Ready to go to Japan, but finding it overwhelming to figure out what to do, or how to get around? Do you want to see some of the must see stuff but don't want to get bogged down in the main tourist places? Do you like temples but just want to do the best ones? Maybe you want to see the highlights but also want to feel like you did it a little bit different? Do you enjoy being active and mixing it up a bit? Not scared to walk for the payoff? Then this is the guide for you. Featuring multiple cities, modes of transport, hikes, bikes, day trips. You can have your ramen and eat it too, in just 16 days! Featuring: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Onomichi, Shimanami Kaido and Kobe.

Japan

16 day Japan itinerary-Classic + Active

I won't presume to know where you are coming from, but likely if you are coming from overseas you will be arriving into Japan via air. For the purposes of this itinerary, start point is in Tokyo.

There are 2 airports in Tokyo, Haneda and Narita. Where you arrive into will likely depend on which airline you are flying with. Haneda is more convenient but for my budget peeps, Narita serves just fine- it just takes a bit longer to get downtown.

To travel into Tokyo while using your JR Pass

This airport is about 1 hour 15min from downtown Tokyo.

Getting around Japan, ordering food, figuring out what to do. All this is MUCH easier- as we all know- with the use of the internet.

There are a few ways to get data for use in Japan:

Selection between all of these will depend on a few things: how many people need the internet, where are you arriving into/departing from, and how many days do you need it.

This is likely your easiest option, you can activate it from home and have internet from the get go, you don't need to pick it up from anywhere, and the timeframes are pretty flexible.

Downside is that you need an eSIM compatible phone in order to use it, so if you are rocking an old generation or base model, this might not be an option for you.

I used: https://esimjapan.com and had no issues and great coverage in these areas.

This option may be better for you financially if you are travelling with a few people who want internet access, or if you don't have an eSIM compatible device.

This is a small device that you carry around with you, that you then hotspot to in order to have internet access.

You can order it from websites like Klook.com for pickup at the airport, and then drop it back at the end of your visit.

Downsides are the time spent picking it up/dropping it back. You will also need to charge it each night in order to have enough juice for the next day's use. 

If your phone is not eSIM compatible then you may be able to order a physical SIM card. If you order in advance you can have it shipped to your address ahead of time. Alternatively some mobile companies such as Sakura will have airport pickup options for their physical SIM cards, where no activation is required- this could be useful if you are concerned about it working, or your ability to set it up.

As most people would be aware, a big part of getting around Japan is utilizing the train system, either local trains, regional trains, or shinkansen (bullet trains). This itinerary requires the use of travel on many trains in order to get around.

The easiest method is still probably acquiring a JR pass prior to leaving your country. This is a discounted train pass valid for a set number of days (7, 14 or 21) that allows you to travel on the majority of trains on this itinerary using the pass you have already purchased.

You need to purchase this while in your home country, not more than 2 months prior to your first date of pass activation, but with enough time in order to receive it via shipping to your address.

The exchange order that you will receive in the mail then needs to be activated at a JR Service center in order to use it. You can attend a service center and choose a day for the pass to activate, you do not have to activate it the very same day you need to use it. There are JR service centers where you can do this at the major train stations in Tokyo- Shinkuju, Shibuya and Tokyo station, or you can activate it at Narita airport and Haneda airport.

You can travel on many trains knowing that you have already paid for your ticket and not worry about the price- as prices can be volatile for individual train tickets.

You can go on day trips or change your itinerary as needed, you have already paid for the ticket.

If a train is delayed or you miss it, no worries, just get on the next one.

You can go to the JR counters and have an attendant book your train reservations for you- just tell them where you want to go.

The cost of this pass has increased recently and therefore there is the chance that it will be more expensive to use the pass vs individually purchasing tickets.

If you lose it, its lost. No replacements.

Not all trains are covered, it does not usually cover the local subway, or some trains such as the Hakone Romancecar LTD EXP.

You can only purchase the pass for a set number of days. Check if it fits your itinerary, you may still have to purchase some individual tickets, or have unused days on your pass.

For the purposes of this itinerary, you can purchase a JR whole country pass for 14 days- and set it to activate on the day you leave Tokyo. 

Alternatively you can now purchase Shinkansen tickets up to 1 month ahead from your home country if you would prefer to do it this way to the destinations specified.

If you arrive into this airport you will need to allow for additional time to travel into Tokyo to your hotel.

There is a JR service center in this Airport where you can take your exchange voucher to activate your JR pass (for today, or a future day). This center is near the trains, follow signs for Train/Railway. You may need to change terminals.

If you choose to activate your JR pass on this date then the Narita express is covered under your pass. For this itinerary it is suggested that you wait to activate the pass until you leave Tokyo, instead you can purchase your Narita express tickets from a kiosk or ticket machines. The cost is approximately 3200¥

This train runs hourly and will drop you off at some major stations like Tokyo, Shibuya and Shinjuku, If your destination is nearby to one of these then this option would be a good one for you.

