@@dd19892 statistically, most people do. i.e. over tourism issue, literally Kyoto. And Japanese doesn't (except for those dudes who try to get you into their 10,000yen izakayas) but the Nigerian mafia does in Kabukicho be careful.
Advice for Kyoto. Wake up at 5am, do your hikes and bamboo forest etc. Then go get some killer food while everyone else slept in and is catching up to you. Worth it.
to ca. 80% also my trip. Kyoto was a bit longer for me so we had a few more temples and the monkey park on the list. Visiting Eikan Doji on a saturday gave us some try out stations of the different bells and gongs which was a cool plus to the roundway. Therefore less time spend in Osaka.
I've visited twice, done the things everyone does. Now I'm ready to go visit rural towns, hike the mountains, see the slower parts of Japan. Last time I went I visited Mitake and Biwa-ko, probably my favorite things I did the entire time.
There are so many places. Just do it. For me its best to "take your time". Cause a day "off" in a parc making a picnic or something like this really helps to enjoy the holiday more. Or stay 2-3 nights in a hotspring town. Sounds boring, but really feels beautiful. Like you said. Hiking ist allways a good idea. I even liked hiking the fuji, and im so stupid, i would do it again...
If you want to see bamboo without crazy crowds, try the Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto. It's smaller but still offers great photos with fewer people. There are also tori gates at random temples around Tokyo with low crowds. Not as many as at Fushimi Inari, but enough to get some good photos.
First trip to japan is next week for two weeks. Pretty much doing Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and back to Tokyo. It may be generic but its my first time and I wanna experience the highlights. Planning to travel more north for our second trip.
nothing wrong with doing the highlights. feels like some people view having the same plan as someone else very negatively but its all about your own experience and having fun with what you do. being worried about being “generic” is a recipe for unhappiness
My opinion is that once you are able to go to Japan at least 1-2x, you will then be able to visit places off the beaten path. Im planning my upcoming trip #3 and thats my experience. When I was in Kyoto for trip #2, I opted to just stay there for the four days and forego Osaka. Ill be back in Kyoto again and still no plans for Osaka. This time I will do alot of day trips from Kyoto and Tokyo.
Going on my first trip soon- I opted to stay in Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Okayama, and just take day trips to Osaka and Kyoto for the one or two things I actually want to do in those cities
I went to shimane prefecture on my first trip (though I stayed in matsue/izumo) and did plenty fine! Don't feel that it's out of reach. It helps to book day trips with guided tours (make sure it's actually good though.. also some don't have english speaking guides) a few times. Or you can be me and get abandoned by the bus in wakkanai at the end of november in like 0C and just go for a 4km super scenic walk while simultaneously not being dressed warm enough and taking refuge in every seicomart to not die xDDD of course that's an exaggeration but the wind that day was bad!! oh well. i expected that to happen actually lol, it livened the experience!
Literally everyone I've ever talked to that has traveled to Japan has had pretty much this exact itinerary. It's a little frustrating, partially because there are so many more interesting places, and also because some of these locations are suffering severe over-tourism issues, so I want to try and encourage some more niche spots that are much more eager to receive foreign tourists. I'm actually traveling Japan right now, and I'm challenging myself to find good spots by trying to collect items from as many prefectures as possible, and specifically forbidding myself from entering the cities of Tokyo or Kyoto for any reason.
It's a balance I think between finding the tourist spots but also going just far enough away from them to find really interesting spots. I found a 4 person standing bar only in a tiny back alley of Osaka that was about a 5 min walk from Dontonbori right near Namba walk station.
@@maydaysan I guess it depends on what you value in a trip. Personally, I'm quite fond of interacting with locals and getting a feel for the culture and lifestyle. I'm really not that interested in seeing attractions or monuments, and I tend to find most displays of culture in these locations to be a performance at best, so even when I do seek out these places, I prefer to discover them on my own, since I don't see a point in visiting a crowded place that already has a billion pictures and videos from other people online. I understand that there is an experience to be had in seeing these locations in person, and I'm not going to say that people are wrong in their destination choices, but it can be a little frustrating when the rampant over-tourism in these locations is getting severe enough for the government to start imposing restrictions, and even this video acknowledges the problem by being titled "The Japan trip everyone does" and then highlighting how difficult it is to even see some of these places at times that they're not swarmed by crowds. Meanwhile there are attempts to promote tourism to other locations that are desperate to host people that are seemingly ignored. Also to be clear, my preference for smaller local destinations over large attractions is something I generally do with every country I've ever visited. For any trip longer than a few days, the primary tourist destination is typically the location I spent the least amount of time in, if I go there at all. I recognize that this is generally a personal preference, and is largely due to me being a somewhat experienced traveler.
Bonus locations if you have more time like Kamakura, Nikko, Yokohama, Fuji (we hiked it 😂), Kobe, Uji, Hiroshima, Miyajima are also worth it. Although my girlfriend and I spent 5 weeks so we had planty time to see this extended version of the golden route. It's maybe my personal opinion but I prefer Osaka to Tokyo, not for the things that you can do but Tokyo is huge af and there's people everywhere, while Osaka aside from Dotonbori was pretty chill to go (absolutely loved Shinsekai). I do recomend taking cultural activities as well, those are the ones we enjoyed more, like sumo wrestling (that depends on the month you're going), geisha show, cooking class, japanese whiskey and sake tasting, going to a hot spring and sleeping in a ryokan. It's the best trip that I've ever done in my life and I can only think of going again and seeing the north of Japan and the Alps
We did this but included Osaka Castle and we actually drove around Shizuoka and back Yokohama in a rental kei car. It was an absolute blast to have our own car. Id recommended it but ONLY in the mountains. As soon as we got into Yokohama it was really difficult to drive and i LOVE driving!!!!
I have been to Japan 8 times, we’ll be going again in two Months. The first five times I never left Tokyo…the last time (2020) I was there for two months and even worked a little in Nagasaki.
For one week may be better to fly into Osaka and work your way up north. Nothing wrong with these attractions for a good taste of Japan. You’re a tourist so enjoy and get it out of your system.
i've been in Japan for the first time in March 2024 and that was just a surreal experience, the itinerary was almost the same as the one mentioned in the video and it's the trip EVERYONE does for a reason, it's just a great mix of traditional and modern, you'll feel "overwhelmed" with all the Tokyo lights in a good way, the relaxing feeling of cycling around Kyoto's temples and shrines, the hikings to get to some not so popular spots, overall it's just beautiful. I've stayed for two weeks and that's the ideal amount of days to enjoy and not feel that rush to do things at specific times or set timers to be in a certain place, for example, some people spend an entire day in Shibuya - in my experience, i got there around 6pm, had dinner in Sushiro, crossed the scramble crossing a few times, saw Hachiko, went to Shibuya Parco and finished the night just chilling in Miyashita Park untill the time of the last train back to Akihabara (where i was staying). Surely you can spend a whole day there, there's certainly things to do and places to visit but my point is, having two weeks allows you to be free in a way where you don't really feel that pressure to be in a certain place in a certain time or anything of the sort which is awesome 'cause even though you're having the trip that "everyone" does, you're experience will always be different that way.
@subburbias I went overseas solo for the first time in may and it was awesome if you need some extra help search on google 2 weeks in Japan itinerary and there is a page by invisible tourist and that is what I used to make my plan for my trip and it gives you basically a full guide on the best way to see everything and from that you can change what you want to do as well
I would also say going to Nagoya would be worth it, u have Ghibli park & the Toyota car museum & they're a train stop apart. u can do it in a day but I did it in 2
I went to Japan three times and, if I may, I would add Nikko as a city to visit. It's not that far from Tokyo and you can visit a bunch of temples. You have far less tourists and so everything is more enjoyable. If you have the time, perhaps plan two days there and visit the Kegon falls as well. Visiting that city remains one of my favourite memory of my 3rd trip.
@@dumspyrospero for the temples, the nature, and the peacefulness of the city in itself. There isn't many shops or even hotels (I don't remember any, I stayed at a guest house) but it was lovely to do after Tokyo (that I absolutely adore but it's far more draining)
I went to Nikko and I wouldn't say you have far less tourists. Nikko Tosho-gu was as busy as Senso-ji. I spent there half a day including Kegon falls and TBF it's one of two places I visited in Japan I wouldn't have returned to.
I did a week in Japan with a friend and we had a packed itinerary lol although we stayed mostly in Tokyo. We did a day trip to Kyoto and did the Fushimi inari, a traditional tea ceremony and the bamboo forest. The town just before the forest is such a beautiful area and I'd say I enjoyed the town more than the forest itself.
Great presenting style mate, you should be more popular. Keep at it. Maybe do a follow up to this video. What to do on Week 2 of your Japanese Holiday: Miyajima, Takayama, Hakone, Nikko etc
we started in Okinawa, then flew to Osaka, had a day trip to Minoh, then went to Kyoto, then Tokyo then did a day trip to Hakone. it was just over 3 weeks we packed a LOT in, probably the best trip I've ever taken.
