Japan explored – 18 day itinerary

🌏🇯🇵 Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Join us as we explore the Land of the Rising Sun in an epic 18-day journey! From the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of the Hida Mountains, this itinerary has it all. Let’s dive into the details!

🗼 Day 1-3: Tokyo – Begin your adventure in the bustling heart of Japan. Discover the dazzling lights of Shibuya, the historic temples of Asakusa, and the futuristic vibes of Odaiba. Don’t miss Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea for a magical experience!

🌊 Day 4: Yokohama – Just a short trip from Tokyo, explore Yokohama’s beautiful harbor, the charming Minato Mirai district, and the breathtaking views from the Landmark Tower.

🚄 Day 5-6: Echigo-Yuzawa – Hop on the bullet train to Echigo-Yuzawa, a snowy paradise perfect for skiing and relaxing in hot springs.

🌸 Day 7-8: Kanazawa – Marvel at Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, and stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya district.

🏡 Day 9: Shirakawa-go – Step back in time in this UNESCO World Heritage village, famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

🏞️ Day 10-11: Hida Mountains & Takayama – Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Hida Mountains. Stay in a luxurious onsen ryokan, then explore Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town.

🌸 Day 12-14: Kyoto – Discover the ancient capital’s countless temples, serene gardens, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Experience traditional tea ceremonies and the beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

🥩 Day 15: Kobe – Savor the world-renowned Kobe beef and explore the port city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition.

🦌 Day 16: Nara – Wander through Nara’s deer park, home to friendly, free-roaming deer, and visit the majestic Todai-ji Temple.

🏙️ Day 17-18: Osaka – Conclude your journey in Japan’s kitchen! Enjoy mouthwatering street food in Dotonbori, visit the impressive Osaka Castle, and have a blast at Universal Studios Japan.

🌟 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss a moment of our incredible 18-day adventure across Japan! 🇯🇵✈️✨

#JapanTravel #Tokyo #Kyoto #Osaka #JapanItinerary #TravelVlog #DisneySea #UniversalStudiosJapan #Onsen #BulletTrain #KobeBeef #Adventure #ExploreJapan

Timestamps:
0:00 Tokyo
4:45 Yokohama
7:24 Disney Sea
9:01 Echico Yuzawa
13:12 Kanazawa
15:31 Shirakawa-Go
16:32 Kayzen Onsen – Hilda Mountains
18:20 Takayama
19:49 Kyoto
22:34 Kobe
24:28 Nara
25:22 Universal Studios Japan
27:40 Osaka

