Japan itinerary [2 weeks – first time solo visit]

3 comments

1. You didn’t mention what time you land or where you’re coming from, but Day 1 sounds packed for a half day where you are likely jet-lagged as well. Tokyo Tower is not in Shinjuku and that’s the highest priority to skip or move to another day.

   Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi park are next to each other. You might as well explore them on the same day.

   I recommend skipping the owl cafe. Animal cafes in Japan have varying levels of animal welfare, but owl cafes are generally considered one of the worst. If you want to go to an animal cafe do a little research to see if the animals are given plenty of time and space to rest away from people, and whether the animals seem to be enjoying themselves or just tolerating it.

   Day 5 seems a bit all over the place. Be prepared to drop a couple things if you run out of time. For what it’s worth I enjoyed visiting the Imperial Garden and Edo castle ruins across the way after my own visit to the museum of modern art.

   I see you have Tokyo tower listed on Day 5 again, and on the same day as Skytree. Unless you’re a big fan of seeing things from high places, I think doing just 1 is enough.

2. We just got back from Japan. You’re going to have an amazing trip! We couldn’t get a Welcome Suica because of semi-conductor shortages. It might have resolved by the time you go. But if you can’t get one, you can buy metro tickets with cash/coins, and use your card or cash at restaurants and shops. It didn’t limit us.

   Here are the things we liked/our experience of your itinerary items (plus a few extras):

   Shinjuku

   * Ok so these are food related but I’m just going to put them out here just in case:
   * Shinjuku Golden Gai – Tons of small bars. It’s a nigh-time place, and we found it was mostly full of other tourists but it was a very cool place to get one drink. It can be a little intimidating as some places felt like “locals only” but if there’s a sign outside in English you’ll be welcomed. We went to Ramen Garon for ramen and a beer.
   * Omoide Yokochō
   – A cross between street food and restaurants. Small places to sit down and have a quick bite during the day or night.

   Shibuya

   * We also went to the Starbucks at Shibuya crossing too 😉 There’s a little viewing area in the seating area so you can see the crossing. Starbucks is everywhere in Tokyo! Although definitely try some local places. Honestly some of the best coffee we ever had was in Japan!
   * Put Takeshita street on your route, it’s the Harajuku shopping street. Very busy but it’s an experience just to pass through. I see you’ve got it on another day, but you may be able t add this to your route to the park. It’s not as big of an area as you might think. We did it in about an hour or so.

   Shimokitazawa

   * Yes! So glad you have this on your list. Such a cool place. Great vintage shops and cafes.
   * We got tacos at Kitade Tacos, if you’re looking for a break from local food (and can eat/like tacos). Excellent tacos and drinks.

   ​

   Other things to do in Tokyo:

   * I’d recommend the Tokyo National Museum (also good for a rainy day). There is so much wonderful history and art in there, it will help put your Japan trip in historical context.
   * The Nezu/Yanaka area is a wonderful break from the chaos of other areas of Tokyo. It’s residential but has some great features:
   * Yanaka Ginza
   – A lovely street with smalls shops to buy locally made goods.
   * Nezu Shrine – Beautiful, big, lush, and quiet.
   * Yanaka Beer Hall – Craft, local beer if that’s your thing. It’s not open Saturdays or Sundays (despite Google Maps), but it’s a great little gem.
   * Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu
   – This is the izakaya that inspired the big fight scene in Kill Bill. It’s a riot. And not just for tourists! You can book online 🙂

   ​

   For Kyoto, definitely a good idea to just wander. It was my favourite city in Japan.

   * Premarché Alternative Diner
   may be a good place for you with dietary needs. They go vegetarian and gluten free options.
   * alt. coffee roasters
   is a vegan and gluten free coffee shop. They don’t do food but they do soy and oat milk, as well as little cookies.
   * The Samurai and Ninja museum – It’s a bit cheesy but it’s legit and fun. We learned a lot.
   * Kiyamachi Dori is a cute street along the canal that you can just walk down. Also has some side streets with interesting finds!
   * And of course Nishiki Market! It’s a long, covered shopping area with lots of shops, restaurants, etc.
   * We found Gionmachi a bit odd. But maybe because of the time we went. It’s the old Geisha quarter but it’s heavily regulated now. You can’t take any pictures and it was eerily empty (but the buildings are beautiful). It’s worth a walk through on your way to the Yasaka-Jinja shrine.

   ​

   General advice:

   * You will walk a lot! And things are farther away than you may expect. So just be aware of not packing in too much. We didn’t get through everything on our list – which is OK! There is still so much you’ll see!
   * Comfortable shoes – and I mean comfortable! I wore my regular sneakers and my feet were killing me on day 2. Invest in some good arch support insoles 🙂
   * 7/11 is everywhere and has great food on the cheap. We ate there a lot. It also sells basic necessities like toiletries and even underwear!
   * We overpacked. Check if your hotel has coin laundry, many do. Then just do 1 or 2 washes (it may take a few hours out of an evening but if it means not bringing a massive bag of clothes then it’s worth it, in my opinion).
   * If you learn a few key phrases, the local folks will love you for it! A little goes a long way! They don’t mind at all if you mess up. They were always so appreciative and friendly when we tried to speak a little Japanese.

   I hope some of this was helpful. Have a great time!

3. Sounds like fun, good suggestions in other comments so I won’t repeat.

   It’s typhoon season so unfortunately sometimes that messes up travel (shinkansen does get shut down time to time). I’d just keep an eye on the weather to make sure it won’t mess up plans. Some of the things you selected are outdoors so it’s good to have back up plans as well. I like have alternates planned just in case.

   Idk your general idea of fun on trips, but having some wiggle room can be fun. But you’re solo so you can go at your own pace. Just be kind to yourself and take lots of breaks, your feet will thank you.

   Have a breakfast plan. Convenience stores are decent. But finding a breakfast place early in the morning can be tough.