Going on honeymoon to Japan in October (only 6 months away, yikes!) and have absolutely nothing booked or planned. We are overwhelmed with the options and as neither of us have traveled internationally before, not sure where to start other than booking the flights.
In an ideal world, we’d have 2 weeks minimum but both of us have very limited PTO after taking other time off this year.
The only thing I know for certain that I want to do is visit Tokyo Disney Seas. My husband would like to do something on the cultural side like visiting shrines or temples, and we both want to see the city life.
I’m not sure if it’s worth bouncing from place to place in Japan like I see some people do for their 2-3 week stays. We’re both laidback, easygoing people who get tired easily so unlikely to pack a lot of stuff into one day.
I’d love any and all advice, thank you!
by briannapeppers
29 comments
8 days is probably just enough time to explore Tokyo (especially if one day is already spent on Disney SEA). You can explore the traditional side of Tokyo (Asakusa sensoji, Meiji Jingu, plethora of shrines, gardens, etc) as well as modern (Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku), lots of great food options, themed cafes, shopping, interesting experience like Gundam statue, fish market, megaplex Onsen, etc.
Might as well stay in Tokyo the whole time, then. You’ll leave feeling like you just scratched the surface (of just Tokyo, not Japan). Take a day trip to Kamakura and pretend you went to Kyoto.
I agree with the others on just Tokyo (or any one city/sub prefecture). I just went for the first time the beginning of this month. Only had enough PTO for 10 days for the same reason. I split it between Tokyo and Sapporo.
I wouldn’t say I regretted it, but I did wish I had more time in both. It feels like I barely got to see much of either. Especially with the two domestic flights.
For a first time, I’d pick a specific ward in Tokyo that’s close to things you want to do. Book a hotel there, and explore at your leisure. Take the train to get to other parts of Tokyo. Don’t worry about seeing it all, or booking multiple hotels. The trains are great when you get a feel for them. I never felt in danger of being “far from the safety of a hotel,” like I have on other trips.
First of all congrats!
Second are we talking all 8 days in Japan or do we need to shave a day or two for travel?
If the later then I recommend staying in Tokyo. One day is already taken by disney so just barely enough to see the city proper. I recommend you pick a few activities you like there and start from that. To help you out here is the event schedual for tokyo in case you want to attend a festival or flea market. It will update closer to October with even more local events.
https://tokyocheapo.com/events/october/
If you are into themed cafes or pop ups here is a webpage for them. Most are announced only two weeks beforehand though so I’d bookmark it and check again just before you go.
https://cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/pop-up-theme-cafes-japan/
I would also suggesting to stay all days in Tokyo. I was 3 and a half days in Tokyo and it was no where near enough time to explore and see the things I wanted to.
Just stay in Tokyo, go to Disney, and maybe do a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko. Don’t rush it!
Either
a) I’d skip Disney Sea and be based in Kansai, between Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Nara, Koyasan, Kinosaki Onsen etc. you can get a very varied taste of Japan without crazy amounts of travelling.
b) Base yourself in Tokyo with visits to the likes of Nikko, Kamakura, Kusatsu Onsen etc.
Don’t try Kansai AND Tokyo, you don’t have enough time, keep the other for your next trip.
I think you can spend a week in Tokyo, experience different cultures carefully, and enjoy the vacation. I recommend a ninja coffee, where you can learn about ninja 🥷 culture and taste delicious food. Also recommend a menu translation app called kulikuli, which can accurately translate Japanese handwritten menus
Keep it simple
1. Tokyo – sensoji temple, Asakusa Shrine and that area, then shibuya/shinjuki/ginza/Akihabara
2. Then you’d have to choose between Kyoto or Osaka
This is how long I staid in Tokyo. My hotel was in shinjuku.
I went to the asakusa shrine and Gotokuji temple. There was also a small shrine super close to my hotel that was interesting because it was named after a demon God.
We spent one day on a Mt Fuji tour.
Went to tokyo tower.
Spent half a day in Ahkihabara.
Saw a kabuki show.
Also went to a women’s pro wrestling show.
I would very specifically travel out into the nearby mountains in Gunma and stay at a very traditional quiet ryokan for the night or even 2, I would indulge in the Kaiseki meal, drink sake in the evening and make love to my wife, enjoy the onsens and have a wonderful breakfast.
The return back to Tokyo, if you have only 1 week, it’s enough for a quick trip out of Tokyo to visit the country side then spend the rest of the 5 days just having fun in Tokyo running around the different neighborhoods as much as I hate it, shibuya, Shinjuku, kabukicho, Asakusa are all still worth going especially if you can find smaller streets to enjoy.
I wouldn’t travel to Osaka/kyoto unless I had minimally 10 days.
