Japan had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years. The culture, the food, the mix of futuristic and traditional—it all felt like something out of a dream. But let’s face it, Japan isn’t the cheapest destination, so I waited for the right moment to make it happen. Last year, that dream came true, and it was every bit as incredible as I hoped. I planned a 10-day trip with a schedule I absolutely loved, so I’m sharing it with you!
Day 0: Arrival in Tokyo
We landed at Haneda Airport around 5 PM local time. Navigating the journey from the airport to our first hotel in Shibuya was surprisingly easy. The bullet trains were efficient, and the station staff were incredibly kind, helping us figure out the ticket machines. Our hotel, Sequence Miyashita Park, was a standout. With breathtaking views, friendly service, and great value for money, it was the perfect base for exploring Tokyo.
After settling in, we wandered the streets of Shibuya, soaking in the neon lights, lively atmosphere, and the scent of amazing food from every corner. The city felt alive in a way I’d never experienced before. This first glimpse of Tokyo was exhilarating and set the tone for the rest of the trip.
Day 1: Exploring Shibuya
Rainy weather didn’t stop us from diving into Shibuya’s vibrant energy. We started with a bit of shopping—Japan’s convenience stores are a world of their own, and I’m not exaggerating when I say their egg sandwiches are life-changing! The rain added a cozy vibe as we explored.
We made a stop at Shibuya Scramble Square, heading up to one of its upper floors for panoramic views of the bustling Shibuya Crossing below. Next, we visited the Hachiko Statue, a must-see tribute to Japan’s most loyal dog. I’d made the mistake of rewatching Hachi: A Dog’s Tale on the plane, so emotions were running high.
In the evening, we explored Shibuya Parco, a trendy mall with an incredible rooftop view. From there, the city felt endless, glowing under the night sky. Dinner was at Ichiran Ramen, a well-known chain that lets you enjoy rich, flavorful ramen in semi-private booths. It’s touristy, but it’s worth every bite!
Day 2: A Taste of Old and New Tokyo
We started the day early with a visit to Shibuya Sky, the rooftop observation deck of Shibuya Scramble Square. The 360-degree views of Tokyo are breathtaking, especially on a clear day. We’d pre-booked tickets, which is a must as they sell out quickly.
From there, we hopped on the subway—Japan’s public transport system is incredibly efficient—and headed to Asakusa, home to the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and the lively Nakamise Shopping Street. The area felt more traditional than Shibuya, with its beautiful temples and souvenir stalls, though it was noticeably more touristy. Despite the crowds, it’s a must-see!
For lunch, we made our way to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where street food stalls offered everything from fresh sashimi to sweet mochi. The mochi treats were my favorite—soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet. The day ended with shopping in Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Walking through its grand, modern streets was a stark but fascinating contrast to Asakusa.
Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Fuji
One of the highlights of our trip was a day trip to Kawaguchiko, a serene town near Mount Fuji. We boarded an early bus and arrived in time to spend a full day exploring. Renting bikes, we cycled around the lake, stopping at scenic spots for photos of Fuji towering over the landscape. It was magical, like a painting brought to life.
Every stop brought something new—a small café with hot drinks, a local vendor selling roasted sweet potatoes, and quiet moments just gazing at the mountain. This was a day of pure peace and awe. We returned to Tokyo late in the evening and capped off the day with drinks at our hotel’s rooftop bar, toasting to the incredible memories we’d made.
Day 4: Vintage Shopping & Kyoto Bound
Back in Tokyo, we devoted the morning to shopping, specifically vintage luxury finds. Japan’s vintage market is world-renowned, and I couldn’t resist! My favorite spot was Qoo Vintage in Shibuya, where I found a stunning Louis Vuitton Alma bag at a great price.
Later, we explored Omotesando, a chic shopping area with tree-lined streets and boutique stores. There’s something for everyone here, from high-end fashion to unique Japanese designs. By evening, it was time to leave Tokyo behind. We took the bullet train to Kyoto, watching the cityscapes blur into countryside views as we sped toward the next chapter of our adventure.
Day 5: Kyoto’s Timeless Beauty
Kyoto was the city I’d been most excited about, and it didn’t disappoint. We started the day at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which was as ethereal as it looks in photos—though it was packed with tourists. The surrounding areas, like the tranquil gardens of Tenryuji Temple, felt more peaceful and just as beautiful.
After lunch, we wandered through the Gion District, Kyoto’s historic geisha quarter. Its narrow streets, lined with wooden buildings, felt like stepping into another time. The Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Streets were particularly charming, with their quaint shops and tea houses. Kyoto’s beauty is undeniable, though the crowds made it a bit overwhelming at times.
Day 6: A Food Lover’s Dream
We began the day at Nishiki Market, a bustling food market in the heart of Kyoto. This is a must-visit for food lovers. The variety was incredible—from freshly grilled skewers to delicate Japanese sweets. We tried everything that caught our eye and left absolutely stuffed.
The rest of the day was more relaxed, exploring Kyoto’s quieter streets and hidden corners. Kyoto is especially magical in the evenings when the streets are lit by lanterns, and the crowds thin out. Wandering without a set destination allowed us to stumble upon beautiful, unexpected sights.
Day 7: Celebrating in Osaka
Osaka greeted us with a vibrant, gritty energy that felt very different from Tokyo and Kyoto. We spent the day exploring Shinsekai, a colorful district filled with neon signs and street food stalls. Osaka’s street food is some of the best in Japan, and we tried everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to kushikatsu (fried skewers).
The highlight of the evening was the teamLab Botanical Garden Exhibition, where light and sound installations transformed the garden into a surreal, dreamlike experience. It was the perfect way to end my birthday.
Day 8: Osaka’s History & Flavor
We started the day at Osaka Castle, a beautiful historic site that offers a striking contrast to the modern city skyline. The free guided tour we joined was a treasure trove of local knowledge and history.
In the evening, we dove into the vibrant chaos of Dotonbori, Osaka’s entertainment district. Neon lights reflected in the canal, street food stalls lined every corner, and the energy was infectious. Osaka’s charm lies in its rough edges and unpretentious vibe, making it a foodie’s paradise.
Day 9: Tokyo Finale
We returned to Tokyo for one last day, this time staying in the Sumida area near the Tokyo Skytree. Although we couldn’t get last-minute tickets to the Skytree observation deck, the area itself was lively and fun to explore.
The day was intentionally left open. We revisited favorite restaurants, picked up souvenirs, and enjoyed Tokyo at a slower pace. After a packed trip, it was nice to simply soak in the city one last time.
Day 10: Farewell (For Now)
Our final day was a travel day—but not back home! We headed to Korea for the next leg of our adventure, which I’ll cover in a separate post.
Final Thoughts
This 10-day journey through Japan was everything I’d hoped for and more. The country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, its warm hospitality, and its incredible food make it a must-visit destination. If you’re planning your own trip, feel free to ask questions—I’d love to share more tips and tricks for traveling in Japan.
Stay tuned for my Korea guide!
