Japan | DIY Travel Guide for First Timers

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Finally, after 4 years, we had an opportunity to travel abroad again. This time to one of our dream destination, the land of the rising sun, Japan.

We visited Japan during winter season and spent 11 days and 10 nights exploring Osaka, Tokyo, Sapporo and Kyoto. In order to make the most of our vacation, we engaged in numerous activities, visited most tourist spots and eat as many local dishes as we can. This was not a budget trip to Japan but we’ll provide a comprehensive details and cover the essential costs in this guide for your reference. This guide will be helpful especially for first-timers.

We started our Japan experience in Osaka. 2nd largest metropolitan area in Japan. Renowned for its street foods, night life and shopping. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Osaka. However this includes our late night arrival and early morning departure on the 3rd day. Technically, we only spent one full day dedicated to exploring Osaka. We visited Shinsekai, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

WATCH THE OSAKA VLOG HERE

On our third day, we travelled from Osaka to Tokyo, Japan. Our stay in the capital of Japan spanned 3 days and 3 nights. During our time in Tokyo, we explored Asakusa, Shibuya, Akasaka, and Shinjuku. Additionally, we dedicated an entire day to experiencing Tokyo DisneySea.

On our 6th day, we checked out early and catch a flight to Hokkaido, the second-largest island in Japan. Situated in the northern part of Japan. Our plan was to spend an overnight stay in Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Known for beer, skiing, and snow festival. Did a DIY walking tour and visited Hokkaido Government Office, which was being renovated, Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, Susukino and Nijo Fish Market.

The last city we visited in Japan was Kyoto. The cultural capital of Japan known for well-preserved traditional wooden houses, shrines, palaces and historic streets. We spent 4 days and 3 nights exploring Kyoto, during which we visited iconic tourists spots like: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle and more.

NOTE: Ongoing update on Japan DIY Travel Guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN

The best time to visit Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO JAPAN FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Japan from Manila is via direct flight. There are several entry points to choose from: Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Haneda, Narita.

Depending on your travel, you can choose from several entry points available like Kansai, Nagoya, Haneda, etc.

For the common Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto tour, best option is Kansai Airport.

HOW TO GET TO NAMBA FROM KANSAI AIRPORT

To get to Namba from Kansai Airport, there are several options: train, bus or taxi. For this experience, we took a train to Namba.

There are several train options to choose from but during our visit, we decided to take the nearest schedule and fastest train available. We took the Limited Express Rapi:t to Namba. It has reserved seats, overhead compartments and luggage space.

You can buy a Nankai line ticket from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in advance here

HOW TO GET TO TOKYO FROM OSAKA

To get to Tokyo from Osaka, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane. However the travel time going to and from the airport also takes time and also has costs. Then, you also need to allocate time for check in and boarding. Lastly comfort is not promised.

The fastest and most convenient option is Shinkansen Bullet Trains. It is not the cheapest especially if you’ll book for a one-way ticket. Best if you avail the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass.

HOW TO GET TO SAPPORO FROM TOKYO

To get to Sapporo from Tokyo, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. Travel time is around 2 hours and costs around 16,000 to 21000 yen.

From New Chitose Airport, take the Rapid Airport Train. Travel time is around 40 minutes. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

Another option if you are a JR Pass holder is via Shinkansen Bullet Train. From Tokyo Station take the JR train to Hokuto Station. Then transfer to Rapid Airport Train to Sapporo Station. Total travel time is around 8 hours.

HOW TO GET TO TOKYO FROM SAPPORO

To get to Tokyo from Sapporo, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane. From Sapporo Station, take the Rapid Airport Train to New Chitose Airport. Travel time is around 40 minutes. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

Then, from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, take a plane bound for Tokyo. Travel time is around 2 hours and costs around 16,000 to 21000 yen.

Another option if you are a JR Pass holder is via Shinkansen Bullet Train. From Sapporo Station, take a JR Train to Hokuto Station. Then, transfer to Shinkansen Bullet Train bound for Tokyo. Total travel time is around 8 hours.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM TOKYO

To get to Kyoto from Tokyo, the fastest and cheapest way is via plane. However the travel time going to and from the airport also takes time and also has costs. Then, you also need to allocate time for check in and boarding. Lastly comfort is not promised.

The fastest and most convenient option is Shinkansen Bullet Trains. It is not the cheapest especially if you’ll book for a one-way ticket. Best if you avail the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass.

JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.