We’re trying to do different things on our trips to Japan. We’ve done the Golden Route a couple of times and have seen most of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Did Hiroshima a couple times and always seem to go for the oysters there. But we’ve also done Nagano, Takayama, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Fukuoka and Kobe and on our last trip, we stayed in Inuyama. Our next planned trip in April, we’ll stay in Toyama and try to go on the Kurobe Gorge excursion. The big cities have their place and we enjoy the food in Osaka, plus with the JR Pass not being as good a deal, flying into Osaka instead of Tokyo means less train travel. The rural parts of Japan that we’ve visited have very friendly, but reserved , people and some beautiful countryside.
How did you find getting around without Japanese to these rural parts? I feel confident no matter where i go because I can speak it, but i imagine its intimidating for tourists
@ Lots of Google Translate and at restaurants that either had the examples in the window or pictures on the menu, a LOT of pointing. LOL. And if there was a website in Japanese, we translated that before going and saved it so that we had the English version of the menu, or at least what the translate function was able to handle. We found the people in the country to be generally more helpful than in the city, probably because it is a lot less frantic pace.
It's insane how accurate this was but 2 stops we headed to which wasn't on there was actually Fujiyoshida and Nagoya. Fujiyoshida had the BEST hotel we've ever been in (it was a Ryokan onsens both private and public) while Nagoya castle and the Ghibli Park were fantastic sites to visit not to mention the Miso pork cutlets and the Miso Nikomi udon were DELICIOUS. So yeah, HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to both if you have time in your itinerary.
@@maydaysan The Ryokan was actually one of the highlights of the trip. It really felt like a luxury 5 star hotel experience, they served us a wonderful dinnner banquet for us and even a wonderful and filling breakfast. As I'm typing this, my mouth is still watering from remembering the A5 Kuroge Beef they served us along side the fatty tuna, salmon and mackerel. For the group of 7, we spent £2,190 (roughly $2750) for three nights and my god it was it was so worth it!
I went to Fushimi Inari around the time you made this video, at the literal crack of down. Started going up at around seven and there were some people but not many. Plenty of opportunity for the shots everyone wants to make. Just a couple of people make it to the top, so it will be even quieter there, though the gates are a bit further apart which doesn't allow you to make the "tunnel" pics. When I came back down and checked the entrance around 9.30, it was already supercrowded with groups. My advice is to either go around 7 (or earlier in summer) or go after dark. It's even emptier and atmospheric and even a bit creepy then. As a reference, I did almost the exact same trip as described here, but I stayed in Tokyo for 2 weeks, in and around Kyoto for 6 days and took 2 days of Kanazawa in between. I still felt like I was rushing through Tokyo. There's so many things to do and see in so many different places. It's like 15 different cities in one. Just take your time for Japan. I'll be back for sure.
i only went to japan to hike Mt.Fuji. everything else was extra for me. even tho everyone does this exact itinerary, its still a must do lol. it just gives me a reason to take a second trip back and do something different :D ( ALSO: the fushimi Inari is best later at night! i went aorund 7 pm, and there was maybe 10 people in the entrie place!)
It is only crowded about half way up the Fushimi Inari shrine because most tourist are out of shape to go to the top same reason for the Nara overlook of the city. Also 2 days at Kyoto is far to little, minimum should be 4 days
I have goals for a trip to Japan. I haven't made a lot of plans but I'm getting there. I'm hoping I'm gonna have some friends in the country at the point to take me to any of their local places. I also will go to the tourist places but only if my friends don't have a place that is better. I do want to go to the USJ but also both Disney's. I really want to get my own traditional items. I want my own Kimono and Yukata. Also I would like to go to the special One Piece statues and see the Going Sunny.
I never went to Japan before my exchange and at first I was sad about it, but now I'm so happy that my time frames are much broader and I can explore more things at a slower pace.
I went to Japan and I’m planning a second trip there. My biggest advice would be to try not to book your vacation in the peak of summer 😩 got heat exhaustion twice lol
Props for the non-pretentious, non-hipster recommendation! Also agree on Tokyo being the food centre. Japan just want to give Osaka some meibutsu assignment, so they just overhyped it. Personally, I always look for ryokan and onsen or nature walk - so places like Hakone, Nikko can be inserted into the trip. My advice for first time visitor to Japan in this age and year is... don't take photos for the sake of it, don't chase the spot, especially if you are in this typical Japan's first timer route. Honestly, Tokaido is everyone's route, and everybody has seen it, it won't make your instagram any less boring. Take meaningful photos for your personal memory keepsake instead, so you can spend more time vibing - you know in places like in Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. There are many spots like Gion, Kyoto - the ones in Takayama, Kanazawa, or Kurashiki are much more pristine and enjoyable. Sika deers exists almost everywhere, not just Nara. Lines of Torii gates are also nearly everywhere in Japan too - you don't have to fight with the crowds in Fushimi Inari Taisha.
I stayed in Tokyo for about 5 days this past July, and I'm not surprised at those places you show within the first minute being where my roommate and I ended up visiting... all after the first day's recording session. Then again, this video is supposed to be a "generic" guide, so I had quite a few of my own things done (like the recording session and getting lost in a Bic Camera store).
i went to a maid cafe once, the Steins Gate one. not the overly cute moe type. came across it by chance as i was walking to the shrine just north east of akiba main street. still havent seen Gojira yet. not osaka yet. Kyoto, Hiroshma and Saga prefecture. still got many plans for Saga prefecture t complete. enjoyed Shibukawa for the Initial D related areas, also Nikko for the touge road though i was a passenger.. Yutoku Inari shrine in |Kashima is very beautiful. first trip was a golden tour in a group. the next 2 visits were solo. got plans for 3 more trips, all focusing on Saga prefecture.
The one or two places we went that were off this list ended up being the best parts of our trip. I strongly feel like people should make their first visit with the popular tourist spots but then make a second trip going somewhere much more remote for the true authentic experience
I strongly agree that you just gotta do the golden trip once. After that you can start exploring other parts, which are relatively same-ish unless ur looking for a specific thing. Was thinking about making a video titled :should you go off the beaten path in Japan?
lol I actually skipped Asakusa. Went to Kanazawa from Tokyo. Didnt went to Kakukicho. Went to Kyoto before Osaka. Went to the Fox Shrine at around 6am I think and it was empty. Just run the first few meters and you pass everyone that has been on the same train as you. Still far away from dawn haha :) at least in September. We actually saw a geisha but I didnt take a photo, I was so suprised that I wasnt even thinking about it. But I felt like it would have been possible. and I went to Hiroshima and Kanazawa. Had a pretty cool trip, saw a lot in 2 weeks!
Amerikajin desu. We went to Hiroshima. On one hand going to Miyajima is the most touristy thing you can do, but on the other hand seeing Hiroshima as an American I feel is humbling.
Yup that was sort of my first trip last year! I've been twice this year, exploring more (Hokkaido, Kyushu) and heading over again in 2025. What I didn't realise is how close Osaka and Kyoto are. They're basically in the same urban area so for next year I have 6 days in Osaka and will day trip to Kyoto (13 mins on the Shinkansen), Nara, Kobe etc. One of my Kyoto days on my first trip was a rain washout so I never got round to the bamboo forest or golden temple etc
I did Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka in 2011, and then Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo in 2016. There is a reason why it's so popular! Only ventured out to Himeji, Kobe, Nara, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go in 2018. I did my first solo trip this year, besides Tokyo (for a week) I also visited Nikko, Yamagata, Ichinoseki, Kamakura, and Yokohama. Going on another solo trip next year, starting with Fukuoka and Hiroshima. Staying in Kyoto and Osaka for a few nights to use it as a base to explore Wakayama and Mie prefectures, spending a night in Kinosaki Onsen, and ending in the trip in Nagoya (mainly for Ghibli Park).
