Japan Guide for Beginners: Tokyo focused

Written By E. P.

I first travelled to Japan in 2017, as part of my undergrad degree.
I stayed in Tokyo for almost two months and also visited Kyoto, Nara, Mt. Fuji, and Lake Yamanaka.
Even though I always prep and organise a lot before a trip, this was a bit of a spontaneous experience for me.
I decided to apply to this summer program one night in November while studying in Boston, without even telling my parents.
When I got accepted, I told them, without even giving them space to discuss it, that was very me.
Anyway, I would be going for educational purposes, so my parents kinda accepted it. Also, Japan is so safe it was not so extreme in their mind.

The program would begin at the end of May, and until that time, I had barely researched what to do.
Since a schedule was already in place, I let go of this side of myself and was able to go there without preparation.
Usually, preparing a trip is a great idea, but honestly, Japan is a different situation.
You see, I went to Japan again in 2023, and let me tell you, I organized it completely!!
I had restaurant reservations, a daily itinerary, and even coffee stops were planned in this trip.
A few days in, and I was already sick of it. I was looking for space to relax and stop rushing everything, and that is the problem with organising a trip too much.

Let's get into it, though.

This is my holy grail of Japan for Beginners (as simple as possible).

Mindset

Plan the backbone, leave the gaps.
Book your flights, hotels, and a few special meals — then let Japan surprise you. Spontaneity is part of the magic.
My ideal day will always be, no plans, start with coffee, and walk to wherever you want.

Ideal First Trip Route (7–10 Days)

  • Tokyo – 4–5 days: modern city life, shrines, shopping, food.

  • Kyoto – 2–3 days: temples, gardens, old Japan.

  • Day Trips:

    • Nara – giant Buddha & friendly deer: Tōdai-ji Temple

    • Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko – nature & onsen

  • Optional add-ons: Osaka (street food), Hakone (onsen), Nikko (shrines).

Tokyo Highlights

Must-See Spots

  • Meiji Jingu Shrine – peaceful oasis in the city: Map

  • Senso-ji Temple – iconic red pagoda: Map

  • Shibuya Sky – glass rooftop views: Map

  • Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – classic park escape: Map

Coffee & Breaks

  • Blue Bottle Coffee (Shinjuku) – minimalist café, perfect pit stop: Map

  • Fuglen Tokyo (Shibuya) – cozy Scandinavian-style spot: Map

  • Little Nap Coffee Stand (Yoyogi) – local favorite near the park: Map

Restaurants to Bookmark

  • Ramen Nagi (Golden Gai) – cult ramen spot: Map

  • AFURI Harajuku – citrusy yuzu ramen: Map

  • Ikina Sushi Dokoro Abe (Aoyama) – excellent sushi with reservations: Map

  • Han-no-daidokoro (Shibuya) – yakiniku experience: Map

Museums & Art

  • Mori Art Museum (Roppongi) – contemporary art with skyline views: Map

  • Yayoi Kusama Museum (Shinjuku) – must-book ahead: Map

Kyoto Essentials

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple – sweeping views: Map

  • Fushimi Inari Taisha – iconic red torii gates: Map

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – nature walk + river views

  • Kamo River – evening walk lined with restaurants: Map

Food Tip: Try a kaiseki dinner or a monk’s meal at Tenryuji Temple Shigetsu.

Must-Eat Dishes

  • Sushi (omakase or conveyor)

  • Ramen (try AFURI or Ichiran)

  • Tonkatsu (breaded pork)

  • Yakiniku (grilled meat)

  • Shabu-shabu / Sukiyaki (hot pot)

  • Tempura (a bit oily sometimes)

  • Unagi (grilled eel - my favorite thing ever)

  • Okonomiyaki (savory pancake – Osaka specialty)

  • Wagashi (traditional sweets) & Dango

Basics & Tips

  • Transit: Suica card (Apple Wallet) for trains, buses, vending machines.

  • Connectivity: eSIM (e.g., Holafly) + Citymapper app.

  • Cash: Use 7-Eleven ATMs.

  • Timing: Metro stops ~midnight.

  • Luggage: Coin lockers & takkyubin (door-to-door delivery) make travel light.

  • Etiquette: Quiet on trains, queue politely, wash before entering onsen.

Best Times to Visit

  • Mar–Apr: Cherry blossoms (peak crowd).

  • Oct–Nov: Clear skies + autumn colors.

  • Summer: Hot/humid, more festivals.

Final Tip

Pick one big sight + one special meal per day — and leave the rest unplanned.
Wandering side streets, popping into tiny coffee shops, and following locals into ramen bars is where Japan’s magic happens.

Don’t forget to try combini ice cream!

E. P.
Next

Uncultured 101