Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

After a long flight to Tokyo, we arrived at the airport in the evening. Luckily, we just made it in time for the last train into the city! Our accommodation was in Shinjuku, Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife district. Despite the late hour, around midnight, there was still plenty of activity. We went out into the city to soak in the atmosphere. Shinjuku is an intense neighborhood, with a mix of lively bars and restaurants (such as in Golden Gai), but also prostitution and people hanging around. It was interesting to stay here, and convenient because we were close to Shinjuku Station, where many metro lines pass through.

Day 2: Exploring, Tasting, and Getting Lost in Shibuya

After a short night, we were up at 9:00 for breakfast (yes, we were still tired…). We then started our journey through Japan by getting a Suica card and set off to explore the Shibuya district.
First stop: Takeshita Street. This famous street was filled with colorful boutiques and fun shops. We enjoyed a delicious milk tea while taking it all in. Next, we visited the Meiji Shrine, an impressive temple surrounded by beautiful gardens, built in honor of an emperor. In the heart of Shibuya, we tried Wagyu beef noodles for the first time at Halal Wagyu&Vegan Ramen Shibuya—so delicious! After that, we walked across the famous Shibuya Crossing, hustling through the crowds. To finish, we took a look at the Robot Café, but unfortunately, we found out that a reservation was needed.

Day 3: From Fish Market to TeamLab Planets and Karaoke

The day started early with a visit to Tokyo’s famous fish market. This meant about an hour’s journey by public transport to the other side of the city. Once there, we found that the market had already been mostly cleaned up by 10:00 AM. So, if you want to experience this market, make sure to go very early! Luckily, another highlight was on the agenda: TeamLab Planets. This interactive art museum, famous on social media, offered a unique experience with impressive light installations and water rooms where visitors literally walk through. Be sure to have a reservation for this!

After this visit, it was time for a short break before the evening began again in the lively Shinjuku district. First, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese meal with wagyu beef in a cozy restaurant, followed by a visit to a snug bar where all the drinks were surprisingly affordable. The evening ended in a typically Japanese way: in a private karaoke room, a popular activity in Tokyo.

Day 4: Senso-ji Temple, Kitchen District, and Akihabara

The day started with a visit to Senso-ji, the most famous temple in Tokyo. The impressive complex was surrounded by charming streets filled with stalls, where we picked up souvenirs and tried local snacks, such as a cookie filled with sweet chestnut.
Next, we visited the kitchen district, known for its traditional Japanese knives. We were eager to take home a traditional Japanese kitchen knife as a souvenir! With so many shops full of craftsmanship, it was difficult to choose, but eventually, we found a beautiful knife.
In the afternoon, we spent time in Akihabara, the center of anime and manga culture. The streets here are filled with shops, neon signs, and people dressed in striking anime outfits. This district has a completely different atmosphere, one you definitely don’t want to miss in Tokyo!

Day 5: From Tokyo to Relaxation: Yudanaka and the Onsens

After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we continued our journey through Japan to Yudanaka, a quiet mountain village known for its onsens and the famous snow monkeys that bathe there. The train ride took longer than expected, so we arrived around 3:00 PM.
Yudanaka is a traditional Japanese village full of ryokans (Japanese inns). We stayed for two nights in a traditional Japanese room, complete with floor mattresses, pillows, kimonos, and private dinners. The first day was focused on relaxation in the onsen, a perfect transition from the hustle of Tokyo to the tranquillity of the countryside.

Day 6: Searching for the Snow Monkeys (But Where Are They?!)

After a traditional Japanese breakfast buffet, we took the bus to the Snow Monkey Park, determined to see the famous bathing monkeys. From the entrance, we were greeted with a beautiful 30-minute walk through the forest, although there was a somewhat discouraging sign at the entrance: “No monkeys spotted today.” Since these monkeys are wild and only come when they feel like it (luxury problem, right?), we decided to continue anyway.
Once at the top, we found an idyllic river and the famous hot spring bath, strategically placed for the monkeys. After waiting for an hour, it finally happened: one monkey appeared! Unfortunately, he wasn’t in a spa mood and decided to just sit on the edge, without actually taking a dip. After more unsuccessful waiting, we gave up—apparently, winter is a better time to see these VIP primates enjoying their private spa.
In the afternoon, we took a cable car up to Sora Terrace for panoramic views, where we watched the city at sunset.

Day 7: Arrival in Takayama, Atmospheric and Authentic

After a long journey with several trains, which took longer than expected, we arrived in Takayama around 5:00 PM. The route from Yudanaka isn’t ideal in terms of connections, making it a bit of a tiring trip.
Upon arrival, it immediately stood out how atmospheric this little town is. Takayama has a compact but charming center full of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a beautiful old district with authentic wooden buildings. Additionally, it was noticeably cooler here than in the rest of Japan, which was a welcome change!
On our first evening, we explored the picturesque streets, enjoyed a dinner with Hida beef (a local specialty), and participated in a short Japanese archery lesson, a unique and fun experience!

