Hello Hello,
We’re two couples of friends heading to this amazing country and need your help to validate our itinerary.
First, I’ll share the overall plan for our trip. I can go into more detail for each day if everything looks good to you.
Thanks Thanks
30/10 Arrival at HND
31/10 Tokyo: Chiyoda, Yurakucho & Shinjuku
01/11 Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara & TeamLab Planets
02/11 Day trip to Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko)
03/11 Yanaka, Ueno, Shibuya & Izakaya
04/11 Ghibli Museum & Kichijoji
05/11 Shopping and Odaiba at sunset
06/11 Departure for Kyoto & first discoveries
07/11 Arashiyama, bamboo grove & zen temples
08/11 Fushimi Inari, Gion
09/11 Kyoto → Himeji → Hiroshima
10/11 Hiroshima (morning) → Osaka (afternoon)
11 & 12/11 Exploring Osaka and return to France
🙂
39 similar discussions in English
Hi everyone,
I’ve been planning several itineraries for a trip to Japan with my wife but would love your insights before we start booking!
In short, we want to go during Golden Week, see late-blooming cherry trees, and have the freedom to get around with a rental car.
Here’s the plan:
18-day itinerary in Japan (April 25 → May 12)
Goal: freedom, late cherry blossoms, culture & nature
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
---
Days 1–3: Tokyo (April 25–27) Arrival and adjustment (no car needed yet). Neighborhoods to visit: Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya, Odaiba. Suggested activities: Ghibli Museum, Sumida River cruise, izakaya meals. Late cherry blossoms (yaezakura) possible at Shinjuku Gyoen. Pick up the rental car on the morning of April 27.
---
Days 4–5: Mount Fuji & Hakone (April 27–28) Route: Tokyo → Kawaguchiko/Hakone (~2 h).
Activities: Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda (Fuji views + late cherry blossoms) Onsen baths, Hakone Open-Air Museum. Stay: ryokan with onsen and views of Mount Fuji.
---
Days 6–7: Takayama & Shirakawa-go (April 29–30) Route: Hakone → Takayama (~4 h).
Activities: Preserved old town, sake breweries, UNESCO village of Shirakawa-go. Stay: traditional minshuku (thatched-roof house). Cherry blossoms are finishing at this altitude — beautiful mountain/nature contrasts. ---
Days 8–10: Kyoto & Nara (May 1–3) Route: Takayama → Kyoto (~4 h 30).
Activities in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari (red torii gates), Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama, Gion (geisha district).
Day trip to Nara: Free-roaming deer in Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Stay: Kyoto (3 nights).
---
Day 11: Osaka or Himeji (May 4) Route: Kyoto → Osaka (~1 h) or Himeji (~1 h 30).
Option 1: Osaka → modern vibe, street food, castle. Option 2: Himeji → stunning UNESCO-listed castle. Stay: Osaka.
---
Days 12–13: Kanazawa (May 5–6) Route: Osaka → Kanazawa (~4 h 30).
Activities: Kenroku-en Garden (gorgeous in spring), Omicho Market, samurai district. Stay: Kanazawa.
---
Days 14–15: Northern Japan – Aomori / Hirosaki (May 7–8) Route: Kanazawa → Aomori (~7 h, possible to break via Sendai).
Activities: Hirosaki Castle Park (peak bloom early May). Northern onsen (e.g., Sukayu). Stay: Hirosaki or Aomori.
---
Days 16–17: Nikko (May 9–10) Route: Aomori → Nikko (~6 h).
Activities: Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji. Stay: Nikko.
---
Day 18: Return to Tokyo & Relax in Kamakura (May 11–12) Route: Nikko → Kamakura (~3 h) → Tokyo (~1 h).
Activities: Great Buddha, Zen temples, seaside at Enoshima. Final night: Tokyo before the return flight.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello everyone, what a pleasure to be back on this forum!
My partner and I are heading to Japan for the first time from mid-December to mid-January for 31 days. It’s a long-held dream we’ve been saving for over two years, and we want to enjoy ourselves while also being mindful of our budget for parts of the trip. We’d love to explore Tokyo, but we’ve chosen to spend more time in nature. My partner plans to get his driver’s license translated locally so we can rent a car. We’ve heard from friends who’ve been that Japan isn’t the best place for improvisation, so we’ve tried to allow plenty of time in each location to avoid rushing. Still, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the itinerary we’ve planned—whether it’s feasible in terms of travel and how interesting it seems. Given the recent increase in the JR Pass price and the fact that we’ll spend about ten days on Goto, Ojika, and Yakushima (where the JR Pass doesn’t cover travel), we don’t think it’s worth it for us. Instead, we’re planning to take the train from Tokyo to Fukuoka and then use buses and ferries for the rest of Kyushu. Here’s our itinerary:
1- December 13 / Arrival in Tokyo, one night in Tokyo, then departure for Fukuoka by train on the morning of the 14th.
2 - December 14-16 / 2 nights in Fukuoka, sightseeing, then departure on the evening/night of the 16th by ferry to Ojika Islands.
3 - December 17-21 / 4 nights on Ojika, cycling and exploring, then departure on the 21st by ferry to Fukue on the Goto Islands.
4 - December 21-24 / 3 nights on the Goto Islands, renting a car to explore, maybe a trip to Hisaka. Departure for Nagasaki by ferry on the morning of the 24th.
5- December 24-26 / 2 nights in Nagasaki, visiting the city and memorials, possibly the hot springs in Unzen. Departure on the evening of the 26th by bus or ferry (?) to Kumamoto.
6- December 26-29 / 3 nights in Kumamoto, sightseeing, day trip by car to Mount Aso and surrounding areas. Departure on the 29th in the late afternoon by bus to Kagoshima, overnight in Kagoshima.
7- December 30 to January 2 / Morning departure by ferry to Yakushima for 3 nights, hiking and exploring the island. Departure on January 2 on the only ferry (?) in the early afternoon back to Kagoshima.
8- January 2 to 5 / Uncertain leg... We’d like to spend the night of the 4th to the 5th at a ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen and then head back to Fukuoka and Tokyo by train on the 5th. From the 2nd to the 4th, since we’ll arrive in Kagoshima in the late afternoon, we thought we could head back up to Kumamoto by train or bus—going to Yufuin or Beppu would take much longer and leave us with very little time. But is it worth staying another 2 nights in Kumamoto to explore the area, given we’ll already be there for 3 days from December 26-29? Or should we stay in Kagoshima and head up to Kurokawa Onsen on the afternoon of the 4th for our overnight stay?
9- January 5 to 13, Tokyo and its endless things to do and see, then back to France!
If you have any advice on any of these stops, we’d love to hear it! Have a wonderful day.
My partner and I are heading to Japan for the first time from mid-December to mid-January for 31 days. It’s a long-held dream we’ve been saving for over two years, and we want to enjoy ourselves while also being mindful of our budget for parts of the trip. We’d love to explore Tokyo, but we’ve chosen to spend more time in nature. My partner plans to get his driver’s license translated locally so we can rent a car. We’ve heard from friends who’ve been that Japan isn’t the best place for improvisation, so we’ve tried to allow plenty of time in each location to avoid rushing. Still, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the itinerary we’ve planned—whether it’s feasible in terms of travel and how interesting it seems. Given the recent increase in the JR Pass price and the fact that we’ll spend about ten days on Goto, Ojika, and Yakushima (where the JR Pass doesn’t cover travel), we don’t think it’s worth it for us. Instead, we’re planning to take the train from Tokyo to Fukuoka and then use buses and ferries for the rest of Kyushu. Here’s our itinerary:
1- December 13 / Arrival in Tokyo, one night in Tokyo, then departure for Fukuoka by train on the morning of the 14th.
2 - December 14-16 / 2 nights in Fukuoka, sightseeing, then departure on the evening/night of the 16th by ferry to Ojika Islands.
3 - December 17-21 / 4 nights on Ojika, cycling and exploring, then departure on the 21st by ferry to Fukue on the Goto Islands.
4 - December 21-24 / 3 nights on the Goto Islands, renting a car to explore, maybe a trip to Hisaka. Departure for Nagasaki by ferry on the morning of the 24th.
5- December 24-26 / 2 nights in Nagasaki, visiting the city and memorials, possibly the hot springs in Unzen. Departure on the evening of the 26th by bus or ferry (?) to Kumamoto.
6- December 26-29 / 3 nights in Kumamoto, sightseeing, day trip by car to Mount Aso and surrounding areas. Departure on the 29th in the late afternoon by bus to Kagoshima, overnight in Kagoshima.
7- December 30 to January 2 / Morning departure by ferry to Yakushima for 3 nights, hiking and exploring the island. Departure on January 2 on the only ferry (?) in the early afternoon back to Kagoshima.
8- January 2 to 5 / Uncertain leg... We’d like to spend the night of the 4th to the 5th at a ryokan in Kurokawa Onsen and then head back to Fukuoka and Tokyo by train on the 5th. From the 2nd to the 4th, since we’ll arrive in Kagoshima in the late afternoon, we thought we could head back up to Kumamoto by train or bus—going to Yufuin or Beppu would take much longer and leave us with very little time. But is it worth staying another 2 nights in Kumamoto to explore the area, given we’ll already be there for 3 days from December 26-29? Or should we stay in Kagoshima and head up to Kurokawa Onsen on the afternoon of the 4th for our overnight stay?
