Ultimate 12-Day Japan Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Tokyo and Osaka with our little explorer
- M. Clariss Lucero
- Dec 25, 2024
- 5 min read
Japan is a dream destination filled with a blend of traditional charm and futuristic wonders. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Tokyo or the foodie paradise in Osaka, Japan has it all. Follow this 12-day itinerary for a perfect mix of sightseeing, unique cultural experiences, and delicious food stops.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo + Explore Shibuya
Welcome to Tokyo! Check into the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu for an unbeatable view and location right in the heart of Shibuya. Spend your first day exploring Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, and enjoy a food trip around Shibuya to start your trip with a taste of local flavors.
Day 2: Gotemba & Mt. Fuji Views
Gotemba is famous for shopping, but the real highlight is catching a view of the cone of Mt. Fuji—a magical experience, especially when it appears in all its majestic glory!
Tip: Visit first your top 5 stores
Day 3: Starbucks Reserve & Meguro Exploration
Head over to Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo for a uniquely upscale coffee experience in Nakameguro. The building itself is a work of art, and there are plenty of photo ops inside. Afterward, stroll around the area and explore boutique stores and riverside cafes.
Day 4: Shibuya to Sensoji Temple
Start with the iconic Shibuya Crossings and enjoy panoramic views from Shibuya Sky. Then, venture over to Asakusa and visit Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple and a hub for traditional shopping. In the evening, meet up with friends for a fun night out.
Day 5: Shinjuku Shopping & Sushi
Spend a day in Shinjuku exploring everything from bustling shopping streets to tranquil gardens. Stop by Heiroku Sushi for a conveyor-belt sushi experience, then walk around Omotesando for trendy shops and stunning architecture. Don’t forget to take a break and tackle laundry if you’re traveling light!
Day 6: Disneyland Adventure
A day in Tokyo Disneyland is a must for all ages! Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
Get tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Arrive early to experience popular attractions like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Use Disney FastPass for priority on popular rides.
Bring snacks and water, and consider staying for the enchanting night parade and fireworks!
Day 7: Art Meets Technology & Bullet Train to Osaka
Explore the immersive TeamLab Borderless museum for a captivating experience of digital art. In the evening, take the shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka and check into Namba Hotel for easy access to Osaka’s nightlife and shopping.
Day 8: Food Trip in Osaka - Dotonbori
A day in Dotonbori offers the best of Osaka’s street food scene. Try famous dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) as you wander through neon-lit streets filled with lively energy and quirky storefronts.
Day 9: Kyoto & Nara - Culture Day Tour
Take a KKday tour to explore Kyoto and Nara, two cities rich in Japanese culture. In Kyoto, visit traditional temples and walk through the scenic bamboo forest. Head to Nara to see the famous deer park and historic shrines.
Day 10: Shopping at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets
Today is for indulging in retail therapy at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets. With top Japanese and international brands at discounted prices, it’s a shopping paradise. Bring an extra bag if you plan to shop till you drop!
Day 11: Universal Studios Japan
It’s time for a day filled with adventure at Universal Studios Japan! Must-visit attractions include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Pro tips: buy Express Pass tickets, arrive early, and download the USJ app for up-to-date wait times and maps.
Day 12: Departure from Osaka - Back to Manila
After a whirlwind journey across Tokyo and Osaka, it’s time to head back to Manila. Reflect on your journey filled with unique experiences, unforgettable sights, and the warm hospitality of Japan.
Japan Travel Tips
Japan is a traveler’s paradise, with incredible sights, delicious food, and a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. To make the most of your trip, here are five smart travel tips to save you time, money, and stress while exploring Japan!
1. Ship Your Luggage to Travel Hands-Free
Japan’s public transportation is top-notch, but navigating train stations with heavy luggage can be a challenge—especially in bustling areas like Tokyo and Osaka. A convenient way to avoid the hassle is by using a luggage delivery service. You can have your bags sent directly from the airport to your hotel or between hotels if you're moving from one city to another. This “Takuhaibin” or courier service is affordable, secure, and allows you to explore freely without dragging your suitcase through busy streets.
Tip: Check with your airline or hotel for courier service recommendations, and enjoy your first day in Japan luggage-free!
2. Skip the Taxi from the Airport
Japanese taxis are famously clean and reliable but can be very expensive, especially for airport transfers. A 40-90 minute taxi ride can cost up to $300, making trains or airport limousine buses the more budget-friendly options. Trains like the Narita Express (N’EX) or Kansai Airport Rapid Service are direct, affordable, and convenient ways to reach the city. Alternatively, the airport limousine buses are comfortable, offer space for luggage, and provide a scenic view on the way into the city.
Pro tip: Purchase train or bus tickets online in advance, or grab them at the airport when you arrive. You’ll save a fortune and still arrive in style!
3. Hunt for Good Eats in Markets and Izakayas
Japan is a food lover’s heaven, and some of the best culinary experiences aren’t in the major restaurants. For authentic, affordable, and delicious Japanese food, head to markets and hidden alleys where locals dine. Each city has its own specialty: try seafood at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Outer Market, snacks at Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba Market, or simply search “izakaya near me” on Google Maps. Izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) offer great food, drinks, and the chance to mingle with locals.
Foodie tip: Markets and izakayas often have unique dishes that aren’t available in big-name restaurants, so come hungry and ready to try something new!
4. Use Google Maps Live View for Hassle-Free Navigation
Japanese cities, though well-organized, can be overwhelming for first-time visitors due to the abundance of shops, signs, and side streets. If you’re using Google Maps to navigate, switch to Live View mode, which uses augmented reality to display arrows and directions overlaid on your camera’s view. This can be a lifesaver in crowded areas, helping you find your way without missing a turn or landmark.
Navigation hack: When in a hurry, save locations like your hotel, train stations, or restaurants in Google Maps so they’re just a click away when you need directions.
5. Get the Best Exchange Rates Using ATMs
Many travelers exchange cash at the airport, but the rates there can be high. For better rates, use an international ATM card at convenience stores or major banks, which offer competitive exchange rates and are easy to find throughout Japan. You’ll save a surprising amount on conversion fees, and it’s much simpler than carrying large amounts of cash.
Money-saving tip: 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept most international cards and often have instructions in English for added ease.
Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Japan Trip:
Download a translation app like Google Translate with offline Japanese for assistance with menus or signs.
Carry a reusable bottle for water—many Japanese cities have water fountains, and staying hydrated is key for all that exploring!
SIM Card/Portable Wi-Fi: Stay connected with a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi, available at most airports.
Cash and Cards: Japan is a cash-friendly country, so have yen on hand, especially in smaller shops and food stalls.
This Japan itinerary offers a balance of classic experiences and hidden gems in Tokyo and Osaka. It was a truly memorable trip, filled with highlights that made every day an adventure worth sharing. And with these tips in your travel toolkit, you’re set to enjoy a seamless, unforgettable journey through Japan!
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