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 wow — what a ride! From the buzz of Tokyo to the serene gardens of Kyoto, and the peaceful deers of Nara to the mighty Osaka Castle — we packed in a lot, and every moment was worth it.
Arrival in Tokyo
We landed at Haneda Airport around 2 PM local time. The first thing we did was exchange our Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) — a must-have if you're planning to travel across cities. You can purchase it online from the U.S., and then exchange the voucher at the JR counter in Japan by showing your passport. The JR Pass is only available to foreign visitors and is linked to your tourist visa.
The JR Pass covers most major trains including the Shinkansen (bullet train), but note that some local/private lines are not covered. We planned ahead and booked hotels close to train stations — this made it super convenient to get around. For longer rides with luggage, we relied on ride-hailing apps like Uber, Didi, and GoTaxi.
Tokyo: Temples, Towers & Tasty Eats
We spent our first two days in Tokyo, exploring 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 4 days soaking in history and beauty:
- To-ji Temple
- Nijo Castle
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Nara: Day trip
A day trip to Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nara — Nara's giant Buddha and friendly deer are unforgettable.
Osaka: Wrapping It Up with a Castle
On our last day, we headed to Osaka, where we had time to visit 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 magical — 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.