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01 Feb 2025Updated last time
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Enchanting Journey Through Japan

Trip Itinerary: Enchanting Journey Through Japan

Embark on a mesmerizing two-week journey through Japan, exploring the perfect blend of modernity and tradition in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

Overview:

Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where you'll be immersed in the bustling metropolis, vibrant street life, and tantalizing street foods. Visit the world-class museums and marvel at the modern technology that defines this iconic city.

Next, travel to Kyoto, the epitome of Japan's rich cultural heritage. Admire the ancient temples and shrines, savor the traditional cuisine, and witness the serene beauty of the city's gardens and parks.

Continue to Osaka, a city renowned for its diverse street foods, lively entertainment districts, and modern architecture. Immerse yourself in the friendly and welcoming atmosphere while exploring the vibrant cityscape.

Conclude your journey in Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, where you can visit the iconic Todai-ji temple, interact with the friendly deer in Nara Park, and experience the tranquil ambiance of this historically significant city.

Throughout your trip, you'll be captivated by the juxtaposition of Japan's modern innovation and timeless traditions, creating a truly enchanting experience that will stay with you long after you return home.


Recommended Activities

  • Experience the bustling metropolis, modern technology, and vibrant street life while enjoying street foods and exploring the variety of museums.
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  • Immerse in the rich cultural heritage, visit ancient temples and shrines, and try traditional cuisine while admiring the serene beauty of the city's gardens and parks.
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  • Savor the diverse street foods, explore the lively entertainment districts, and embrace the city's modern architecture while experiencing the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
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  • Discover the ancient capital of Japan, visit the iconic Todai-ji temple and the friendly deer in Nara Park, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this historically significant city.
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Restaurants

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    Ninja Akasaka, Tokyo

    Ninja Akasaka, Tokyo

    Experience a dining adventure in a ninja-themed restaurant with ninja servers, magic shows, and delicious Japanese cuisine.
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    Nakajima, Kyoto

    Nakajima, Kyoto

    Enjoy a traditional dining experience in a century-old wooden townhouse, savoring kaiseki cuisine while surrounded by the ambiance of old Japan.
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    Tsuruhashi Fugetsu, Osaka

    Tsuruhashi Fugetsu, Osaka

    Indulge in okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, prepared at your table on a sizzling hot griddle in a lively and bustling atmosphere.
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    Todai-ji Temple Nigiri, Nara

    Todai-ji Temple Nigiri, Nara

    Dine amidst the serene surroundings of Nara Park, enjoying nigiri sushi while overlooking the historic Todai-ji temple and its surroundings.
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    Zauo Fishing Restaurant, Tokyo

    Zauo Fishing Restaurant, Tokyo

    Test your fishing skills and catch your own seafood, then have it prepared in various Japanese-style dishes right in the restaurant.
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    Kanga An, Kyoto

    Kanga An, Kyoto

    Dine in a tranquil setting surrounded by bamboo and water features, and savor traditional vegetarian shojin ryori cuisine prepared with precision and artistry.
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    Kiji Okonomiyaki, Osaka

    Kiji Okonomiyaki, Osaka

    Enjoy the interactive experience of cooking your own okonomiyaki at the table, creating your own unique version of this savory pancake dish.
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    Manten Sushi, Nara

    Manten Sushi, Nara

    Savor delectable sushi in a refined and peaceful ambiance, showcasing the freshest fish and expertly crafted sushi pieces.
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Hotels

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    Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi

    Henn na Hotel Tokyo Asakusa Tawaramachi

    This quirky hotel features robot staff, offering a unique and futuristic stay experience in the heart of Tokyo.
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    9h Nine Hours Kyoto

    9h Nine Hours Kyoto

    Experience minimalist yet futuristic sleeping capsules in the historic city of Kyoto, offering a blend of modern and traditional accommodation.
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    Hoshidekan in Nara

    Hoshidekan in Nara

    A traditional Japanese inn located in a historic district, providing an authentic and serene stay amid Nara's ancient charm.
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    Asakusa Riverside Capsule Hotel

    Asakusa Riverside Capsule Hotel

    Enjoy a unique stay in compact capsules overlooking the Sumida River, offering a novel and budget-friendly accommodation option in Tokyo.
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    Karaksa Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi I

    Karaksa Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi I

    A stylish and modern hotel with vibrant interiors, located in the heart of Osaka's dynamic Shinsaibashi district, offering a contemporary and lively stay experience.
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  • Nara Hotel

    Established in 1909, this historical hotel exudes elegance and old-world charm, providing a luxurious and timeless stay experience in Nara.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    DJ Pauly D