9- January 5 to 13, Tokyo and its endless things to do and see, then back to France!
If you have any advice on any of these stops, we’d love to hear it! Have a wonderful day.
Hi there,
We’re heading to Japan for 34 days next summer with our 5-year-old daughter. We’ll be arriving and departing from Tokyo.
I’m currently planning our trip, and we’re constrained to head quickly to Okinawa because afterward, the prices for domestic flights rise significantly.
Here’s the rough outline of the route I’m considering. What do you think?
Thanks in advance!
1 night in Tokyo upon arrival. 7 nights in the Kyoto/Osaka area. 9 nights in Okinawa (+ Miyakojima or Ishigaki). 5 nights in the Kyushu region. 9 nights road-tripping through the Japanese Alps. 3 nights in Tokyo before departure.
We’re heading to Japan for 34 days next summer with our 5-year-old daughter. We’ll be arriving and departing from Tokyo.
I’m currently planning our trip, and we’re constrained to head quickly to Okinawa because afterward, the prices for domestic flights rise significantly.
Here’s the rough outline of the route I’m considering. What do you think?
Thanks in advance!
1 night in Tokyo upon arrival. 7 nights in the Kyoto/Osaka area. 9 nights in Okinawa (+ Miyakojima or Ishigaki). 5 nights in the Kyushu region. 9 nights road-tripping through the Japanese Alps. 3 nights in Tokyo before departure.
Fellow travelers,
Don’t they say "never two without three"? It seems so. Here I am again on the forum to share—and let’s be honest, indulge a bit of selfish pleasure—by recounting the story of this third installment in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Where? It’s all in the title. On the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, more precisely in the northwest between Fukuoka and Nagasaki. I hope to take you along with me for 19 nights and 18 full days this autumn of 2024. On the itinerary: gastronomy, crafts, festivals, waterfalls, encounters, and leisurely strolls in all simplicity.
A last-minute flight booked just 7 days before departure, and the route evolved regularly based on whims and accommodation availability, eventually settling on this:
- 5 nights in Fukuoka: Fukuoka city, Ukiha, Itoshima, Dazaifu, Yanagawa - 4 nights in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture: Okawachiyama, Arita, Takeo, Kashima, Yobuko, Karatsu, Kabeshima - 6 nights in Nagasaki: Ureshino, Higashi-Sonogi, Nagasaki city, Unzen, Sotome - 4 nights in Fukuoka: Karatsu, Fukuoka city
Most of the trip was done by car for practical reasons—easier access to certain places and freedom of movement—but also for the sheer joy of it. Despite slow traffic at times, driving in rural Japan is a delight.
If the program interests you, see you soon for the start of the journey.
Don’t they say "never two without three"? It seems so. Here I am again on the forum to share—and let’s be honest, indulge a bit of selfish pleasure—by recounting the story of this third installment in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Where? It’s all in the title. On the island of Kyushu in southern Japan, more precisely in the northwest between Fukuoka and Nagasaki. I hope to take you along with me for 19 nights and 18 full days this autumn of 2024. On the itinerary: gastronomy, crafts, festivals, waterfalls, encounters, and leisurely strolls in all simplicity.
A last-minute flight booked just 7 days before departure, and the route evolved regularly based on whims and accommodation availability, eventually settling on this:
- 5 nights in Fukuoka: Fukuoka city, Ukiha, Itoshima, Dazaifu, Yanagawa - 4 nights in Hasami, Nagasaki Prefecture: Okawachiyama, Arita, Takeo, Kashima, Yobuko, Karatsu, Kabeshima - 6 nights in Nagasaki: Ureshino, Higashi-Sonogi, Nagasaki city, Unzen, Sotome - 4 nights in Fukuoka: Karatsu, Fukuoka city
Most of the trip was done by car for practical reasons—easier access to certain places and freedom of movement—but also for the sheer joy of it. Despite slow traffic at times, driving in rural Japan is a delight.
If the program interests you, see you soon for the start of the journey.
Hi everyone,
So great to be back on this forum😉
I just lightened my wallet by 3000 € for 3 tickets: Paris > Tokyo > Osaka > Paris (well, not just mine—I’m exaggerating, there are two of us). For my daughter’s 10th birthday, we’re heading to Japan—it’s her "decade gift," though I thought she’d pick London🏴☠️. But I’ve been dreaming of going back to Japan since my 2013 trip, so I’ll admit this trip is (a lot) for me too. We’re traveling during school holidays, so the ticket prices are unfortunately sky-high. Maybe I could’ve gotten a better deal if I’d waited, but who knows... oh well, it’s done now. We leave at the end of October, so we still have a few months to prepare. That said, I’d rather start early to make sure we don’t miss anything (like the Ghibli Museum—I couldn’t go last time, and anyway, I’ll have to wait until September to book). Last time, there were three adults, so it was pretty straightforward. Eleven years later, well, now it’s two adults with a 10-year-old😛.
So I’m wondering how many days to spend in Tokyo. My daughter idealizes the city (that’s why she wants to go to Japan), and she’s really drawn to Japanese culture and food. Actually, what first got her interested in Japan were all the *kawaii* character products... Tokyo is such a fascinating city, but it can also be exhausting—especially for a kid, and I’m not sure what to expect. Beyond Tokyo, honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I was thinking of Hakone and maybe stopping by Fujikyu Highlands. Then heading down to Osaka for a few days in Kyoto before flying home (our return flight is from Osaka). We only have 11 days there (not counting the arrival day, and since our flight leaves at 11:30 PM on departure day, we’ll have the whole day), so it’s not a ton of time. I already spent a week in Kyoto on my last trip (huge crush on it), and I’d love to have two months there, but... well, you know how it is.
For example: 5 days in Tokyo 2 days in Hakone 4 days in Osaka/Kyoto
What do you think? If you’ve done this trip with kids, do you have any tips for family-friendly accommodations in Tokyo and Hakone? My daughter would love to try an onsen. We have a decent budget, but it’s not unlimited. We’d like to book as we go to spread out the costs a bit.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
I just lightened my wallet by 3000 € for 3 tickets: Paris > Tokyo > Osaka > Paris (well, not just mine—I’m exaggerating, there are two of us). For my daughter’s 10th birthday, we’re heading to Japan—it’s her "decade gift," though I thought she’d pick London🏴☠️. But I’ve been dreaming of going back to Japan since my 2013 trip, so I’ll admit this trip is (a lot) for me too. We’re traveling during school holidays, so the ticket prices are unfortunately sky-high. Maybe I could’ve gotten a better deal if I’d waited, but who knows... oh well, it’s done now. We leave at the end of October, so we still have a few months to prepare. That said, I’d rather start early to make sure we don’t miss anything (like the Ghibli Museum—I couldn’t go last time, and anyway, I’ll have to wait until September to book). Last time, there were three adults, so it was pretty straightforward. Eleven years later, well, now it’s two adults with a 10-year-old😛.
So I’m wondering how many days to spend in Tokyo. My daughter idealizes the city (that’s why she wants to go to Japan), and she’s really drawn to Japanese culture and food. Actually, what first got her interested in Japan were all the *kawaii* character products... Tokyo is such a fascinating city, but it can also be exhausting—especially for a kid, and I’m not sure what to expect. Beyond Tokyo, honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I was thinking of Hakone and maybe stopping by Fujikyu Highlands. Then heading down to Osaka for a few days in Kyoto before flying home (our return flight is from Osaka). We only have 11 days there (not counting the arrival day, and since our flight leaves at 11:30 PM on departure day, we’ll have the whole day), so it’s not a ton of time. I already spent a week in Kyoto on my last trip (huge crush on it), and I’d love to have two months there, but... well, you know how it is.
For example: 5 days in Tokyo 2 days in Hakone 4 days in Osaka/Kyoto
What do you think? If you’ve done this trip with kids, do you have any tips for family-friendly accommodations in Tokyo and Hakone? My daughter would love to try an onsen. We have a decent budget, but it’s not unlimited. We’d like to book as we go to spread out the costs a bit.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Hi everyone,
So happy to be back here !
I’m currently planning our first trip to Japan. We’ll be traveling with our two teens, aged 16 and 17. We’re doing a pretty classic loop, but I’d still love to hear your valuable input.
Here’s the itinerary we’re considering:
- Tokyo (5 full days) - Fuji Yoshida (1 night) - Matsumoto (1 night) - Kamikochi / Gokayama (1 night) - Kanazawa (1 night) - Ine (1 night) - Himeji - Kyoto (5 full days)
We’re thinking of renting a car for the Japanese Alps portion.
We’re planning a 3-week trip, so I still have a few days to allocate—maybe in the Japanese Alps.
What do you think of the itinerary? The detour to Ine might seem odd, but I really want to include a coastal part—any thoughts? Is renting a car in Japan a total hassle?
And finally, is it absolutely necessary to book all accommodations in advance if we’re traveling in August? Or can I leave some flexibility for the Kanazawa / Ine / Himeji portion? Maybe if we really love a place and want to stay longer?
Thanks in advance for your tips!!
See you soon,
Gwen
So happy to be back here !