Did Tokyo for a week, three days at mount Fuji, then couple at Kyoto and Osaka for my first trip there. Tokyo feels endless so feel free to take your time there. Mount Fuji is a great contrast in that it's so serene. I would recommend two days there just to enjoy the quiet and spirituality (I'm not very spiritual, but even I felt it as you arrive in the valleys around the volcano). In Kyoto I arrived extremely early in the day and did fujinari first. What he said is true, if you're there at first sunlight it's still relatively quiet, but after the first hour of sunlight everyone is there. Climbing higher will reduce people and give you some empty shots here and there, but only for short periods. The golden shrine felt to commercial for me, it is a relatively small spot with higher cost to enter. What I recommend in Kyoto is what I usually recommend in Japan: be sure to wander around. Japan is amazing in it's details. Why only visit the large busy shrines when you can find amazing small shrines that exude atmosphere with noone around a couple of streets over with no markings. Kyoto is great for that. Plus, the best food I had in Japan was in a kyoto yakitori restaurant so I do also recommend that! Osaka on the other hand was a bit overrated. The claim of the kitchen of Japan was nonsense to me. Everything there felt like something you could find in Tokyo. The few things that were more original: Osaka castle and USJ. There is also a large viewing platform on the other side of the station, although it's a bit expensive. If you go at night there is a very romantic platform there where people meet. Making for amazing pictures! And between the city Centre and the main station there are a couple of streets where you notice the Yakuza-like adult nightlife atmosphere. Wouldn't take pictures there with random bunny ladies showing around corners due to the bouncers probably not liking it. But it's very fun to walk through and see that part of Japan! (Don't worry too much about that last part, Japan feels extremely safe, even there. Just don't expect to get into one of those clubs as they'll refuse you to avoid you causing problems by not being able to communicate)
Thanks you for the input. It’s mostly about the ease of access to things you “must see” in a short amount of time. Most people don’t have 2-3 weeks to explore Japan in one go, but your trip seemed fine. Also Osaka yeah, you can find everything it offers in Tokyo. The people are a little warmer though!
We rented a car and did a roadtrip from Tokyo to Osaka with a lot of stops in between then took the Shinkansen back. Perhaps a bit much but it was definitely a great experience. Especially the more "countryside" places.
Those are great places! In Kanazawa our first non travel day we went to Shirakawago which inspired Studio Ghibli movies and is a Unesco world heritage site. If you go there, make sure the pudding shop is open! We ate dinner at Kami in Kanazawa. The chef made our food right in front of us and once most of the patrons left he spent time to chat with us. Very kind man. We spent a day in Kanazawa's Samurai, Geiko(Geisha) District, and traveled to Kyoto that evening. Kyoto became our base for day trips to Himeji Castle, Nara and Inari shrine. Last day we finished site seeing in town. From there we spent two nights in Hakone at a hot spring! During the day, we went to see Mt Fuji. On our last day in Hakone, we traveled to Tokyo, got settled in, and went to Team Labs. Each day after we went somewhere new: DisneySea, Kamakura, Disneyland, Asakusa/Akihabara, Meji Shrine/Harajuku/Shinjuku/Shibuya Crossing, and last day was a free day. Btw there's a smaller more peaceful bamboo forest in Kamakura ♥️♥️♥️ Enjoy your trip!!!
It’s just a shrine haha, most people just wanna see A shrine, its takes another level of appreciation to wanna go off the golden trip to see another shrine ya know?
Tried other places like Fukuoka and Hokkaido the last time I went to Japan... it was a refreshing experience after going to Tokyo/Osaka the past 5 times I've been because it's not crowded 24/7. Also driving in Japan is quite a pleasurable experience.
@@maydaysan We only went to fushimi inari shrine!! and climbed the whole way LOL then went to nara to see the deers the same day thats about it for that area
I just went with some friends and I found that Nagoya, despite being one of the biggest cities in Japan, had actually not that many crowds. We went to Legoland there on a weekday and there were so few people! Even the biggest roller coaster had only about a 5 minute wait!
it’s VERY out of the way-but, if you love peace and quiet, Iya Valley. Shikoku is beautiful, and not very touristy. I met a family who were on their 5th or so Japan trip that had been travelling all over the island and they loved it. Iya Valley is the only place I went that was ever “quiet”-meaning, like, genuinely not a single soul out past 5pm quiet. It’s touristy during the day, sure, in the random country town kind of way, but if you get out of the hotel before 1pm, you can enjoy the vine bridge before the tour buses come in. And anywhere away from the vine bridge is practically empty. Takamatsu, too, is a nice city without many tourists. I didn’t get to explore it much as I went to Naoshima but my sister was a big fan. For somewhere more traditional, Takayama, again is very touristy but it is less painful than Kyoto. I hated Kyoto because it was just TOO many people (went there on a day trip). Takayama is certainly bustling but it provided the same kind of energy as Kyoto for me but on a more lowkey level! And there’s hot springs, a limestone cave, and shirakawago just an hour or so away :) So, while I don’t have anywhere to recommend that doesn’t at least have Tourists, they’re certainly a breath of fresh air from a fellow Crowd Hater 😄
Lol, thanks for planning on my itinerary for the upcoming two week trip in the summer. In fairness to us we don't know better and we need that least the triangle to know what we don't like for the second time around.
We went to Fushimi inari at night to avoid the crowds! Which worked, but there were signs about wild boar and monkeys which scared us into not climbing all the way up
Make sure to head to Fujikawaguchiko and take that generic ass photo in front of the Lawson that everyone takes. When you're visiting Tokyo Tower, head over to those stairs everyone goes to and take that upward shot of Tokyo tower that everyone takes.
They put up a sight blocking net this year so you cant really get that picture anymore. and that's a good thing. i mean its a fucking mini market, there are thousands of spots you can take a photo with fuji in the background, i dont get why people chose the lawson of all things^^
@ its a magical temple that is known for its winning luck and good fortune and right now is a great time to visit ! They have a bunch of randomly placed Daruma dolls too everywhere ! I recently tried to film it on my newest vlog 😆 ⛩️✨🎵 i really have been seeing many more foreigners coming more these days to it !
I did part of this generic Japan trip (Kyoto + Tokyo) last March and I dont regret it because both cities I visited definitely had things that I would regret if I didn't see. I have to admit I was at some point frustrated with the crowds especially in Kyoto but there are ways around this. For example in Kyoto I visited the Kodaiji Zen Temple which also comes with a small bamboo forest and there was almost noone there (I even made a video about it). I am returning for my 2nd trip to Japan soon, any recommendations for places off the beaten path are welcome...
I'm planning on going to Osaka for 4 days then after that nara for 4 after that its FAR AWAY FROM THE CITY'S 😂into the real beauty the countryside and smaller towns forests and mountain areas maybe 1 or 2 smaller island to finish off
@CandiOsaka still currently looking around at the areas of Osaka online and things to do trying to decide .trip will be late into 2025 June to December anywhere around there depending on certain things. so any recommendations would be appreciated. I had a friend who visited also said it lovely Osaka he gave his recommendation. but there 😄 so many wonderful places it's hard to decide
If you are comfortable with being naked in front of others then I would recommend going to an onsen even if you are going for a week. There is one in Tokyo/Odaiba called Toyosu Manyo Club, its good for de-stressing after a long day of sightseeing.
The APA hotel I stayed at in Shin Osaka even had a sento on-site, for no extra cost, super convenient to pop in and out of for 15 minutes during the evening. A shame the other one in Ueno I stayed at in Tokyo didn't have such a facility.
When you browse r/JapanTravel and every itinerary is a cookie cutter copy of this one 😂 I’m glad I’ve been able to go more than once to see things beyond the “greatest hits.”
@@maydaysan I went Asakusa in Tokyo, fujisawa, hakone, gotemba, shizuoka, nagoya, then 2 weeks in osaka so Nara twice, kyoto and Mt rokko in Kobe twice and Osaka of course. Then down to Hiroshima, then Fukuoka, Tottori, Kyoto, Takashima, Nagano, Maebashi, South of Tokyo, Hakone and then Shimbashi in Tokyo! Whole trip took 55 days. All alone. Second trip with ym girlffriend. 2 weeks Tokyo - Hakone - Osaka -Tokyo
I think its just more efficient logistically and its more of a smoother transition from tokyo vibes, as kyoto is drastically different. It also has access to the other prefectures like Hyogo and Wakayama and Nara!
@@maydaysan Hi everyone, I’m in the process of planning a 10-day trip to Japan, and yes, it’s the classic Golden Route! I have a ton of questions and would love your input. How many days would you recommend spending in Osaka and Kyoto? Any tips or must-see recommendations are greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your help!
Ngl, even after just finishing my 2nd trip to Japan, I still haven't done all the "first timer things" - haven't yet done either Disneyland or DisneySea, or visited Arashiyama, and I again forgot to go to the big Buddha in Nara (though Kamakura had me covered as far as going to at least one big Buddha). Pretty good first timer list in any case - though if you have 2 weeks and get your hands on a 5 Day JR West Kansai + Hiroshima pass (important note that this is different from the generic national JR Pass which has had its price hiked immensely since last year - don't get that one - needs a lot more planning not to mention a longer trip to make its moneys worth), you can probably also fit in Hiroshima and or Himeji Castle for day trips - the pass covers the Shinkansen return trip to Osaka for those locations. Also for those who enjoy Japanese music artists, some of them have now made it quite a bit easier to get tickets for where once the only way in was having someone on the inside get them for you.