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[Music] we recently embarked on an unforgettable 18-day Journey Through The Land of the Rising Sun Japan from the vibrant cityscapes of Tokyo to skiing in the Japanese Alps to the Magnificent city of kazawa and then the Tranquil onsin nestled in the snowy mountain then down to the Timeless beauty of Kyoto’s temples and Gardens and ending in the electric atmosphere of Osaka’s bustling Street and mouth water Cuisine this video is just a glimpse of our adventure and more in-depth videos to follow with guides Insider tips and budget hacks for your family’s trip if you’re interested please subscribe and follow along how incredible adventure begins as we touch down in Narita Airport but tip number one before you hop on the Narita Express into Tokyo make sure you stock up with some of Tokyo’s iconic snacks from the famous take your banana to the irresistible sugar butter sand tree biscuits the options are endless our first stop was the suaka district where we wandered through the iconic Gates through to the bustling nakami sadori Street and all the way down to S SOI Temple this is such a lively Street and we indulged in Endless food options sing candied fruit skewers strawberry D fuku mitashi Dango and much more as the main street starts really bustling with large crowds we found the rest B exploring the Charming side streets of sasaka look out for the flagship Kura Sushi store in the area it’s great for sushi enthusiasts seeking both quality and value Sushi after a long flight and a bustling day of exploration we finally checked into our first hotel of the trip the henar akasaka Hotel while the robot checking might have seemed a bit unusual at first we quickly embraced the novelty and found ourselves enjoying this unique experience although the rooms are on the smaller side the hotel is situated in a vibrant neighborhood of akaaka we discovered that this was a perfect base for our Tokyo adventure with three Metro stations within a 10-minute walking radius of the hotel and a great 7eleven next store after some much needed rest we got an early start to get to the tukiji fish market arriving just after 7 a.m. this was perfect timing as the cues were short and we had our pick of all of the lights on display to sa we indulged in some of the freshest tuna sashimi and sushi we’ve ever tasted it we also experienced our first tantalizing encounter with A5 Waggy beef the most tender piece of steak I could ever imagine it left me craving more we seized the opportunity to indulge in some of Japan’s culinary Treasures amongst them was the savored and unique flavor of unagi and sea urchin a mustri dish is the Delight of tamagoyaki the Japanese rolled omelet with a sweet Savory and Incredibly satisfying taste after the market our next stop is just a 15minute bus ride away team lab Planet this is a immersive digital art museum and a must visit I won’t spoil the surprise but each room offers a unique interactive experience for lunch we visited the famous ichiran ramen restaurant a delicious Ramen that is definitely worth the waai in line finally we experienced shabuya Crossing during the day and plan to return for a night Crossing later on while in the area dropping to the mega Don keyote for some snacks and souvenirs my favorite is the 10 cheesy coin dinner started with dessert with a great little spot specializing in Japanese pancakes we tried the strawberry and anko and banana chocolate pancakes highly recommended returning to shabuya Crossing was an ey opener the streets are bustling with people enjoying the area at night amidst the Lively atmosphere you also get a glimpse of the famous Haiku statue day three started with a day trip to yok a city just a quick hour train ride from Tokyo our first stop was the cup noodle factory a great spot to learn about cup noodles and even get a chance to make a customized cup noodle with your own unique flavors the red brick wehouse is also a good stop for shopping and some snacks my favorite highlight of the trip was the Yokohama Chinatown area my favorite snack of the day the pork dumplings but there’s so many other amazing foods to try as you stroll down the alleys we took a cable Co over to our next stop Cosmo theme park thin park has a number of old school roller coasters in a great Ferris wheel to see the Majestic View of the city they also have some carnival style games and some food stores we took a sunset stroll down the pier on our way to the last stop of the day the Gundam Factory unfortunately this attraction was closing the month that we were there which I think is a real [Music] pity we got a late train back back to Tokyo but still had time for one of my absolute favorite meals gatu just to finish off a stunning day on day four we set out to the area of azabudai this is where team lab’s border list is located once again I don’t want to spoil your trip by showing you too much but it’s very different from Team lab’s planets the exhibits are interactive and continuously changing creating a dynamic ever evolving experience our next stop was Harajuku it has its famous teesa street known for its Instagram worthy snacks retail stores and vibrant atmosphere after indulging in the Delights of the cter street take a leisurely stroll through y yogi park a serene escape amidst the bustling City our last attraction for the day is a musi shabuya sky at Sunset make sure you book at least a month ahead to secure a times slot just before the sun sets shabuya Sky offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo and witnessing it during the sunset hour is truly Unforgettable the bonus as you witness the city transforming into a glittering Wonderland as the neon lights come to life day five Disney CA in Tokyo is an extraordinary