I’m currently planning our first trip to Japan. We’ll be traveling with our two teens, aged 16 and 17. We’re doing a pretty classic loop, but I’d still love to hear your valuable input.
Here’s the itinerary we’re considering:
- Tokyo (5 full days) - Fuji Yoshida (1 night) - Matsumoto (1 night) - Kamikochi / Gokayama (1 night) - Kanazawa (1 night) - Ine (1 night) - Himeji - Kyoto (5 full days)
We’re thinking of renting a car for the Japanese Alps portion.
We’re planning a 3-week trip, so I still have a few days to allocate—maybe in the Japanese Alps.
What do you think of the itinerary? The detour to Ine might seem odd, but I really want to include a coastal part—any thoughts? Is renting a car in Japan a total hassle?
And finally, is it absolutely necessary to book all accommodations in advance if we’re traveling in August? Or can I leave some flexibility for the Kanazawa / Ine / Himeji portion? Maybe if we really love a place and want to stay longer?
Thanks in advance for your tips!!
See you soon,
Gwen
Here’s a little story about my first trip to Japan with my partner.
We went for our first visit from October 29 to November 13, 2024.
I had planned this entire trip back in November 2020, but given the health situation at the time, I had to cancel...
Here’s the classic route we took:
We booked everything ourselves and got a regional pass for the area from Kyoto to Hiroshima. The hotels were reserved 3 months in advance on Book... and Agod... (1030 € for 2 people for 13 nights = 80 €/night). For the flight, we chose a Qatar Airways flight with a layover to break up the long journey (950 € per person). We also got a pass on the same site (Japan-Experience) to take the train connecting Narita Airport to Shibuya Station (the N'EX Narita Express). Since the airport is 75 km from central Tokyo, we opted for this mode of transport, even though there are cheaper alternatives. After reading various posts on VoyageForum, I understood how important it was to have a Welcome Suica card to pay for public transport (subway, tram, bus, boat throughout the country), and we were able to buy one at Narita Airport. It turned out to be super useful! After a long but smooth journey, we found ourselves at Narita Airport in the evening. Even though we had a pass for the Narita Express, we had to go to a counter to make a reservation for the train (mandatory). Then, once we arrived at Shibuya Station, we took the subway for 2 stops and finally reached our hotel, exhausted (Hotel Asia Center of Japan – 270 € for 3 nights with breakfast included).
I had planned this entire trip back in November 2020, but given the health situation at the time, I had to cancel...
Here’s the classic route we took:
We booked everything ourselves and got a regional pass for the area from Kyoto to Hiroshima. The hotels were reserved 3 months in advance on Book... and Agod... (1030 € for 2 people for 13 nights = 80 €/night). For the flight, we chose a Qatar Airways flight with a layover to break up the long journey (950 € per person). We also got a pass on the same site (Japan-Experience) to take the train connecting Narita Airport to Shibuya Station (the N'EX Narita Express). Since the airport is 75 km from central Tokyo, we opted for this mode of transport, even though there are cheaper alternatives. After reading various posts on VoyageForum, I understood how important it was to have a Welcome Suica card to pay for public transport (subway, tram, bus, boat throughout the country), and we were able to buy one at Narita Airport. It turned out to be super useful! After a long but smooth journey, we found ourselves at Narita Airport in the evening. Even though we had a pass for the Narita Express, we had to go to a counter to make a reservation for the train (mandatory). Then, once we arrived at Shibuya Station, we took the subway for 2 stops and finally reached our hotel, exhausted (Hotel Asia Center of Japan – 270 € for 3 nights with breakfast included).
I set off (on October 9, 2010) with my backpack from the Takijiri-oji bus stop, the starting point of the Nakahechi Route, which takes two days to reach Hongu Taisha temple.
Day 1: 12 km and a cumulative elevation gain (CEG) of 750 m. It was raining heavily, but I was well equipped with lightweight Gore-Tex. Spent the night and had a very Japanese meal at the ryokan Tsuki-no-ya at the entrance of the small village of Chikatsuyu-oji.
Day 2: the toughest day: 25 km and 1,000 m of CEG (just as much in descents...). Beautiful weather. Lots of fairly steep slopes with many stairs. Spent the night and had a meal at B&B Café in Hongu. Check out their English website.
Day 3: a rest day to visit Hongu Taisha Temple, then Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen, where I spent the night at Ashita-no-mori. They’re charming, speak English, and they were the ones who booked my nights for days 2 and 4 since I don’t speak Japanese. Connections between these three villages are by bus. Beautiful weather.
Day 4: Kogumotori-goe branch, taken in the opposite direction to what many pilgrims do. Beautiful weather. 17 km and 450 m of CEG, with just as much in descents. Fairly steep slopes, sometimes slippery stone slabs, and a few stairway sections. Spent the night and had a meal at Koguchi Shizen-no-le.
Day 5: Cloudy but nice weather. Ogumotori-goe branch to Nachi Taisha. Nearly 17 km and 1,250 m of CEG, with 1,000 m in descents. Similar terrain to the other days. Visited the temple, then returned by bus and train to my "logistics base" in Shirahama.
Things to note: > Don’t carry too much water. There are drink vending machines in many places. Bonus: cold drinks and a sugar boost. > This route is a bit technical, but it’s doable for someone who’s prepared physically. PS: I’m 62 and not a superhuman. > Check out the Tanabe City Tourism Bureau website (www.tb-kumano.jp)—it’s very well done—and ask them to send you the small guide with the trail maps (Pilgrimage Route Maps). There’s a certain Brad Towle, very professional and efficient.
In conclusion: a trek off the beaten path, very rewarding to experience. Early October seems like the perfect time. But May or June should be great too. I didn’t encounter many hikers, except a few during the first two days because Monday was a public holiday. All Japanese.
I highly recommend this trail—the only one, along with the Camino de Santiago, to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Day 1: 12 km and a cumulative elevation gain (CEG) of 750 m. It was raining heavily, but I was well equipped with lightweight Gore-Tex. Spent the night and had a very Japanese meal at the ryokan Tsuki-no-ya at the entrance of the small village of Chikatsuyu-oji.
Day 2: the toughest day: 25 km and 1,000 m of CEG (just as much in descents...). Beautiful weather. Lots of fairly steep slopes with many stairs. Spent the night and had a meal at B&B Café in Hongu. Check out their English website.
Day 3: a rest day to visit Hongu Taisha Temple, then Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen, where I spent the night at Ashita-no-mori. They’re charming, speak English, and they were the ones who booked my nights for days 2 and 4 since I don’t speak Japanese. Connections between these three villages are by bus. Beautiful weather.
Day 4: Kogumotori-goe branch, taken in the opposite direction to what many pilgrims do. Beautiful weather. 17 km and 450 m of CEG, with just as much in descents. Fairly steep slopes, sometimes slippery stone slabs, and a few stairway sections. Spent the night and had a meal at Koguchi Shizen-no-le.
Day 5: Cloudy but nice weather. Ogumotori-goe branch to Nachi Taisha. Nearly 17 km and 1,250 m of CEG, with 1,000 m in descents. Similar terrain to the other days. Visited the temple, then returned by bus and train to my "logistics base" in Shirahama.
Things to note: > Don’t carry too much water. There are drink vending machines in many places. Bonus: cold drinks and a sugar boost. > This route is a bit technical, but it’s doable for someone who’s prepared physically. PS: I’m 62 and not a superhuman. > Check out the Tanabe City Tourism Bureau website (www.tb-kumano.jp)—it’s very well done—and ask them to send you the small guide with the trail maps (Pilgrimage Route Maps). There’s a certain Brad Towle, very professional and efficient.
In conclusion: a trek off the beaten path, very rewarding to experience. Early October seems like the perfect time. But May or June should be great too. I didn’t encounter many hikers, except a few during the first two days because Monday was a public holiday. All Japanese.
I highly recommend this trail—the only one, along with the Camino de Santiago, to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Feel free to contact me for more details.
Hi there,
We’re traveling to Japan as a family with two kids (10 and 8 years old) next summer, and we’ll have 16 days there.
I’d love to share our itinerary with you to check if it makes sense and also ask a few practical questions.
Day 1: Arrival, settling in, and exploring Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo Day 3: Tokyo Day 4: Tokyo or a day trip to Nikko? Day 5: Tokyo Day 6: Tokyo Day 7: Matsumoto Day 8: Kamikochi or Takayama Day 9: Takayama Day 10: Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa Day 11: Kanazawa Day 12: Kyoto Day 13: Himeji (is a full day needed?) Day 14: Kyoto (Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari—doable in one day?) Day 15: Kyoto Day 16: Osaka Day 17: Departure from Osaka
What would be the ideal neighborhood in Tokyo to stay in? (Good location, kid-friendly, etc.) For getting around, is a pocket Wi-Fi the only/best option? Is the Suica card suitable and sufficient for getting around all of Tokyo? Would the JR Pass be a good option for us? Are the Japanese Alps a good compromise for us if we want to see some of the Japanese countryside and maybe take a breather after the intensity of Tokyo?
Thanks so much in advance for your replies
We’re traveling to Japan as a family with two kids (10 and 8 years old) next summer, and we’ll have 16 days there.
I’d love to share our itinerary with you to check if it makes sense and also ask a few practical questions.