My wife and I are planning a trip to Japan. It’ll be my first time back in the country in 30 years. I lived there for 2 years in my early twenties. Entirely in Kyushu. We are planning to skip Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka entirely. Except for maybe a day or two in Tokyo so my wife can say she did it. I’m more interested in hitting the cities of Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kumamoto, as well as a lot more time spent in the scenic countryside. I have little desire to join all the other tourists in Kyoto and Tokyo. I lived in Japan long enough to become conversational in the language and absorb the Japanese attitude of not wanting to stand out and be a bother to others. I’d rather go somewhere in Japan that isn’t completely burnt out on foreigners.
Just return from 9 days tokyo only trip. Shinjuku only to change train line. Akiba to buy hobby stuff. Asakusa just before return train to airport. Fujikawaguchiko? Shibuya? No time.
Been 3 times so far. These were the things I saw: Trip 1 (2.5 weeks): Tokyo Nikko Kyoto Nara Osaka Hiroshima Miyayima Trip 2 (4 weeks): Fukuoka Nagasaki Osaka Himeiji Kyoto Kanazawa Takayama Hakone Tokyo Trip 3 (2.5 week): Tokyo Okinawa (main island and Zamami) Yamagata (Ginzan and Yamadera) Kamakura Planning a 4th trip this year. Not sure where to go yet.
i did it, pretty much. there’s nothing wrong with it. but on my next trip i want to see kyoto osaka hokkaido(hakodate) maybe some okinawa, nara, i mean there’s tons to do. but there’s also tons to do in tokyo. i did rent a car and drive out to my fuji one day and i took the train to okutama which is technically still tokyo but yeah
Personally, imo bigger trips with more cities and towns is nicer. Obviously you do the golden route Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and such. Going to Sapporo is cool, Hakodate, Takayama, Nagoya and such are cool visit. I'd like to say visit Kamakura and Nikko, but both of those are niche and the most important Temple in Nikko is plastered with posters, ads, there's buses everywhere and tourist groups of chinese and koreans that block everything and greedy souvenir shops in the main shrine, while taking pictures isn't allowed inside.
Lol I somewhat feel ashamed for going on the most generic Japan trip but have to say, I enjoyed every minute of it. Will go back to have a slightly less generic visit soon :)
Yeah man, get the one and done and then start exploring. My sister explored Kyoto Twice and the second bout was amazing. She’s just beginning to unlock more of Tokyo now and is loving it.
I don’t understand why everyone is doing only the generic city trips when they visit Japan. There is sooo much more to see and much more beautiful rural places and islands to visit 🇯🇵
That's quite a bad advice. Doing 4 cities in one week is possible but won't be enjoyable at all! Tokyo is chaotic. You need at least 4 days to get a gist of it. If you plan to make some shopping consider the time browsing through stores, consider also the time to exit each metro station, consider that on the way out there is always a mall that might take some of your time, if you plan to have at least one interactive experience in Tokyo (eg visiting a museum) take into account that you will lose half a day... Tokyo to Osaka is like what? 3 hours? Then checking to your hotel? You will be left with only half a day. In half a day (if you aren't amazingly tired) you can only visit the area around Dotonbori. In general, fellow travellers do prefer to enjoy your time when travelling and creating memories instead of just ticking things off your lists. And creating memories takes some time as you need to slow down, speak to people, explore unknown areas...
I agree with this. As someone that lived in Japan for many years, this itinerary is too much. I spread this exact trip out over years as a resident, so a tourist doing that in just 1 week would be brutal. Tokyo alone would be better to be focused on for that week. A 2nd trip to Japan could be used for Osaka + Kyoto (plus revisiting any absolute favorite spots from the Tokyo trip)
Fair enough! Feel free to cut some stuff here and there, but a lot of people just do this haha I’d ideally do this all in 1.5 weeks like 10 days summat
I don't have unlimited time or funds to travel, I had a lot of fun on a similar itinerary. Had about 6 weeks to plan the trip given that I was supposed to visit Israel in October 2023... you don't win any awards for going to more obscure places. Let people have their fun.
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Not all people go to those places and no, Japan doesn't scam tourists like this guy said
@@dd19892 statistically, most people do. i.e. over tourism issue, literally Kyoto. And Japanese doesn't (except for those dudes who try to get you into their 10,000yen izakayas) but the Nigerian mafia does in Kabukicho be careful.
Advice for Kyoto.
Wake up at 5am, do your hikes and bamboo forest etc. Then go get some killer food while everyone else slept in and is catching up to you.
Worth it.
thanks
Chef!! What are you doing here lol
5AM is TOUGH but I guess jet lag helps!
@@CHEFPKR i would amend it in " go to kyoto in the lowest season possible"....
Fr!! i did this and randomly ended up at kitchi kitchi omurice
I’m crying this is my EXACT trip lmao
The GOLDEN TRIP MY GUYYYY
to ca. 80% also my trip. Kyoto was a bit longer for me so we had a few more temples and the monkey park on the list. Visiting Eikan Doji on a saturday gave us some try out stations of the different bells and gongs which was a cool plus to the roundway.
Therefore less time spend in Osaka.
I've visited twice, done the things everyone does. Now I'm ready to go visit rural towns, hike the mountains, see the slower parts of Japan. Last time I went I visited Mitake and Biwa-ko, probably my favorite things I did the entire time.
Were you thinking this time?
There are so many places. Just do it. For me its best to "take your time". Cause a day "off" in a parc making a picnic or something like this really helps to enjoy the holiday more. Or stay 2-3 nights in a hotspring town. Sounds boring, but really feels beautiful. Like you said. Hiking ist allways a good idea. I even liked hiking the fuji, and im so stupid, i would do it again...
Shimanami kaido is excellent. Rural japan is a whole other world and the infrastructure is excellent
If you want to see bamboo without crazy crowds, try the Kodaiji Temple in Kyoto. It's smaller but still offers great photos with fewer people.
There are also tori gates at random temples around Tokyo with low crowds. Not as many as at Fushimi Inari, but enough to get some good photos.
First trip to japan is next week for two weeks. Pretty much doing Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and back to Tokyo. It may be generic but its my first time and I wanna experience the highlights. Planning to travel more north for our second trip.
I spent 50 days in Japan last year Tokyo - Kyoto - Kanazawa - Nagano - Sendai - Akita - Sapporo. Going north is sweet.
This was the exact itinerary we did for 2 weeks as well and it was perfect!
nothing wrong with doing the highlights. feels like some people view having the same plan as someone else very negatively but its all about your own experience and having fun with what you do. being worried about being “generic” is a recipe for unhappiness
You are going to love it!
My opinion is that once you are able to go to Japan at least 1-2x, you will then be able to visit places off the beaten path. Im planning my upcoming trip #3 and thats my experience. When I was in Kyoto for trip #2, I opted to just stay there for the four days and forego Osaka. Ill be back in Kyoto again and still no plans for Osaka. This time I will do alot of day trips from Kyoto and Tokyo.
I agree with this. Give Osaka at least a half day to pass through while you see the other prefectures!
@@maydaysan I will one day 🤗. I know Osaka will have great experiences and food to offer.
Going on my first trip soon- I opted to stay in Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Okayama, and just take day trips to Osaka and Kyoto for the one or two things I actually want to do in those cities
I went to shimane prefecture on my first trip (though I stayed in matsue/izumo) and did plenty fine!
Don't feel that it's out of reach. It helps to book day trips with guided tours (make sure it's actually good though.. also some don't have english speaking guides) a few times.
Or you can be me and get abandoned by the bus in wakkanai at the end of november in like 0C and just go for a 4km super scenic walk while simultaneously not being dressed warm enough and taking refuge in every seicomart to not die xDDD of course that's an exaggeration but the wind that day was bad!! oh well. i expected that to happen actually lol, it livened the experience!
Why would you wanna go to Kyoto again in the first place? Why nit just stay somewhere in Kyushu or Shikoku man
Literally everyone I've ever talked to that has traveled to Japan has had pretty much this exact itinerary. It's a little frustrating, partially because there are so many more interesting places, and also because some of these locations are suffering severe over-tourism issues, so I want to try and encourage some more niche spots that are much more eager to receive foreign tourists.
I'm actually traveling Japan right now, and I'm challenging myself to find good spots by trying to collect items from as many prefectures as possible, and specifically forbidding myself from entering the cities of Tokyo or Kyoto for any reason.
Interesting can be subjective but I think it’s mostly cuz they’re must see sights and we didn’t spend a couple grand to not see them energy
It's a balance I think between finding the tourist spots but also going just far enough away from them to find really interesting spots. I found a 4 person standing bar only in a tiny back alley of Osaka that was about a 5 min walk from Dontonbori right near Namba walk station.
@@maydaysan I guess it depends on what you value in a trip. Personally, I'm quite fond of interacting with locals and getting a feel for the culture and lifestyle. I'm really not that interested in seeing attractions or monuments, and I tend to find most displays of culture in these locations to be a performance at best, so even when I do seek out these places, I prefer to discover them on my own, since I don't see a point in visiting a crowded place that already has a billion pictures and videos from other people online.