theme park filled with beloved rides and attractions for all ages it’s a magical place where you can experience incredible adventure and save us some unique snacks if I had to choose my favorite three rides of the day my number one would be saring fantastic flight an incredible VR experience not to be missed two would be 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea a feeling of being submerged in the submarine is amazing and in third Pace would be raging Spirits an old school roller coaster that’s just pure V some of our best snack choices included the iconic smoked turkey leg a Disney classic that’s both hotty and delicious then there’s an adorable alien mchi cute and bustling with flavor and in third the chicken sausage on the bone a strange but delightful snack and don’t miss the sweet treats like the shell ice cream and the variety of churas found all around the park each bite is an adventure in itself we really had an absolute blast at Disney sea and would highly recommend you dedicate a full day to the experience of this one of a kind theme park whether you’re adrenaline junkie or a foodie Disney C has something magical for everybody it was time to leave the bustling Tokyo and escape to the Tranquil Japanese Alps we eagerly stocked up on Bento boxes and hopped onto the legendary bullet train to uzawa this thrilling Journey took a leisurely 1 and 1 half hours offering breathtaking views and a promise of a Serene Adventure ahead [Music] it wasn’t long after we enjoyed the snowy views that we pulled into Ichigo yazawa station as we stepped off the platform we were greeted with a crisp Mountain Air the station itself is a Charming Hub of activity bus in with Travelers and adorned with quaint shops and inviting restaurants at the end of the station you’ll find a shop called Coco the shop has got an incredible tasting room where you can taste some of the area’s great distilleries saki Soju or wine as we left the station to transfer to a hotel we were met with a Wonderland of snow the excitement bubbled up in us as we anticip fed the adventure that awaited Us in the snowy Paradise we hopped onto a free local bus Which conveniently takes you to any of the major ski resorts in the area we were based at isshi ski resort Al though it’s only a small ski area it’s got some great facilities and restaurants on site our hotel was conveniently situated just 150 M from the main Gondola the accommodation was a traditional roccon complete with the tatami mats the separate bathroom and a small [Music] Onsen we decided that we would spend the rest of the day at the gala ski area and hopped on to the local bus Gala offers not only skiing and snowboarding but has also got a myriad of snow-based activities to keep visitors entertained the popular ride is the snowmobile train but if you more adventurous hold out for the moon bike option this is a slightly more adventurous way to explore the snowy roads and trails offering a unique perspective of the stunning Mountain scenery G’s also got a great sledding facility that you can head just before you go and sit down for a hot lunch to warm up we started the day off by getting fitted for our skis and Snowboard eager to hit the slopes the slopes offer a variety of options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels from the gentl slopes for beginners to the challenging runs for more experienced skars amidst our exhilarating runs down the slope we took a break to grab some lunch at one of the many slopeside ites whether you’re indulging in a Hardy Mountain fair or enjoying a sweet treat you save at every moment while taking in the incredible scenery around us it was a perfect way to recharge before heading the slopes again making memories against the backdrop of the snow cap Peaks and panoramic fistas we had just enough time to Build a Snowman before crashing off to our long day on the slopes the next morning we had an early bullet train to catch the first of two trains that would take us to kazawa we booked our tickets on the green car just for a little luxury really good experience we got comfortable with a couple of snacks from 7-Eleven and laid back and enjoyed the trip if you didn’t make it past the 7-Eleven don’t worry you can grab some snacks on the train too nestled along the western coast of Japan kazawa is a city steeped in history and tradition yet pulsing with a modern energy our first stop is at omo Market it’s a great place to explore and grab a few snacks as you go along the market is mainly Seafood as come is always a coastal city here you can find an incredible array of fresh seafood from suying crabs to delicate shimi all sourced directly from the nearby Sea of Japan for dessert be sure to grab an ice cream with gold leaf coating as Kaz always famous for his Gold Leaf our next stop was the kazawa castle grounds and despite the rain we were undeterred from exploring the stunning krokan Garden one of Japan’s most incable Gardens amidst the enchanting beauty of the gardens there’s also a traditional shop serving mitashi Dango and warm amazaki drink this will warm you up for the second half of your exploration the gardens is a masterpiece of landscape designed and meticulously crafted over centuries to evoke the sense of Harmony and Tranquility we booked into our hotel the late afternoon I can highly recommend this hotel in kazawa as a it is only a 5minute walk from the train station the hotel also boasts some great facilities including a great onsin bath to relax in after a busy day the next morning we made our way to Toyota rentals to pick up our rental car that we would use for the next 4 days as we embarked on our journey we traveled through a series of tunnels each one leading us closer to our first stop of the day Sherika go