🇯🇵 Japan April 2026 — Interactive Tour Guide

🗓️

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Tap any stop to expand facts, tips & map link

3 Apr

4 Apr

5 Apr

6 Apr

7 Apr

8 Apr

9 Apr

10 Apr

Day 0 · Wednesday

Arrival — Haneda to Osaki

3 April 2026

✈️ Arrival🚃 Keikyu Line🏨 Hotel Check-in

On Arrival

21:55

✈️

Arrive at Haneda Airport Terminal 3

Clear customs → Buy Welcome Suica at vending machines

▼

Terminal

T3 (International)

Arrival Time

21:55 JST

After clearing customs and immigration, your priority is to buy a Welcome Suica IC card before boarding any train. The vending machines are on the LEFT side just before the Tokyo Monorail/Keikyu ticket gates. Switch the machine to English first.

🎫 Buy Suica Here — Don't Skip This!

Select "Welcome Suica" · No deposit needed · Load ¥5,000–10,000 cash · Valid 28 days · One per person. iPhone users: add directly in Apple Wallet instead.

📍 Open in Maps

23:09

🚃

KK KK Keikyu Airport Line → Heiwajima → Osaki

Platform 2 → 5+1 stops → Heiwajima → Platform 3/4 → 1 stop · Pay with Suica

~23:35

🏨

New Otani Inn Tokyo

Tokyo base for Days 0–3 · 11 min walk or 5 min taxi from Osaki Station

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A comfortable 4-star business hotel in the Shinagawa area, about 15 minutes south of central Tokyo. Well positioned for the Keikyu and JR Keihin-Tohoku lines. Larger rooms than central Tokyo at the same price point.

💡 Hotel Tip

The hotel is ~550m / 9 min walk from Osaki Station (JY) or ~700m from Osaki Station (Keikyu). The Lawson convenience store across the road is open 24/7 for late-night snacks.

📍 Open in Maps

Day 1 · Saturday

Kamakura · Imperial Palace · Ginza · Tokyo Tower

4 April 2026 · Collect JR Pass at Tokyo Station today!

⛩️ Shrines🗿 Great Buddha🛍️ Ginza🗼 Tokyo Tower

Early Morning — Kamakura (Kanagawa)

05:45

🚃

New Otani Inn → Osaki → Shinagawa → Kamakura

JY Yamanote → Shinagawa · JO Yokosuka (arr 06:29) · JO Yokosuka Line (6 stops, arr 06:58)

07:12

🚃

Enoden Train → Kamakura-Kokomae (¥260) · arr 07:24

07:26–07:35 photo stop at beach crossing — the "Slam Dunk" shot

07:45

🗿

Kotoku-in — Great Buddha of Kamakura

07:45–08:20 · Open from 08:00 · ¥300 entry

▼

Height

13.35 metres

Built

1252 (cast bronze)

Entry

¥300

Opens

08:00

The Kotoku-in Daibutsu is one of Japan's most iconic images — a giant seated bronze Amida Buddha that has sat in the open air since a massive tsunami in 1498 washed away the hall that once surrounded it. Originally gilded in gold, you can still see remnants near the ears. You can actually go inside the hollow statue (¥20 extra) through small doors in its back.

📸 Photo Tip

Arrive early (before 08:30) for empty foreground shots. By 09:00 tour groups pour in. The best angle is slightly to the left of the main path, looking up with trees framing the statue.

📍 Open in Maps

08:50

⛩️

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

08:50–09:15 · Free · Walk Dankazura first for the iconic torii shot

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Founded

1063 AD

Deity

Hachiman (War God)

Entry

Free (inner ¥200)

Opens

06:00

The most important shrine in Kamakura and one of the most significant Shinto shrines in all of Japan. The long approach road (Dankazura) is lined with cherry trees — in April they may still be in bloom. The shrine sits at the top of a grand staircase overlooking the entire approach. Famous for Yabusame (mounted archery) ceremonies held here.

📸 Photo Tip

Stop just before the 2nd torii gate on Wakamiya-oji (Dankazura) — this is the iconic shrine perspective shot looking up the tree-lined avenue toward the main hall.

📍 Open in Maps

09:15

🛍️

Komachi Dori Street

09:15–09:45 · Kamakura's famous shopping street

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A lively, narrow pedestrian shopping street running from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. Packed with shops selling local specialties including hato sabure (dove-shaped butter cookies — Kamakura's most famous souvenir), matcha ice cream, pickles, and crafts. Great street food including grilled skewers and fresh warabi mochi.

🍡 Must Try

Hato Sabure cookies (the classic souvenir) · Matcha soft serve · Warabi mochi (bracken starch jelly) · Shonan-style seafood skewers

📍 Open in Maps

Midday — Tokyo (collect JR Pass)

09:57

🚃

Kamakura → Tokyo Station (JO Yokosuka, 12 stops, arr 10:53)

→ Midori-no-Madoguchi (Green Window) to collect JR Pass + all reservation slips

11:15

🏯

Imperial Palace East Garden

11:15–12:15 · Free · Open Tue–Sun 09:00–16:00

▼

Entry

Free

Hours

Tue–Sun 09:00–16:00

Area

21 hectares

Closed

Mon & Fri

The East Garden is part of the Imperial Palace complex, built on the site of the inner citadel of the old Edo Castle. Visitors can see original stone walls, historic guardhouses, watchtowers, and beautifully maintained Japanese gardens including irises, peony gardens, and traditional tea houses. The palace itself is not generally open to the public.

⚠️ Note

The garden is CLOSED on Mondays and Fridays. Since you're visiting Saturday (Day 1), it's open. Bring a bag check-in — security does check bags at the gate.

📍 Open in Maps

12:45

🌸

Ueno Park

12:45–13:15 · Peak cherry blossom season in April

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Ueno Park is Tokyo's most famous hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot, home to over 1,000 cherry trees. It's also where you'll find several world-class museums (Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art), a zoo, and Toshogu Shrine. In April the park transforms into a sea of pink and is absolutely packed on weekends.

🌸 April Cherry Blossom Tip

Even if petals are falling (hanafubuki — "petal snowstorm"), it's still spectacular. Grab a convenience store bento and join locals for an impromptu picnic under the trees.

