The land of anime, tea ceremonies, and cat cafes: welcome to Japan! Stereotypes aside, Japan is a busy yet organized country known for its rich culture combining old traditions from past centuries to today’s modern technologies.
A beautiful country fit for all types of travelers, Japan is a wonderful place to relax, unwind, and explore nature with your partner, family, friends, or coworkers! If you haven’t been to Japan yet, then you’re missing out on a lot of great experiences.
So if you’re looking for a historical, exciting, and food-filled vacation trip, Japan should be the next country to visit. Visiting Japan this vacation? Here’s a 3-day itinerary for you.
Day 1: Tokyo
Some people will tell you that spending seven days in Tokyo is enough if you want to see all of Japan. While there’s some truth to it, I don’t recommend just spending all your week in Tokyo. But you can certainly kick off your week in this beautiful city. While in Tokyo, here are things you can do:
Take Pictures With The Gang at Ueno: Ueno is Tokyo’s largest park and is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Here you’ll also find the Tokyo National Museum, the city’s most popular art museum. You can spend the afternoon here just exploring, taking pictures, or having a picnic surrounded by beautiful cherry trees.
Visit Toyosu Fish Market: You can’t leave Tokyo without tasting their famous sushi, and one of the best places to get some of it is in the Toyosu Fish Market.
Explore Harajuku: Now, experience the quirky, weird, and fashionable side of Tokyo by visiting Harajuku. Just 30 minutes away from Toyusu Fish Market, Harajuku is a colorful district in Shibuya known for its kawaii Japanese pop culture stores, thrift stores, and themed cafes.
Experience Nightlife at Shibuya: Get ready to drink and have fun at the most popular drinking spot in Tokyo, Shibuya. With a variety of drinking spots, dance clubs, and barbecue houses, Shibuya is the place to go if you’re looking to party. There are also plenty of good accommodations and Tokyo hotels in the area if you decide on staying here for the night.
Day 2: Wakayama
From Tokyo, take a one-hour flight to Wakayama is a small, laid-back coastal city, south of Osaka. Here, you’ll experience the rural and historical side of Japan. Wakayama is known for its ancient temples and shrines and best depicts the beautiful old Japan. Here are things to do while in Wakayama:
See The Towering Oyunohara Otorii: Take a solo or group pilgrimage at Tanabe, Wakayama. Here you’ll find a Shinto Shrine unlike any other, the unbelievable Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine, and the largest Torri gate on earth: The Oyunohara Otorii.
Visit Nachi Falls: Visit Japan’s tallest waterfall: the Nachi falls with a cascade of 133 meters. Te hike to Nachi falls starts from the base of a nearby village. Though challenging, the hike can be completed in just less than an hour.
Visit The Koyasan Temple: Located in the lush forestlands of Wakayama, Koyasan is a magnificent temple and monastery founded by the monk named Kobo Daishi in 816 AD. There are over 100 buildings in this area including 50 which offer to lodge for guests and tourists. Stay here for the rest of the afternoon and night to experience various meditation activities and taste authentic Buddhist cuisines.
Day 3:Osaka
For the last day of your trip to Japan, it’s best to go to Osaka. Located on the island of Honshu, Osaka has one best food scene in all of Japan. People go here to try the food and to experience the warm hospitality of Japanese people. If you’re here in Osaka for a day, here are things to do:
Visit Dotonbori: Dotonbori is the best area to go in Osaka if you want to visit cafes, restaurants, and bars with a relaxed and atmosphere.
Visit Maishima Pottery Museum: Located in the bay area of Osaka, Maishima Pottery Museum is a place to see beautiful pottery pieces and also try pottery yourself. After you’re done making the pot, you can have it glazed and shipped to your home as a memento.
Visit Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum: A museum dedicated to the instant noodle, the instant Ramen Museum is a quirky museum filled with a giant replica of cup noodles. Here you’ll also get a chance to taste different kinds of noodles and even make your own noodles in their workshop!
Watch Sumo Wrestling: If you’re in Osaka during Spring, don’t miss the Sumo Spring Grand Tournament in the region. The tournament is held in Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium where you can see some of the most famous sumo stars out in the ring. Schedule changes so make sure you check out the local listing when you’re in town.
