
Hanko Stamp - is a carved stamp that can be used in any situation where an individual might otherwise use a signature or initials
Guru Free Walking Tour - Asakusa district 2-hour free walking tour
Eki Stamps - also known as station stamps; the fun and free collectible stamp available across Japan
Goshuinchō - the pages of a goshuincho keep a record of every shrine and temple visited

Kyoto

Traditional Tea Ceremony with Kimono - learn about tea ceremony history, Kyoto, and tea ceremony etiquette at MAIKOYA
Guru Free Walking Tour - step into the magical realm of the Geisha on captivating night walking tour

Kanazawa

Omicho Market - Kanazawa's largest fresh food market since the Edo Period

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Gotemba - Matcha sweet with Mt. Fuji

Japan, Tokyo - Beer at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Himeji - Sake Tasting in Nihonshu Bar Kokoromi

Japan, Tokyo - 7/11 Strawberry sandwich

Japan, Himeji - Bento box

Japan, Hakone - Breakfast

Japan, Kyoto - Ramen

Japan, Kanazawa - Matcha snacks

Japan, Kyoto - Sakura sake

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Hakone - Breakfast

Japan, Hiroshima - Matcha sweet

Japan, Tokyo - Shinkansen coffee

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Gotemba - Matcha sweet with Mt. Fuji

Japan, Tokyo - Fuji sake

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Kanazawa - Ramen

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Hakone - Snack

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Hakone - Snacks

Japan, Tokyo - Beer at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Tokyo - Beer

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market beer

Japan, Osaka - Lunch

Japan, Osaka - Octopus balls

Japan, Tokyo - KitKat, Macha

Japan, Kyoto - Nishiki Market

Japan, Kanazawa - Lunch

Japan, Kyoto - Takoyaki

Japan, Kyoto - Snack

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market

Japan, Tokyo - 7/11 breakfast

Japan, Kyoto - Maikoya Tea Ceremony

Japan, Kanazawa - Gold leaf ice-creams

Japan, Kanazawa - Matcha Pocky

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi at Revolving Sushi Bar Kurasushi