Day 8: Market, History, and Sake in Takayama

The morning began with a walk towards the morning market, where we encountered a beautiful temple along the way (Kokubun-ji Temple). The market by the river offered a mix of local products, souvenirs, and artisanal foods, creating a lively atmosphere.
Next, we visited the Hida Folk Village, an open-air museum that replicates a traditional Japanese village. The various houses and workshops provided a great insight into the life and crafts of past times. It was beautifully set up and offered an interesting look into the region’s history.
In the afternoon, we planned a visit to the sake breweries. Takayama is known for its sake, and in the many shops and breweries, you could taste a variety of types, both from vending machines and directly from bottles. A fun way to get to know this local specialty!

Day 9: Last Day in Takayama & Arrival in Kyoto

We started the morning with a visit to the Retro Museum, a nostalgic place full of old arcade games and vintage items in Takayama. Many of the games were still playable, making it a fun and interactive experience.
In the afternoon, we took the bus to Kyoto, where we ended the day with an Okonomiyaki, a traditional Japanese savory pancake.

Day 10: Historic Kyoto, Nijo Castle, Bamboo Forest, and the Geisha District

The first full day in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, started with a visit to Nijo Castle. This historic palace, once inhabited by the shogun and the emperor, had an impressive exterior with beautiful architecture and carefully landscaped gardens. The interior, however, was minimalist, with only tatami floors and wall paintings, no furniture or decorations like in Western castles.
Next, we visited the famous Bamboo Forest, an enchanting forest filled with towering bamboo stalks. Behind the forest was a beautiful park with viewpoints, where we leisurely strolled around.
In the afternoon, we explored the Gion district, Kyoto’s old geisha neighborhood. Although we didn’t see any geishas, the narrow streets and traditional buildings provided a unique experience.

Day 11: Food Market, Samurai, and a Thousand Red Gates

On day 11 of our trip through Japan, we started the day at the Nishiki Market, a huge indoor food market filled with fresh fish, sushi, crab, squid, and many more local specialties. There was so much to taste, and the atmosphere was incredibly fun!
With full stomachs, we then headed to the Samurai Museum, where we learned more about the history of the samurai and ninjas. It was an interactive visit, as we got to throw ninja stars and dress up as samurai!
In the evening, we visited the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless rows of bright red gates. Although it was already dark, the ambient lighting with lanterns gave the walk a special glow. Since it was later in the day, it was also a bit quieter with fewer tourists, which was nice!

Day 12: Nara: The Town Where Deer Rule

Today, we left Kyoto and made a stop in Nara, a day trip on our 2-week journey through Japan. Nara is the place where deer roam freely. In Nara Park, they wander everywhere—not just in the park itself, but also on the streets and through the city.
What makes these deer extra special? They bow politely before receiving a snack! Everywhere, you can buy deer biscuits to feed them, and of course, we couldn’t resist. Some deer were surprisingly sweet and polite, while others were a bit more cheeky—if you didn’t give them a treat quickly enough, they’d go searching for one themselves (read: a bite from your jacket!).
Tip: The park is huge, and the further you walk, the more you’ll have the deer to yourself!

After spending a few hours with these special animals, we traveled to Kobe, where we checked into our hotel and ended the day with dinner under the train tracks. But honestly? The deer of Nara were the highlight of the day!

Day 13: A Day in Kobe: Food, Aquarium, and Kobe Beef

Today was all about Kobe, and we started the day in the Chinatown just behind our hotel. It was once again all about food, from Kobe beef snacks and steamed bapao to a sweet potato stick with glaze and chocolate.
Next, we visited the Kobe Aquarium (Acoa), a unique mix of sea life and modern art, where colorful light installations added an extra special atmosphere to the underwater world.
The day ended with an authentic Kobe beef experience (the reason we were in Kobe!): in a beautiful restaurant, the steak was prepared right in front of us on the teppanyaki grill. A perfect way to end our time in this culinary city!

Day 14 & 15: Adventure at the Foot of Mount Fuji

The final stop of our trip took us to the foot of Mount Fuji, with plans to visit viewpoints and spend a day at Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park known for its extreme roller coasters.
The first day was completely cloudy, which meant Mount Fuji remained hidden. So, we decided to head straight into the amusement park, where we bought individual tickets and tried out a few spectacular attractions, including the steepest roller coaster in the world and a 4D roller coaster.
On day two, the weather remained foggy for a long time, so we spent another day at Fuji-Q Highland, which was once again amazing. But just before sunset, the sky cleared up, and Mount Fuji finally appeared in all its glory! From both the park and our hotel, we enjoyed the impressive view of the iconic volcano.
Although we didn’t have time for the planned viewpoints, these last days were filled with adrenaline and made for a beautiful conclusion to our journey!
Read our blog Fuji-Q Highland guide for the best tips for this amusement park!