📍 Open in Maps

Afternoon — Ginza & Shinjuku

13:30

🏙️

Ginza

13:30–16:30 · Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district

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Ginza (銀座, "silver seat") has been Tokyo's prestige district for over 150 years. The Chuo Dori main street hosts flagship stores for every luxury brand alongside Japanese stalwarts like Wako (the iconic clock tower building), Itoya stationery, and the extraordinary Tsukiji Outer Market nearby for a seafood snack. The area also has numerous galleries.

🗺️ Don't Miss

Itoya stationery (12 floors of beautiful Japanese paper and stationery) · Ginza Six (upscale mall with amazing architecture) · The Chanel and Louis Vuitton buildings have striking architectural facades

📍 Open in Maps

17:00

🌿

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

17:00–17:30 · ¥500 · Last entry 30 min before close

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Entry Fee

¥500 adults

Area

58 hectares

Trees

1,500 cherry trees

Closes

18:00 (last entry 17:30)

One of the most beautiful parks in Japan and a masterpiece of garden design, blending Japanese, French formal, and English landscape styles. Famous for having the longest cherry blossom season in Tokyo — with early-blooming and late-blooming varieties, the season here stretches longer than anywhere else. No alcohol allowed (unlike most hanami spots).

📍 Open in Maps

20:30

🌆

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

20:30–21:30 · Free observation deck · Open until 23:00

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Entry

Free!

Height

202 metres

Hours

09:00–23:00

Architect

Kenzo Tange (1991)

Tokyo's city hall (Tocho) has two towers, each with a free observation deck at 202m offering panoramic 360° views of Tokyo. On clear nights you can see Mt. Fuji to the west. After dark there's also a permanent projection mapping light show on the building facade in the plaza below (runs 17:30–21:30).

📍 Open in Maps

Night — Tokyo Tower

22:00

🗼

Tokyo Tower

22:00–22:15 · Open until 23:00 · Stunning at night

▼

Height

333 metres

Built

1958

Inspired by

Eiffel Tower

Open until

23:00

Tokyo Tower is an orange-and-white communications tower that became an icon of Japan's post-war recovery and economic miracle. It's 13 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower that inspired it. The tower is even more beautiful from outside at night — it changes colour on holidays and special occasions. The surrounding Shiba-koen neighbourhood has beautiful atmosphere at night.

📍 Open in Maps

Day 2 · Sunday

Odaiba · TeamLab · Harajuku · Asakusa · Shibuya Sky

5 April 2026

🎨 TeamLab🗽 Odaiba⛩️ Meiji🌃 Shibuya Sky

Early Morning — Odaiba (Tokyo Bay)

07:00

🌅

Symbol Promenade Park — Odaiba

07:00–07:30 · Free · Rainbow Bridge sunrise views · Cherry blossoms

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A spacious bayside park connecting the Odaiba shopping malls. In April, cherry trees line the walkways and the views of Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo skyline are spectacular — especially at sunrise. The park is almost empty at 07:00, making this the perfect peaceful start before the crowds arrive. Look for the life-size Unicorn Gundam statue nearby.

📍 Open in Maps

07:50

🗽

Odaiba Statue of Liberty

07:50–08:10 · Free · Rainbow Bridge backdrop

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A replica of New York's Statue of Liberty installed in 1998, positioned on the Odaiba waterfront facing Tokyo Bay with Rainbow Bridge directly behind it. Originally installed as a temporary exhibit for a French Festival, it proved so popular it was kept permanently. The combination of the statue, bridge, and Tokyo skyline makes for a uniquely surreal photo.

📍 Open in Maps

09:00

🎨

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

09:00–10:00 · Pre-booked tickets required · Remove shoes, go barefoot

🎟️ View Ticket — TIQETS-20260312-JBYF

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Type

Digital art museum

Duration

~60–90 min

Dress

No long skirts! Shorts/pants

Opens

08:30

An extraordinary immersive digital art experience where you wade through shallow water (to the knee in some rooms), walk through infinite mirror rooms filled with floating flowers, and are surrounded by projected art that responds to your movements. Created by the teamLab collective, the "Planets" concept means art as a physical experience, not just visual.

👔 Dress Code Warning

You WILL walk through water — wear shorts, trousers, or a skirt you can roll up. No long skirts or dresses. Remove all jewellery in the water rooms. Go early — waits get long by 11am. Photography without selfie sticks is allowed in most rooms.

📍 Open in Maps

Morning — Yoyogi, Meiji Shrine & Harajuku

11:00

🌳

Yoyogi Park

11:00–11:30 · Free · Cherry blossom picnic spot

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One of Tokyo's largest parks, adjacent to Harajuku and Meiji Shrine. In April the park is at its absolute best — a popular hanami (cherry blossom) picnic spot with locals and visitors alike. Unlike Shinjuku Gyoen, alcohol is allowed here, and you'll often see musicians, street performers, and weekend markets.

📍 Open in Maps

11:45

⛩️

Meiji Jingu Shrine

11:45–12:15 · Free · Peaceful forested shrine in central Tokyo

▼

Dedicated to

Emperor Meiji & Empress Shoken

Built

1920

Forest area

70 hectares

Entry

Free

Dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this shrine sits within a vast forested park of 70,000 trees — many donated from all over Japan when the shrine was built. The long gravel approach through towering cedar trees creates a remarkable transition from urban chaos to serene forest. Look for the huge meoto oinari (sake barrel) wall near the entrance.

🍶 Sake Barrels

The stacked barrels of sake near the entrance are donated annually by breweries. On the other side is a collection of French wine barrels — a tribute to the French influence during Emperor Meiji's reign.

📍 Open in Maps

12:30

🎀

Harajuku — Takeshita Street

12:30–14:30 · Wild fashion, crepes, Ura-Harajuku vintage

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Takeshita Street (竹下通り) is a narrow 350m pedestrian lane that's been the epicenter of Tokyo teen culture and street fashion since the 1970s. You'll find everything from decora kawaii to gothic lolita, crepe shops stacked to the ceiling with toppings, vintage denim, and character goods. For more sophisticated finds, explore the backstreets of Ura-Harajuku (Cat Street area).

