Geishas, sushi, Kimono, temples – I adore Japan.
A speckled history like much of the world, the Japanese are some of the kindest people I have met on my travels. There is an aura on peace and acceptance in Japan and a place I would love to visit regularly.
Dress up in a Kimono or as a samurai warrior, walk amongst the skyscrapers of Tokyo, spot Mount Fuji from the bullet train and don’t leave Kyoto without seeing the Golden Temple. In winter, Japan’s ski fields are jam-packed and bustling cities veiled in a peaceful white.
TIME FRAME?
Ideally two weeks would be the minimum amount of time I would want to spend in Japan, this is enough time to fly into Tokyo and out of Kyoto/Osaka (or vice versa), seeing both cities well and enjoying the day trips to the countryside’s temples and national parks.
Three to four weeks would allow you to stop at Mount Fuji, perhaps climb it if you have the option. In summer you could head down to Okinawa at the southern tip to lap up the beaches and sunshine. In winter you can head to the ski resorts dotted around Tokyo as well as seeing the big cities in detail.
Both Tokyo and Kyoto need two to three days to explore, more if you are including several day trips.
TRAVELLING JAPAN?
Train! Japan’s train system is first class despite the overwhelming amount of people it transports every year. In Tokyo both Shinjuku and Shibuya Station transport over a million commuters each year.
It is essential to have a JR pass for your train travels in Japan, especially when you are visiting several cities and not spending handful of days in Tokyo, for example.
These pass’ work like the Eurail passes and you can buy 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days for unlimited journeys on the networks.
TRAVELLING JAPAN?
Train! Japan’s train system is first class despite the overwhelming amount of people it transports every year. In Tokyo both Shinjuku and Shibuya Station transport over a million commuters each year.
It is essential to have a JR pass for your train travels in Japan, especially when you are visiting several cities and not spending handful of days in Tokyo, for example.
These pass’ work like the Eurail passes and you can buy 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days for unlimited journeys on the networks.
MY BEST ADVICE?
There is a protocol in Japan to be observed and respected. The Japanese are incredibly polite and patient, they line up in meticulous lines on train platforms and don’t talk on their phones on the trains. Don’t be a pushy tourist and jump the cue to get onto a train, respect their etiquette.
If you are strapped for time, I would suggest visiting Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Sagano/Arashiyama, these were my favourite places.
今日は
“Konnichiwa”
Hello
WHERE SHOULD I GO?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
