Documenting Lovely Moments
Discovering Japan and Its Beautiful Landscapes, Cultures, and Cuisines
Visiting Japan was so much more than just a vacation. Besides appreciating the beautiful landscapes, we loved learning about the country’s rich cultural heritage, as well as tasting their delicious cuisines. This was our second visit to Japan. Our first visit was two years prior, when we only had time to visit Tokyo. We loved that visit so much that we knew we had to come back for more. This time around, we had more time to travel from Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, and back to Tokyo. In the end, we were thankful to bring home so many great memories and very happy tummies.
Trip Overview
Trip Length:
12 days/11 nights
See Itinerary
Locations:
Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Takayama, Tokyo
Arrive:
Kansai International Airport, Osaka
Return:
Narita International Airport, Tokyo
Best Of Japan Tour 12-Day Itinerary
See our Amazing 12-Day Best Of Japan Winter Itinerary
See Points Of Interests on Google Maps
Trip Highlights
A culinary paradise, from gourmet to street food. At nights, the neon signs along the river came alive. Plus, the iconic Glico Sign and Kuromon Market. Read more >
Walking through the whimsical Bamboo Forest and Kimono Forest, and interacting with wild snow monkeys at Monkey Park Iwatayama. Read more >
Learning about Fushimi Inari, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of red torii gates and fox statues, which are believed to be Inari’s messengers. Read more >
Walking the preserved, stone-paved, sloping streets of Ninen-zaka and Sanen-zaka, as well as visiting the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kodai-ji Temple. Read more >
This World Heritage Site is famous for its traditional farmhouses with slanted rooftops. Visiting on a snowy day, it felt like we were inside a snow globe. Read more >
Miyajima
Ferry Ride from Hiroshima to find the Floating Torii Gate in Miyajima Island, a cable car ride to Mt. Misen, and hiking up to the summit for a wonderful view.
Tokyo
Joining the crowd to cross Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, and exploring Shinjuku, Harajuku, Ginza, and Roponngi.
Mount Fuji
A day trip to Lake Kawaguchi with a beautiful view of Mt Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Then a trip to Fujisan Sengen temple, another iconic landmark.
Travel Tips
No Tipping
Here in the US, tipping is a nice gesture and appreciated. However, it is considered rude and offensive to give tips in Japan so please be aware.
The train system in Japan is amazingly structured and very convenient. We got around to most places by trains. Of course, we had to try the Bullet Train too.
Be Considerate
Mind your manners because Japanese people are very considerate and polite. In busy restaurants for instance, leave as soon as you are done eating to make room for the next person.
Safety
Crime rates in Japan are very low. We felt very safe going anywhere with our young kids in Japan, even at night.
Public toilets in Japan are very well-maintained. Although some areas that are full of tourists may be less clean. Most toilets, especially in hotel rooms, have heated seats, which were nice.
Luggage Services
If you bring a lot of luggage and don’t want to carry them on public transportations, there are many options for luggage storage and forwarding services at reasonable prices.
Be an Early Riser
Popular tourist destinations can get very busy especially during high season. Visiting in the early morning gave us a better experience in most cases.
One thing we noticed in public transportations was how quiet it was. Then entered a group that was super loud, which resulted in a lot of dirty looks.
Language
No need to worry about language barrier. Almost all signs had English translations. Most people understand English, and if they don’t, they are happy to help.
