Japan - Going for 10 Days

cya on 07/11/2019 - 16:16
Last edited 07/11/2019 - 17:16

Hey guys,

Just going to be in Japan from the 20th-30th November for the first time, so far my trip included staying in Tokyo for 3 days..

I have taken advantage of the recent Klook deal and got a a 7 days JR Rail Pass.

Do you guys have any suggestions as to how long to stay in Osaka , Hiroshima and Kyoto?

Any recommendations on things to do some non main stream things (popular touristy -Robot restaurant (heard its a bit gimmicky) etc) are welcome.

Really interested in finding out if anyone had some non touristy experiences as well!

I'm on a budget holiday and will be staying in hostels for these days.

Travel Asia Japan

Comments

  • Archi on 07/11/2019 - 16:28
    +10

    10 days is not enough for japan. I could easily spend 10 days in Tokyo alone, but my wallet wouldn't be very supportive

    • Donaldhump on 07/11/2019 - 16:40
      +1

      so just spend 10 days in tokyo

      • Archi on 08/11/2019 - 08:55

        even that wouldn't be enough… I've been looking at moving the family over there in the near future or at least have some sort of investment over there that would warrant regular travel.

        • samfisher5986 on 11/11/2019 - 13:11

          I disagree completely.

          While you can definitely spend 10 days in Tokyo, I wouldn't want to or particularly enjoy it as a tourist as its much more enjoyable to explore other places.

  • jsediv on 07/11/2019 - 16:34
    +1

    Get a 7 day JR Pass for Hiroshima/Osaka if you're also going to be staying in Tokyo.
    You can do a day in Kyoto and a day in Hiroshima if you're staying in Osaka. Just plan what you want to see.
    Also use the buses as they tend to stop at tourist locations

    • cya on 07/11/2019 - 17:13

      Yes got that pass from the recent Klook deal! :)

  • J6 on 07/11/2019 - 16:35
    +2

    4 places in 10 days? would pick 2 (3 max) otherwise youll only be spending a full day in each place.

  • onetwothreefour on 07/11/2019 - 16:35

    Do you plan on going to Disney or USJ?

    • cya on 07/11/2019 - 17:20

      No parks this time

  • ThatKiwiFella on 07/11/2019 - 16:49

    What are you interested in seeing or experiencing?

    Osaka is known for it's amazing food. Seems more suited to a younger crowd but not limited to that. Very lively place, lots of bars.

    Kyoto and Hiroshima for experiencing a lot of traditional Japanese stuff and history.

    Kyoto you'll find lots of Geishas, please don't harass them.
    Hiroshima has a rich history including that of the A bomb.

    • brendanm on 07/11/2019 - 17:43

      So people actually harrass geishas?

      • ThatKiwiFella on 07/11/2019 - 17:50
        +1

        Yes, I’m on a Facebook page “Japan Travel Planning” where it’s mentioned frequently.

        Happens so often that Kyoto has recently imposed instant fines for tourists hassling Geishas to get photos

        • brendanm on 07/11/2019 - 18:08

          That's pretty disappointing, have to post a photo with a Geisha on Facebook though I suppose, very important.

          • ThatKiwiFella on 07/11/2019 - 18:14

            @brendanm: I think a lot of it comes down to harassing and chasing them as opposed to simply asking if they mind if you take a photo of them

        • Caped Baldy on 07/11/2019 - 18:26

          I picture loud mouthed American or Chinese tourists grabbing geishas for photos.

          • raptormesh on 07/11/2019 - 18:29

            @Caped Baldy: They don't need to grab them, but I have seen them blocking the paths and literally preventing the maikos from doing their job of heading back and from a teahouse. This is a reason more and more of them have resorted to using drivers but this is not feasible in some of the backstreets.