Day 1: Arrival, settling in, and exploring Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo Day 3: Tokyo Day 4: Tokyo or a day trip to Nikko? Day 5: Tokyo Day 6: Tokyo Day 7: Matsumoto Day 8: Kamikochi or Takayama Day 9: Takayama Day 10: Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa Day 11: Kanazawa Day 12: Kyoto Day 13: Himeji (is a full day needed?) Day 14: Kyoto (Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari—doable in one day?) Day 15: Kyoto Day 16: Osaka Day 17: Departure from Osaka
What would be the ideal neighborhood in Tokyo to stay in? (Good location, kid-friendly, etc.) For getting around, is a pocket Wi-Fi the only/best option? Is the Suica card suitable and sufficient for getting around all of Tokyo? Would the JR Pass be a good option for us? Are the Japanese Alps a good compromise for us if we want to see some of the Japanese countryside and maybe take a breather after the intensity of Tokyo?
Thanks so much in advance for your replies
Hi everyone,
Let me introduce myself—I’m Christophe. I’m taking the plunge and planning my first trip to Japan for late February 2026. There’ll be five of us: my wife and I, and our three daughters, aged 12 and 15. Between the internet, travel agencies, and social media, there’s info coming from all directions, but it’s tough to find clear, objective, and relevant answers. I’d like this first trip to follow a classic route: 4/5 days in Tokyo 4 days in Kyoto (Nara) 2 days in Osaka (maybe Universal Studios) I’ve got a few questions—could you share your thoughts? 1. Is it better to return to Tokyo to catch our flight home, or is flying out directly from Osaka a better option? 2. For accommodation, would you recommend a hotel or an Airbnb? Since there are five of us, I think we’d like a small kitchen and a bit of space. 3. The famous JR Pass: is it worth it, or should we just buy tickets for each trip? I’ve read that the JR Pass has gotten more expensive and isn’t the ideal solution anymore, especially if you’re staying in the same cities for several days. 4. We’d like to have two phones—do you recommend eSIMs or a pocket Wi-Fi?
That’s it—I hope you can help shed some light on this. Thanks! Christophe
Let me introduce myself—I’m Christophe. I’m taking the plunge and planning my first trip to Japan for late February 2026. There’ll be five of us: my wife and I, and our three daughters, aged 12 and 15. Between the internet, travel agencies, and social media, there’s info coming from all directions, but it’s tough to find clear, objective, and relevant answers. I’d like this first trip to follow a classic route: 4/5 days in Tokyo 4 days in Kyoto (Nara) 2 days in Osaka (maybe Universal Studios) I’ve got a few questions—could you share your thoughts? 1. Is it better to return to Tokyo to catch our flight home, or is flying out directly from Osaka a better option? 2. For accommodation, would you recommend a hotel or an Airbnb? Since there are five of us, I think we’d like a small kitchen and a bit of space. 3. The famous JR Pass: is it worth it, or should we just buy tickets for each trip? I’ve read that the JR Pass has gotten more expensive and isn’t the ideal solution anymore, especially if you’re staying in the same cities for several days. 4. We’d like to have two phones—do you recommend eSIMs or a pocket Wi-Fi?
That’s it—I hope you can help shed some light on this. Thanks! Christophe
From Southern Shikoku, between land and sea, to the blue waters of Miyakojima and finally Tokyo’s megacity
Hi everyone,
I have to admit, I really hesitated before deciding to write this travel journal... Writing one takes a lot of time and energy, and since this is my 4th trip, I wondered if it would actually interest anyone other than myself (both for the discovery and the writing). But after a few "Are you going to write a journal?" requests and especially the renewed pleasure from reading other travelers’ travel journals about Japan or elsewhere on this forum or elsewhere, I’ve decided to share this 4th installment in the Land of the Rising Sun here.
The itinerary: 27 full days, from late May to late June 2025, right in the middle of the rainy season, including:
-->13 days in Shikoku, from Kochi (Kochi Prefecture) to Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)
-->7 days in Miyakojima (Okinawa Prefecture)
-->7 days in Tokyo
The trip was decided on fairly last-minute this year, as usual.
I regularly check flight prices to track fluctuations for this destination, even without concrete plans. Finding a slightly cheaper direct flight (900 €) than what I’d seen in previous months (around 1,200–1,400 € on average) for a Paris-Tokyo route with Japanese airline ANA was too tempting to resist the urge to return to this enchanting country. After long hesitations between exploring the San’in region (Matsue, Tottori, Yamaguchi) and southern Shikoku, the decision was made—I took the plunge! The tickets are booked: Paris to Kochi with a layover in Tokyo, all with ANA, the airline I’d been dreaming of... for 1,120 € per person. Okay, it’s not cheap, but it’s still better than in 2023.
We leave in 2 weeks!! Now it’s just a matter of getting everything ready!
Intense work ahead in these 2 weeks to:
finalize a more precise itinerary and reach an agreement—yep, because even though we both love Japan, our preferences differ slightly, and we have to choose between exploring new places or taking time to revisit beloved spots... decide how much time to spend in each selected area without rushing while still exploring research places that might interest us and watch videos about Japan book accommodations: yes, it’s possible to do this on the spot as we go, but last year, we noticed that last-minute options were pretty expensive, so we’re booking ahead—even if it means keeping a few options open while we decide or see if better deals pop up later reserve rental cars order yen check the weather regularly and wonder if choosing the *tsuyu* (rainy season) was really a good idea—and whether we’ll be stuck in non-stop rain???
What a tough job, right? Traveling to Japan for a month—such a hard life! Despite this being my 4th trip, the excitement is just as intense as the first time.
The only small downside is that when we booked the flight tickets, there were only a few seats left, so we’re only sitting together on the international return flight. Plus, on the outbound flight, we’ve got the middle seats. Another lingering question: what French-language films will be available? According to the internet, the selection seems limited. Oh well, these are just minor details—it’s almost time to fly!
PS: I’ll be posting slowly and irregularly... so for those interested, be patient or maybe set an alert...
Hi everyone,
I have to admit, I really hesitated before deciding to write this travel journal... Writing one takes a lot of time and energy, and since this is my 4th trip, I wondered if it would actually interest anyone other than myself (both for the discovery and the writing). But after a few "Are you going to write a journal?" requests and especially the renewed pleasure from reading other travelers’ travel journals about Japan or elsewhere on this forum or elsewhere, I’ve decided to share this 4th installment in the Land of the Rising Sun here.
The itinerary: 27 full days, from late May to late June 2025, right in the middle of the rainy season, including:
-->13 days in Shikoku, from Kochi (Kochi Prefecture) to Matsuyama (Ehime Prefecture)
-->7 days in Miyakojima (Okinawa Prefecture)
-->7 days in Tokyo
The trip was decided on fairly last-minute this year, as usual.
I regularly check flight prices to track fluctuations for this destination, even without concrete plans. Finding a slightly cheaper direct flight (900 €) than what I’d seen in previous months (around 1,200–1,400 € on average) for a Paris-Tokyo route with Japanese airline ANA was too tempting to resist the urge to return to this enchanting country. After long hesitations between exploring the San’in region (Matsue, Tottori, Yamaguchi) and southern Shikoku, the decision was made—I took the plunge! The tickets are booked: Paris to Kochi with a layover in Tokyo, all with ANA, the airline I’d been dreaming of... for 1,120 € per person. Okay, it’s not cheap, but it’s still better than in 2023.
We leave in 2 weeks!! Now it’s just a matter of getting everything ready!
Intense work ahead in these 2 weeks to:
finalize a more precise itinerary and reach an agreement—yep, because even though we both love Japan, our preferences differ slightly, and we have to choose between exploring new places or taking time to revisit beloved spots... decide how much time to spend in each selected area without rushing while still exploring research places that might interest us and watch videos about Japan book accommodations: yes, it’s possible to do this on the spot as we go, but last year, we noticed that last-minute options were pretty expensive, so we’re booking ahead—even if it means keeping a few options open while we decide or see if better deals pop up later reserve rental cars order yen check the weather regularly and wonder if choosing the *tsuyu* (rainy season) was really a good idea—and whether we’ll be stuck in non-stop rain???
What a tough job, right? Traveling to Japan for a month—such a hard life! Despite this being my 4th trip, the excitement is just as intense as the first time.
The only small downside is that when we booked the flight tickets, there were only a few seats left, so we’re only sitting together on the international return flight. Plus, on the outbound flight, we’ve got the middle seats. Another lingering question: what French-language films will be available? According to the internet, the selection seems limited. Oh well, these are just minor details—it’s almost time to fly!
PS: I’ll be posting slowly and irregularly... so for those interested, be patient or maybe set an alert...
I had to leave Thailand as my 60-day visa was coming to an end, and this time I opted for a 14-day visit to Japan. I’d already spent 3 days in Tokyo a few years ago on a business trip, which left me with a great impression. Y, my Thai partner, had never been there. That’s why we chose a fairly classic itinerary, including a few castles and Kyoto among other things.
Before diving into the details of our trip, I’d like to recap the expenses we incurred. This will be useful for some of you, and it’ll help us prepare for our next trip to Japan.
I’ve categorized our expenses into 5 groups: - Hotels: 1150 € (breakfast included) - Transportation: 278 € (trains, buses) - Big expenses: 487 € (souvenirs and a few necessary items) - Excursions: 116 € (museum visits, temples, castles) - Daily expenses: 1125 € (meals, small purchases) Total = 3194 €, or 228 € per day on average. I’m excluding flights, as those depend on everyone’s arrangements (departure location, travel dates, etc.).
