Planning your first trip to Japan? I rounded up the places, eats, and views travelers rave about most, from Tokyo's neon streets and Kyoto's temples to Osaka street food and Mt. Fuji views, plus the travel essentials worth packing. A good starting po...
Map
Sections
5
Tokyo🏯
Kyoto⛩️
Osaka & Nara🦌
Scenic Escapes🗻
Japan Travel Essentials🎒
Tokyo🏯
Neon nights, ancient temples and ramen at midnight.
Sunset over the skyline is the main event here. Book ahead, since sunset slots fill up fast.
Shibuya Sky
Tokyo's oldest temple, with old-Tokyo charm and snack stalls along the street. Go early to beat the crowds.
Sensō-ji
An immersive art experience you walk through barefoot. Wear clothes you can roll up above the knees, because there's water to walk through.
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Private solo booths and customizable broth make this a no-stress first ramen in Japan.
ICHIRAN Shibuya
Fresh sushi and street food. Come early and come hungry, since many stalls wind down by early afternoon.
Fish Market Tsukiji Outer Market
Kyoto⛩️
Quiet temples, food markets and postcard-perfect streets.
Thousands of red gates. Go early or at dusk to avoid crowds. The full hike takes a couple of hours, but you can turn back anytime.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
A peaceful walk that's best at sunrise, before the tour groups arrive.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Hilltop temple with sweeping views, especially pretty in cherry blossom and autumn seasons.
Kiyomizu-dera
Kyoto's food street, known for tamagoyaki, tofu donuts, and matcha sweets. Come hungry and graze.
Nishiki Market
A riverside latte with a view, and a popular photo stop. Expect a line.
% Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama - % ΔRΔBICΔ
Osaka & Nara🦌
Street food heaven meets friendly deer.
Glowing neon signs and takoyaki on every corner. It looks best after dark.
Dotonbori
Fresh seafood and grilled skewers, great for grazing. Go earlier in the day for the best selection.
Kuromon Market
A long line, but the fluffy okonomiyaki is the reason people queue. Go early to cut the wait.
Okonomiyaki Mizuno
Roaming deer you can feed with special deer crackers. Super fun for all ages.
Nara Park
Scenic Escapes🗻
Mt. Fuji views and a floating torii gate, for the views you'll never forget.
Classic Mt. Fuji reflections, especially on clear mornings. Check the forecast, since Fuji often hides in clouds.
Lake Kawaguchi
The iconic Fuji-and-pagoda shot, beautiful in spring and autumn. Be ready for a few hundred steps up.
Chureito Pagoda
The floating torii gate is the highlight, and it looks best at high tide. Check the tide chart before you go.
Itsukushima
Japan Travel Essentials🎒
The small things worth packing for Japan, from plug adapters to comfy shoes.
Japan uses Type A plugs, so don't forget an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle Japan's 100V, but check yours.
MOMAX 70W GaN Universal Travel Adapter
Long sightseeing days drain your phone fast, especially with maps and translation apps running.
Anker Nano 45W 10,000mAh Power Bank
Keeps your bag organized as you hop between cities, which makes repacking much easier.
BAGAIL 8 Set Packing Cubes Travel Organizers
A zip-closed crossbody keeps your passport and cards close in crowded spots.
Anti-theft Waterproof Crossbody Bag for Women
Cash and coins are still widely used in Japan, so a coin purse is handy.
Travelambo Leather Coin Purse Pouch
Handy since stores often charge for bags, and it packs flat.
Criyar Foldable Reusable Grocery Tote Bag
Many public restrooms don't have hand dryers or paper towels, so these come in handy.
120 Pcs Compressed Disposable Face Towels 8X9in
Expect lots of walking, often 15,000+ steps a day, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.
Dr. Scholl's Women's Time Off Comfortable Sneakers
A reliable guidebook for planning routes and picking where to stay. Handy offline too.