Japan, Hakone - Lunch

Japan, Kanazawa - Beer

Japan, Kyoto - Nishiki Market, omlet

Japan, Tokyo - KitKat, Green Tea

Japan, Himeji - Matcha cookie

Japan, Tokyo - KitKat, Wasabi

Japan, Tokyo - 7/11 fruit shakes

Japan, Kyoto - Matcha ice-creams

Japan, Tokyo - Matcha ice-creams

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market Burgers

Japan, Kanazawa - Takoyaki

Japan, Osaka - Octopus balls

Japan, Tokyo - Matcha latte

Japan, Hakone - Ryokan breakfast

Japan, Osaka - Ramen

Japan, Tokyo - KitKat, Sakura taste

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market

Japan, Kyoto - Ramen

Japan, Tokyo - Sake

Japan, Kyoto - Snack

Japan, Tokyo - Sushi

Japan, Kyoto - Ramen

Japan, Kanazawa - Lunch

Japan, Osaka - Strawberry sweets

Japan, Hiroshima - Hot coffee

Japan, Kyoto - Nishiki Market

Japan, Osaka - Okonomiyaki

Japan, Tokyo - Steamed Cheesecake

Japan, Osaka - Dōtonbori

Japan, Kyoto - Sushi at Nishiki Market

Japan, Himeji - Sake Tasting in Nihonshu Bar Kokoromi

Japan, Hakone - Ryokan breakfast

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market

Japan, Osaka - Fruits

Japan, Tokyo - Sake

Japan, Kanazawa - Omicho Market

Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani: In the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano, Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, are known to soak in hot springs during winter to keep warm. It's a unique behavior observed only in this region.
Hikikomori: Japan has a phenomenon called "hikikomori," where individuals, typically adolescents or young adults, withdraw from society and isolate themselves in their homes for months or even years.
Hidden Underground Cities: Some Japanese cities, like Tokyo, have intricate networks of underground passages connecting train stations, shopping malls, and other facilities, serving as a refuge during disasters like earthquakes or typhoons.
Napping at Work is Encouraged: "Inemuri," or napping on the job, is culturally accepted in Japan, seen as a sign of hard work leading to exhaustion rather than laziness.
Pachinko: Pachinko, a type of mechanical game similar to pinball, is immensely popular in Japan and often serves as a loophole for gambling, as cash prizes can't be directly awarded, but players can exchange their winnings for tokens and then for cash elsewhere.
Island of Cats: Tashirojima, an island in Miyagi Prefecture, is often referred to as "Cat Island" due to its large population of feral cats, which outnumber humans.
Incredible Vending Machines: Japan is famous for its vending machines, which dispense a wide range of items beyond just drinks and snacks, including fresh eggs, umbrellas, hot meals, and even underwear.
Miyakejima's Gas Masks: Residents of Miyakejima, an island south of Tokyo, are required to carry gas masks at all times due to the regular volcanic activity on the island, which releases toxic gases.
Forest Bathing: Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," is a popular practice in Japan that involves immersing oneself in nature, believed to have various health benefits including stress reduction and improved mood.
Love Hotels: Love hotels are establishments offering short-stay accommodation, primarily for couples seeking privacy. These hotels often feature themed rooms and discreet entrances.
Square Watermelons: Some farmers in Japan have developed a method to grow square watermelons by placing them in tempered glass boxes as they grow, making them easier to stack and store.
Tokyo's Green Spaces: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Tokyo boasts numerous parks and gardens, including the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Yoyogi Park, providing residents and visitors with ample green space.
Firework Festivals: Japan hosts numerous fireworks festivals, known as "hanabi taikai," throughout the summer, with displays ranging from small local events to large-scale productions attracting thousands of spectators.
Capsule Hotels: Capsule hotels offer compact sleeping pods stacked side by side, providing basic accommodation primarily for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a unique experience.
Train Station Bento: Many train stations in Japan are known for their ekiben, or station bento boxes, which are pre-packaged meals featuring local specialties, allowing travelers to enjoy regional cuisine while on the go.
World's Oldest Hotel: The Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Yamanashi Prefecture holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest hotel in the world, operating continuously since it was founded in 705 AD.

Day 1 and 2 - 12/13.04.2024 - Tokyo

after over 24 hours of travel we arrived in Tokyo mid-day
took in the nighttime energy in the famous Shinjuku District
walked around Kabukicho streets
enjoyed Golden Gai and the famous Piss Alley at Omoide Yokocho
found a giant Godzilla Head

Day 3 - 14.04.2024 - Tokyo

early breakfast from 7/11 - best shop ever!
visited tallest building in Japan - Tokyo Sky Tree Tower - amazing views!!!
braved the crowds around Senso-ji Temple -the beautiful temple complex in the center of Tokyo
enjoyed amazing Free Walking Tour learning about history, traditions and modern Japan - thank you Manabu
chilled in Ueno Park while enjoying the Sakura - cherry blossom

Day 4 - 15.04.2024 - Tokyo to Kyoto

rode our first Bullet Train to Kyoto
seen the amazing Mount Fuji from a train window as we speed by at over 300 k/hr
experienced amazing food at famous Nishi Market
tried Takoyaki - octopus balls - delicious!!!
enjoyed traditional Japanese Sento - hot public bath - in the evening - very relaxing experience!

Day 5 - 16.04.2024 - Kyoto

visited the amazing Fushimi Inari Temple with it 10 000 Tori Gates
climbed to the top of Mt Fushimi
visited the Tofuku-ji Temple
strolled the beautiful narrow streets of the Gion District
enjoyed a delicious White Ramen meal
browsed through small vintage stores for second hand kimonos
relaxed in the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
visited the Wild Boar Shrine and the Go-o Shrine
enjoyed an evening Walking Tour in Geisha District where we witnessed Geishas leaving one of their houses

Day 6 - 17.04.2024 - Nara and Osaka

took a early train from Kyoto to Nara
visited the Todai-hi Temple with its Giant Buddha
fed the deer on the Temple’s Parkland
visited a traditional calligraphy shop and had our names written in Kanji
seen the Five-story Pagoda of Kofuku-ji Temple
took the train from Nara to Osaka where we:
visited the stunning Osaka Castle
enjoyed the evening energy of Dotonburi Street
enjoyed okonomiyaki
caught a late train home to Kyoto