Jpeg below: apologies for “hotel” without a circumflex—my software isn’t French!
For hotels, we always chose decent but not luxurious places, well-located to let us walk to and from transportation hubs. We systematically avoided taxis, which are notoriously expensive in Japan. We’ve also gotten into the habit over several trips of traveling with minimal luggage: one duffel bag each (7-8 kg) plus the small carry-on allowed on planes (2-3 kg). This lets us travel with three sets of clothes (what we’re wearing plus two changes). We add a checked bag for the return trip to accommodate the things we buy along the way.
‘Transportation’ and ‘Big expenses’: I’ll give more details in the day-by-day account.
We didn’t do any extravagant excursions, like safaris or sports activities.
Meals and food make up the bulk of our daily expenses. We often ate at izakayas, which offer great value—between 2000 and 6000 yen for two (about 11-12 to 33-34 € for two, usually around 20-25 €). We didn’t hold back, but we also didn’t go to high-end restaurants.
More to come while I gather my photos: General Remarks.
Before diving into the details of our trip, I’d like to recap the expenses we incurred. This will be useful for some of you, and it’ll help us prepare for our next trip to Japan.
I’ve categorized our expenses into 5 groups: - Hotels: 1150 € (breakfast included) - Transportation: 278 € (trains, buses) - Big expenses: 487 € (souvenirs and a few necessary items) - Excursions: 116 € (museum visits, temples, castles) - Daily expenses: 1125 € (meals, small purchases) Total = 3194 €, or 228 € per day on average. I’m excluding flights, as those depend on everyone’s arrangements (departure location, travel dates, etc.).
Jpeg below: apologies for “hotel” without a circumflex—my software isn’t French!
For hotels, we always chose decent but not luxurious places, well-located to let us walk to and from transportation hubs. We systematically avoided taxis, which are notoriously expensive in Japan. We’ve also gotten into the habit over several trips of traveling with minimal luggage: one duffel bag each (7-8 kg) plus the small carry-on allowed on planes (2-3 kg). This lets us travel with three sets of clothes (what we’re wearing plus two changes). We add a checked bag for the return trip to accommodate the things we buy along the way.
‘Transportation’ and ‘Big expenses’: I’ll give more details in the day-by-day account.
We didn’t do any extravagant excursions, like safaris or sports activities.
Meals and food make up the bulk of our daily expenses. We often ate at izakayas, which offer great value—between 2000 and 6000 yen for two (about 11-12 to 33-34 € for two, usually around 20-25 €). We didn’t hold back, but we also didn’t go to high-end restaurants.
More to come while I gather my photos: General Remarks.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning a family trip to Tokyo for late October 2026, and I’d love your advice on organizing this stay. Here’s some info to give you a better idea of our situation: • There’ll be two adults (one with a mild mobility impairment, which makes long walks tricky) and a child who’ll be 13 at the time. • We’d like to spend around 15 days there to explore temples, traditional Japanese culture, and, of course, the world of manga and video games.
My questions: 1. Weather in October: What’s the climate like during that period? Should we pack any specific clothing? 2. Flight bookings: When’s the best time to book? And, in your opinion, is it better to fly from Paris or Brussels? 3. Accommodation: We prefer Airbnb-style rentals or similar. Which neighborhoods do you recommend for good location without too much commuting? 4. Trip duration: Are 15 days enough for a first trip? 5. Accessibility: Any specific tips for someone who struggles with long walks (accessible transport, routes, etc.)? 6. Other recommendations: Must-visit spots in Tokyo (or nearby) for a family that loves manga, temples, and Japanese culture?
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed starting the preparations, so any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your help!
Looking forward to reading your replies, Sam
We’re planning a family trip to Tokyo for late October 2026, and I’d love your advice on organizing this stay. Here’s some info to give you a better idea of our situation: • There’ll be two adults (one with a mild mobility impairment, which makes long walks tricky) and a child who’ll be 13 at the time. • We’d like to spend around 15 days there to explore temples, traditional Japanese culture, and, of course, the world of manga and video games.
My questions: 1. Weather in October: What’s the climate like during that period? Should we pack any specific clothing? 2. Flight bookings: When’s the best time to book? And, in your opinion, is it better to fly from Paris or Brussels? 3. Accommodation: We prefer Airbnb-style rentals or similar. Which neighborhoods do you recommend for good location without too much commuting? 4. Trip duration: Are 15 days enough for a first trip? 5. Accessibility: Any specific tips for someone who struggles with long walks (accessible transport, routes, etc.)? 6. Other recommendations: Must-visit spots in Tokyo (or nearby) for a family that loves manga, temples, and Japanese culture?
I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed starting the preparations, so any advice or personal experiences would be super helpful. Thanks in advance for your help!
Looking forward to reading your replies, Sam
Hi everyone,
Actually, we ended up going to Japan almost by chance. I’d caught glimpses of the country during business trips, and it had been on my “wish list” for a while, but I thought we’d go “when the kids were grown up.”
But this summer (2016), the kids couldn’t agree on a destination—their wishes were completely opposite. Then, realizing that flight tickets weren’t outrageously priced—and having read that Japan wasn’t as expensive as people think—we, the parents, suggested Japan… while warning that it would be scorching hot and humid and that no one should complain. Our eldest (18) was immediately thrilled: “Oh! Mom! I’ve always dreamed of going to Japan!” She convinced her brother (16) that it was the perfect destination. Deal sealed: we’re going to Japan, but no one complains about the heat.
After some forum discussions and family brainstorming, I settled on the following itinerary. One non-negotiable shaped part of our choices: being in Hiroshima on August 6th to attend the lantern floating ceremony. To avoid overloading the trip with extra transport, we skipped Nara, Nikko, and Kamakura.
Day 1 - Arrival at 8:30 AM in Osaka – Kyoto - around the station Day 2 - Kyoto - East - night: Kyoto Day 3 - Kyoto - North and center - night: Kyoto Day 4 - Osaka (stroll with Osaka Safari) - Fushimi Inari -night : Kyoto Day 5 - Train - Naoshima - night: Uno Day 6 - Teshima -night: Uno Day 7 - Naoshima – Hiroshima - night: Hiroshima Day 8 - Hiroshima – Commemorations - night: Hiroshima Day 10 - Miyajima- night: Miyajima Day 10 - Miyajima - Himeji Castle - night: Osaka Day 11 - Osaka - night: Osaka Day 12 - Kyoto - West -night: Osaka Day 13 - Kanazawa to Ainokura - night: Ainokura Day 14 - Shirakawa-go - Takayama - night: Takayama Day 15 - Kamikochi night: Takayama Day 16 - Takayama - return to Kanazawa night: Kanazawa Day 17 - Kanazawa -night: Kanazawa Day 18 - Travel to Tokyo (Shibuya) -night: Tokyo Day 19 - Tokyo (visit with Tokyo Free Guide – Yoyogi Park - Meiji Shrine - Harajuku - Takeshita-dori - Omote Sando - Odaiba) - night: Tokyo Day 20 - Tokyo (with Tokyo Safari) - night: Tokyo Day 21 - Tokyo (Tsukiji, Hama-Rikyu Onshi Teien, Asakusa and Senso-ji, Kappabashi, Ameyoko, and Ueno) - night: Tokyo Day 22 - Tokyo (Shibuya-Yoyogi Park again - Ikebukuro - Shinjuku (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Omoide-yokocho, Golden Gai) - night: Tokyo Day 23 - Tokyo (Yanaka – Ueno – Edo-Tokyo Museum - Takashita-Dori again - back to Shibuya) - departure at 10:50 PM for Paris
(You can access the published days directly by clicking on them).
The itinerary perfectly matched our expectations: a good pace, a wide variety of visits, the must-sees, but also a first taste of rural Japan. If we were to do it again, I’d do exactly the same (except for the back-and-forth between Kyoto and Osaka on Days 4 and 12, which were due to my desire to explore Osaka with Osaka Safari). Of course, we had to skip some sights, especially in Kyoto where we missed a few “highlights,” but that was a deliberate choice—I’d limited our time in the city, which is known for being stifling in summer.
For accommodations, we mixed Airbnb apartments and quadruple rooms in guesthouses and ryokan. It worked out perfectly. The apartments gave us more space and the chance to dine in some evenings, while the guesthouses and ryokan helped us experience Japanese customs.
First, a quick recap: all four of us were enchanted by our trip. Japan is a constant source of wonder, just like the preface of *Tokyo Sanpo* by Florent Chavouet describes—I’ll take this opportunity to plug the book, which I read with great pleasure after our vacation. That’s exactly it: everything is a reason for amazement. Everything is so different from home. I wanted to photograph everything around me constantly. I promise, I won’t say “photograph like a Japanese” anymore—during this trip, *I* was the Japanese. And I better understand the culture shock Japanese travelers experience in Europe.
As a friend of mine put it: “It’s simple—they have ten fingers, so they count in base 10. Otherwise, they do everything differently from us.” Well summarized.
