10 Days in Japan
Our Local-Lover’s Guide to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone
October, 2024
If you’re wondering why Japan—well, we went because we were ready to explore a whole new world. Tokyo’s buzz, the stunning nature, the rich culture, and of course—the food—had us hooked. So, we set off on an unforgettable 10-day adventure (plus 2 days of travel) to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, with a peaceful day trip to Hakone along the way for some much-needed nature.
Now, before you scroll through this and think, “This looks a little… basic,” I get it. I would’ve loved to turn this into a gorgeous, interactive blog or a map of all our favorite spots, but time didn’t quite allow for that. So, I’ve kept it simple with a curated list of Google Maps recommendations, mostly for those of you who are already in Japan or planning to travel soon. This isn’t a list of everything we did, but rather everything we researched and found based on high reviews and ratings. So, feel free to browse, pick what suits your vibe, budget, and where you’re at that day. :)
How We Travel: Like Locals, With a Twist
We’re not your typical tourists—we’re the kind of travelers who like to experience a place like a local. We walk a ton, get lost in neighborhoods, pop into random spots, and soak up the nature around us. As you probably already know (thanks to our IG), we’re foodies through and through 😁. So we’re all about checking out those high-rated restaurants, grabbing street food, and eating like the locals do.
We also have a soft spot for speakeasy bars—those hidden gems that give you all the cool, intimate vibes. Sure, we did some classic “touristy” stuff, but we were selective. And yes, we did shop 😎. I’ve also included some temples and touristy places, in case you want to tick those off your list too.
The Lowdown: Where We Went and What We Loved
Tokyo: We were seriously excited to dive into Tokyo’s crazy energy—there’s just so much to see and do. From checking out some amazing food spots to exploring quirky neighborhoods, Tokyo definitely delivered. We even carved out a day to get away from the city madness and head to Hakone for a peaceful nature break.
Kyoto & Osaka: Our time in Kyoto and Osaka was more laid-back but equally amazing. We loved wandering through traditional spots, savoring local dishes, and just enjoying the vibe of these cities.
A Few Notes to Keep in Mind
This list is based on our own research and personal experience—we didn’t make it to every spot on the map, but these were the highlights.
Everything is tagged on my IG highlights “Japan” & “Japan2,” so if you want to see more of our journey and where we went, check it out!
That’s it for now! I hope this little guide helps you plan your own trip to Japan. There’s so much to explore, and trust me, Japan will steal a piece of your heart. Happy travels! ✈️
To make Japan’s experience easier for you, below you’ll find everything linked
Osaka
Kyoto
Tokyo
Important Note: after visiting Japan I can say you might feel overwhelmed because there is A LOT everywhere and the options are endless (those lists are some of the good places). So just relax, explore & enjoy & don’t stress :)
“Japan teaches you how to slow down, how to pay attention, how to find richness in the quiet details.”