  • kolorijo on 07/11/2019 - 16:52
    +2

    Osaka:
    * Nakazakicho. It’s a little area near Umeda and it’s filled with super cute shops that are not chain-stores. It’s like a little retro town full of character. The artists combine their studio and shop in one place and you can buy lots of cute things. There are some cafes in an old building that looks like a bookshop as well. You wouldn’t even know it’s a café until you walk in!

    • Explore Bentencho (on the JR loop line) at night for restaurants. They have such an amazing selection of restaurants and they are all good! You’ll see that they have clear plastic curtains surrounding the restaurants to keep the heat inside.

    Kyoto:
    * Must go to Nishiki Market. They have lots of food to try, just make sure you go on a day where most stalls are opened.

    • If you want to check out temples, then Kiyomizudera is a great one to go. There's a loooong street leading up to the temple with tons of shopping for traditional sweets and crafts. Lots of places for you to try mocha too.

    • Fushimi Inari
      That’s the temple with hundreds of red gates. It’s a bit of a hike and out of the way. Unless you have time to spare, this might not be worth it.

    Nara: If you want to be chased by deer & don't forget to buy mochi and watch how they make them.

    Ichiran Ramen!!!

    • timthetoolman on 07/11/2019 - 17:02
      -1

      Ahhh brothel ramen, I miss is so much

    • Daabido on 07/11/2019 - 17:06

      Great ideas, but Fushimi Inari is literally 5 minutes from Kyoto Station. A lot of people don't do the full loop. It can be quite challenging.

      • Archi on 12/11/2019 - 10:56

        try doing it at night time.. its pretty cool

    • Clear on 07/11/2019 - 19:12

      Only thing I'd note about the shopping with Kiyomizudera is that if you're specifically after something like ceramics, chopsticks, traditional crafts etc. like I was then you will get the tourist tax.

      Better off hitting Kappabashi in Toyko as something simple like chopstick holders can be 500 yen around Kiyomizudera and <100 yen in Kappabashi.

    • raptormesh on 07/11/2019 - 19:21

      Kiyomizudera is not worth going, as someone who have stayed in Kyoto for a month. It is always packed with throngs and throngs of people you won't even be able to get a nice shot of yourself and the place.

      There are many temples and shrines all over Kyoto that deserves a visit to get a feel of the history and culture. Try Tennoji, or Kitano Temangu where you can also experience their Sunday markets with tons of food and shopping to be had.

  • DarthAntz on 07/11/2019 - 17:09
    +1

    All big cities in Japan are mostly the same. I never recommend Tokyo or Osaka to my friends who visit, as the countryside offers a gentler part of japan. But your problem is transport and language differences (assumed) so those places are perfect with good support with english and a manageable train system.

    Theres plenty of websites that will recommend a local area and its speciality. go for that, whether its ramen with a special broth or ingredient, or the autumn foods available in that month. lots of nabe. Do your research in advance for getting a bus or train out of the center of the city.

    If you want to really enjoy Japan, do as much research as possible. The language barrier is the barrier between getting a tourist experience that will be the same as every other traveller, and getting a better experience on the road less travelled.

    Source: living in western Japan 4 years+ now.

  • Caped Baldy on 07/11/2019 - 17:11
    +2

    10 days is a bit short as others have pointed out and could just do Tokyo only in that time.
    Would be best to go longer and spread it out.

    Fortunately Osaka and Kyoto are very close. Personally, I much preferred Osaka over Kyoto (too touristy).
    Hiroshima is a day trip so you can leave luggage in a locker or at accom. If you had more time I would recommend visiting Miyajima Island (where the floating torii gate is) and possibly hike to the top of Mt Misen.

    Touristy things to do:
    Robot restaurant and/or maid/animal cafe
    Takeshita Street - get some crepes!
    Baseball match/batting practice
    Feed deer in Nara
    Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and museum - not much else in Hiroshima
    Fushimi Inari in Kyoto is good. I would skip the bamboo forest in Arashiyama - too many people and it was not a dense forest.
    Mario kart - need international driving permit
    Ghibli museum
    See geishas
    Disneyland
    Visit arcades

    Make sure to get an IC card and I would recommend the bus to and from the airport.