Another thing: everything is easy. Everything seems to have its place and be exactly where it should be. The smallest detail seems to have been thought out to make life easier. Things that come to mind: the incredibly well-designed signage in train stations and the subway, the ubiquitous public toilets, designated smoking areas, those hyper-detailed maps with all the useful information available at every place we visited… These maps are so well done that we got into the habit of picking them up systematically. It’s that simple: I came back to Paris with a complete collection. And when we arrived in Takayama by car, our first stop was at the train station to get THE map. But this order goes beyond all these practical elements. There’s a certain *je ne sais quoi* that makes you feel like everything is exactly where it should be. Even during rush hour, in the crowds, people manage to avoid each other in a smooth, collision-free flow—the opposite of the Paris metro. Anyone who’s experienced certain transfers in Paris at certain times will understand.
The exquisite politeness of the Japanese and their desire to be helpful are another highlight of the trip. Every person we met tried to help us and make our lives easier. It was really great.
Oh! I almost forgot: Japan’s hyper-safe side. I’ve rarely felt as safe as I did in Japan. No need to keep an eye on your belongings—they’re not going anywhere. One example among many: in Tokyo, Japanese women leave their bags open with their smartphones casually placed on top. Even I could’ve taken them without them noticing, let alone a pickpocket… No wonder France is seen as dangerous.
That said, I’m not claiming Japanese society is flawless. The role of women and gender relations are downright shocking and archaic from our European perspective. I also don’t think I could live in such a codified society, where the individual is so dissolved into the collective. But for a vacation, it’s simply delightful. On that note, I recommend *Nââânde?!* by Eriko Nakamura, which I discovered after our trip on the recommendation of our eldest’s friend. It’s the story of a Japanese woman married to a Frenchman living in Paris, recounting her astonishment at French habits and customs. Even though I tried to be careful, I’m sure I made quite a few blunders.
As for the climate, it didn’t stop us from enjoying our trip. Sure, we were hot—*really* hot—but by protecting ourselves from the sun (hat for me, caps for the others, plus umbrellas—Japanese-style parasols) and drinking liters and liters of water, it was manageable and didn’t bother us too much, even if we probably had a slower pace than we would’ve with milder weather. That said, with small children, we would’ve struggled more.
Last point before diving into the trip details: the cost. Despite what I’d read, traveling in Japan is still expensive. I’m not talking about our specific trip, where—using our daughter’s 18th birthday and our 20th wedding anniversary as an excuse—I splurged on a few extras that drove up the cost. I was particularly surprised by the price of quadruple rooms, which is roughly the same as two double rooms. So for a family, that’s a significant extra cost. The various paid sites in Kyoto also add up. As for food, it’s generally cheap, but it would be a shame not to budget for a few extras to try some less affordable specialties—like Hida beef in our case.
Actually, we ended up going to Japan almost by chance. I’d caught glimpses of the country during business trips, and it had been on my “wish list” for a while, but I thought we’d go “when the kids were grown up.”
But this summer (2016), the kids couldn’t agree on a destination—their wishes were completely opposite. Then, realizing that flight tickets weren’t outrageously priced—and having read that Japan wasn’t as expensive as people think—we, the parents, suggested Japan… while warning that it would be scorching hot and humid and that no one should complain. Our eldest (18) was immediately thrilled: “Oh! Mom! I’ve always dreamed of going to Japan!” She convinced her brother (16) that it was the perfect destination. Deal sealed: we’re going to Japan, but no one complains about the heat.
After some forum discussions and family brainstorming, I settled on the following itinerary. One non-negotiable shaped part of our choices: being in Hiroshima on August 6th to attend the lantern floating ceremony. To avoid overloading the trip with extra transport, we skipped Nara, Nikko, and Kamakura.
Day 1 - Arrival at 8:30 AM in Osaka – Kyoto - around the station Day 2 - Kyoto - East - night: Kyoto Day 3 - Kyoto - North and center - night: Kyoto Day 4 - Osaka (stroll with Osaka Safari) - Fushimi Inari -night : Kyoto Day 5 - Train - Naoshima - night: Uno Day 6 - Teshima -night: Uno Day 7 - Naoshima – Hiroshima - night: Hiroshima Day 8 - Hiroshima – Commemorations - night: Hiroshima Day 10 - Miyajima- night: Miyajima Day 10 - Miyajima - Himeji Castle - night: Osaka Day 11 - Osaka - night: Osaka Day 12 - Kyoto - West -night: Osaka Day 13 - Kanazawa to Ainokura - night: Ainokura Day 14 - Shirakawa-go - Takayama - night: Takayama Day 15 - Kamikochi night: Takayama Day 16 - Takayama - return to Kanazawa night: Kanazawa Day 17 - Kanazawa -night: Kanazawa Day 18 - Travel to Tokyo (Shibuya) -night: Tokyo Day 19 - Tokyo (visit with Tokyo Free Guide – Yoyogi Park - Meiji Shrine - Harajuku - Takeshita-dori - Omote Sando - Odaiba) - night: Tokyo Day 20 - Tokyo (with Tokyo Safari) - night: Tokyo Day 21 - Tokyo (Tsukiji, Hama-Rikyu Onshi Teien, Asakusa and Senso-ji, Kappabashi, Ameyoko, and Ueno) - night: Tokyo Day 22 - Tokyo (Shibuya-Yoyogi Park again - Ikebukuro - Shinjuku (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Omoide-yokocho, Golden Gai) - night: Tokyo Day 23 - Tokyo (Yanaka – Ueno – Edo-Tokyo Museum - Takashita-Dori again - back to Shibuya) - departure at 10:50 PM for Paris
(You can access the published days directly by clicking on them).
The itinerary perfectly matched our expectations: a good pace, a wide variety of visits, the must-sees, but also a first taste of rural Japan. If we were to do it again, I’d do exactly the same (except for the back-and-forth between Kyoto and Osaka on Days 4 and 12, which were due to my desire to explore Osaka with Osaka Safari). Of course, we had to skip some sights, especially in Kyoto where we missed a few “highlights,” but that was a deliberate choice—I’d limited our time in the city, which is known for being stifling in summer.
For accommodations, we mixed Airbnb apartments and quadruple rooms in guesthouses and ryokan. It worked out perfectly. The apartments gave us more space and the chance to dine in some evenings, while the guesthouses and ryokan helped us experience Japanese customs.
First, a quick recap: all four of us were enchanted by our trip. Japan is a constant source of wonder, just like the preface of *Tokyo Sanpo* by Florent Chavouet describes—I’ll take this opportunity to plug the book, which I read with great pleasure after our vacation. That’s exactly it: everything is a reason for amazement. Everything is so different from home. I wanted to photograph everything around me constantly. I promise, I won’t say “photograph like a Japanese” anymore—during this trip, *I* was the Japanese. And I better understand the culture shock Japanese travelers experience in Europe.
As a friend of mine put it: “It’s simple—they have ten fingers, so they count in base 10. Otherwise, they do everything differently from us.” Well summarized.
Another thing: everything is easy. Everything seems to have its place and be exactly where it should be. The smallest detail seems to have been thought out to make life easier. Things that come to mind: the incredibly well-designed signage in train stations and the subway, the ubiquitous public toilets, designated smoking areas, those hyper-detailed maps with all the useful information available at every place we visited… These maps are so well done that we got into the habit of picking them up systematically. It’s that simple: I came back to Paris with a complete collection. And when we arrived in Takayama by car, our first stop was at the train station to get THE map. But this order goes beyond all these practical elements. There’s a certain *je ne sais quoi* that makes you feel like everything is exactly where it should be. Even during rush hour, in the crowds, people manage to avoid each other in a smooth, collision-free flow—the opposite of the Paris metro. Anyone who’s experienced certain transfers in Paris at certain times will understand.
The exquisite politeness of the Japanese and their desire to be helpful are another highlight of the trip. Every person we met tried to help us and make our lives easier. It was really great.
Oh! I almost forgot: Japan’s hyper-safe side. I’ve rarely felt as safe as I did in Japan. No need to keep an eye on your belongings—they’re not going anywhere. One example among many: in Tokyo, Japanese women leave their bags open with their smartphones casually placed on top. Even I could’ve taken them without them noticing, let alone a pickpocket… No wonder France is seen as dangerous.
That said, I’m not claiming Japanese society is flawless. The role of women and gender relations are downright shocking and archaic from our European perspective. I also don’t think I could live in such a codified society, where the individual is so dissolved into the collective. But for a vacation, it’s simply delightful. On that note, I recommend *Nââânde?!* by Eriko Nakamura, which I discovered after our trip on the recommendation of our eldest’s friend. It’s the story of a Japanese woman married to a Frenchman living in Paris, recounting her astonishment at French habits and customs. Even though I tried to be careful, I’m sure I made quite a few blunders.
As for the climate, it didn’t stop us from enjoying our trip. Sure, we were hot—*really* hot—but by protecting ourselves from the sun (hat for me, caps for the others, plus umbrellas—Japanese-style parasols) and drinking liters and liters of water, it was manageable and didn’t bother us too much, even if we probably had a slower pace than we would’ve with milder weather. That said, with small children, we would’ve struggled more.