🍦 Must Eat

Marion Crepes (original 1977 location) is at the top of Takeshita. The queue moves fast. Try the strawberry custard. Auntie Anne's pretzels are popular too if you want a savory option.

📍 Open in Maps

Afternoon — Asakusa

15:30

⛩️

Sensoji Temple

15:30–16:00 · Tokyo's most visited temple · Free · Golden hour lighting

▼

Founded

628 AD

Visits/year

30+ million

Deity

Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)

Entry

Free, always open

Tokyo's oldest and most visited temple, founded in 628 AD when two fishermen supposedly pulled a golden statue of Kannon from the Sumida River. The massive Kaminarimon Gate ("Thunder Gate") with its famous giant red lantern is the iconic shot. Walk through Nakamise shopping street to reach the main hall. The incense smoke (senko) at the main hall is said to bring good health — wave it over ailing body parts.

🔮 Try Omikuji (Fortune Slips)

Insert ¥100 coin, shake the metal canister until a numbered stick falls out, match the number to a drawer. If you get a bad fortune (kyō), fold it and tie it to the wire rack to leave it behind. Good fortunes get kept!

📍 Open in Maps

19:00

🗼

Tokyo Skytree

19:00–20:00 · World's 2nd tallest tower · Stunning night views

🎟️ View Ticket — TIQETS-20260312-AQNP · Entry 09:00

▼

Height

634 metres

Meaning

634 = "Musashi" (old name for region)

Main deck

350m

Top deck

450m

The Tokyo Skytree (東京スカイツリー) is the world's second-tallest structure and the tallest tower. Its height of 634m was chosen because the digits spell "Musashi" (6=mu, 3=sa, 4=shi) — the ancient name for the region. The design draws on traditional Japanese aesthetics, with a base that transitions from triangular to circular. Night views are spectacular — on clear nights you can see Mt. Fuji.

🌃 Night Visit Tip

Book tickets in advance online — on-day queues can be 60–90 min. The 350m Tembo Deck ticket (~¥2,100) is usually sufficient. The 450m Tembo Galleria add-on (~¥1,000 extra) offers a spiraling glass corridor around the tower top.

📍 Open in Maps

Evening — Shibuya

20:45

🌃

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

20:45–21:30 · Open-air rooftop · 360° views · Book in advance

▼

Height

229 metres

Price

~¥2,000

Closes

22:30 (last entry 21:30)

Location

Shibuya Scramble Square

Opened in 2019 atop the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, Shibuya Sky is Tokyo's most dramatic open-air observation experience. The rooftop deck is truly open — you stand in the wind at 229m with 360° views. You can see the famous Shibuya Crossing directly below, Tokyo Tower and Skytree simultaneously, and on clear nights, Fuji.

💨 Wind Warning!

The open deck gets very windy. Hats, loose items, and umbrellas are not allowed up top. Bags must go in a locker before the elevator. Lockers are free. Dress warmly on cool April nights.

📍 Open in Maps

21:30

🚦

Shibuya Crossing + Hachiko

World's busiest scramble crossing · Hachiko the loyal dog statue

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The Shibuya Scramble Crossing handles up to 3,000 pedestrians per cycle — all directions cross simultaneously when lights change. Best experienced from the Starbucks on the corner (2F, northwest corner) looking down. The Hachiko statue outside the station commemorates the Akita dog who waited loyally at the station every day for 9 years for his deceased owner — Japan's most beloved animal story.

📸 Best Crossing Shot

2F Starbucks (queue for window seat) or the rooftop terrace of Mag's Park (free, above McDonald's northeast corner) give the best overview shots. Or just be IN the crossing — it's an unforgettable experience.

📍 Open in Maps

Day 3 · Monday

Mount Fuji & Hakone Day Tour → Shinkansen to Kyoto

6 April 2026 · Tonight: Hikari 663 to Kyoto

🗻 Fuji🚡 Hakone🚄 Shinkansen

Full Day — Fuji & Hakone Tour (06:00–20:00)

~08:00

🏔️

Lake Kawaguchi

30 min · Classic Mt. Fuji reflection shot · Best on calm mornings

▼

The largest and most accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi · Oishi Park · Oshino Hakkai offers the quintessential Fuji reflection shot from its northern shore. April is one of the best months — cherry blossoms often frame the lake with Fuji behind, and the mountain is still snow-capped. The Chureito Pagoda shot (later in your day) is taken from above, while Kawaguchi gives the classic "perfect reflection" angle.

📍 Open in Maps

~09:00

🗻

Mount Fuji 5th Station

40 min · Highest driveable point · Usually snow-capped in April

▼

Altitude

2,305 metres

Fuji summit

3,776m (not accessible in April)

Temperature

~0–10°C in April

The highest point you can reach by road on Fuji. The Yoshida 5th Station has a visitor centre, shops selling Fuji-themed goods, and restaurants. In April the climbing trail above is still closed (reopens July). You can walk short sections of the path for views down the mountain. Bring a warm layer — it's significantly colder than the lowlands.

⛰️ Fuji Fast Facts

Fuji is Japan's highest mountain · Still an active stratovolcano (last erupted 1707) · Considered sacred since ancient times · About 200,000 people climb it annually in the official July–September season

📍 Open in Maps

~11:30

🏯

Chureito Pagoda

1 hr · The most famous Fuji photo spot · 398 steps up

▼

The Chureito Pagoda · Arakuyama Sengan Park is Japan's most photographed view — a five-story red pagoda with snow-capped Fuji rising behind it. You've seen this image thousands of times. It belongs to Arakura Sengen Shrine and requires climbing 398 stone steps from the base. In early April cherry trees around the pagoda may still be blooming, creating the legendary "quadruple composition" of blossoms, pagoda, and Fuji.

📸 The Shot

The famous shot is taken from the landing about 3/4 of the way up — you can see it in virtually every Japan travel guide. Arrive early morning for best light. In April with cherry blossoms it's absolutely magical.

📍 Open in Maps

~13:30

🏪

Lawson's Kawaguchiko — Famous Photo Spot

The iconic convenience store with Fuji rising behind it

▼

This particular Lawson convenience store in Kawaguchiko became globally famous because Fuji rises perfectly behind it on clear days. It's become so photogenic that the town installed a barrier across the viewing pavement to manage crowds. The shot is taken from across the road on the footpath. Grab lunch inside while you're here — Japanese convenience store food is genuinely excellent.

