Japan, a land where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology, is a traveller’s paradise that promises an unforgettable experience. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto and the natural beauty of Mt Fuji, Japan offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Below is the overview of an itinerary we created for two couples from India who wanted to do a bit of everything — from seeing popular places to enjoying new and unique experiences.
Tokyo: The Heartbeat of Modern Japan
4 days & 3 nights
Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where towering skyscrapers stand alongside historic temples, and the latest technological innovations coexist with time-honoured traditions.
Some of the of the popular things to do in Tokyo:
- Shinjuku District (Golden Gai and Omoide Yokcoho)
- Shibuya Crossing
- Takeshita Street in Harujuku
- teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless
- Kōkyo Castle (Imperial Palace)
- Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland
Bonsai Specials for Tokyo
Some of the more offbeat and unique things in Tokyo that we curated based on our client’s interests:
Grab a drink in a highrise bar: While many head to locations like Shibua Sky or Tokyo Skytree for a view from above, these places can get crowded. Instead, just before sunset, head to a high-rise bar in Shibuya to watch the famous Shibuya crossing and the city lights turn on. Our recommendations: BelloVisto in Shibuya or Andaz Toranomon Hills.
Row a boat around the palace waters: While visiting the Imperial Palace is popular, located near the castle, the Chidorigafuchi Park allows you to rent a rowboat and explore the waters surrounding the palace. This is best in Spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Watch the Tokyo Night to Light Show: Every evening, you can experience the world’s largest free projection mapping show on the Tokyo Metropolitan building in Shinjuku.
Party at the best nightclubs in Tokyo: Our clients were young couples in their mid-20s who wanted to party in some of the best clubs. We curated a list of nightclubs in Tokyo, a few of which are WOMB, Club Camelot, WARP Shinjuku, ZeroTokyo, Cé La Vi, club Asia, and Zouk.
Mt Fuji and Gotemba Shopping Outlet
Day trip from Tokyo
An active volcano that is a must-see when in Japan. While some people summit the mountain, most enjoy time in the five beautiful lakes around Mount Fuji, which give you stunning views of the active volcano.
In a day trip from Tokyo, you can cover:
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Lake Yamanaka
- Oishi Park
- Oshino Hakkai
- Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Bonsai Specials for Mt Fuji
If you love shopping like our clients, you are in for a treat. After your tour of Mt Fuji, you can head to Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan’s most popular outlet mall, with 210 stores offering luxury, sports, and international brands. You can shop your heart away with a view of Mount Fuji in the backdrop.
Kyoto: A Journey Back in Time
3 days & 2 nights
Leaving behind the modernity of Tokyo, we travel to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is renowned for its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and beautiful gardens.
The popular things to do in Kyoto include:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Nishiki Market
- Kiyomizu Dera Temple
- Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
- Gion
- Kinkaku-Ji Temple
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Bonsai Specials for Kyoto
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temples: While the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is the insta-famous one, it gets very crowded and is underwhelming. But hidden at the back of the Arishiyama Bamboo Forest, is an equally beautiful bamboo grove that leads the way to a unique temple, the Adashino Nenbutsuji. Located near Adashino Nenbutsuji is the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, where thousands of weathered stone figures stand here within this area.
Sagano Romantic Train and Hozukawa River Cruise: You might have heard of these, but not a lot of people combine them both. From Arashiyama, take the 25-minute Sagano train to Kameoka for some nice views of the valleys and river. On your way back, take the 2-hour Hozukawa River Cruise for a relaxing way to see the natural scenery of the largely undeveloped ravine in a traditional boat.
Party away in Pontocho: Kyoto is not known for its party scenes. In fact, people just travel to the nearby Osaka for this. But Pontocho is a lesser-known gem for people who love to drink or go clubbing. Kitsune, Chambers, and WORLD are some of the best clubs in town.
Osaka – Where Tradition Meets Modernity
3 days & 2 nights
Osaka is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, historic temples, lively nightlife, and delicious street food.
The popular things to do in Osaka include:
- Dotonburi
- Osaka Castle
- Osaka Aquarium
- Tempozan Ferris Wheel
- America Mura
- Umeda Sky Building Observatory
- Hep Five Ferris wheel
- Nara
- Shinsekai District
Bonsai Specials for Osaka
Magical evening at teamLab Botanical Garden: Nagai Botanical Garden is an outdoor botanical garden in the middle of the city with a large lake in the centre. teamLab’s night-time project explores how nature can become art (without harming the plants) by using light and sound installations.
Hozenji Yokocho: Escape the bustle of Dontonburi with a visit to this nearby, narrow, stone-paved street full of tiny traditional restaurants and Japanese-style Izakaya bars. In the evening, warmly lit lanterns show the way to small, bustling eateries.
Late-night relaxation at SpaWorld: Want a break from all the travelling? SpaWorld is a hot spring theme park that is open 24 hours. It’s got everything – Japanese onsen, Roman baths, Turkish hammams, and more. It’s like a world tour of relaxation without leaving Osaka.
Namba Yasaka Shrine: A unique shrine, famous for its lion-head-shaped building.
Speakeasy bars: Osaka has tons of speakeasy bars. A few of them are Bar Shiki, Bar Nayuta, Bible Club Osaka, and Bar Matsuda.
Night clubs in Osaka: GHOST Osaka, Voyager, GALA, and PURE.
Like this itinerary?
While you can feel free to use this itinerary for your trip, contact us if you want one uniquely made based on your interests and preferences.