Last point before diving into the trip details: the cost. Despite what I’d read, traveling in Japan is still expensive. I’m not talking about our specific trip, where—using our daughter’s 18th birthday and our 20th wedding anniversary as an excuse—I splurged on a few extras that drove up the cost. I was particularly surprised by the price of quadruple rooms, which is roughly the same as two double rooms. So for a family, that’s a significant extra cost. The various paid sites in Kyoto also add up. As for food, it’s generally cheap, but it would be a shame not to budget for a few extras to try some less affordable specialties—like Hida beef in our case.
I'd like to fly with Thai Airways to Japan. Could anyone—or several people—share their thoughts on this airline?
Hello,
Thinking this might be useful for VF members who, like me, want to get their French driver’s license translated for a car rental in Japan, here’s the email I received this morning from the consular authorities in Tokyo:
Dear Sir,
You can obtain the translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Address: 2-2-17 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8562 Phone: 81-3-6833-9100 Email: kchosa@jaf.or.jp Website: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/trans_f.htm (To find their office in Sapporo: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/list_translation.htm)
Information about driver’s licenses is available on our website: http://www.ambafrance-jp.org/spip.php?article781&var_recherche=driver’s%20license The consular section can no longer provide driver’s license translation services.
Best regards,
Consular Section
So, according to this message, no more mail-in translations through the consular authorities.
Sayonara.
Thinking this might be useful for VF members who, like me, want to get their French driver’s license translated for a car rental in Japan, here’s the email I received this morning from the consular authorities in Tokyo:
Dear Sir,
You can obtain the translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Address: 2-2-17 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8562 Phone: 81-3-6833-9100 Email: kchosa@jaf.or.jp Website: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/trans_f.htm (To find their office in Sapporo: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/list_translation.htm)
Information about driver’s licenses is available on our website: http://www.ambafrance-jp.org/spip.php?article781&var_recherche=driver’s%20license The consular section can no longer provide driver’s license translation services.
Best regards,
Consular Section
So, according to this message, no more mail-in translations through the consular authorities.
Sayonara.
Hi everyone,
I’m heading to Japan for the second time with my 20-year-old son. During our first trip, we spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto (plus the surrounding areas). This time, we’re planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 4-5 days and then head to the island of Naoshima. I’m looking for suggestions and advice: Is getting to Naoshima from Tokyo complicated? If so, do you have any recommendations for a stopover somewhere? Given that we’d prefer not to move every day, we’d rather settle in one place and then explore on day trips... Do you think it’s possible to do something like this: 5 nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku) 3 nights in Kyoto 2 nights in Naoshima (or is one night enough??) and if one night is enough, where could I spend a second night on the way back to Tokyo? 2 nights in Tokyo (I’d love your advice on staying in a different neighborhood—last time we stayed near Ueno Park)—keeping in mind we’re flying out of Narita.
I’m considering maybe skipping Kyoto, which I love but has apparently become *very* touristy... Not really keen on Osaka... since we’ll already have done Tokyo as our "big city." I’d prefer towns where nature is present... (a bit like Kyoto, which offers all that...)
For info, we’ll be traveling by train. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and help!
I have one last little question: Is cash still widely used in Japan, or not at all anymore?
Thanks so much,
Karine
I’m heading to Japan for the second time with my 20-year-old son. During our first trip, we spent two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto (plus the surrounding areas). This time, we’re planning to stay in Tokyo for at least 4-5 days and then head to the island of Naoshima. I’m looking for suggestions and advice: Is getting to Naoshima from Tokyo complicated? If so, do you have any recommendations for a stopover somewhere? Given that we’d prefer not to move every day, we’d rather settle in one place and then explore on day trips... Do you think it’s possible to do something like this: 5 nights in Tokyo (Shinjuku) 3 nights in Kyoto 2 nights in Naoshima (or is one night enough??) and if one night is enough, where could I spend a second night on the way back to Tokyo? 2 nights in Tokyo (I’d love your advice on staying in a different neighborhood—last time we stayed near Ueno Park)—keeping in mind we’re flying out of Narita.
I’m considering maybe skipping Kyoto, which I love but has apparently become *very* touristy... Not really keen on Osaka... since we’ll already have done Tokyo as our "big city." I’d prefer towns where nature is present... (a bit like Kyoto, which offers all that...)
For info, we’ll be traveling by train. Thanks in advance for all your suggestions and help!
I have one last little question: Is cash still widely used in Japan, or not at all anymore?
Thanks so much,
Karine
We're a family of five: one dad, one mom, and three kids aged 10, 15, and 18.
Before diving into each stop in more detail, here are a few general thoughts:
We wanted to sample a bit of everything Japan has to offer in terms of landscapes, accommodation, and transport. We were after walks, temples, restaurants, shopping, and some downtime—but no "all-inclusive experiences" or museums for this first visit.
Three medium-sized (60x42x25) canvas suitcases, plus a duffel bag and a few small backpacks. 23 kg in the hold on the way out, 60 kg on the way back. 36 kg of shopping, without even trying. I think this is the maximum suitcase size if you don’t want to stress on the Shinkansen: they fit easily in the overhead racks.
Round-trip with Cathay Pacific, layover in Hong Kong: no need to collect luggage in Hong Kong—we checked it in at departure and picked it up in Tokyo, and the same on the way back (checked in Osaka, picked up at our final destination). This let us explore Hong Kong without worrying about our bags. Food and entertainment were pretty good—meals included a little Häagen-Dazs on each flight, and the entertainment had way more Asian cinema than you’d find on a Western airline, which was a nice way to see how much weight Western culture carries in Asia.
Initial itinerary: Tokyo (3 nights) Hakone (2 nights) Takayama (1 night) Kanazawa (2 nights) Kyoto (4 nights) Osaka (1 night) Ishigaki (3 nights)
The original plan was to fly directly from Ishigaki to Hong Kong, but due to Typhoon Dolphin, we had to cancel the Ishigaki leg. Cathay didn’t bat an eye about swapping the Ishigaki-HK flight for an Osaka-HK one, even though it was twice as long. We were a bit too attached to the idea of ending the trip with some beach time and replaced Ishigaki with Shirahama. It was a mistake—we should’ve visited Hiroshima or spent a little more time in Tokyo instead.
Before diving into each stop in more detail, here are a few general thoughts:
We wanted to sample a bit of everything Japan has to offer in terms of landscapes, accommodation, and transport. We were after walks, temples, restaurants, shopping, and some downtime—but no "all-inclusive experiences" or museums for this first visit.
Three medium-sized (60x42x25) canvas suitcases, plus a duffel bag and a few small backpacks. 23 kg in the hold on the way out, 60 kg on the way back. 36 kg of shopping, without even trying. I think this is the maximum suitcase size if you don’t want to stress on the Shinkansen: they fit easily in the overhead racks.
Round-trip with Cathay Pacific, layover in Hong Kong: no need to collect luggage in Hong Kong—we checked it in at departure and picked it up in Tokyo, and the same on the way back (checked in Osaka, picked up at our final destination). This let us explore Hong Kong without worrying about our bags. Food and entertainment were pretty good—meals included a little Häagen-Dazs on each flight, and the entertainment had way more Asian cinema than you’d find on a Western airline, which was a nice way to see how much weight Western culture carries in Asia.
Initial itinerary: Tokyo (3 nights) Hakone (2 nights) Takayama (1 night) Kanazawa (2 nights) Kyoto (4 nights) Osaka (1 night) Ishigaki (3 nights)
The original plan was to fly directly from Ishigaki to Hong Kong, but due to Typhoon Dolphin, we had to cancel the Ishigaki leg. Cathay didn’t bat an eye about swapping the Ishigaki-HK flight for an Osaka-HK one, even though it was twice as long. We were a bit too attached to the idea of ending the trip with some beach time and replaced Ishigaki with Shirahama. It was a mistake—we should’ve visited Hiroshima or spent a little more time in Tokyo instead.
Autumn 2025 marks my 11th trip to Japan. I’ve neglected the south for too long, so like last year, it’s my main destination again.
We’ll revisit some familiar spots, but of course, we’ll also try plenty of new things. This trip feels a bit strange—no more of that initial magic, but on the other hand, we’ve really explored some off-the-beaten-path and private locations. The variety of regions, landscapes, and vehicles I’ve photographed is pretty remarkable. In search of vintage trains and threatened lines, I think my future trips will follow the same vibe.
After the 2017 and 2024 travel journals, it’s time to dive into Japan’s lesser-known side—all by public transport, of course. Day 1, arrival in Tokyo
The timing won’t be like other years since we arrive at Narita in the mid-afternoon after a layover in Hong Kong.
The only real mission for this afternoon is picking up tickets for the next day. And already, the first travel stress: I’ll have to rewrite the entire day because the Revaty Kinu 109 to Kinugawaonsen is fully booked, just like all the morning trains. So instead of a relaxed start exploring Ueno, I’m back to scrutinizing schedules. I manage to snag something last-minute after struggling for hours. Then, I wait for a message from Seiichi to meet up for dinner. Meeting friends on the first day and staying up late with jet lag—like I said, this trip isn’t like the others.
A great evening at a place I love.
We’ll revisit some familiar spots, but of course, we’ll also try plenty of new things. This trip feels a bit strange—no more of that initial magic, but on the other hand, we’ve really explored some off-the-beaten-path and private locations. The variety of regions, landscapes, and vehicles I’ve photographed is pretty remarkable. In search of vintage trains and threatened lines, I think my future trips will follow the same vibe.