I understand that there is an experience to be had in seeing these locations in person, and I'm not going to say that people are wrong in their destination choices, but it can be a little frustrating when the rampant over-tourism in these locations is getting severe enough for the government to start imposing restrictions, and even this video acknowledges the problem by being titled "The Japan trip everyone does" and then highlighting how difficult it is to even see some of these places at times that they're not swarmed by crowds. Meanwhile there are attempts to promote tourism to other locations that are desperate to host people that are seemingly ignored.
Also to be clear, my preference for smaller local destinations over large attractions is something I generally do with every country I've ever visited. For any trip longer than a few days, the primary tourist destination is typically the location I spent the least amount of time in, if I go there at all. I recognize that this is generally a personal preference, and is largely due to me being a somewhat experienced traveler.
Bonus locations if you have more time like Kamakura, Nikko, Yokohama, Fuji (we hiked it 😂), Kobe, Uji, Hiroshima, Miyajima are also worth it. Although my girlfriend and I spent 5 weeks so we had planty time to see this extended version of the golden route. It's maybe my personal opinion but I prefer Osaka to Tokyo, not for the things that you can do but Tokyo is huge af and there's people everywhere, while Osaka aside from Dotonbori was pretty chill to go (absolutely loved Shinsekai). I do recomend taking cultural activities as well, those are the ones we enjoyed more, like sumo wrestling (that depends on the month you're going), geisha show, cooking class, japanese whiskey and sake tasting, going to a hot spring and sleeping in a ryokan. It's the best trip that I've ever done in my life and I can only think of going again and seeing the north of Japan and the Alps
We did this but included Osaka Castle and we actually drove around Shizuoka and back Yokohama in a rental kei car. It was an absolute blast to have our own car. Id recommended it but ONLY in the mountains. As soon as we got into Yokohama it was really difficult to drive and i LOVE driving!!!!
I have been to Japan 8 times, we’ll be going again in two
Months. The first five times I never left Tokyo…the last time (2020) I was there for two months and even worked a little in Nagasaki.
Tokyo is that vast!
I've been once, we did Tokyo, Nagoya, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima. Nagasaki is probably my favourite city in the world. What a beautiful place.
@@hotsaucecity yes, it has everything…the sea, the mountains…one of the best views and very friendly people.
For one week may be better to fly into Osaka and work your way up north.
Nothing wrong with these attractions for a good taste of Japan. You’re a tourist so enjoy and get it out of your system.
This makes sense as KIX has opened up more!
i've been in Japan for the first time in March 2024 and that was just a surreal experience, the itinerary was almost the same as the one mentioned in the video and it's the trip EVERYONE does for a reason, it's just a great mix of traditional and modern, you'll feel "overwhelmed" with all the Tokyo lights in a good way, the relaxing feeling of cycling around Kyoto's temples and shrines, the hikings to get to some not so popular spots, overall it's just beautiful. I've stayed for two weeks and that's the ideal amount of days to enjoy and not feel that rush to do things at specific times or set timers to be in a certain place, for example, some people spend an entire day in Shibuya - in my experience, i got there around 6pm, had dinner in Sushiro, crossed the scramble crossing a few times, saw Hachiko, went to Shibuya Parco and finished the night just chilling in Miyashita Park untill the time of the last train back to Akihabara (where i was staying). Surely you can spend a whole day there, there's certainly things to do and places to visit but my point is, having two weeks allows you to be free in a way where you don't really feel that pressure to be in a certain place in a certain time or anything of the sort which is awesome 'cause even though you're having the trip that "everyone" does, you're experience will always be different that way.
100% man. spent 2 weeks there and it just felt so relaxing and not pressured for anything.
It obviously depends what you want to visit and where you stay.
If you stay in Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in 2 weeks, it might be short in time…
going for the fiRst time ever SOLO and clueless and i literally have taken notes from this, THANK YOU!!!
@@suburbias I’m glad I now have a Japan tips video to o
@subburbias I went overseas solo for the first time in may and it was awesome if you need some extra help search on google 2 weeks in Japan itinerary and there is a page by invisible tourist and that is what I used to make my plan for my trip and it gives you basically a full guide on the best way to see everything and from that you can change what you want to do as well
I would also say going to Nagoya would be worth it, u have Ghibli park & the Toyota car museum & they're a train stop apart. u can do it in a day but I did it in 2
Might be! But getting that ticket is a year in advance affair for the park.
I went to Japan three times and, if I may, I would add Nikko as a city to visit. It's not that far from Tokyo and you can visit a bunch of temples. You have far less tourists and so everything is more enjoyable. If you have the time, perhaps plan two days there and visit the Kegon falls as well. Visiting that city remains one of my favourite memory of my 3rd trip.
Oh sounds like a good idea. Is Nikko as a city interesting, or you would mostly visit there for the nature?
@@dumspyrospero for the temples, the nature, and the peacefulness of the city in itself. There isn't many shops or even hotels (I don't remember any, I stayed at a guest house) but it was lovely to do after Tokyo (that I absolutely adore but it's far more draining)
@@camillesch7297 sounds like I place I would enjoy a lot! Thank you very much for the information :)
I went to Nikko and I wouldn't say you have far less tourists. Nikko Tosho-gu was as busy as Senso-ji. I spent there half a day including Kegon falls and TBF it's one of two places I visited in Japan I wouldn't have returned to.
@@greenee04 Oh i see! Are there any other sim3 places you would recommend to visit instead ?
I did a week in Japan with a friend and we had a packed itinerary lol although we stayed mostly in Tokyo. We did a day trip to Kyoto and did the Fushimi inari, a traditional tea ceremony and the bamboo forest. The town just before the forest is such a beautiful area and I'd say I enjoyed the town more than the forest itself.
That's a great route, I love the Fushimi Inari!
Great presenting style mate, you should be more popular. Keep at it. Maybe do a follow up to this video. What to do on Week 2 of your Japanese Holiday: Miyajima, Takayama, Hakone, Nikko etc
we started in Okinawa, then flew to Osaka, had a day trip to Minoh, then went to Kyoto, then Tokyo then did a day trip to Hakone. it was just over 3 weeks we packed a LOT in, probably the best trip I've ever taken.
Whoa an Okinawa Start! I always try to go there, but the weather does not permit
My cousin and I are going for 2 weeks at the end of may and early june and we are legit so excited!
Gonna do the golden trip?
We’re trying to do different things on our trips to Japan. We’ve done the Golden Route a couple of times and have seen most of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Did Hiroshima a couple times and always seem to go for the oysters there. But we’ve also done Nagano, Takayama, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Fukuoka and Kobe and on our last trip, we stayed in Inuyama. Our next planned trip in April, we’ll stay in Toyama and try to go on the Kurobe Gorge excursion. The big cities have their place and we enjoy the food in Osaka, plus with the JR Pass not being as good a deal, flying into Osaka instead of Tokyo means less train travel. The rural parts of Japan that we’ve visited have very friendly, but reserved , people and some beautiful countryside.
How did you find getting around without Japanese to these rural parts? I feel confident no matter where i go because I can speak it, but i imagine its intimidating for tourists
@ Lots of Google Translate and at restaurants that either had the examples in the window or pictures on the menu, a LOT of pointing. LOL. And if there was a website in Japanese, we translated that before going and saved it so that we had the English version of the menu, or at least what the translate function was able to handle.
We found the people in the country to be generally more helpful than in the city, probably because it is a lot less frantic pace.
It's insane how accurate this was but 2 stops we headed to which wasn't on there was actually Fujiyoshida and Nagoya. Fujiyoshida had the BEST hotel we've ever been in (it was a Ryokan onsens both private and public) while Nagoya castle and the Ghibli Park were fantastic sites to visit not to mention the Miso pork cutlets and the Miso Nikomi udon were DELICIOUS.
So yeah, HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to both if you have time in your itinerary.
Thanks for watching and I'm glad you went to a Ryokan, those things are amazing!
@@maydaysan The Ryokan was actually one of the highlights of the trip. It really felt like a luxury 5 star hotel experience, they served us a wonderful dinnner banquet for us and even a wonderful and filling breakfast. As I'm typing this, my mouth is still watering from remembering the A5 Kuroge Beef they served us along side the fatty tuna, salmon and mackerel. For the group of 7, we spent £2,190 (roughly $2750) for three nights and my god it was it was so worth it!
@ oh dude 100%. An average ryokan will match or exceed a Tokyo 5 star. Especially for a first time traveler they’re amazing.
I went to Fushimi Inari around the time you made this video, at the literal crack of down. Started going up at around seven and there were some people but not many. Plenty of opportunity for the shots everyone wants to make. Just a couple of people make it to the top, so it will be even quieter there, though the gates are a bit further apart which doesn't allow you to make the "tunnel" pics. When I came back down and checked the entrance around 9.30, it was already supercrowded with groups. My advice is to either go around 7 (or earlier in summer) or go after dark. It's even emptier and atmospheric and even a bit creepy then.