    DJ Pauly D

    -General Admission: $40 -Lounge Chair: $200 One guest per ticket -Water Lounger: $250 One guest per ticket -Round Daybed: $800/$850 Seats 4, includes towels, complimentary fruit plate/bottled water. Dedicated VIP Server, Bottle Service -Square Daybed...
    Map IconThe Pool at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park (806.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Jul 2024
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    James Kennedy

    James Kennedy

    -General Admission: $30 -Lounge Chair: $100 One guest per ticket -Water Lounger: $200 One guest per ticket -Round Daybed: $750 Seats 4, includes towels, complimentary fruit plate/bottled water. Dedicated VIP Server, Bottle Service -Square Daybed: $85...
    Map IconThe Pool at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park (806.79 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Sep 2024
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    Top2Bottom: Ballroom Edition w/ MikeQ, Hosted by OaklandToAll

    Top2Bottom: Ballroom Edition w/ MikeQ, Hosted by OaklandToAll

    Top2Bottom: Ballroom Edition with the one and only MikeQ!Hosted by the towns very own ballroom collective Oaklandtoall, enjoy the sounds of ballroom, vogue, house, & club at Crybaby.⭒ Ball Categories: : ⭒Just bring it!Beginners Runway: Trophy & Cryba...
    Map IconCrybaby in Oakland (824.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon24 Jun 2024
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    GEMS! The Bay's Best Throwback Party (90's and 2000's rap / rnb / club)

    GEMS! The Bay's Best Throwback Party (90's and 2000's rap / rnb / club)

    Gems is back! Grab your boo, your side thing, your baby momma/daddy, and come dance and sing the night away at Crybaby. Pull up for a night of your favorite Rap, Hip-Hop, Rt regret it.DJsWhatsupalbertLexapeelWillie Maze
    Map IconCrybaby in Oakland (824.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Jun 2024
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    Desmadre: Reggaeton, Dembow, Moombahton, Corridos, Latin Dance, Y Mas

    Desmadre: Reggaeton, Dembow, Moombahton, Corridos, Latin Dance, Y Mas

    WELCOME TO DESMADRE - a night of messy and beautiful chaos at Crybaby in the heart of Oakland. For those looking for a night of Reggaeton, Dembow, Moombahton, Corridos, Latin Dance, y ms, youre in for a treat. Pull up to experience a night of ratchet...
    Map IconCrybaby in Oakland (824.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon30 Jun 2024
    Picture for Desmadre: Reggaeton, Dembow, Moombahton, Corridos, Latin Dance, Y Mas
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    PANIC! at the Function

    PANIC! at the Function

    Hands Down, you do not want to miss... PANIC! at the FUNCTION! It might feel like a Fever You Cant Sweat Out, but get ready to stage dive into a time warp of MySpace nostalgia with a lineup thatll make your heart race and your feet Move Along. They m...
    Map IconCrybaby in Oakland (824.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon14 Jul 2024
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    "Please Don't Cry" Rapsody Tour @ Crybaby Oakland

    "Please Don't Cry" Rapsody Tour @ Crybaby Oakland

    Meet no refunds or exchanges; all sales are final. All VIP items and experiences are subject to change. Please note that the information provided at the time of purchase (e-mail and mailing address) is the same information that will be utilized for s...
    Map IconCrybaby in Oakland (824.01 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Oct 2024
    Picture for "Please Don't Cry" Rapsody Tour @ Crybaby Oakland

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Tokyo (5 nights) -> Kawaguchiko (1 night) -> Yamanakako (1 night) -> Osaka (3 nights) -> Nara (1 night) -> Kyoto (2 nights) -> Tokyo (2 nights) Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are ...

    14 days in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka: Itinerary Recommendations?

    Tokyo (5 nights) -> Kawaguchiko (1 night) -> Yamanakako (1 night) -> Osaka (3 nights) -> Nara (1 night) -> Kyoto (2 nights) -> Tokyo (2 nights) Kawaguchiko and Yamanakako are ...

    /r/JapanTravel
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    Each day or night I had at least 1 booked tour; including 1 food tour in Tokyo, 1 tour in Akihabara, 1 Sake tour, 1 day exploring Shinjuku and Ginza, checking out Meiji Shrine...

    Tokyo/Osaka/Nara/Kyoto Itinerary Help

    Each day or night I had at least 1 booked tour; including 1 food tour in Tokyo, 1 tour in Akihabara, 1 Sake tour, 1 day exploring Shinjuku and Ginza, checking out Meiji Shrine...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Cities to visit: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto. ... or have questions about planning your travel to Japan. You can also join our Discord community, comment in our stickied weekly ...