You can also purchase a WelcomeSuica card at the JR service center for use on the subway one you arrive in Tokyo. Or you can get them to help you buy a Narita express ticket if needed.

Note that this center can get quite busy as everyone coming off the flight has the same idea. However if you like your ducks in a row it may be worth it to you to stop here and get everything sorted.

If you take the subway after disembarking the Narita express you will likely go straight to the platform without purchasing an additional ticket, then when you go to leave using your Narita express ticket it will likely direct you to make a payment- do not panic, just go to the window with the staff next to the gates and they will tell you how much to pay to cover the cost of the subway fare.

To travel around cities like Tokyo and Kyoto you will mostly use trains, or busses.

In Tokyo you can purchase a WelcomeSuica or Pasmo card- a preloaded card that allows you to quickly get on and off transport without purchasing paper tickets. You can use this card on the Tokyo subway and even the Kyoto subway and busses. At the end if there is still money on it you can use it at some vending machines as payment to use up the cash- there is even a couple vending machines at Narita airport that accept this payment.

To buy this card there are kiosks that sell it at major train stations, and there are also ticket machines that allow the purchase of the cards.

Alternatively you can purchase paper tickets for the trains and busses, however it can be confusing trying to work out how to pay for your tickets, so it may be worthwhile to save the stress and get the prepaid card.

Busses will often prefer exact change for the tickets, however many do at least have a note exchanger up the front to exchange paper money for coins.

NOTE: The JR pass does not cover the Nozomi or Mizuho shinkansen. However there are alternative Shinkansen trains that travel the same lines, so it is not a problem.

Some busses and trains will require you to purchase paper tickets such as those in more regional areas.

Overall, like in any new place it can be a bit daunting to first use a transport system. It can only be explained ahead of time in so much detail. Don't worry about it, it will work itself out and the staff are happy to help you even if they don't speak much English. 

This is a cheaper but slower option to the Narita express, taking more like 90minutes and costing 1340¥

This train will get you to Tokyo station, however this line will not take you to Shibuya of Shinjuku without changing to a local train.

This option is not covered under the JR pass and will cost around 2740¥. Taking 40minutes it will get you to Nippori Station, from there you will likely need to change trains to get to your final destination within Tokyo.

There are multiple bus options available from NRT airport, one of the main ones is the Limousine bus company- recognizable for their orange signs.

You can purchase tickets that take you to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Roppongi and other areas. Ticket kiosks are located in each terminal, mostly in the main arrivals lobby.

Busses take approx. 70min and will cost around 3200¥

This is a visual guide of some of your transport options. If in doubt about the trains, check google maps and it will give you your soonest options and help you decide what might be the quickest option for you.

If you're boojie just say it by taking a taxi from Narita airport. This option is there for you but it will cost you $$$ as it is quite a long way.

If you want to travel for free on your JR pass you can take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can swap to the JR Yamanote line to get closer to your destination, mainly Shinjuku or Tokyo station areas.

NOTE: This option will only be free if you have chosen to activate your JR pass for this day. You can still travel this way by buying individual tickets or using a Suica card

You can take the Keikyu train line travelling towards Shinagawa and then swap trains from there in towards Tokyo, Shinjuku etc

Fares can be up to 1200¥ and you can purchase tickets at the airport

These are available outside the airport terminal and will cost up to 7000¥ (higher fares or late nights, or early morning)

This airport is the closest one to Tokyo center and services mostly Japan's own airlines.

You can exchange your JR pass at the airport at the JR East travel services center on arrivals, Level 2F. Opening hours are between 0645 - 1830

This line is a private line and not covered by the JR pass. It will cost you about 

Team Lab Borderless- you will need to book this activity ahead of time, likely before you depart. I recommend picking a morning slot.

Your first stop on this itinerary will be Tokyo. You will have heard multiple different opinions on this city by now from love it to hate it. However I found the majority of opinions to lie somewhere in the middle. Ultimately how much you enjoy it will depend on your likes and dislikes. If you love the quirky unique stuff and the tourist hot spots like the robot cafe, and absolutely must see and eat everything then you will likely enjoy it here and want to spend more time. If you have money to burn, love the nightlife and/or love to shop, you will again benefit from more time here. However, if you tend to travel by just wandering around and save your money for specific adventures then you may need less time.

Personally I think that 2 full days is enough to get a taste of Tokyo, especially if you are going elsewhere in Japan. But if you already have a list a mile long of things you want to see and do, then consider adding more days to your time in Tokyo.

This is one of those tourist activities that is worth the time to see. It is a bit of fun and you get some cool pictures.

Note: wear shorts- not trousers and not a skirt- as you will get your lower legs wet and some rooms have mirrors on the ground.

Lockers are provided for you to leave your shoes and bags etc. and loaner shorts are available if you forget to wear your own.

16 day Japan itinerary-Classic + Active

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