21 nights: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Ine. From Shinjuku's bar-hopping scene to Kyoto's tranquil temple lanes, this trip mixes city energy with quiet moments. A highlight is drifting through light and color at teamLab Borderless, followed by a soothing soak at Amanohashidate. We also wander Nara Park and admire the city views from Umeda Sky Building.
Memories From Abroad
Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Come early to avoid the crowds, as this is one of Tokyo’s most popular areas. The streets are open 24/7, so visiting early in the morning or late at night is also a great option.
3-chōme-14-6 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
There’s usually a queue, but it’s absolutely worth the wait for one of the best matcha experiences in Tokyo.
Japan, 〒111-0034 Tokyo, Taito City, Kaminarimon, 2-chōme−18−９ 浅草文化観光センタ 8階
Free entrance and one of the best viewpoints in the area. Visit at sunset for beautiful light, and stay to see Asakusa’s temple illuminated at night.
4-chōme-2-8 Shibakōen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan
Take time to walk around the surrounding streets to discover the best photo spots with different perspectives of the tower.
2-chōme-10-5 Nagatachō, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0014, Japan
A peaceful and underrated shrine, perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more local experience.
Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Extremely busy, but that vibrant energy is exactly what makes Shibuya so iconic and unforgettable.
Tokyo
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo, Japan
Famous for anime, manga, gaming culture, and neon-lit streets—especially fun to explore in the evening.
1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
We rented a car in Tokyo and headed to the Mount Fuji area. We rented our car through Orix. Note: Some European licenses aren't accepted in Japan, even with an international one. You'll need to get it translated. It's an easy and fast process.
Japan, 〒101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4-chōme−14−１ 秋葉原ＵＤＸ地下 １階
2-chōme-4-1 Asama, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0031, Japan
Visit at sunrise for a peaceful experience and almost no crowds. From around 9–10 a.m., it gets very busy as tour groups start arriving.
1395-1 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0301, Japan
There’s another Lawson nearby that’s very popular and often crowded. This location is much quieter and a better option for photos.
3-chōme-5-16 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan
A great creative café with a relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the carrot cake and matcha.
２５２５番地の１１先 Ōishi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0305, Japan
Lake Shōji, Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0336, Japan
Come for sunset — it’s one of the most underrated spots in the Mount Fuji area. When we visited, we were almost completely alone.
Lake Yamanaka, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi, Japan
604 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA
Try the famous fluffy pancakes — a perfect stop after exploring the lake area.
Japan, 〒401-0332 Yamanashi, Minamitsuru District, Fujikawaguchiko, Saiko, 根場 ２７１０
We gave back our car in Mishima and took the Shinkansen from there to Kyoto.
No activities planned for this day yet
312-1 Junpūchō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8021, Japan
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Japan, 〒605-0862 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 清水八坂上町３８８
Visit very early, ideally at sunrise, to enjoy the area without crowds and get the best photos.
Kamo River, Kyoto, Japan
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Beautiful at any time of day, but sunset is especially magical. You’ll get stunning views over Kyoto as the light softens.
1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Perfect for a day trip from Kyoto (less than one hour away). Uji is world-famous for its high-quality matcha.
Higashiuchi-1 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
A must-visit in Uji — don’t miss their matcha ice cream.
Renge-116 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Come early to avoid the crowds — around 7 a.m. or earlier is ideal for a quieter experience among the torii gates.
542 Ebisunochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8033, Japan
Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
１７番地 Sagatoriimoto Adashinochō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8436, Japan
A peaceful temple featuring a small bamboo grove and a very serene atmosphere.
2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan
Katsura River, Japan
Enjoy a relaxed walk along the river — especially nice for a calm break from sightseeing.
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Visit at night to see the shrine beautifully illuminated and experience a different, calmer atmosphere.
Japan, 〒604-8015 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nabeyachō, ２２０ FORUM木屋町/先斗町 1F-CD
22 Daigohigashiōjichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 601-1325, Japan
A UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s surprisingly quiet. When we visited, we had the temple almost to ourselves.
Japan, 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Shimokawarachō, 高台寺下河原町５２６
Known for its zen atmosphere and a small bamboo forest within the temple grounds.
21-5 Higashikujō Higashiiwamotochō, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8006, Japan
Opened in October 2025. The immersive experience felt even more impressive than teamLab in Tokyo.
No need to take the Shinkanzen, you can take the local train and be in Osaka in 1,5 hour.
No activities planned for this day yet
Nara, Japan
Meet and feed the famous free-roaming deer — one of the most iconic experiences near Osaka.
406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
160 Kasuganochō, Nara, 630-8212, Japan
2914-1 Aomatani, Minoh, Osaka 562-8508, Japan
Our favorite temple in Japan. Buy a small daruma, make a wish, and place it somewhere in the temple (or take it home). Don’t miss the stamp rally for a unique souvenir.
2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Visit before sunset to enjoy the warm evening light, then stay as the streets light up for a lively atmosphere.
1-chōme-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
2-chōme-9-19 Motomachi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0016, Japan
1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
You don’t need to pay the entrance fee — walking around the park already offers beautiful views of the castle from all angles.
1-chōme-3-5 Hōenzaka, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0006, Japan
A great spot for breakfast or a relaxed coffee break.
1-chōme-3-1 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan
Perfect for a fun afternoon filled with arcade games, bowling, and other indoor activities.
Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
4-20 Ōfukachō, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
A modern shopping area with a wide range of stores, cafés, and restaurants.
1-chōme-1-88 Ōyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
One of the best viewpoints in the city, offering stunning panoramic views over Osaka.
Hirata, Ine, Yoza District, Kyoto 626-0423, Japan
One of the best day trips from Osaka. A charming traditional village with wooden boathouses. We rented a car, but you can also enjoy a boat ride in the bay.
Amanohashidate Onsen, Monju, Kyoto 626-0001, Japan
Make a stop here to see one of Japan’s most famous sandbanks. Take the chairlift to the viewpoint for a stunning panorama.
Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan
No activities planned for this day yet