📍 Open in Maps

~15:30

🚡

Hakone Ropeway + Lake Ashi + Hakone Shrine

Volcanic valley · pirate ship cruise · torii gate in the lake

▼

The Hakone Ropeway passes over the Owakudani volcanic valley, with views of billowing sulphur steam vents and (on clear days) Fuji. The iconic black eggs (boiled in the sulphur springs, said to add 7 years to your life) are sold nearby. Lake Ashi · Gotemba Premium Outlets is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago — the pirate ship cruise offers stunning views. Hakone Shrine has a famous torii gate standing in the lake.

📍 Open in Maps

Evening — Shinkansen to Kyoto

20:19

🚄

Hikari 663 — Shinagawa → Kyoto

Arr 23:01 · Show JR Pass + reservation slip at staffed gate

▼

🎫 CAR 12 · SEATS 20A · 20B · 20C · Oversized Baggage Area

Hikari is the second-fastest Shinkansen type (after Nozomi, which your JR Pass doesn't cover). The journey from Shinagawa to Kyoto takes about 2 hours 40 minutes. Car 12, seats 20 ABC are specifically the "oversized baggage seats" — your suitcases go in the dedicated storage rack directly behind your seats. Sit on the RIGHT side for Mt. Fuji views (southbound — but at 20:19 it'll be dark).

🚄 Shinkansen Boarding

Show both your JR Pass AND your printed reservation slip at the staffed gate (not IC reader). Platform numbers for Shinkansen are separate from regular trains — follow the 新幹線 signs. Car numbers are marked on the platform floor — line up at your car number.

~23:10

🏨

Kyoto Tower Hotel

5 min walk from Kyoto Station · Your Kyoto base for Days 3–5

▼

Located directly opposite Kyoto Station — the most convenient possible location for train travel. The hotel sits inside the Kyoto Tower complex, which also contains a food court, shops, and the 131m Kyoto Tower above. There's an underground passage connecting directly to Kyoto Station so you never need to go outside in rain.

📍 Open in Maps

Day 4 · Tuesday

Arashiyama · Kinkakuji · Fushimi Inari · Nijo Castle · Gion

7 April 2026 · Kyoto's greatest hits — early starts essential

🎋 Bamboo Forest✨ Golden Pavilion⛩️ 1000 Torii🏮 Gion

Early Morning — Arashiyama (far west Kyoto)

06:30

🎋

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

06:30–07:00 · Free · Arrive before 07:30 to beat crowds entirely

▼

Best time

Before 07:30

Entry

Free, always open

Path length

~400m

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most evocative sights in Japan — towering moso bamboo stalks that block out the sky, creating a cathedral-like green canopy with sunlight filtering through. The grove was first cultivated here in the 14th century. At dawn, with morning mist and near-silence, it's genuinely magical. By 09:00 it's elbow-to-elbow with tourists.

🔊 Listen for the Wind

The sound of wind through Arashiyama's bamboo is officially listed as one of Japan's "100 Soundscapes Worth Preserving." The rustling clacking of bamboo in the breeze is the defining sensory experience — listen for it in the early quiet morning.

📍 Open in Maps

07:12

🌉

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

07:12–07:25 · "Moon Crossing Bridge" · Cherry blossoms + mountain backdrop

▼

The Togetsukyō Bridge (渡月橋, "Bridge Crossing the Moon") spans the Katsura River with the forested slopes of Mount Arashiyama behind it. The current wooden structure was built in 1934. Named by Emperor Kameyama who watched the moon appear to cross over the bridge. In April, cherry trees frame both banks — this is one of Kyoto's prime hanami spots.

📍 Open in Maps

07:35

🛕

Tenryu-ji Temple

07:35–08:00 · UNESCO · ¥500 garden · Stunning pond garden

▼

UNESCO

Historic Monuments of Kyoto

Founded

1339

Garden

¥500 / Interior ¥800

Opens

08:30

One of Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryu-ji's famous Sogenchi Garden is considered a masterpiece of garden design. The garden uses a technique called "borrowed scenery" (shakkei) — the mountains of Arashiyama are incorporated into the garden composition as background. The massive central pond, rock arrangements, and pruned trees create a painting-like scene.

📍 Open in Maps

Morning — Kinkakuji & Nishiki Market

09:00

✨

Kinkakuji — The Golden Pavilion

09:00–09:45 · ¥500 · UNESCO · Go early — packed by 10am

▼

Built

1397 (current replica: 1955)

Gold leaf

Top 2 floors covered

Entry

¥500

Opens

09:00

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji, 金閣寺) is arguably the most iconic image in Japan — a Zen temple covered in real gold leaf, reflected perfectly in Kyokochi (Mirror Pond). Built in 1397 as the retirement villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the top two floors are completely covered in gold. In 1950 a deranged novice monk burned it down; the current pavilion is a 1955 recreation.

🌟 The Three Floors

Each floor represents a different architectural style: the ground floor is Shinden (Heian palace style), the 2nd floor is Bukke (samurai style), the top floor is Karayo (Chinese Zen style). Only the top 2 are gilded. The phoenix on top weighs 20kg of bronze.

📍 Open in Maps

10:30

🐟

Nishiki Market — Kyoto's Kitchen

10:30–11:30 · Narrow 5-block market · 400+ years of food history

▼

Nishiki Market (錦市場) has been Kyoto's primary food market for over 400 years. Nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen," the 5-block covered arcade houses over 130 vendors selling Kyoto specialties: tsukemono (Kyoto-style pickles), yudofu (hot tofu), fresh Kyoto vegetables, dashi (broth), and street snacks. Famous vendors include Aritsugu (finest Japanese kitchen knives since 1560).

