With just five days in Japan, it’s time to hustle if you want to go sightseeing as see as many of the must see locations and attractions as possible.
The wealth of towns, cities and nature spots means there’s no shortage of different itineraries, but one that allows a look into both the traditional history and modern Japan is Osaka – Kyoto – Nara – Tokyo.
This route is a good compromise for those who want a balance between urban and outdoor destinations as well as modern attractions and the overwhelming number of temples and shrines.
This itinerary can be adapted but gives you a good idea of the places to see in a short period of time.
Day 1: Get Accustomed in Osaka
Osaka is excellent starting point to a Japanese adventure. The city is very scenic and although the train lines look complicated at first, getting around is not difficult.
For a unique tourist attraction the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Noodle Museum is a fun place to see. You can even make a cup of instant ramen with freeze-dried toppings to eat or take home.
For some culture see the impressive Osaka Castle, which now operates as a museum. Thi is especially breathtaking in cherry blossom season. The Shitenno-ji Buddhist temple is also somewhere to see in Osaka, built in 593 it is one of the most beautiful structuures in Japan.
If you fancy a night out, Dotonburi is the best neighbourhood for nightlife. There are lots of bars and crowds fill the streets most nights. Wandering up and down the streets and checking out different bars is a great way to spend a night integrating into the local culture. If you want to sample some weird Japanese food consider takoyaki (grilled octopus balls) which are a popular local treat.
Day 2: Temples, Shrines and Palaces in Kyoto
Kyoto’s long and varied history is waiting to be discovered. The city is home to a plethora of shrines and temples dotting the city, with, The Golden Temple, Kinkaku-ji and the Silver Temple, Ginkaku-ji, are two must-sees, as is the ridiculously impressive Imperial Palace. Tours of the Imperial Palace are popular and require advance booking, but just walking around the park is enough for the average tourist.
Another attraction is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, founded in 778, which remains a feat of architecture, as the massive wooden main hall and stage were built without the aid of nails. You can also see if wishes really do come true by taking a drink from one of the three streams that flow down from the nearby Otowa Waterfall. The streams represent longevity, a full love life and success at school. Choose carefully, since drinking from all three is considered greedy.
If you arrive to Kyoto at the train station, its recommended to download or get a paper map and a day pass for the city buses. Walking along the river and finding yourself surrounded by traditional wooden houses is a special experience. Seeing real life geishas in Gion is a unique Japanese experience too.
Day 3: Deer and More Temples in Nara
Nara is a unique place to spend a day. The town’s famed deer located in Nara Park are ready to be photographed and visitors who buy bags of biscuits from vendors. The paths are well-marked, and travelers can pick and choose from a plethora of sites.
Todai-ji, a Buddhist temple is popular with foreigners and it is a marked reminder of Nara’s past as Japan’s first permanent capital. Kasuga Taisha is a color-soaked Shinto shrine, and Yoshikien Gardens feature three distinct Japanese gardens.
It’s not necessary to put much planning into a day in Nara: with its compact size and ease of navigation, it’s ideal for a relaxing day.
Days 4 & 5: A Race Around Tokyo
It’s time to enjoy Tokyo which is the largest city in the world.
Those who take the night bus (rather than the bullet train) will arrive in Tokyo early in time to enjoy breakfast in Tokyo Station and a gander around the local shops and neighbourhood.
The first place you should aim to see is the Imperial Palace, which opens at 9 a.m. Try to arrive a few minutes beforehand to get an advantage on the tour groups. The impressive palace is home to the Imperial family, and is surrounded by huge park-like grounds, most of which visitors are free to explore.
After the palace, time-travel back to the present in Harajuku, Tokyo’s famed shopping avenue. See local girls and women dressed in their costumes is different, from yama girls to mori girl outfits, this is not as popular as it once was, and as a tourist you can also take the opportunity to dress up too.
Harajuku is a vibrant destination and offers more than just clothing. B-side Label sells psychedelic stickers, posters and magnets that are cool, quirky souvenirs and the young ladies who run it are always up for practicing their English. Across the street, a two-story vintage shop sells retro dresses as well as second-hand kimonos and obis.
Nearby Shibuya is also a famed fashion district, and it’s also home to Tokyo’s most famous street crossing and an essential Instagram photo stop.
In between shopping and the traffic, take a breather in huge Yoyogi Park, which features the Meiji shrine. The park also hosts a large flea market every Sunday if you are there on the weekend.
End the day with just a bit more shopping in Akihabara, where fanboys and girls geek out at the shops and malls filled with electronics, toys, games and more.
On a second day in Tokyo start with, yes, another temple. Sensu-ji is Tokyo’s largest and lies in the district of Asakusa. The bustling district features a large open-air market leading up to the shrine that sells everything from homemade snacks to children’s toys. This is the time to splurge, as many shops sell kabuki prints, silks, original art, food and more.
After shopping and paying respects, follow the noise of servers to the restaurants that line the nearby narrow roads. And after that, a walk around the surrounding, much quieter blocks is a good way to start winding down after a whirlwind trip.
If your legs are up for it, spend your last yens on Sun Road, a covered street containing tons of shops and a used electronics bazaar, and is part of the incredibly popular Kichijoji neighbourhood.
Plan a Trip to Japan
Whether you want to take a unique cultural holiday, are planning a round the world trip or gap year in Asia, Japan really is a country you have to visit. Our guide has hopefully given you some ideas for how to spend 5 days in the country, if you worried about the language barrier consider group tours. Now go explore Japan for yourself.