I would recommend a day or overnight trip to Nikko to see the unesco shrine. Just a two hour train ride from shinjuku
Chilling in Tokyo
Chilling in Tokyo
Everyone is saying to stay in Tokyo but personally I’d recommend a day trip outside of Tokyo. Yes Tokyo is huge and you could spend all your time there, but even just going through the countryside on the train makes you feel like you’ve experienced a bit more of the country. My other bit of advice, but which might be contrary to the above, is not to try and pack every last thing in. Most of the itineraries people post on here are insane. I feel like they just go to tick boxes and spend their whole time running around. Take time to chill, have a day or half a day where you can just wander about and see where the day takes you.
Just got back from a 9 day trip.
We stayed in tokyo the whole time. We thought we would be able to do day trips to Osaka or Kyoto but realized we still didnt even scratch the surface if tokyo.
I would do 5 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto, including half day trip from Kyoto to Nara
I’d split it evenly. 4 days in Tokyo and 4 days in Kyoto. You won’t be able to do everything, but that’s more than okay. You’ll still get a decent flavor for both.
Day trip to one of the lakes in Fuji is also a good idea
You’re getting a lot of odd advice IMO. It’s perfectly reasonable to do a few days in Tokyo; a few days in Kyoto; and two days for spur trips.
I don’t think foreigners spend 8 days in NYC, for instance. Like… is Coney Island a highlight of a day? At some point, you’ll probably want to take a train to DC. Or go see Niagara Falls.
Happy to help with any questions about your trip, including where to stay and what to bring. Here are some key tips:
1. **Battery Pack**: Your phone is essential and you’ll be using it a lot (map, transit card, translator, camera).
2. **Apps**: Use Google Maps for navigation and Google Translate for translation.
3. **Directions**: Take screenshots of routes to avoid app issues.
4. **Basic Phrases**: Save a picture as a favorite on your phone for quick access. [Here’s one](https://thenavigatio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/japanese-phrases.png) as well as a [reddit post](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1azln9a/the_phrases_i_am_learning_for_my_21_day_trip_any/).
5. **Cash Etiquette**: Use the tray at the cashier instead of handing over cash directly.
6. **Credit Card**: Ask “Cardo?” and show your card to check if cards are accepted.
7. **ATMs**: The ATMs at 7/11 are best b/c they let you get smaller bills (10x 1,000 yen). Important because many places don’t take larger ones (like a $100 bill).
8. **Opening Hours**: Check the opening hours of places you want to visit and plan accordingly. Many places don’t open until 9am or later.
9. **Transit Card**: Add a transit card to your phone’s wallet before you travel. [Here’s a link](https://tadma.medium.com/traveling-japan-with-suica-and-apple-pay-91ec45ed73ce#:~:text=Adding%20Suica) that walks you through it.
10. **Trash**: Carry a plastic bag for trash in your purse/backpack, as bins are not everywhere.
11. **Vending Machines**: Widely available for drinks, so you don’t need to carry them all day.
12. **Manners**: Be quiet on trains and do your best to follow [local manners](https://www.insidejapantours.com/blog/2015/08/18/japanese-etiquette-101-our-top-10-tips/) .
For your October trip, I recommend adding Kyoto—it has a great blend of culture and city life and is [extremely pretty in the fall](https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&sca_esv=627549cd271c49f4&sca_upv=1&sxsrf=ADLYWIJwWAnCoJEr_hqdtqgbxj9sK6WtFw:1717078109510&q=kyoto+temples+in%25autumn&uds=ADvngMj_UBoBCWmG0j_uJvoVGVudcihNhFAAULxyg3eEor9Jk7Lqb_Hwmq5OphH8iOy2Y5jBE0V_vU8Zh6E2E0_4xCUSX7db-nnDsmF5bb_pBN6NR02YQckeSVMsWyCt9fbMu4xZWVQRhpvw-XV9n2RtzvZV_N_RLbNDepP98-EPDmcXKCjjueMwz8j2PCjTBZlyWYdwZlvRS6bxkyKZrKVeGL3_sV7umx_le8DL_3M4R1TXuXmCGWcKgzUD9gXyzBFdKTwmpQLKd0VCPghFVODrHf9mW46tKHlLnYv0taj_W9bKIql95uZFHQ42okZTRbCh_gKPpI49_mQgwLBJN5HaAE54Uicftg&udm=2&prmd=invmsbtz&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibj5O2xrWGAxWUlu4BHRyhAloQtKgLegQIFRAB&biw=2400&bih=1298&dpr=0.8). It’s like the difference between NYC and New Orleans—both cities are great but offer distinct experiences. Kyoto is rich in shrines, temples, and unique cultural attractions. It’s only 2 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Shinagawa Station (in SW Tokyo).
Depends on how comfortable you are with travelling
With only 8 days, despite what people might tell you, I recommend staying in Tokyo. Tokyo has a LOT of things you can do in 8 days and you won’t even scratch the surface.
