Japan is the most popular destination for Australian tourists this winter, so we've compiled the perfect itinerary for the land of the rising sun.
Tokyo
Where else to begin but the largest city in the world – 35 million people or thereabouts – and its infinite expanse of medium-sized grey buildings, as far as the horizon from the Tokyo Skytree expands. First and foremost, this is the place to indulge in some of the rarer aspects of Japanese cuisine; uni, puffer fish (fugu), their own rendition of ox tongue and everything you can eat at the city’s many izakaya sushi bars. Plus all the usual suspects: Sushi / Yakitori / Unagi / Natto / Kare (curry) / Edamame / Teppanyaki / Teriyaki / Ramen / Tempura / Yuzu / Takoyaki / Rice Skewers. You also have to hit up the unique array of music bars, nightclubs and live music venues that make this city one of Asia’s cultural capitals.
The city is a bustling hub of activity, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences. From the serene Meiji Shrine and the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa to the futuristic districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku, Tokyo caters to diverse interests. The iconic Shibuya Crossing, a symbol of Tokyo’s energy, is a must-see spectacle.
Day One
- Omoide Yokocho
- Cross Shinjuku Vision
- Mori Art Museum
- Shinjuku Golden Gai
- Hair Of the Dogs
- Vent
Day Two
- Yayoi Kusama Museum – book well in advance
- TeamLabs – book slightly in advance
- Takeshita street
- Bar Martha
- Womb 1030
- Michikusa – Dinner
Day Three (head down to Hakone)
- Hakone Open Air Museum
- Old Ship at Hakone
- Mount Fuji / Fuji Five Lakes Area (we recommend booking a bus tour unless you’re hiring a car as a group)
- Lake Kawaguchi
- Arakurayama Sengen Park and Chureito Pagoda
Day Four
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
- Shibuya Sky
- Kinokuniya Books
- Ryogoku District (if you’re around in sumo season)
- Aoyama Hachi
- Aoyama Tunnel
Day Five:
- Imperial Palace (before 3pm)
- Explore the Shimokitazawa neighbourhood
- Tokyo Contemporary Art Museum
- Shinjuku District
- Suzume-no Oyado Ryokuchi Park
Osaka
Osaka is Tokyo’s playful little sister (a mere 19 million people or thereabouts including Kyoto). Here cigarette butts line the streets and punters dive into the canals on New Year’s Eve. But culinary delights are at the heart of Osaka’s identity, with the city being celebrated for its street food culture. Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and negiyaki (green onion pancakes) are just a few of the local specialties that tantalize the taste buds. Visitors can also explore Kuromon Ichiba Market, a food lover’s paradise offering fresh produce, seafood, and street food stalls.
Ensure you do day trips to Kyoto for the Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaju Ji (probably worth two days) and Nara (worth it for the temples, just don’t feed the poor, sad looking deer).
Day Six:
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori District
- Minami District
- Koyosan (Buddhist temple, stay overnight)
- Okonuoin Cemetary
- Nara Park (just outside Osaka)
- Kumano Kodo, Wakayama prefecture
- Kōraku-en (Second Great Garden)
- Shinsekai District
- Amerikamura
- Tenma (at night)
Day Seven:
- Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
- Umeda Sky Building / Doyamachoq
- Den Den Town
- Ebisu Bridge – NYE?
- Daphnia
Gunma and Nagano
The prefecture is home to several prominent mountains, including Mount Haruna, Mount Akagi, and Mount Myogi, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. The mountains also contribute to picturesque views and natural beauty throughout the region.
Gunma is famous for its numerous hot springs (onsen), providing relaxation and therapeutic experiences for visitors. Kusatsu Onsen, one of the most well-known hot spring resorts in Japan, is located in Gunma Prefecture. Plus, we recommend heading out to Yuki no Otani (Snow Corridor) in Toyama, Kanazawa and Shirakawago.
Day Eight:
- Hot Springs / Kusatsu Onsen – Gunma
- Snow Monkey Park – Nagano (two hours from Tokyo)
- Onsen – Nagano
- Narai – Nagano
- Kamikochi Hike – Nagano
- Kiyotsu Gorge and the Tunnel of Light, Niigata prefecture