Day 7 - 18.04.2024 - Kyoto

enjoyed a early morning visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
following a quick taxi ride we visited Golden Pavilion
toured the famous Nijo Castle and Shosei-en Garden
participated in a traditional a tea ceremony where we dressed in traditional kimonos
Davis passed on the tea and opted to visit the Samurai and Nija Museum
enjoyed a delicious White Ramen (again)
strolled the Geisha District at night

Day 8 - 19.04.2024 - Himeji

enjoyed a very early morning stroll in the historic Gion District of Kyoto
took a Bullet Train to Himeji
toured the famous Himeji Castle - one of Japan’s most iconic castles
strolled an Edo-style Japanese Garden at Kokoen
tasted local Hyogo sake at a Nihonshu Bar
enjoyed a “bento box” lunch on the train back to Kyoto

Day 9 - 20.04.2024 - Kyoto to Hiroshima and then to Miyajima

took a early morning “Bullet Train” from Kyoto to Hiroshima
enjoyed a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus ride though the city
visited the Hiroshima Castle - one of Japan’s most famous castles
visited Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park - the remains of a structure that was almost completely destroyed by the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima 70 years ago
visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum dedicated to the victims of the bombing
tried Hiroshima’s tradition treat - The momiji manju cookie

Day 10 - 21.04.2024 - Miyajima

took a early morning ferry to Miyajima island
strolled around town and visited the famous floating O-Tori Gate - one of most iconic places in Japan
watched beautiful wedding pictures being taken in Itsukushima Shrine
climbed to Daishoin Temple with 500 statues of disciples of Buddha
strolled Momijidani Park with its Japanese maple trees
took and late evening ferry again to see Tori Gate at night - impressive!!

Day 11 - 22.04.2024 - Miyajima to Kanazawa

arrived in Kanazawa after swift three leg “Bullet Train” journey
went for a stroll in the Nagamachi District, where local Samurai used to live - more to explore tomorrow
braved a “Hole in the Wall” local ramen joint
walked some more - it is so tranquil here!
enjoyed Japan’s famous a gold leaf ice-cream
spend the evening relaxing in hotel Onsen - traditional hot baths

Day 12 - 23.04.2024 - Kanazawa

explored the Nagamachi Samurai District and visited Nomura-ke Samurai House
enjoyed breakfast at Omicho market and explored over the 200 shops and restaurants selling fresh local produce and seafood
visited the Kanazawa Castle which historically was the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal Clan during Japan’s Edo period
relaxed at Kenroku-en Garden, a landscaped area that’s considered one of the three most beautiful Gardens in Japan
enjoyed a drink at a traditional a Tea House overlooking Gyokusen-Inmaru Garden
visited three different well-preserved geisha districts – Higashi Chayagai, Nishi Chayagai, and Kazue Machi Districts

Day 13 - 24.04.2024 - Kanazawa

due to the heavy rain we decided to explore ultimate Japanese experience - MEGA Don Quijote Kanazawa
visited traditional Japanese umbrella workshop - creating a paper umbrella by hand takes two months!!!
relaxed in traditional onsen for the rest of the evening

Day 14 - 25.04.2024 - Kanazawa to Hakone

following three train trips and we arrived in Odowara
visited Odowara Castle and Ninja Museum
took a unbelievably crowded and exciting bus trip on the very meandrous road from Odowara to Hakone
had an amazing lunch in a small local restaurant
booked into our accommodation - a traditional Japanese ryokan with natural onsen - hot baths

Day 15 - 26.04.2024 - Hakone

had an amazing traditional Japanese breakfast in our ryokan
took a bus to Togendai
enjoyed boat excursion on Lake Ashi
visited Hakone Shrine and floating Heiwa no Tori Gate
took Hakone Ropeway all the way to Owakudani
enjoyed stunning views of Mt Fuji and unfortunately the sulfur smells of the Hakone volcano
continued on the Ropeway to Gora and took a bus trip to Gotemba
visited viewing point on the tar-ace of City Hall of Gotemba - another stunning view of Fuji-San
continued exploring the area for the best shoots of the sacred mountain