🍡 Must Try in Nishiki

Tako tamago (octopus with quail egg on skewer) · Kyoto pickles (try the sour plum variety) · Yuba (tofu skin) · Dashi-maki tamago (rolled egg) · Fresh wasabi from proper daikon wasabi (not the green paste you know)

📍 Open in Maps

Midday — Fushimi Inari & Nijo Castle

12:00

⛩️

Fushimi Inari Taisha — Thousand Torii Gates

12:00–13:00 · Free, always open · Hike as far as energy allows

▼

Torii gates

Over 10,000

Full hike

~2–3 hours round trip

Summit

233m

Entry

Free, always open

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of the 30,000+ Inari shrines throughout Japan. The famous tunnels of thousands of vivid vermilion torii gates wind 4km up Mount Inari. The gates (each donated by a business or individual for good fortune) are marked with the donor's name and date on the back. The deity Inari is associated with foxes — you'll see kitsune statues throughout.

🦊 Fox Symbolism

White foxes (kitsune) are Inari's messengers. The keys in their mouths unlock the rice granaries. Notice the different keys, jewels, and sheaves of rice in different fox statues' mouths — each symbolizes something different about the fox's role.

📍 Open in Maps

13:45

🏯

Nijo Castle

13:45–14:30 · ¥1,000 · UNESCO · Famous "nightingale floors"

▼

Built

1603 (Tokugawa Ieyasu)

UNESCO

Historic Monuments of Kyoto

Entry

¥1,000

Hours

08:45–17:00

Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu as his Kyoto residence, Nijo-jo is famous for its uguisubari ("nightingale floors") — wooden corridors that deliberately squeak with every step, alerting guards to intruders. The Ninomaru Palace interior features incredible carved wooden ranma transoms and painted sliding doors by Kano school artists. The castle also witnessed momentous history: it's where the last shogun formally returned power to the emperor in 1867.

🐦 Nightingale Floors

The squeaking isn't a defect — it's engineering. Iron clamps on the floorboards rub against nails as weight is applied, creating the chirping sound. Try walking as softly as possible — it still squeaks. No ninja was getting through undetected!

📍 Open in Maps

Afternoon & Evening — East Kyoto & Gion

15:15

🛕

Kiyomizudera Temple

15:15–16:00 · ¥500 · UNESCO · Wooden stage with Kyoto views

▼

Founded

778 AD

Stage height

13 metres above hillside

Structure

Built without a single nail

UNESCO

Historic Monuments of Kyoto

Kiyomizudera (清水寺, "Pure Water Temple") is named after the Otowa waterfall whose waters run beneath the main hall. The famous wooden stage (Butai) juts out from the main hall over the hillside — supported by 139 pillars without any nails. The expression "jumping off the Kiyomizudera stage" (清水の舞台から飛び降りる) means taking a courageous leap — historically people really did jump, believing survival meant a wish granted.

💧 Otowa Falls

At the base of the main hall are three streams of the sacred spring water, each said to grant a different wish: longevity, success in studies, and fortunate love. Tradition says you should only drink from ONE stream — drinking from all three is considered greedy!

📍 Open in Maps

16:15

🌸

Maruyama Park

16:15–17:00 · Free · Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom park

▼

Kyoto's oldest public park, Maruyama is famous for its enormous shidarezakura — a massive weeping cherry tree that becomes the centre of Kyoto's hanami celebrations. Illuminated at night throughout the blossom season, it's one of the most breathtaking sights in Japan. In April the park fills with food stalls, lanterns, and locals celebrating under the blossoms.

📍 Open in Maps

18:00

🏮

Gion Geisha District — Evening Walk

18:00–21:00 · Best chance to spot maiko at dusk on Hanamikoji Dori

▼

Gion (祇園) is Kyoto's famous geisha district — one of the last surviving hanamachi ("flower towns") in Japan. Walk Hanamikoji Dori at dusk — the narrow lane of preserved machiya townhouses where geiko (Kyoto's term for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) emerge for evening appointments. Gion Shirakawa offers more intimate canal-side atmosphere with willow trees reflected in the water.

🎭 Spotting Maiko — Be Respectful

Maiko and geiko are working professionals, not tourist attractions. If you see one: observe from a distance, don't chase, block their path, or demand photos. The Gion district actually has rules against photography in some areas. A glimpse is magical — respect makes it more so.

🗺️ Gion Walking Route

Hanamikoji Dori → Gion Tatsunami Bridge → Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka (stone-paved lanes) → Gion Shirakawa → Minamiza Theatre → Statue of Izumo no Okuni → Pontocho Alley → Kamogawa River Walk → Yasaka Shrine

📍 Open in Maps

Day 5 · Wednesday

Nara · Osaka Castle · Dotonbori → Shinkansen to Hiroshima

8 April 2026 · Tonight: Kodama 973 to Hiroshima

🦌 Nara Deer🏯 Osaka Castle🍜 Dotonbori🚄 Hiroshima

Morning — Nara (TWO route options)

06:21

🚄

Option A: Haruka 3 (Kyoto→Tennoji) + Q Rapid 304 (→Nara)

Earlier arrival in Nara · Two trains · Seats already reserved

▼

🎫 HARUKA 3: Car 4 · 2A 2B 2C · Then Q RAPID 304: Car 8 · 10A 10B 10C

Depart Kyoto 06:21 → Tennoji 07:05 · Transfer at Tennoji (7 min) · Q Rapid 304 Tennoji 07:19 → Nara 07:53. Earlier arrival means more time with the deer before tour groups arrive.

07:51

🚃

Option B: JR Yamashiro Rapid 651 — Direct Kyoto → Nara

Simpler (no change) · Arrives Nara 08:50

▼

🎫 Car 1 · Seats 3B 3C 3D

Direct train from Kyoto to Nara — simpler but arrives nearly an hour later. Good choice if you want a relaxed morning. Use JR Pass at the staffed gate.

~08:00

🦌

Nara Park & Free-Roaming Deer

Buy deer crackers (¥200) · Deer bow back when you bow!

▼

Deer count

~1,200 deer

Crackers

¥200 per pack

Status

Natural monument of Japan

Entry

Park is free

Nara's Sika deer have been considered divine messengers (of god Takemikazuchi who arrived on a white deer) for over 1,200 years and are legally protected as national monuments. They freely roam throughout the park and surrounding streets. The famous deer bow: bow your head at a deer, it will bow back — an ancient learned behaviour from generations of deer receiving crackers this way.

