So you’ve finally managed to scrape up enough dosh to visit the land of the rising sun – Japan! 

This beautiful enchanting country is about 6,000 miles from the UK and average flight time takes around 11 – 12 hours direct. And if you transit through one of many hubs like Doha Qatar, Shanghai China and Singapore, you’re looking at anything between 15 – 30 hours. The longer the flight time, usually the cheaper the air fare.

Whether you go directly or not will depend on several factors like your budget, level of comfort waiting in airport lounges for connecting flights, self-transfers with your luggage, how much time at your disposal as you’d not want to take 30 hour flight if you only have a week off work and life commitments. Most optimal option would be different for everyone, but would usually mean striking a balance between time, budget & convenience. 

Anyways let’s get down to the nitty gritty! Firstly disclaimer: This is by no means an exhaustive list and please do bear in mind people’s interests vary so this list is quite deliberately generic and should be applicable to a lot of people. It is unashamedly based on what I have done in Japan in 6 days! I’m aware some people can do far more, and believe me some can do a lot less but use this guide as if you’ve 6 days but still want to enjoy Japan and all the amazing things it has to offer! 

So you arrive in Japan and most likely you’d have landed in Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita airport as that’s where vast majority of tourists enter the country, if you’re lucky enough to get there at sensible time e.g. before noon,  head over to your hotel, hostel or Air BnB drop your luggage off and only then are you ready to explore Japan! 

Day 1: Tokyo

Spend a couple of hours in the morning getting your bearings, find out what train/coach tickets you need for your itinerary!  Always better to do this straight off the bat!

Tokyo is a city like no other with its neon lit sky scrapers, historic temples, stunning gardens and an immense number of humans, 37 million calling Tokyo Metropolitan area home. Once you sort out the basics with train tickets, know where your base is vs rest of the city you’re ready to go on a whirlwind adventure. Visit the famous Shibuya Crossing – the world’s busiest zebra crossing and of the most visited attractions in Tokyo. The crossing is located outside of Shibuya station and you can either go to the Starbucks buy yourself a Frappuccino ( not a requirement) and watch pedestrians dart in every direction imaginable once the lights turn red or use the observation deck of Shibuya SKY which is also located right beside the crossing but you’ll have pay here and I don’t think it’s value for money as the Starbucks view does the job absolutely fine. 

In the afternoon – one can head over to Tsukiji/Toyusu Market –the world’s largest fish market and indulge in all manner of seafood in its plethora of restaurants.

In the late afternoon you can either head over to one of Tokyo’s many recreational parks like Ueno – Cherry Blossom mecca or if that’s not your thing you can either check out one of the many shrines & temples – coolest one of which is Asakusa shrine or head over to Akihabara for all things gaming, electronics & anime!

In the evening –  Shinjuku area boasts one of the liveliest night spots you’ll ever witness with its winding neon lit streets, miniature eateries & cool vibes, you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself.

Day 2: Mount Fuji 

A trip to Japan isn’t complete without visiting the majestic Mount Fuji. Firstly few facts about Mount Fuji:

  • It’s the highest point in Japan and an active volcano although it hasn’t erupted since the 1700s.
  • It’s located about 60 miles south West of Tokyo and can be seen from Tokyo on clear days. It takes about 2 hours or so on a train and about 3 hours on a Coach which is a lot cheaper unsurprisingly.
  • Mount Fuji is central to Japanese culture and is depicted in everything from art to movies to paintings and folklore.
  • Climbing season is only from June – August and the closest you get to the summit is 5th station outside of this season – where you’re able to see the beautiful scenery and Mount Fuji itself towering in the background.

There are plenty of transport options from central Tokyo areas to Mount Fuji and one of the budget friendliest and fulfilling is a guided Coach tour where you’ll be picked up in the morning and taken to Mount Fuji and the idyllic surrounding areas. It’s better to pick an option that includes Lake Hakone where you’ll witness breath-taking scenery & landscape with unrivalled views of Mount Fuji itself while cruising in the serene lake.

Day 3: Kyoto

Once the imperial capital of Japan Kyoto ( which is anagram of Tokyo) is another must see in a visit to Japan and I’d readily admit 2 day trip just simply isn’t enough but when you’re limited in time, then 2 day trip is well worth it. Kyoto is some distance away from Tokyo but with the bullet train one can get there in under 3 hours which means if you head out from Tokyo bright & early say: 7am you’ll be in Kyoto by 10am and have 2 whole days to discover the charms of this city that fuses the modern & the ancient in effortless style. Kyoto has a lot to offer but I’d suggest to make the most of your time, have an itinerary of all the places you’d want to see pre-planned. For instance I was able to arrive early enough to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its Torii gates, explore the historic Gion district – known for its traditional wooden houses and geisha sightings.

For lunch head over to the vibrant Nishiki Market to enjoy traditional Japanese foods from Bento boxes to Kyoto style ramen to the plethora of Sushi’s, there’s something for everyones taste. After lunch take a short train ride to the Bamboo Forest locally known as Arashiyama, the experience here is one of the most spellbinding you’ll ever experience anywhere with the rustling sound of the bamboo groves instantly putting you at ease.

In the evening – head over to Pontocho alley – one of the livelier places of this otherwise tranquil city, there you’ll discover narrow streets boasting a huge number of restaurants, hole-in-the-wall bars, and clubs.

Day 4: Kyoto

You may choose to start the morning with visiting the historic Nijo Castle, known for its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors. In the afternoon explore Kinkaju or Golden Pavilion to admire the stunning golden temple set in a beautiful garden. On to the evening –  If clubbing isn’t your scene you can always enjoy traditional tea in the tea houses all over Higashiyama district or visit Gion district to spot geishas, alternatively you stroll along the Kamogawa River and marvel at the serene atmosphere Pontocho alley has to offer.

 Day 5: Disneyland Tokyo

Disney! Who wouldn’t want to get in touch with their inner child for a day or two.  Tokyo Disney located short distance outside of the city is served by both Maihama and Tokyo Disneyland stations. It is also not as big as its American cousins but still covers respectable 115 acres of land and has over 45 rides to choose from for thrill seekers. The park has 7 seven themed areas including World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country and Toontown. All of these themed areas are parody of the original American theme parks and are based on Disney movies & characters. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time, but full day admission start at 7,900 JPY for adults and 4,400-6,200 JPY for children. It’s advised to book in advance for ease.

Day 6: Tokyo

Right so it’s your last day and you’re keen to wrap up your trip or plan for your onward journey.

You could spend some of the day visiting the many museum the city has to offer for a bit of culture. The most popular ones are below and you could expect the following:

  • National Museum of Nature and Science –   offers a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions covering natural science and history.
  • Tokyo National Museum – this massive structure is the oldest and largest art museum in Japan. It houses one of the world’s largest collections of art and artefacts from Asia, particularly Japan. So you’ll find plenty to appreciate if you’re an art lover!
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum – This museum showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Japanese art.

After you’ve spent the morning appreciating the cultural qualities this magnificent country has to offer, you can head over to The Imperial Palace built in the 15th century, and some of the walls and moats from those times are still intact here. While you can’t go inside, it is surrounded by beautiful grounds, a moat, and a park worth wandering through and all free of charge.

Now, if you haven’t already done so I’d suggest it’s time for a bit of souvenir shopping and you can find many shops in both Shinjuku & Shibuya areas or if you want more upmarket shopping district head over to Ginza where you’ll find more department store and premium shops

This itinerary offers a mixture of cultural experience, historical sites & culinary delights to make the most of your 6 day Kyoto trip but don’t forget to take time to simply wander the streets and soak in the unique vibe of this fabulous country.