Day 16 - 27.04.2024 - Hakone to Tokyo

enjoyed another amazing traditional Japanese breakfast at our ryokan - different fish this time!
after another crowded and meandering bus trip to Odowara we enjoyed our last Bullet Train journey
left our luggage in the hotel and explored the Imperial Palace Grounds
visited the Shibuya district where we experienced the craziness of the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing Scramble
visited the Hachiko Statue - honoring the most loyal dog Japanese history
enjoyed the areas night energy and 3D video presentations

Day 17 - 28.04.2024 - Tokyo

went to the the Oedo Antique Market - a marvelous outdoor Flea-market with stalls selling vintage, interesting, and unique Japanese items
enjoyed window shopping in the famous Ginza district
enjoyed local Golden Week festivities at the Tokyo Tower
went to Tokyo Station to see the fastest train in Japan - famous Hayabusa Shinkansen which can reach speeds of over 500 km/h

Day 18 - 29.04.2024 - Tokyo

explored Toyosu area
enjoyed TeamLab Planet experience - amazing!!
went to the Ginza District to experience the evening energy
had an amazing sushi at Kura
visited Sensoji Temple by night

Day 19 - 30.04.2024 - Tokyo

visited the Meiji Shrine early in the morning - wonderful
enjoyed Yoyogi Park - a beautiful and peaceful escape from the bustling city
visited the famous Transparent Toilets in Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park - using the latest technology, the exterior glass turns opaque when locked
shopped until we dropped in Apple Japan Store
enjoyed delicious sushi in Kura again!

Day 20 - 01.05.2024 - Tokyo

walked in the heavy Tokyo rain all day
visited the Nezu Shrine - it’s set in lush greenery, with ponds of carp, pathways that are tunnels of small shrine arches, and elegant, beautifully colored, wooden structures that reflect Japanese culture in all its age and beauty
visited the frantic Akihabara Electric Town District, famous for anime, manga, game paraphernalia and geeky otaku culture
finally visited famous pachinko paroles
said sayonara to the Hachiko statue in Shibuya - The statue pays homage to the faithful Akita dog who waited at Shibuya Station every day for his master, years after his death - The Hakiko movie is a must see for all dog lovers

Day 21 - 02.05.2024 - travel day

Tokyo to Beijing to Munich to Warsaw to Gdynia = 11 400 Km / 37 Hours in Transit

Tokyo

explore Akihabara Electric Town
immerse yourself in Sensō-ji Temple
get your “Omikuji” fortune
go shopping on Nakamise Shopping Street
find the perfect thing you never knew existed at Don Quijote
bring home some traditional Japanese knife
visit Tokyo Station
go to the top of Tokyo Skytree
see Meiji Jingu
take a selfie with Hachiko
cross the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world
see Shibuya at night
see the Eiffel Tower-esque Tokyo Tower
visit Ueno Park
visit the Yanaka Ginza Night Market
see Zōjō-ji Temple
view the Imperial Palace
go Shopping in Roppongi
walk down Piss Alley

Kyoto

hike through 1000 Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
wander around Gion and Southern Higashiyama
enjoy the view from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
stroll The Philosopher’s Path
explore Nanzen-ji Temple
see the Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple
start a day in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
visit Kodai-ji Temple
shop at Nishiki Market
drink Matcha in a teahouse
stroll down the Sannenzaka Street

Hiroshima

visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
see the Atomic Bomb Dome
stroll down Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
admire Shukkei-en Garden
explore Hiroshima Castle

Miyajima

admire The Floating Torii Gate
visit Itsukushima Shrine
be impressed by Hokoku Shrine (Senjokaku)
admire the 5-Storied Pagoda
walk among deer
enjoy breathtaking views from Mt Misen
visit Daisho-In Temple
go shopping in Omotesando Street

Kanazawa

be impressed by the Tsuzumi-mon Gate at the train station
visit a Geisha District - Higashi Chayagai
enjoy delicious gold leaf soft ice cream
explore Nagamachi Samurai District
visit Nakamura House residence
relax on a Bench at Kenroku-en
visit Kanazawa Castle
sit and contemplate at D.T. Suzuki Museum
eat seafood at Omicho Market

- more

Our route

Transportation

Some prices

Travel essentials

Favourites

Our favourite local food

16 Facts You May Not Know About Japan (credit: internet)

Our itinerary

What to do

Inspirations