As a reference, I did almost the exact same trip as described here, but I stayed in Tokyo for 2 weeks, in and around Kyoto for 6 days and took 2 days of Kanazawa in between. I still felt like I was rushing through Tokyo. There's so many things to do and see in so many different places. It's like 15 different cities in one. Just take your time for Japan. I'll be back for sure.
There ya go! This sounds nice and balanced
"Don't clap the dog" 🤣
B r u h
Beretta chilling in the background 😄
OH I FORGOT ABOUT THAT
i only went to japan to hike Mt.Fuji. everything else was extra for me. even tho everyone does this exact itinerary, its still a must do lol. it just gives me a reason to take a second trip back and do something different :D ( ALSO: the fushimi Inari is best later at night! i went aorund 7 pm, and there was maybe 10 people in the entrie place!)
It is only crowded about half way up the Fushimi Inari shrine because most tourist are out of shape to go to the top same reason for the Nara overlook of the city. Also 2 days at Kyoto is far to little, minimum should be 4 days
love this! Alright do japan again but for someone who likes fishing, national parks more nature
Nature spam version hmmm
Fun fact
In my 17 day trip to Japan
We hardly visited popular destinations
We went to offbeat places like Hakodate
I plan to go to Japan next year. It's basically going to be this standard trip but I will try to also go to Mount Fuji and to Hiroshima
Haha nice! I recommend Fuji in winter to see it and summer to climb it
I have goals for a trip to Japan. I haven't made a lot of plans but I'm getting there. I'm hoping I'm gonna have some friends in the country at the point to take me to any of their local places. I also will go to the tourist places but only if my friends don't have a place that is better. I do want to go to the USJ but also both Disney's. I really want to get my own traditional items. I want my own Kimono and Yukata. Also I would like to go to the special One Piece statues and see the Going Sunny.
I never went to Japan before my exchange and at first I was sad about it, but now I'm so happy that my time frames are much broader and I can explore more things at a slower pace.
There ya go! Japan is endless once you're past the golden route
I love coming back to Hoppi Dori whenever I'm in Tokyo, such a vibe.
Hoppi Doory is fun, but I remember getting shunned out by WASHIST shop :(
@@maydaysan Oof happened to me a few times as well, they dont want to serve cheapskate white boy when there's a chance a japanese salary man comes by.
I went to Japan and I’m planning a second trip there. My biggest advice would be to try not to book your vacation in the peak of summer 😩 got heat exhaustion twice lol
😭😭
Yeah planning on making a video of when to travel to Japan
If it's anything like Houston, spring or late fall are the best times to visit. March time in Houston is pretty close to heaven.
@@LyricsQuest who is willingly visiting houston?
Yes I want all the generic photos it’s my first time
ain’t no shame in that! What photos do you want?
Props for the non-pretentious, non-hipster recommendation! Also agree on Tokyo being the food centre. Japan just want to give Osaka some meibutsu assignment, so they just overhyped it. Personally, I always look for ryokan and onsen or nature walk - so places like Hakone, Nikko can be inserted into the trip.
My advice for first time visitor to Japan in this age and year is... don't take photos for the sake of it, don't chase the spot, especially if you are in this typical Japan's first timer route. Honestly, Tokaido is everyone's route, and everybody has seen it, it won't make your instagram any less boring. Take meaningful photos for your personal memory keepsake instead, so you can spend more time vibing - you know in places like in Asakusa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku.
There are many spots like Gion, Kyoto - the ones in Takayama, Kanazawa, or Kurashiki are much more pristine and enjoyable. Sika deers exists almost everywhere, not just Nara. Lines of Torii gates are also nearly everywhere in Japan too - you don't have to fight with the crowds in Fushimi Inari Taisha.
You should add in Kumadera north of Kyoto.
You gotta do this trip yknowwww
I stayed in Tokyo for about 5 days this past July, and I'm not surprised at those places you show within the first minute being where my roommate and I ended up visiting... all after the first day's recording session.
Then again, this video is supposed to be a "generic" guide, so I had quite a few of my own things done (like the recording session and getting lost in a Bic Camera store).
It is generic! Haha, you did your own thing!
i went to a maid cafe once, the Steins Gate one. not the overly cute moe type. came across it by chance as i was walking to the shrine just north east of akiba main street. still havent seen Gojira yet. not osaka yet. Kyoto, Hiroshma and Saga prefecture. still got many plans for Saga prefecture t complete. enjoyed Shibukawa for the Initial D related areas, also Nikko for the touge road though i was a passenger.. Yutoku Inari shrine in |Kashima is very beautiful. first trip was a golden tour in a group. the next 2 visits were solo. got plans for 3 more trips, all focusing on Saga prefecture.
You are a cultured individual.
headin to japan next year. this time im focusing on the northern parts im so excited
TOHOKU TACTICS!
The one or two places we went that were off this list ended up being the best parts of our trip. I strongly feel like people should make their first visit with the popular tourist spots but then make a second trip going somewhere much more remote for the true authentic experience
I strongly agree that you just gotta do the golden trip once. After that you can start exploring other parts, which are relatively same-ish unless ur looking for a specific thing. Was thinking about making a video titled :should you go off the beaten path in Japan?
The one I did was Tokyo (Ginza) -> Kyoto -> Osaka - > Hiroshima -> Fukuoka (Back to Tokyo)
Golden Trip +2
lol I actually skipped Asakusa. Went to Kanazawa from Tokyo. Didnt went to Kakukicho. Went to Kyoto before Osaka. Went to the Fox Shrine at around 6am I think and it was empty. Just run the first few meters and you pass everyone that has been on the same train as you. Still far away from dawn haha :) at least in September. We actually saw a geisha but I didnt take a photo, I was so suprised that I wasnt even thinking about it. But I felt like it would have been possible.
and I went to Hiroshima and Kanazawa. Had a pretty cool trip, saw a lot in 2 weeks!
Fair! I just had come back from Kanazawa, great little town, bit a trek to get there, and cold and rainy Hahah
Amerikajin desu. We went to Hiroshima. On one hand going to Miyajima is the most touristy thing you can do, but on the other hand seeing Hiroshima as an American I feel is humbling.
Interesting! how was the sad dome?
Yup that was sort of my first trip last year! I've been twice this year, exploring more (Hokkaido, Kyushu) and heading over again in 2025.
What I didn't realise is how close Osaka and Kyoto are. They're basically in the same urban area so for next year I have 6 days in Osaka and will day trip to Kyoto (13 mins on the Shinkansen), Nara, Kobe etc.
One of my Kyoto days on my first trip was a rain washout so I never got round to the bamboo forest or golden temple etc
Heck yeah!
I did Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka in 2011, and then Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo in 2016. There is a reason why it's so popular!
Only ventured out to Himeji, Kobe, Nara, Takayama, and Shirakawa-go in 2018.
I did my first solo trip this year, besides Tokyo (for a week) I also visited Nikko, Yamagata, Ichinoseki, Kamakura, and Yokohama.
Going on another solo trip next year, starting with Fukuoka and Hiroshima. Staying in Kyoto and Osaka for a few nights to use it as a base to explore Wakayama and Mie prefectures, spending a night in Kinosaki Onsen, and ending in the trip in Nagoya (mainly for Ghibli Park).
This sounds lovely!
Did Tokyo for a week, three days at mount Fuji, then couple at Kyoto and Osaka for my first trip there. Tokyo feels endless so feel free to take your time there. Mount Fuji is a great contrast in that it's so serene. I would recommend two days there just to enjoy the quiet and spirituality (I'm not very spiritual, but even I felt it as you arrive in the valleys around the volcano). In Kyoto I arrived extremely early in the day and did fujinari first. What he said is true, if you're there at first sunlight it's still relatively quiet, but after the first hour of sunlight everyone is there. Climbing higher will reduce people and give you some empty shots here and there, but only for short periods. The golden shrine felt to commercial for me, it is a relatively small spot with higher cost to enter. What I recommend in Kyoto is what I usually recommend in Japan: be sure to wander around. Japan is amazing in it's details. Why only visit the large busy shrines when you can find amazing small shrines that exude atmosphere with noone around a couple of streets over with no markings. Kyoto is great for that. Plus, the best food I had in Japan was in a kyoto yakitori restaurant so I do also recommend that!