as we arrived in the town we were greeted by a mesmerizing scene straight out of a winter wonderland the entire town laid beneath the blanket of pristine snow transforming it into a magical snow covered Paradise amidst the snowy charm of the town I couldn’t resist the temptation indulging in some of the local snacks and warm treats later we also enjoyed a magnificent lunch at a local family Family Restaurant where they treated us to a Hardy dish made with seasonal ingredients Source from the surrounding mountains before leaving we couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous pudding shop located in town they had won the prestigious best pudding prize in all of Japan with its silky smooth texture and rich flavor this is a definite must stop when you’re in town our destination for the day was our traditional onen Hotel situated in the hia mountains this beautiful traditional building boasts elegant tatami rooms each offering a Serene retreat with views of the surrounding slow cap Peaks we were delighted to discover a private onen bath attached to our Ro allowing us to soak in the warm Healing Waters while surrounded by the trle beauty of nature we ventured to explore both the private and public on sense whether you were soaking in the outdoor bars or the indoor bars the view of the snow covered landsape was amazing every moment spent in the onset was a blissful Retreat for body and soul thank you very much the highlight of us stay was the incredible kiseki meal including the famous H wagu beef it was an unforgettable experience each dish meticulously crafted to showcase the finest flavors and textures of the region the morning started with us indulging in the public on send nestled Outdoors next to the mountain and Forest covered in snow this magical Onsen bath was like a scene out of a fairy tale with the steam Rising gently from the hot water it created a mystical atmosphere before our late checkout we were treated to a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring an array of traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients it was sad to leave this incredible place but we’re excited to explore takiyama our first stop the famous myawa Morning Market the myawa morning Market is a vibrant and bustling Marketplace that stretches along the aawa River as we arrived we were greeted by the Lively atmosphere of vendors calling out the passes by showcasing an array of fresh produce local crafts and Regional Delicacies the air is filled with enticing Aromas of the food stalls all around you aans proudly displayed their handcrafted items from intricate Potter to delicate textiles offering a glimpse into the rich C cultural heritage of the region we strolled all the way from the market to the old town sunmi street this is a picturess area where history Comes Alive through its beautifully preserved Edo period buildings the narrow cobblestone streets are lined with traditional wooden Merchant houses suaki breweries and quain shops all exuding some Timeless charm from here we heading 3 hours south to Kyoto with a stop at a Japanese Road station for snacks as we drove the snowy landscape began to give way to The Greener Vistas making our transition from the winter wonderland of the mountains to a more tempered climate of Koto as we reached Kyoto we decided to explore fusini Yari in the evening this turned out to be a fantastic choice as the absence of the crowds allowed us to fully appreciate the Serene beauty of the shrine the famous Tory gate glowing softly in the evening light create a mesmerizing pathway that seemed to stretch endlessly into the forested mountain side I can highly recommend this experience after a long day it was great to check into the hotel and get the batteries recharged for the next day the next morning we got an early start and arrived in arishi area around 700 a.m. this early start allowed us to enjoy a tranquil walk through the bamboo forest with virtually no tourists around the Towering bamboo stalk sway gently in the morning Breeze creating a Serene but almost otherworldly atmosphere as we continued we discovered the beauty and charm of ourish CH from its historical temples and Charming streets to its Serene River views we explored some of the Lesser known temples in the area and we’re delighted to see some of the first cherry blossoms just starting to Blue a must visit spot near arish is rii Zen temple renowned for its stunning Rock Garden this iconic Rock Garden features 15 meticulously placed rocks amidst a sea of great white gravel designed to invoke meditation and contemplation for lunch we visited the vibrant Niki Market often referred to as kota’s kitchen this bustling Market stretches five blocks and is packed with over a 100 shops and stalls offering a dazzling array of Local Foods and Delicacies Niki Market Is Not Just A Feast for The Taste buts but also culinary experience offering a glimpse into Kyoto’s Rich culinary [Music] Heritage one of our most profound experiences in Japan was the Tea Ceremony with a Mico this traditional ritual it is steeped in centuries of history and cultural significance providing a deeply immersive and memorable experience the M meticulously prepares is the matcher with a practice Precision definitely book this experience ahead of time the exciting day had finally arrived marking the Fulfillment of a bucketless item eating coob beef in coob city we had booked a restaurant 2 months in advance for a Tepanyaki style coob beef set menu and the experience surpassed all expectation as we sat around the tepak and Grill we were treated to a sensory feast with each course showcasing the unparalleled quality and flavor of KOB beef the entire experience was magnificent from the impeccable service to the Exquisite