A 7-Day Spring Adventure in Japan
(The land of my favorites: Yamazaki, Hibiki & much more)
We just returned from a 7-day trip to Japan, and what a ride it was! From the electric buzz of Tokyo to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto, from the gentle deer of Nara to the imposing Osaka Castle — we packed our days full, and every moment was unforgettable.
Arrival in Tokyo
We landed at Haneda Airport around 2 PM local time. First order of business: exchanging our Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) — an absolute must if you plan to travel between cities. You can buy it online from the U.S., then swap the voucher for the actual pass at a JR counter in Japan by showing your passport. The JR Pass is only available to foreign visitors and is tied to your tourist visa.
The JR Pass covers most major trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), though some local or private lines aren’t included. We made things easy by booking hotels close to train stations — a decision that paid off every day. For longer rides with luggage, we used ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, and GoTaxi.
Tokyo: Temples, Towers & Tasty Eats
We spent our first two days in Tokyo, diving into a mix of cultural and urban highlights:
- Meiji Shrine: Peaceful and lush.
- Shibuya Crossing: Chaotic in the best way.
- Akihabara Electric Town: A techie paradise.
- Miyashita Park: Great views and surprisingly good food options.
Kyoto: Temples, Gardens & Sakura Heaven
We took the bullet train to Kyoto (2 hours 35 minutes) — and yes, you can spot Mount Fuji on the way if you sit on the right side of the train! Pro tip: while reservations are an option, we found the unreserved cars often empty and easy to hop on.
In Kyoto, we spent four days soaking in history and beauty:
- To-ji Temple
- Nijo Castle
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Nara: Day Trip
We took a day trip to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nara. Nara’s giant Buddha and its friendly deer are truly unforgettable.
Osaka: Wrapping It Up with a Castle
On our last day, we headed to Osaka, squeezing in a visit to Osaka Castle before catching our flight home from Kansai Airport (about an hour from Osaka Station).
Tips for Travelers
- Always carry some cash. While cards are accepted in big cities, many temples and small-town spots are cash-only.
- Cherry blossom season is pure magic — the gardens around temples and castles are breathtaking.
- Public transport is amazing, but plan ahead if you’re carrying luggage.
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are lifesavers! They're literally everywhere, and you can grab surprisingly good bento boxes, onigiri, sandwiches, hot snacks, and drinks — even late at night. Perfect for a quick meal after a long day.