⚠️ Deer Safety Tips

Give ONE cracker at a time — if you hold the whole pack they mob you aggressively. Don't show empty hands without walking away first. They will nudge, bite clothing, and headbutt bags if they think food is inside. Male deer with antlers can be particularly pushy. All great fun but be prepared!

📍 Open in Maps

~08:30

🏛️

Todai-ji — Great Buddha Hall

World's largest wooden building · 15m Great Buddha · ¥800

▼

Buddha height

14.7 metres

Hall dimensions

57m wide · 50m deep · 48m tall

Built

745 AD (current: 1709)

Entry

¥800

The Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden structure, built in 745 AD by Emperor Shomu. The bronze Vairocana Buddha inside — the Daibutsu — is 14.7m tall and weighs 500 tonnes. Look for the famous pillar with a hole in it: folklore says those who can squeeze through have guaranteed enlightenment. Many adults can't quite fit!

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Midday — Osaka

10:45

🏯

Osaka Castle & Gardens

10:45–11:45 · Grounds free · Castle interior ¥600 · Cherry blossoms

▼

Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi — the warlord who unified Japan — and was the largest castle in Japan at the time. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, the current main tower is a 1931 concrete reconstruction with a modern museum inside. The surrounding castle park has 600 cherry trees making it one of Osaka's top hanami spots. The view from the top floor gives a great orientation of the city.

📍 Open in Maps

13:45

🦞

Kuromon Ichiba Market

13:45–14:45 · "Osaka's Kitchen" · Fresh seafood, wagyu, street food

▼

A 580m covered market with over 170 shops, Kuromon has supplied Osaka's restaurants and professional chefs for over 190 years. Today it's also a vibrant street food destination — vendors set up tables outside their shops for eat-as-you-walk dining. Try fresh uni (sea urchin), grilled wagyu skewers, tuna tasting sets, and whole baked scallops.

🍣 Must Try at Kuromon

Fresh tuna cutting and tasting (many vendors do this theatrically) · Grilled Kobe wagyu on sticks · Giant scallops grilled in butter · Fresh oysters · Takoyaki (the Osaka original)

📍 Open in Maps

19:15

🍜

Dotonbori

19:15–20:30 · Neon signs · Glico Running Man · Osaka food heaven

▼

Dotonbori (道頓堀) is Osaka's most famous entertainment district — a canal-side strip of towering neon signs, mechanical crabs, giant puffer fish, and every Osaka food obsession. The Glico Running Man neon billboard has stood here since 1935. This is ground zero for kuidaore — Osaka's famous culture of "eat until you drop." Best experienced after dark when the neon reflections fill the canal.

🐙 Dotonbori Eats

Takoyaki (octopus balls — Osaka's soul food) · Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers — DO NOT double dip!) · Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) · Tonteki (thick pork chop in Worcestershire sauce) · Ramen from Kinryu nearby

📍 Open in Maps

Night — Shinkansen to Hiroshima

21:28

🚄

Kodama 973 — Shin-Osaka → Hiroshima

Arr 23:41 · Kodama stops at every station · fully JR Pass covered

▼

🎫 CAR 4 · SEATS 2A · 2B · 2C

Kodama (meaning "echo") is the slowest Shinkansen type — it stops at every station. Your journey of about 2 hours 13 minutes is longer than Hikari or Nozomi would take, but fully covered by your JR Pass and perfectly comfortable for a late-night run. 10 min walk to the hotel on arrival.

Day 6 · Thursday

Hiroshima Peace Park · Miyajima Island → Return to Tokyo

9 April 2026 · An emotionally profound day followed by a beautiful island

🕊️ Peace Park⛩️ Floating Torii🚡 Ropeway🚄 Return Journey

Morning — Hiroshima

07:00

🕊️

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

07:00–08:00 · Free · Atomic Bomb Dome · Children's Peace Monument

▼

Bombing date

6 August 1945 · 08:15

Immediate deaths

~80,000

Total deaths

~140,000 by end of 1945

Entry

Park free, always open

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park occupies the site of Nakajimacho, once a busy commercial district at the hypocenter of the world's first nuclear attack. Key monuments: the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome) — the only structure near the hypocenter left standing, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Children's Peace Monument (inspired by Sadako Sasaki who folded 1,000 cranes before dying of radiation illness), and the Flame of Peace which will burn until all nuclear weapons are eliminated from earth.

🙏 Visiting with Respect

This is a sacred memorial site. Speak quietly, dress respectfully, and take your time. The experience is deeply moving. Many visitors leave the museum in tears — it's entirely appropriate and expected. A-bomb survivor volunteers (Hibakusha) sometimes give testimonies — seek these out if available.

📍 Open in Maps

08:00

🏛️

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

08:00–10:00 · Opens 07:30 · Emotionally powerful, essential

🎟️ View Ticket — 161394FK6499 · Entry 08:00–08:30 ONLY

▼

Entry

¥200 (very low intentionally)

Opens

07:30

Duration

Allow 90–120 min

One of the most important museums in the world. The collection includes personal belongings of victims (a child's lunchbox, a tricycle, a tattered school uniform), scale models of the destruction, medical records, and survivor testimonies. The east wing provides historical context; the west wing focuses on victims' personal stories — the west wing is the most emotionally intense.

💡 Practical Tips

Go early — the audio guide is worth getting. Photography is allowed in most areas. Some displays are very graphic. Children under 12 may find some exhibits distressing. The cafe/shop at the exit provides space to decompress before moving on.

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Midday — Miyajima Island

10:45

⛩️

Itsukushima Shrine — Floating Torii Gate

10:45–11:15 · ¥300 · One of Japan's top 3 views

▼

Torii height

16 metres

Torii weight

60 tonnes

Built

1875 (current structure)

UNESCO

1996

Itsukushima Shrine appears to float on the water at high tide — built on stilts over the tidal flats. The giant red torii gate standing in the sea is Japan's most iconic image. The shrine complex dates to 593 AD; the current structure is from 1168. The island itself (Miyajima) is considered sacred — for centuries, no births or deaths were allowed here (people were transported to the mainland for both).

🌊 Tide Times Matter!

At HIGH tide: the shrine and torii appear to float — magical for photos. At LOW tide: you can walk out and touch the torii gate. Check tide times for 10 Apr 2026 at Miyajima. Both are worth seeing at different times of day if you have flexibility.