  • yoonibear on 07/11/2019 - 17:36
    +1

    Hiroshima would be a good day - the museum/memorial there is sobering. You could say depart for Hiroshima early morning and make it to Miyajima by mid afternoon, and if funds are enough, book yourself in a ryokan overnight and head back to Kyoto (after you've explored Miyajima - it's a nice island).

    We did that except I screwed up the Shinkansen ride back and we ended up taking the bus back to Kyoto - which was a great experience

    Honestly, don't try to cram too much in those 10 days otherwise you won't enjoy/have time to soak in everything.

  • Dlw on 07/11/2019 - 17:37

    If you enjoy a drink and chat, then you should swing by Golden Gai in Shinjuku. It’s a place full up themed and unusual bars and the owners are very welcoming. There was also a great ramen place there too.

    • cya on 07/11/2019 - 18:33

      This sounds interesting! Will definitely check it out :)

  • Jimmycfc on 07/11/2019 - 18:03
    +1

    i would only do Tokyo & Osaka/Kyoto in 10 days.
    You dont want to rush it

  • yellowfever on 07/11/2019 - 18:04

    Try out a karaoke hostess it's worth your time since you're single
    PS don't be cheap otherwise do something else

    • cya on 07/11/2019 - 18:32

      I’m not single I don’t know where you got that from haha

  • raptormesh on 07/11/2019 - 18:12

    What is your priority? Or do you just want the "introductory tour" of Japan where you hit all the popular notes. Non touristy is kinda broad as it ranges from fishing in the Seto Sea to staying at a rice paddy town to soak in the atmosphere.

    I lived in Tokyo and have family there so would be great to have a bit more details in terms of preferences.

  • billy3000 on 07/11/2019 - 19:58

    Great posts! Thanks. We are planning japan in 2020 right now.. Pretty much following the invisible tourist itinerary. We are flying into osaka and out of Tokyo

    https://www.theinvisibletourist.com/2-weeks-in-japan-itinera…

  • cxz106 on 08/11/2019 - 03:12
    +1

    I like hakone and okayama and miyajima

  • AppleLime on 08/11/2019 - 09:08

    Hi everyone, this is sort of last minute planning. we are planning to go Osaka and Kyoto maybe Hiroshima (Dec2-12) as suggested above. I need help as to any suggestions on a decent hotels/serviced apartment (preferred) to book for a family of 4. We prefer not an overly crowded area but with good food and shopping as 1 child is with Autism. Too whelming if too crowded. Can PM me if you can. Thank you.

  • OzHunterNSW on 08/11/2019 - 10:01
    -1

    They kill whales don't they

    • Archi on 08/11/2019 - 10:37
      +2

      and your point is.

  • Zachary on 10/11/2019 - 01:24
    -4

    Japan seems to be a pretty popular tourist destination….but I don't see anything of interest in Japan that would even peek my interest….

  • hdog on 10/11/2019 - 14:53

    Went for three weeks in May/June. Tendon tenya is a lifesaver for cheap good quality food, we discovered it a bit late in our trip but would be eating there most days if we go back. Basically a fast food chain that is everywhere selling basic Japanese food with lots of tempura.
    If you make it all the way to Hiroshima, the peace park/ museum and miyajima island are great. Having said that it’s quite a distance from the other cities so maybe save it for a longer trip, or try find a bargain domestic flight back to wherever you are flying out from. The airport is a decent bus trip from the city though.
    You can also do Nara on few hours stop in transit between Osaka and Kyoto, we used local trains so not sure if Shinkansen would work here. Anyway, we checked out in Kyoto, local train to Nara, stashed luggage in a locker, feed the deer, had some lunch and then got another local train to Osaka. We didn’t lose a day, fairly cost effective and got to Osaka just after check in time so it was a perfect day filler.

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