EVERYTHING I did after weeks of research to maximize my two week first-timer Japan group trip to Osaka/Nara → Kyoto → Tokyo (Each location has its own itinerary) 🇯🇵 Every stop is listed in the exact order — so you can follow along step-by-step ♥
Sections
5
Prep Your Trip
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
Next Stop, Tokyo!
Prep Your Trip
Before you even step on the plane, essentials that made my Japan trip so much smoother
I've used this for multiple travels/trips • Perfect for long trips when you're out all day
Portable Battery Power Bank, Dual USB-C + USB port
If you're going during cold season (which we did, January) I used vacuum seal travel packs for puffers/jackets to increase space
Vacuum Travel Bags Combo — 6 Pack
Reused for multiple travels/trips • Opens from the back & SO spacious — I never used my purse in Japan, I would also place a tote bag inside so save for shopping/buys
molshine — Anti-Theft Travel Backpack
Digital tap metro card • Cannot travel in Japan without it!
Suica | Digital Metro Card
Review for extra notes + tips ♡
READ: My Extra Tips
DAY 1
My group of 6 spent the day at Nara Deer Park ◡̈ 1 - 1.5 hr metro or 30 min bullet train (We did metro!) → Check into Airbnb & get nearby food!
Visit this link for my groups previous travels, Osaka & Nara! Continue for Kyoto (Check for Tokyo at the end, the continuation of our trip)
CLICK LINK 🔗 Osaka & Nara, Japan — Perfected First-Timer Itinerary
Washer/dryer + Wi-fi • More suburban area • Walking distance to 7-11 & Bullet train
Airbnb: Townhouse in Nakagyō-ku, Kyōto-shi · 2 bedrooms/5 beds/1bath
DAY 2
Full day ◡̈ Quick & easy breakfast/coffee at Yoshinoya or 7-11 or local → Get exploring!
Breakfast & coffee • Famous Kyoto red chili seasoning & matcha! • 100 yen (60 cent) sake shots
Nishiki Market
800 yen ($5.30) cash only entrance fee • 15 minute walk to top of mountain • Feed monkeys at the top
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Walkable from monkeys ◡̈ UNESCO World Heritage Site • Cash only entrance fee • Closes at 5pm
Ninna-ji Temple
Next to temple ◡̈ • Be mindful of sunset because forest has no lights!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
READ: We went here b/c this famous temple 'illuminate at night' BUT it's only to view, cannot walk through - gates close at 5pm! We asked the taxi to drop us off here but immediately hailed another taxi
To-ji Temple
Bring cash for shareable foods ◡̈
Higashiyama District
DAY 3
Full day ◡̈ Quick & easy breakfast/coffee at Yoshinoya or 7-11 or local → Get exploring!
Kyoto MUST-SEE • Famous red/orange gates • No entrance fee
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Closes at 5pm • Cash only entrance fee
Nijō Castle
Located next to Nishiki Market • $18 entrance fee + experience • Grab some food before/afterwards • Time for shopping + souvenirs as well!
KYOTO SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM With Experience
Next Stop, Tokyo!
My group did two weeks in Japan by going Osaka/Nara → Kyoto → Tokyo 🇯🇵 Each location has its own itinerary!
Visit this link for FULL itinerary
CLICK LINK 🔗 Tokyo, Japan — Perfected First-Timer Itinerary