📍 Open in Maps

11:50

🚡

Miyajima Ropeway → Mount Misen

11:50–12:30 · Seto Inland Sea panorama · Queue early!

▼

The Miyajima Ropeway ascends to near the summit of Mount Misen (535m) in two stages. From the observatory platform, on clear days you can see the islands of the Seto Inland Sea stretching to the horizon — one of the most beautiful views in Japan. Deer also roam the mountain trails. Allow at least an hour for the ropeway + summit experience.

⏰ Ropeway Tip

The last descent is around 16:00–17:00. Queues can exceed 90 minutes in peak season. Go as early as possible. If the queue is very long, consider hiking down instead (takes about 90 min, beautiful trail).

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Evening — Two Shinkansen Back to Tokyo

16:33

🚄

Hikari 16:33 → Shin-Osaka 17:19 → dep 18:18 → Shinagawa 21:05 — Hiroshima → Shin-Osaka · then Hikari 662 → Shinagawa

Dep 16:33 arr 17:59 · Dep 18:18 arr 21:05

▼

🎫 SAKURA: Car 4 · 5A 5B 5C · Then HIKARI: Car 6 · 2A 2B 2C

Sakura shinkansen runs on the Sanyo-Kyushu lines — fully JR Pass covered. At Shin-Osaka you have 19 minutes to connect to the Hikari 662 to Shinagawa. Both trains are already reserved. Then Keikyu from Shinagawa to HND T3, 7 min walk to Royal Park Hotel.

Day 7 · Friday

Nikko Day Trip → Departure from Haneda

10 April 2026 · Last full day · Dep HND 21:34

⛩️ Toshogu💦 Kegon Falls🏞️ Lake Chuzenji✈️ Departure

Morning — Shinkansen to Nikko

06:42

🚝

HND T3 → Monorail → Hamamatsucho → JY Yamanote → Tokyo Station (arr 07:12)

JR Pass covers the Tokyo Monorail · Allow 30 min for this transfer

07:40

🚄

Yamabiko 203 — Tokyo → Utsunomiya → JR Nikko Line → Nikko

Arr Utsunomiya 08:28 · Arr Nikko 09:28 · Show JR Pass throughout

▼

🎫 YAMABIKO 203 · CAR 6 · SEATS 2A · 2B · 2C · PF 20–23

Yamabiko runs on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. At Utsunomiya transfer to the JR Nikko Line (regular train, no reservation needed, JR Pass valid). 4 min walk to the bus stop after Nikko Station.

Nikko Heritage Sites

09:40

🌉

Shinkyo Bridge

09:40–09:50 · ¥300 to cross · Sacred red lacquered bridge

▼

The Shinkyo Bridge (神橋, "Sacred Bridge") is one of Japan's most beautiful wooden bridges, painted in brilliant vermilion lacquer. According to legend, the deity Jinja-Daio created the bridge by ordering two giant snakes to form a crossing for the monk Shodo Shonin in 766 AD. The current structure dates from 1636 and spans the Daiya River in a dramatic gorge. Stunning in all seasons — in April with fresh green leaves along the gorge.

📍 Open in Maps

10:30

⛩️

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

10:30–11:00 · ¥1,300 · UNESCO · See No Evil carvings here

▼

Built for

Tokugawa Ieyasu (shogun)

UNESCO

1999

Gold used

2.4 million sheets of gold leaf

Entry

¥1,300

The Nikko Toshogu is one of the most lavishly decorated shrine complexes in Japan — built over 15 months by 15,000 craftsmen using 2.4 million gold leaf sheets. Dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu (founder of the Edo shogunate). Home to the world-famous "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil" three-monkey carving (Sanzaru) above the Sacred Stable — this is THE original, the concept originated here in 17th century Japan.

🐒 The Three Monkeys

The "Sanzaru" (三猿) are Mizaru (covering eyes), Kikazaru (covering ears), Iwazaru (covering mouth). They represent the Confucian life principle: if we do not see, hear, or speak evil, we will be spared from it. The carving is one of 8 panels depicting the life cycle of monkeys — look for all of them.

📍 Open in Maps

13:00

💦

Kegon Falls

13:00–13:45 · ¥570 for elevator · Japan's most famous waterfall

▼

Height

97 metres

Source

Outflow from Lake Chuzenji

Elevator

¥570 down to base viewing deck

Rank

One of Japan's top 3 falls

Kegon Falls (華厳の滝) plunges 97 metres from the lip of Lake Chuzenji into the valley below. The water flows from Lake Chuzenji via an underground channel and emerges at the top. Take the elevator (100m down through the rock) to the observation platform at the base for the most dramatic view — surrounded by mist and the roar of falling water. In winter, the falls partially freeze creating a spectacular ice formation.

⏰ Queue First

Queue for the elevator FIRST before anything else — it's the highlight and can have 45–60 min waits. Buy elevator tickets, then explore the upper viewing area while waiting if needed.

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14:00

🏞️

Lake Chuzenji

14:00–14:45 · Stunning volcanic lake · Optional boat cruise

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Lake Chuzenji (中禅寺湖) is one of Japan's highest lakes, sitting at 1,269m altitude. Formed when Mount Nantai's lava flow dammed the Daiya River 20,000 years ago. The lake is 25km in circumference and known for its extraordinarily clear blue-green water. In autumn the surrounding mountains blaze with foliage; in April the new spring greens are fresh and vivid. Sightseeing boat cruises run hourly.

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Evening — Spacia X Return & Departure

17:40

🚃

Spacia X — Nikko → Asakusa (Tobu Private Line)

Separate ticket needed — NOT JR Pass · Dep 17:40 · Arr ~19:25

▼

The Spacia X is Tobu Railway's luxury limited express, launched in 2023. It's a beautiful train with premium cabin options, compartments, and a lounge car. This runs on the Tobu Nikko Line — a private railway not covered by JR Pass. Purchase at tobuline.com or at Tobu Nikko Station. The train arrives at Asakusa, putting you perfectly placed for the subway to Haneda.