Osaka on the other hand was a bit overrated. The claim of the kitchen of Japan was nonsense to me. Everything there felt like something you could find in Tokyo. The few things that were more original: Osaka castle and USJ. There is also a large viewing platform on the other side of the station, although it's a bit expensive. If you go at night there is a very romantic platform there where people meet. Making for amazing pictures! And between the city Centre and the main station there are a couple of streets where you notice the Yakuza-like adult nightlife atmosphere. Wouldn't take pictures there with random bunny ladies showing around corners due to the bouncers probably not liking it. But it's very fun to walk through and see that part of Japan! (Don't worry too much about that last part, Japan feels extremely safe, even there. Just don't expect to get into one of those clubs as they'll refuse you to avoid you causing problems by not being able to communicate)
Thanks you for the input. It’s mostly about the ease of access to things you “must see” in a short amount of time. Most people don’t have 2-3 weeks to explore Japan in one go, but your trip seemed fine. Also Osaka yeah, you can find everything it offers in Tokyo. The people are a little warmer though!
Lol this was exactly my trip, plus Hiroshima.
We rented a car and did a roadtrip from Tokyo to Osaka with a lot of stops in between then took the Shinkansen back. Perhaps a bit much but it was definitely a great experience. Especially the more "countryside" places.
Wow! It’s rare that people have the confidence to drive that
Other locations I’m planning to visit besides those is Yokohama, Kamakura, Kanazawa and Hakone!
Nice choices!
Those are great places!
In Kanazawa our first non travel day we went to Shirakawago which inspired Studio Ghibli movies and is a Unesco world heritage site. If you go there, make sure the pudding shop is open! We ate dinner at Kami in Kanazawa. The chef made our food right in front of us and once most of the patrons left he spent time to chat with us. Very kind man. We spent a day in Kanazawa's Samurai, Geiko(Geisha) District, and traveled to Kyoto that evening.
Kyoto became our base for day trips to Himeji Castle, Nara and Inari shrine. Last day we finished site seeing in town.
From there we spent two nights in Hakone at a hot spring! During the day, we went to see Mt Fuji.
On our last day in Hakone, we traveled to Tokyo, got settled in, and went to Team Labs. Each day after we went somewhere new: DisneySea, Kamakura, Disneyland, Asakusa/Akihabara, Meji Shrine/Harajuku/Shinjuku/Shibuya Crossing, and last day was a free day.
Btw there's a smaller more peaceful bamboo forest in Kamakura ♥️♥️♥️
Enjoy your trip!!!
@@maydaysan now I’m scared to over plan locations and get tired halfway through haha
@@zeldababe1 thank you so much for sharing all the locations you’ve been to and I’ll be sure to check out the smaller bamboo forests in Kamakura!!
You forgot to add a tower to see the views from in Tokyo! Shibuya sky or Tokyo Skytree etc :P
You can do that on the last days back!
No miyajima island? That was one my fav places. But like you said its sooooo much to do.
Ise Shrine as well.
It’s just a shrine haha, most people just wanna see A shrine, its takes another level of appreciation to wanna go off the golden trip to see another shrine ya know?
Nice to see you posting again.
Thanks for watching!
Tried other places like Fukuoka and Hokkaido the last time I went to Japan... it was a refreshing experience after going to Tokyo/Osaka the past 5 times I've been because it's not crowded 24/7. Also driving in Japan is quite a pleasurable experience.
You’re living the dream!
LMFAO almost bar for bar what i did when i went in july minus a lot of the kyoto stuff
LMAO what did you cut from Kyoto?
@@maydaysan We only went to fushimi inari shrine!! and climbed the whole way LOL then went to nara to see the deers the same day thats about it for that area
I want to know the trip to do if you hate crowds. What are the best alternate places to go that aren’t full of tourists.
I guess the best trip is to stay at home! 😂
I just went with some friends and I found that Nagoya, despite being one of the biggest cities in Japan, had actually not that many crowds. We went to Legoland there on a weekday and there were so few people! Even the biggest roller coaster had only about a 5 minute wait!
it’s VERY out of the way-but, if you love peace and quiet, Iya Valley. Shikoku is beautiful, and not very touristy. I met a family who were on their 5th or so Japan trip that had been travelling all over the island and they loved it. Iya Valley is the only place I went that was ever “quiet”-meaning, like, genuinely not a single soul out past 5pm quiet. It’s touristy during the day, sure, in the random country town kind of way, but if you get out of the hotel before 1pm, you can enjoy the vine bridge before the tour buses come in. And anywhere away from the vine bridge is practically empty. Takamatsu, too, is a nice city without many tourists. I didn’t get to explore it much as I went to Naoshima but my sister was a big fan.
For somewhere more traditional, Takayama, again is very touristy but it is less painful than Kyoto. I hated Kyoto because it was just TOO many people (went there on a day trip). Takayama is certainly bustling but it provided the same kind of energy as Kyoto for me but on a more lowkey level! And there’s hot springs, a limestone cave, and shirakawago just an hour or so away :)
So, while I don’t have anywhere to recommend that doesn’t at least have Tourists, they’re certainly a breath of fresh air from a fellow Crowd Hater 😄
Consider Mongolia instead?
@@AUBREYMAFIA Thanks for the suggestions!
Lol, thanks for planning on my itinerary for the upcoming two week trip in the summer. In fairness to us we don't know better and we need that least the triangle to know what we don't like for the second time around.
No problem! Of course there’s more to do but this is the baseline
We went to Fushimi inari at night to avoid the crowds! Which worked, but there were signs about wild boar and monkeys which scared us into not climbing all the way up
yeah but night time photos are better than daytime or what?
i took a weird trip haha. i rented a car and drove to numazu. everyone i told this too was a little confused. but i spent most of my time in tokyo
That is indeed weird!
Make sure to head to Fujikawaguchiko and take that generic ass photo in front of the Lawson that everyone takes.
When you're visiting Tokyo Tower, head over to those stairs everyone goes to and take that upward shot of Tokyo tower that everyone takes.
Hahaha you gotta!
generic ass photo 😅 wtf
They put up a sight blocking net this year so you cant really get that picture anymore. and that's a good thing. i mean its a fucking mini market, there are thousands of spots you can take a photo with fuji in the background, i dont get why people chose the lawson of all things^^
I went on a bus tour to Mt. Fuji and I got a photo of it while the bus drove by haha.
@ that’s how you don
Man I just want to go up to Hokkaido and chill with the snow monkeys in a nice traditional ryokan onsen.
Heck yeah! Don't you mean. Nagano?
Osaka ❤❤ I highly recommend to visit Katsuo-Ji Temple in Northern Osaka!! ❤
What is it like?
@ its a magical temple that is known for its winning luck and good fortune and right now is a great time to visit ! They have a bunch of randomly placed Daruma dolls too everywhere !
I recently tried to film it on my newest vlog 😆 ⛩️✨🎵 i really have been seeing many more foreigners coming more these days to it !
@@CandiOsaka I'll have to check it out next time I am in town then!
We’re thinking of going in the fall next year. Thanks for the vid. When are the leaves in full color?
Depends on the region but it’s usually mid November!
The minimum stay in Japan is 5D4N.
5 decades and 4 nights.
TEAM NO SLEEP
I did everything he mentioned. I feel so basic.
Basic is fine!
I did part of this generic Japan trip (Kyoto + Tokyo) last March and I dont regret it because both cities I visited definitely had things that I would regret if I didn't see. I have to admit I was at some point frustrated with the crowds especially in Kyoto but there are ways around this. For example in Kyoto I visited the Kodaiji Zen Temple which also comes with a small bamboo forest and there was almost noone there (I even made a video about it). I am returning for my 2nd trip to Japan soon, any recommendations for places off the beaten path are welcome...
Aye hidden gems with similar landscapes might be the play
The way you said, "Asakusa" had me literally lol'ing
But that’s how you say ittttttt 😭
I'm planning on going to Osaka for 4 days then after that nara for 4 after that its FAR AWAY FROM THE CITY'S 😂into the real beauty the countryside and smaller towns forests and mountain areas maybe 1 or 2 smaller island to finish off
First trip? That's heft, hope you have enough time!
Osaka !❤ Where will you visit in Osaka?? Im in Osaka and i have some recommendations but its all so beautiful!! ❤
@CandiOsaka still currently looking around at the areas of Osaka online and things to do trying to decide .trip will be late into 2025 June to December anywhere around there depending on certain things. so any recommendations would be appreciated. I had a friend who visited also said it lovely Osaka he gave his recommendation. but there 😄 so many wonderful places it's hard to decide
@maydaysan will be taking some much due leave from work as I have a lot accumulated
I did Tokyo last. Why? Because Osaka is much smaller and easier to explore. It'll be your trainingwheels. Plus Kyoto and Nara are close by.
This isn’t a bad shout! Especially with KIX opening up more and more
If you are comfortable with being naked in front of others then I would recommend going to an onsen even if you are going for a week. There is one in Tokyo/Odaiba called Toyosu Manyo Club, its good for de-stressing after a long day of sightseeing.
