Japan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo (東京)

  • Morning:

    • Start your day at the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market (築地市場) for a sushi breakfast. Don’t forget to try fresh tuna and octopus!
    • Visit the nearby Tsukiji Outer Market (築地場外市場) for a variety of Japanese food products.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the bustling Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原), known for its electronics shops and anime stores.
    • Pay homage to pop culture at the Gundam Base Tokyo or the Sega Akihabara 2nd Branch.

  • Evening:

    • Travel to Shibuya Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) and experience one of the world’s busiest intersections.
    • Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Shibuya, or try a bowl of Hokkaido crab at Depachika in the Tsutaya building.

Day 2: Kyoto (京都)

  • Morning:

    • Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.
    • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社), famous for its thousands of torii gates.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the traditional streets of Gion District and look for Geishas.
    • Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺), one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.

  • Evening:

    • Dine in Pontocho Alley (本町) at a traditional Japanese restaurant.
    • End your day with a peaceful walk along the Kamogawa River.

Day 3: Nara (奈良)

  • Morning:

    • Travel from Kyoto to Nara.
    • Visit the Todai-ji Temple (東大寺) and see the Great Buddha inside.

  • Afternoon:

    • Spend time at Nara Park, home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer.
    • Explore Horyu-ji Temple (法隆寺), one of Japan’s oldest temples.

  • Evening:

    • Return to Kyoto and have dinner at a local izakaya or try traditional Kyoto cuisine, Kaiseki.

Things to Know:

  1. Visa: Check if you need a visa to enter Japan based on your nationality. Many countries can participate in the Japan Visa Waiver Program for short stays (90 days).
  2. Transportation: Japan has an efficient public transportation system, including trains, subways, and buses. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR lines.
  3. Currency: Japan uses the Japanese Yen (¥). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it’s good to have cash on hand for smaller shops and restaurants.
  4. Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing your shoes when entering someone’s home or a temple, and not blowing your nose in public.