Japan Trip Plan

#travel #japan #spring-2026

A 10-day loop through Kansai and Tokyo, aiming to keep the total around $1,700. Pulled ideas from Japan Travel and a friend's Kyoto food map.

Before You Go

Quick pre-departure checklist:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Order an ICOCA transit card
  • Buy a 7-day 14-day eSIM
  • Print hotel confirmations

Apps Worth Installing

  1. Google Maps — directions and transit times
  2. Japan Transit Planner — minute-accurate train transfers
  3. PayPay — handy at shops that skip cards

Tabi wa michizure, yo wa nasake. — Good company makes the road easier.

Grab onigiri from a convenience store for breakfast. Cheaper than hotel buffets, and honestly better most mornings.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 · Arrive in Osaka

  • 14:30 Land at KIX
  • Take the Nankai Line to Namba
    • Rapi:t express — about 38 minutes
    • Local train — about 45 minutes, saves $2
  • Evening: stroll Dotonbori and grab takoyaki

Day 2 · Kyoto

Early start at Fushimi Inari, then Gion in the afternoon. Kimono rental booked for 10:00.

Sight Priority

Spot Window Admission Notes
Fushimi Inari Taisha 07:00 – 09:30 Free Go early to beat the crowds
Kiyomizu-dera 11:00 – 12:30 $3 Great city views from the terrace
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 15:00 – 17:00 Free Gets packed on weekends
Kinkaku-ji — $4 Backup plan Skip if we're running behind

Budget Snapshot

Category Planned (USD) Actual
Flights $720 —
Lodging $480 —
Transit $200 —
Food $200 —
Shopping $100 —

Useful Japanese Phrases

Save these on your phone for quick reference:

すみません      — Excuse me / Sorry
お願いします    — Please (when asking for something)
ありがとう      — Thank you
これください    — This one, please
いくらですか    — How much is it?

Shopping List

  1. Shiroi Koibito cookies (Sapporo classic)
  2. Drugstore picks: sunscreen, eye drops
  3. Uniqlo collab UT tee
  4. Stationery: Midori traveler's notebook

Local Etiquette

  • Keep phone calls off on trains
  • Sort trash properly — public bins are scarce
  • Carry cash; smaller shops may not take cards

Final check one week out: review the visa document checklist and the weather forecast.

Have a great trip 🌸