    Itinerary Check for 10 day Trip to Tokyo - Osaka - Nara - Kyoto - Tokyo

    Cities to visit: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto. ... or have questions about planning your travel to Japan. You can also join our Discord community, comment in our stickied weekly ...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 6: Travel to Osaka Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka Food: Ichiran ramen, Dotonbori street food Teamlab botanical gardens Day 7: Dotonbori Free day. Food, Walking Ex...

    First Trip to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo) 20 Day Itinerary

    Day 6: Travel to Osaka Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka Food: Ichiran ramen, Dotonbori street food Teamlab botanical gardens Day 7: Dotonbori Free day. Food, Walking Ex...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Food recommendations are always welcome. I also have larger tattoos and was hoping to find a private onsen with a view of Mt. Fuji. Monday 9/4: ... Itinerary Check: 7 days in ...

    10 day Itinerary Help: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto

    Food recommendations are always welcome. I also have larger tattoos and was hoping to find a private onsen with a view of Mt. Fuji. Monday 9/4: ... Itinerary Check: 7 days in ...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 11 (4 Jun) - Travel Kyoto to Osaka - Pack and travel to Osaka - Check-in at Osaka lodging in Nishinari, Osaka - Explore neighborhood Day 12 (5 Jun) - Nara - Early train to...

    14 Day Itinerary Check - Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka

    Day 11 (4 Jun) - Travel Kyoto to Osaka - Pack and travel to Osaka - Check-in at Osaka lodging in Nishinari, Osaka - Explore neighborhood Day 12 (5 Jun) - Nara - Early train to...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Osaka again (day 8 - 9) The evening after Nara, we decided to try some more arcades and got much better at the claw machines (there is definitely a method to these, we were wi...

    Trip Report - 13 days Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara

    Osaka again (day 8 - 9) The evening after Nara, we decided to try some more arcades and got much better at the claw machines (there is definitely a method to these, we were wi...

    /r/JapanTravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Day 2: Osaka / Kyoto. Osaka castle in the morning (open to skipping and going shopping somewhere else) Have lunch and then take train to Kyoto visit Ninenzaka/Sanneizaka and K...

    8-day Osaka/Kyoto/Tokyo Itinerary Advice for First-Timer

    Day 2: Osaka / Kyoto. Osaka castle in the morning (open to skipping and going shopping somewhere else) Have lunch and then take train to Kyoto visit Ninenzaka/Sanneizaka and K...

    /r/JapanTravel

Music for Your Journey

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    Shawn Mendes - Lost In Japan

    Shawn Mendes - Lost In Japan

    Captures the feeling of being lost in the allure of a foreign land and blends modern pop sensibilities with a touch of nostalgia.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Shawn Mendes - Lost In Japan
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    Sakura's Old Japanese Songs - Sakura Sakura

    Sakura's Old Japanese Songs - Sakura Sakura

    Evokes the essence of cherry blossom season in Japan, creating a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Sakura's Old Japanese Songs - Sakura Sakura
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    Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack

    Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack

    Infuses high-energy beats and urban vibes, perfectly complementing the fast-paced city life of Tokyo.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Teriyaki Boyz - Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) - From "The Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift" Soundtrack
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    Omar Courtz - Kyoto

    Omar Courtz - Kyoto

    Delivers a dreamy and ethereal soundscape, reminiscent of the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kyoto.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Discovery - Osaka Loop Line

    Discovery - Osaka Loop Line

    Embodies the spirit of adventure and excitement, capturing the dynamic and lively atmosphere of Osaka.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Narayan S - Walking In Twilight

    Narayan S - Walking In Twilight

    Sets a peaceful and reflective mood, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty and historical significance of Nara.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Alphaville - Big in Japan

    Alphaville - Big in Japan

    Reflects the sense of boldness and ambition, resonating with the vibrant and electrifying energy of modern Japan.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Alphaville - Big in Japan
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    Free Nationals - Shibuya (feat. Syd)

    Free Nationals - Shibuya (feat. Syd)

    Conveys the nocturnal ambiance of a bustling city, capturing the essence of late-night adventures in Tokyo's Shibuya district.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Free Nationals - Shibuya (feat. Syd)
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    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - PONPONPON

    Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - PONPONPON

    Embodies the colorful and quirky nature of modern Japanese pop culture, offering a fun and upbeat soundtrack for your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - PONPONPON
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    Hikaru Utada - Simple And Clean

    Hikaru Utada - Simple And Clean

    Brings a sense of nostalgia and introspection, fitting for moments of reflection during your journey through Japan.
    Listen on Spotify
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