100% recommend
The APA hotel I stayed at in Shin Osaka even had a sento on-site, for no extra cost, super convenient to pop in and out of for 15 minutes during the evening. A shame the other one in Ueno I stayed at in Tokyo didn't have such a facility.
Love it 🎉
And I love you!
Awesome vid. I'll be back in Japan in April and traveling around for about 2 1/2 weeks with friends.
That sounds like a great trip! What's the plan?
When you browse r/JapanTravel and every itinerary is a cookie cutter copy of this one 😂 I’m glad I’ve been able to go more than once to see things beyond the “greatest hits.”
Haha it’s popular for a reason! What did you see instead?
I just went all over for my first trip
All over where
@@maydaysan I went Asakusa in Tokyo, fujisawa, hakone, gotemba, shizuoka, nagoya, then 2 weeks in osaka so Nara twice, kyoto and Mt rokko in Kobe twice and Osaka of course. Then down to Hiroshima, then Fukuoka, Tottori, Kyoto, Takashima, Nagano, Maebashi, South of Tokyo, Hakone and then Shimbashi in Tokyo! Whole trip took 55 days. All alone.
Second trip with ym girlffriend. 2 weeks Tokyo - Hakone - Osaka -Tokyo
1:09 bro sounded like Trump for a second
Who is that?
I will be that one who will go to Gunma cuz Initial D (for real no joke). But obviously gonna stay in Tokyo.
VALID
Gunma is definitely a cool place to visit if you like Initial D!
Why all travelers go Tokyo-osaka-Kyoto and never Tokyo-Kyoto-osaka? It’s because of a more efficient transportation? Or why?
I think its just more efficient logistically and its more of a smoother transition from tokyo vibes, as kyoto is drastically different. It also has access to the other prefectures like Hyogo and Wakayama and Nara!
Great video, working on my Japan itenary now!
You've got this! Lemme know where I can help.
@@maydaysan Hi everyone,
I’m in the process of planning a 10-day trip to Japan, and yes, it’s the classic Golden Route! I have a ton of questions and would love your input. How many days would you recommend spending in Osaka and Kyoto? Any tips or must-see recommendations are greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Ngl, even after just finishing my 2nd trip to Japan, I still haven't done all the "first timer things" - haven't yet done either Disneyland or DisneySea, or visited Arashiyama, and I again forgot to go to the big Buddha in Nara (though Kamakura had me covered as far as going to at least one big Buddha).
Pretty good first timer list in any case - though if you have 2 weeks and get your hands on a 5 Day JR West Kansai + Hiroshima pass (important note that this is different from the generic national JR Pass which has had its price hiked immensely since last year - don't get that one - needs a lot more planning not to mention a longer trip to make its moneys worth), you can probably also fit in Hiroshima and or Himeji Castle for day trips - the pass covers the Shinkansen return trip to Osaka for those locations.
Also for those who enjoy Japanese music artists, some of them have now made it quite a bit easier to get tickets for where once the only way in was having someone on the inside get them for you.
Yup! I agree with this
Who leaked my itinerary to you? 😂
EVERYONE COULD SEE IT
My wife and I are planning a trip to Japan. It’ll be my first time back in the country in 30 years. I lived there for 2 years in my early twenties. Entirely in Kyushu.
We are planning to skip Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka entirely. Except for maybe a day or two in Tokyo so my wife can say she did it.
I’m more interested in hitting the cities of Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kumamoto, as well as a lot more time spent in the scenic countryside.
I have little desire to join all the other tourists in Kyoto and Tokyo. I lived in Japan long enough to become conversational in the language and absorb the Japanese attitude of not wanting to stand out and be a bother to others. I’d rather go somewhere in Japan that isn’t completely burnt out on foreigners.
I love Kyushu! So much good food there, it's totally worth it to spend more time there than the mainstream spots.
you just name my wife and I trip this past October.
Hahah well it’s the golden trip
Somehow there were zero people at the bamboo forest when I went in 2019
Uhhhh
Just return from 9 days tokyo only trip.
Shinjuku only to change train line. Akiba to buy hobby stuff.
Asakusa just before return train to airport.
Fujikawaguchiko? Shibuya? No time.
Tokyo only, huh? I respect it.
How didn’t you have time to check out Shibuya in 9 days?
Been 3 times so far. These were the things I saw:
Trip 1 (2.5 weeks):
Tokyo
Nikko
Kyoto
Nara
Osaka
Hiroshima
Miyayima
Trip 2 (4 weeks):
Fukuoka
Nagasaki
Osaka
Himeiji
Kyoto
Kanazawa
Takayama
Hakone
Tokyo
Trip 3 (2.5 week):
Tokyo
Okinawa (main island and Zamami)
Yamagata (Ginzan and Yamadera)
Kamakura
Planning a 4th trip this year. Not sure where to go yet.
Seems you need Hokkaido!
so dont stay in tokio for 2 weeks ?
Honestly id say 5-6 days Tokyo, and then squeeze the rest of the golden trip on week 2
i did it, pretty much. there’s nothing wrong with it. but on my next trip i want to see kyoto osaka hokkaido(hakodate) maybe some okinawa, nara, i mean there’s tons to do. but there’s also tons to do in tokyo. i did rent a car and drive out to my fuji one day and i took the train to okutama which is technically still tokyo but yeah
Personally, imo bigger trips with more cities and towns is nicer. Obviously you do the golden route Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and such. Going to Sapporo is cool, Hakodate, Takayama, Nagoya and such are cool visit. I'd like to say visit Kamakura and Nikko, but both of those are niche and the most important Temple in Nikko is plastered with posters, ads, there's buses everywhere and tourist groups of chinese and koreans that block everything and greedy souvenir shops in the main shrine, while taking pictures isn't allowed inside.
This is true!
brooo i havent gone there and u know where i am headed! i feel attacked! HAHAH
You know you wanna do it.
Lol I somewhat feel ashamed for going on the most generic Japan trip but have to say, I enjoyed every minute of it. Will go back to have a slightly less generic visit soon :)
Yeah man, get the one and done and then start exploring. My sister explored Kyoto Twice and the second bout was amazing. She’s just beginning to unlock more of Tokyo now and is loving it.
I don’t understand why everyone is doing only the generic city trips when they visit Japan. There is sooo much more to see and much more beautiful rural places and islands to visit 🇯🇵
Because it’s easy, convenient, and efficient.
That's quite a bad advice. Doing 4 cities in one week is possible but won't be enjoyable at all!
Tokyo is chaotic. You need at least 4 days to get a gist of it. If you plan to make some shopping consider the time browsing through stores, consider also the time to exit each metro station, consider that on the way out there is always a mall that might take some of your time, if you plan to have at least one interactive experience in Tokyo (eg visiting a museum) take into account that you will lose half a day...
Tokyo to Osaka is like what? 3 hours? Then checking to your hotel? You will be left with only half a day. In half a day (if you aren't amazingly tired) you can only visit the area around Dotonbori.
In general, fellow travellers do prefer to enjoy your time when travelling and creating memories instead of just ticking things off your lists. And creating memories takes some time as you need to slow down, speak to people, explore unknown areas...
I agree with this. As someone that lived in Japan for many years, this itinerary is too much. I spread this exact trip out over years as a resident, so a tourist doing that in just 1 week would be brutal. Tokyo alone would be better to be focused on for that week. A 2nd trip to Japan could be used for Osaka + Kyoto (plus revisiting any absolute favorite spots from the Tokyo trip)
Fair enough! Feel free to cut some stuff here and there, but a lot of people just do this haha I’d ideally do this all in 1.5 weeks like 10 days summat
Basically us last time except adding mount fuji
yes! Haha Fuji, kinda counts if you see it on the way to Osaka :P
Whatever you do in Japan, DON'T sit on Hachiko! Show some respect, folks.
the family guy bar
The wha
@@maydaysan the drunken clam in osaka
bruh my first trip went to the mikasa down in yokohama and Kure’s yamato museum. i guess i did it wrong.
MIKASA IS ANIME
How can take visa Japan. Tourist visa from Saudi Arabia. I'm Pakistani.
go to visit Japan website. they have info there.
Exactly what I just did! Minus Nara.
Haha where do you go instead?
❤great tips !!⛩️✨✨
Thank you, what was your favorite?
@@maydaysani like how you mentioned the Love rock one i never heard of that!!
@@CandiOsaka Really? It's a classic!
You skipped mount fuji, otherwise good vid
haha I completely forget!
I don't have unlimited time or funds to travel, I had a lot of fun on a similar itinerary. Had about 6 weeks to plan the trip given that I was supposed to visit Israel in October 2023... you don't win any awards for going to more obscure places. Let people have their fun.
This right here
@@maydaysan word, and sorry this isn't directed at you. Lots of pretentious people in the comment section.
2 weeks? those are rookie numbers gotta pump that number up to atleast 3 weeks in Japan
Its giving Wolf of Wall Street Vibes