presentation of each dish eating coob beef in coob city was truly a once- in a lifetime experience and one that I will treasure for years to come one more early morning took us to the famous K Madera Temple exploring this Temple while the massive crowds were absent made it truly worthwhile purged on the hillside overlooking Kyoto kadera is renowned for its stunning wood architecture breathtaking views and sacred waterfall the Tranquil atmosphere in the early morning allows for you to fully appreciate the Temple’s Beauty and significance making our visit truly memorable from the temple is just a quick walk to nanaka Street where you’ll see the iconic pagota our next stop was the famous Kakui also known as the golden Pavilion this iconic Temple is renowned for a stunning architecture and picturest setting making a must visit destination in Kyoto we boarded a 45-minute train from kyota station to Nara a city steeped in history and renowned for its ancient temples Serene parks and friendly dear Nara is home to some of the country’s oldest and most significant cultural landmarks the dear Nara is an integral part of the city’s charm and cultural heritage they roam freely through the Nara Park captivating visitors with their gentle demeanor and friendly interaction amongst the many temples to explore in Nara the most impressive is toi Temple renowned for its colossal Great Buddha statue which is one of the largest Bronze Statues of Buddha in the world the next day we were Bound for Saka having sent our luggage ahead using a foring service to our next hotel we wasted no time arrived at the Universal Studios at 8 a.m. our favorite part of the park was Nintendo World where we experienced Mario Kart ride and immersed ourselves into the exhilarating world of the iconic game in second place was when we ventured into the enchanting realm of Harry Potter World savoring our butterbeer as we explored the magic streets of hogm in third place was the ride I couldn’t resist the charm of the minions when it comes to food and snacks to look out for our favorites included the Smoky chicken leg delicious flavor and juicy tenderness in second place was the blooming onion a crispy and savory treat that satisfied our craving perfectly and in third place the pizza Danish slice offering a delightful Fusion of flavors in every bite on the sweet side the Minion Banana ice cream sandwich stole the show with a creamy texture and delightful banana flavor in second place is the melon freeze a refreshing sweet option and in third place was the blue Awan shark attack drink a fun and colorful beverage that added a playful touch to our Universal Studios experience an honory mention for all the churos available in the park also a great snack Universal Studios of Japan is indeed a fantastic family outing offering something for every age group to enjoy from thrilling rides to immersive attractions to entertaining shows and character encounters the park has something to Delight visitors of all ages the afternoon parade is also a highlight featuring vibrant floats live music and loved characters parading through the park creating a festive atmosphere for guests to enjoy overall usj’s amazing destination and I would highly recommend a visit to anybody looking for a fun and memorable experience in Osaka we booked into our Osaka hotel which is in a great location just 5 minutes walk from the tonberry known for its vibrant and Lively atmosphere Theon bbery is one of aaras most famous and bustling districts and often referred to as the Osaka kitchen we were immediately immersed in the energetic Ambiance with the neon lights Illuminating the streets and the giant mechanical signs dooner is a food lovers Paradise offering a wide variety of delicious specialities such as konaki Takaki and fresh sushi whether exploring a myriad of shops indulging in the local Cuisine or simply shaking up the dynamic atmosphere toonb is a must vis a destination that captures the essence of Osaka’s vibrant culture and nlife after having a bit of a sleep in we decided to explore the area around the Tuten Kaku Tower this iconic Landmark is located in the shin shakai district and offers a nostalgic glimpse into a Sak’s past the surrounding areas is a lively Hub of activity with an eclectic mix of entertainment options including traditional arcades pachenko parlers and small theaters another bucket list item was for us to sit at a traditional economy Yaki restaurant and watch how this Asaka speciality is made in these cozy inviting eateries the chefs skillfully prepare the Savory pancake right before your eyes on a hot griddle they mix cabbage batter and various toppings sizzling as it Cooks creating a mouth watering Aroma this experience of watching these Chef’s Artistry and then enjoying the delicious customized dish was truly a highlight for our visit to oaka on our last day in Japan we decided to keep it relaxed as we were flying out at midnight our must SE attraction for the day was the ma of sky building this architectural Marvel features Two Towers connected by a stunning floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor The Observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka making it the perfect spot to reflect on our Incredible Journey Through Japan we also couldn’t resist the final opportunity to save that iconicon Ramen our last evening was spent walking the bustling streets and saving our final oaka snacks before grabbing a tray to the kai airport to head home this video offers a quick glimpse of this remarkable trip but I’ll be dropping some more videos with detailed insights tips and budget hacks for each location if that sounds like something that’ll interest you subscribe and drop a like and we’ll see you at the next video sayara [Music]