Also ‘8 days’ doesn’t take into account that for most people Day1-2 are basically you being zombies battling jet lag. You won’t be able to cram as much stuff as you’d think you would just from the mental and physical exhaustion. Don’t do Disney on Day1-2. You’ll likely just be double exhausted from jet lag and the multi-hour lines for a lot of things. One time I did a red eye flight to Paris and tried to cram in the Orangerie gallery when I landed. I literally fell a sleep in front of a Monet and couldn’t keep my eyes open for most of the gallery.
Sure everyone says to go to Osaka/Kyoto and you could split it. But doing so basically means you spend the equivalent of 2 days just ‘moving’ hotels. What do I mean? well sure its only a few hours train ride to Kyoto/Osaka. But think of
* night before packing your stuff
* morning off checking out
* getting on train
* checking into hotel
* unpacking your stuff
The repeating this on the way back.
Also by spending time in one place you don’t feel rushed. You have lots of itme to do things. You can move things around depending on weather or how you feel. Also note the “Day1-2 zombie” mode I mentioned above means you won’t have to push yourself on Day1-2 because you don’t have time in Tokyo. So in your case I would push Disney near the end of your trip when you’re more used to things and don’t have as much jet lag. Something you couldn’t do in a split itinerary and you’d have to cram Disney in on maybe Day 3 or 4.
I’m not saying you can’t split it. But that would be pretty aggressive and you’d have to really plan out everything and hustle everywhere. Where as just staying in Tokyo will be a bit easier on your sanity, plus again you can do a lot of things already in and around Tokyo and not be bored at all.
Staying in Tokyo simplifies your trip, and saves money as you don’t need a shinkansen to go to Osaka/Kyoto and back, It also simplifies getting back as some people try to go from Osaka/Kyoto straight to their flight in Haneda/Narita. You ‘can’ do this. to save time and money. But note that while I would definitely trust that 99% of the time you could plan this out and be in the airport at the time you expect. If you’re in Osaka/Kyoto that 1% is gonna bite you hard if something happens as you would have zero options to get to Tokyo. If you’re in Tokyo, the 1% is bad but you have options like a bus, cab, alternate trains, etc.
I would stay in Tokyo and enjoy a different area of the city each day
if Disney sea is on your must list, then just stay in Tokyo the whole time. you can do day trips to Fuji and other nearby areas, but even 8 days in Tokyo will just scratch the surface.
I went for about 8 days as well, and you def will have fun. That said, I missed out on teamLab Planets because I didn’t book it ahead of time. There are things you do have to plan and buy tickets before you go. Otherwise, you can just wander and discover all the joys Tokyo has to offer on the spot. Not a big issue. You can even just do some light searching online the day before to jog down some possible points of interests. That’s gonna be enough to get the day started. On the day of, just use Google Maps to navigate step by step. Easy peasy.
I recommend staying in the Tokyo area. Take a day trip (or 2) to the Mt. Fuji area. They have buses that leave from Shinjuku to Fuji.
This will help break up the business of Tokyo for you so you’re not feeling like you’re rushing everywhere all the time. Fuji has beautiful views and a different atmosphere from Tokyo and you won’t give up much time to get there and back.
Other than that. Try to explore as much of Tokyo as you can.
Stick to Tokyo or Kansai (Osaka+Kyoto), depending on what picks your interest the most.
I definitely skip the golden castle, if you want to venture out far from Tokyo ride the Shinkensan
If you’re looking for memorable things to do I recommend teamlab light museum in Tokyo. Another popular thing is a photo in a Japanese outfit like samurai or some formal traditional outfits. Definitely stay at a ryokan or place that is a traditional old style home. I’d avoid the regular hotels and go airbnb if can. Japanese traditional homes are Calming, peaceful ,and zen like. We stayed at an airbnb It’s called a modern Japanese home Isumi Chiba on airbnb. Checkout the pictures. If you can find a place near the train. line or not too far out Uber is now an option in Tokyo. A Japanese home is an adventure in its self vs Western style. Not sure if it’s still around but pub crawl? You sign up and hangout with random people and go pub exploring all night. Once you’re too drunk or done just get off and catch train home.. Eventhough you may get lost it’s also part of the experience and more Memorable I think. It’s an adventure just don’t miss the last train of the night! Ouch that will suck. Last thing you will walk everywhere. If your not use to walking get really good shoes. As everyone mentions get a location near a train station like 10min up to 15min max I would say. Shorter the better. Pack light but efficient. Japan has many dessert shops so rest your feet enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some desserts! That will rejuvenate your mind and feet! Lastly there is an airbnb worth mentioning called the layer out in Ito.. tip of the Izu peninsula. Top 10 rated airbnb in Japan. Dunno if you can stay there but worth looking at pictures to get an idea. It’s designed for short trips outside of Tokyo and there is a bunch of surfing around the peninsula, kamakura with big Buddha.. if your horrible planners just ChatGPT request itinerary based on your parameters. It’s pretty awesome and gives you ideas. Enjoy!