After the 2017 and 2024 travel journals, it’s time to dive into Japan’s lesser-known side—all by public transport, of course. Day 1, arrival in Tokyo
The timing won’t be like other years since we arrive at Narita in the mid-afternoon after a layover in Hong Kong.
The only real mission for this afternoon is picking up tickets for the next day. And already, the first travel stress: I’ll have to rewrite the entire day because the Revaty Kinu 109 to Kinugawaonsen is fully booked, just like all the morning trains. So instead of a relaxed start exploring Ueno, I’m back to scrutinizing schedules. I manage to snag something last-minute after struggling for hours. Then, I wait for a message from Seiichi to meet up for dinner. Meeting friends on the first day and staying up late with jet lag—like I said, this trip isn’t like the others.
A great evening at a place I love.
Hi there,
I’m looking for tips, opinions, or travel companions for a family trip.
Is it still possible to find competitive rates (flights, accommodation, guides, etc.)?
Best regards🙂
Hi everyone, I’m Patrick, 67 years old, a seasoned traveler (already 22 trips outside Europe).
In autumn 2025, I took my first 3-week trip to Japan, with stops in Tokyo, Kamakura, Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Koyasan, Tokyo again, and Nikko.
I wanted to go back in May 2026 and explore some lesser-known places to complement my first trip.
Last year, there were four of us traveling together to discover Japan (a fairly classic itinerary). This time, I’ll be traveling solo for part of the trip and with a couple of French friends for the rest.
The weather was gorgeous in May, averaging around 25°C, with two very hot days in Kyoto and only two rainy days.
As usual, I organized everything myself, gathering plenty of information from various sites, including this one.
Transportation: An ICOCA card is essential. I got a 5-day Kansai-Hiroshima pass because I took the shinkansen between Hiroshima and Osaka three times, and it paid for itself quickly.
Accommodations: Mostly through Booking. No issues at all. Average cost was 46 € per night.
Meals: For breakfast, I alternated between buying food at a konbini to eat in my room or on the train and grabbing something at local cafés. For lunch and dinner, I tried to vary my meals as much as possible—lots of sashimi, sushi, and ramen. Okonomiyaki in Osaka and Hiroshima. Oysters in every form (raw, grilled, fried) in Onomichi and Hiroshima. A variety of seafood (shrimp, shellfish) in Hiroshima and Matsumoto. Fish whose names often escaped me, but notably mackerel and eel (unagi). Tempura and gyoza. Chicken skewers (yakitori) and one teppanyaki meal. One omakase meal (9 different dishes). In the end, not much meat aside from a few yakitori skewers. No splurges on super expensive wagyu or Kobe beef. Average dinner cost: 4,800 yen, drinks included.
The Itinerary: Day 1: Departure from Brussels Day 2: Arrival in Osaka Day 3: To Himeji, then Kurashiki Day 4: To Fukuyama, then Tomo no Ura, then Onomichi Day 5: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido Day 6: To Takahara, then Hiroshima Day 7: To Kyoto to attend the Aoi Matsuri parade Day 8: To Miyajima Day 9: Hiroshima, then Kyoto Day 10: Southern Kyoto Day 11: Northern Kyoto Day 12: Final day in Kyoto, then to Nagatsugawa Day 13: Start of the Nakasendo Trail (Magome to Tsumago) Day 14: Second day of the trail (Kiso Fukushima) Day 15: Third day of the trail (Narai), then Matsumoto Day 16: To Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) Day 17: To Tokyo Day 18: Excursion to Enoshima and Kamakura Day 19: Flight home, with a 10-hour layover in Hong Kong Day 20: Arrival in Brussels
Transportation: An ICOCA card is essential. I got a 5-day Kansai-Hiroshima pass because I took the shinkansen between Hiroshima and Osaka three times, and it paid for itself quickly.
Accommodations: Mostly through Booking. No issues at all. Average cost was 46 € per night.
Meals: For breakfast, I alternated between buying food at a konbini to eat in my room or on the train and grabbing something at local cafés. For lunch and dinner, I tried to vary my meals as much as possible—lots of sashimi, sushi, and ramen. Okonomiyaki in Osaka and Hiroshima. Oysters in every form (raw, grilled, fried) in Onomichi and Hiroshima. A variety of seafood (shrimp, shellfish) in Hiroshima and Matsumoto. Fish whose names often escaped me, but notably mackerel and eel (unagi). Tempura and gyoza. Chicken skewers (yakitori) and one teppanyaki meal. One omakase meal (9 different dishes). In the end, not much meat aside from a few yakitori skewers. No splurges on super expensive wagyu or Kobe beef. Average dinner cost: 4,800 yen, drinks included.
The Itinerary: Day 1: Departure from Brussels Day 2: Arrival in Osaka Day 3: To Himeji, then Kurashiki Day 4: To Fukuyama, then Tomo no Ura, then Onomichi Day 5: Cycling the Shimanami Kaido Day 6: To Takahara, then Hiroshima Day 7: To Kyoto to attend the Aoi Matsuri parade Day 8: To Miyajima Day 9: Hiroshima, then Kyoto Day 10: Southern Kyoto Day 11: Northern Kyoto Day 12: Final day in Kyoto, then to Nagatsugawa Day 13: Start of the Nakasendo Trail (Magome to Tsumago) Day 14: Second day of the trail (Kiso Fukushima) Day 15: Third day of the trail (Narai), then Matsumoto Day 16: To Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) Day 17: To Tokyo Day 18: Excursion to Enoshima and Kamakura Day 19: Flight home, with a 10-hour layover in Hong Kong Day 20: Arrival in Brussels
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Japan in April/May.
I’ll start my journey in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days.
I’d love your advice on accommodation, transportation, an itinerary, and whether a guide would be useful.
I’m traveling solo and could use a little reassurance.
Before I forget... how do payments work?
Thanks for your help, Petra
Thanks for your help, Petra
Hi, I’m Algerian and I have a residence permit in France.
In two months, I’m traveling to Japan with a Japanese visa, and I have a 16-hour layover in Incheon, South Korea. Do I need a visa to leave the airport and visit the area, or not?
On the way back, I have a 20-hour layover in Beijing, and same question—do I need a visa to leave the airport or not?
Thanks for your help!
Thanks for your help!
Hi there,
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
I’m planning a 3-week trip to Japan in May with Voyage Privé. The package includes a 5 GB eSIM, but my phone isn’t new enough to support it. VP told me I could buy a SIM card when I arrive at the airport. Sure enough, I’ve seen online that this is possible with different providers. I only need it for checking routes, looking up addresses, train schedules, etc.—basically using Google Maps, TripAdvisor, and similar apps. No heavy downloads or major internet use. All hotels should provide free Wi-Fi for that, right? Has anyone got any tips for me on this? What have you tried, and how much did it cost? Thanks for your help!
Hello everyone,
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies, Catherine
I’m reaching out to you because I’m planning our next big trip (Japan is really tempting us for the autumn!) and I have to admit, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.
My husband and I have always loved traveling, and at 75, we have no intention of stopping... But I find that everything’s getting so complicated. I try to be "modern" by booking online, but as soon as there’s a problem, we hit a wall.
A friend nearly missed her departure last year because of a visa issue that wasn’t explained properly on a website... and no one to call for help, just automated messages.
It makes me a little nervous to be alone in front of a screen so far away, especially since at our age, we like knowing there’s real support if our health takes a turn while we’re there.
Anyway, I’m tired of seeing my file passed from one person to another without ever having the same contact... Do you know of any small, trustworthy agencies or people who still work the "old-fashioned" way and really look after their clients? I love my independence, but I need a real face behind my project.
Thanks in advance for your advice, and I look forward to reading your replies, Catherine
Hi there!
I’m planning to spend a few days in Hong Kong in April/May to visit my son, who’ll be doing an exchange program there. We’d also like to take the opportunity to spend a few days in Japan. Do you have any tips on airlines in the region? I’ve seen deals on Skyscanner for HK Express, which seems like the local Ryanair. But I have no idea what it’s like.
Thanks in advance!
I’d like to do the Shikoku pilgrimage in spring 2026 (March, April, May, June—dates are flexible).
I’m looking for one or two people (50+ with free time) who’d like to walk this route. We could meet beforehand to prepare for this big adventure. Before reaching out, make sure you’ve done your research—you should know what this pilgrimage involves and have a good sense of the challenge. Interested hikers, don’t hesitate to get in touch! 😏
Hi there,
These cities aren’t in the guidebooks much, but they’re absolutely worth a detour—just 180 km from Osaka and perfect for a stop on your way back from the south or heading down from Osaka. I’ve been here for five days, and the autumn colors are simply stunning: bright reds, vibrant yellows, deep maroons, and lush greens against a crystal-blue sky. Fall here is magical. Plus, the canal in central Okayama (Nishigawa) is all lit up. Hardly any Western tourists stop here, but there are plenty of Japanese visitors.
I’m traveling to Japan with a young adult with autism (ASD) from July 28 to August 8, following a pretty classic route: Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. I’m looking for a schedule of the most spectacular fireworks displays during that time. So far, the dates for the major *hanabi* events aren’t available online yet. If anyone has them, I’d really appreciate it if you could share!