🚃 Spacia X Ticket

Approx ¥1,500–2,000 per person. If not already booked, purchase at Tobu Nikko Station ticket office or at tobuline.com. The train is often busy — don't leave it too late on the day. Regular Tobu trains also run if Spacia X is sold out (slower but same destination).

20:49

🚇

Asakusa (Entrance 5, PF 1) → A Toei Asakusa Line → HND T3 (arr 21:34)

Pay with Suica · ¥630 · Allow plenty of time

21:34

✈️

Depart Haneda Airport Terminal 3

Sayonara Japan! 🇯🇵 またね!

▼

🛍️ Last-Minute Shopping at Haneda T3

Haneda T3 international terminal has excellent duty-free shopping with extensive Japanese goods: Kit Kat flavors unavailable elsewhere, high-quality matcha, sake, wagashi sweets, Muji, and Japanese cosmetics. Allow 60 min before your gate closes for a proper browse.

💴 Suica Refund

You can refund your Suica card at Haneda T3 at the JR or Keikyu ticket offices. You get your balance back minus a ¥220 handling fee. Or keep it — it works on return trips and is valid indefinitely.

🚄

Japan Train Cheat Sheet

Your complete train guide for the whole trip

🎫 JR Pass

Shows your physical pass at the STAFFED GATE (manned gate) — never tap the IC reader. Covers all JR trains, your shinkansen journeys (Hikari/Sakura/Kodama/Yamabiko), Tokyo Monorail, and JR Miyajima Ferry. All seats already reserved — pick up slips at Tokyo Station Day 1.

💳 Suica Card

Buy at HND T3 arrival on Day 0 (vending machine left of Monorail gates). Load ¥5,000–10,000. Tap firmly on the IC reader at automatic gates. One beep = go. Two beeps / red = problem (check balance). Always tap OUT as well as IN. Also works at convenience stores and vending machines.

⚠️ Which to Use When?

JR trains (Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka etc.) → JR Pass at staffed gate
Tokyo Metro, Toei, Keikyu, Keihan, Osaka Metro, city buses → Suica at auto gate
Shinkansen → JR Pass + printed reservation slip, both together at staffed gate
Tobu Spacia X (Day 7) → Separate Tobu ticket — not JR

📅 Day 1 Priority Action

Go to Midori-no-Madoguchi (Green Window) at Tokyo Station. Quote your reservation number and show passport. Collect JR Pass + all printed reservation slips. Keep your reservation slips with your pass — show BOTH when boarding shinkansen.

Day 3

Hikari 663 ✓ JR Pass

Shinagawa (20:19) → Kyoto (23:01)

Car: 12

Seats: 20A · 20B · 20C

Type: Oversized Baggage Area Seats

Duration: ~2h 40m

Day 5

Haruka 3 ✓ JR Pass (to Tennoji for Nara)

Kyoto (06:21) → Tennoji (07:05)

Car: 4

Seats: 2A · 2B · 2C

Note: Connect to Q Rapid 304 at Tennoji (07:19)

Day 5

Q Rapid 304 ✓ JR Pass (Tennoji to Nara)

Tennoji (07:19) → Nara (07:53)

Car: 8

Seats: 10A · 10B · 10C

Day 5 Alt

JR Yamashiro Rapid 651 ✓ JR Pass (direct to Nara)

Kyoto (07:51) → Nara (08:50) · Simpler, no change needed

Car: 1

Seats: 3B · 3C · 3D

Note: Alternative — pick one option on the morning

Day 5

Kodama 973 ✓ JR Pass

Shin-Osaka (21:28) → Hiroshima (23:41)

Car: 4

Seats: 2A · 2B · 2C

Duration: ~2h 13m

Note: Kodama stops at every station — fully covered

Day 6

Hikari 16:33 → Shin-Osaka 17:19 → dep 18:18 → Shinagawa 21:05 ✓ JR Pass

Hiroshima (16:33) → Shin-Osaka (17:59)

Car: 4

Seats: 5A · 5B · 5C

Duration: ~45 min

Day 6

Hikari 662 ✓ JR Pass

Shin-Osaka (18:18) → Shinagawa (21:05)

Car: 6

Seats: 2A · 2B · 2C

Duration: ~2h 47m

Day 7

Yamabiko 203 ✓ JR Pass

Tokyo (07:40) → Utsunomiya (08:28) · PF 20–23

Car: 6

Seats: 2A · 2B · 2C

Note: Replaced Yamabiko 205 (07:44) — use 07:40

Day 7

Spacia X (Tobu) ✗ NOT JR PASS

Nikko (17:40) → Asakusa (~19:25) · Separate ticket ~¥1,500–2,000

Note: Tobu private line — buy at Tobu Nikko Station or tobuline.com

Every line in your itinerary. ✓ = use JR Pass at staffed gate. S = use Suica at auto gate.

JR Yamanote Line

Tokyo loop · every 2–4 min

✓ Pass

JR Keihin-Tohoku

Osaki/Shinagawa ↔ Tokyo · Days 0–3

✓ Pass

JR Yokosuka Line

Tokyo ↔ Kamakura · Day 1

✓ Pass

Tokyo Metro Marunouchi

Red · Ginza → Shinjuku · Day 1

S Suica

Tokyo Metro Ginza

Orange · Shibuya ↔ Asakusa · Day 2

S Suica

Tokyo Metro Hanzomon

Purple · Shibuya ↔ Skytree · Day 2

S Suica

Chiyoda (Tokyo) / Chuo (Osaka)

Two lines share C code · Days 2 & 5

S Suica

Kyoto Tozai Line

Teal · Sanjo ↔ Nijo Castle · Day 4

S Suica

Toei Oedo Line

Magenta · Tokyo Tower · Day 1

S Suica

Toei Asakusa Line

Asakusa → HND T3 · Day 7 departure

S Suica

Rinkai Line

Navy · Oimachi → Odaiba · Day 2

S Suica

Yurikamome (monorail)

Daiba → Shin-Toyosu · Day 2

S Suica

Keikyu Line

Red · HND ↔ Shinagawa · Days 0 & 6

S Suica

Keihan Main Line

Gion Shijo ↔ Fushimi Inari · Day 4

S Suica

Kintetsu Kyoto Line

Brown · Kyoto ↔ Nara option · Day 5

S Suica

JR Yamatoji Line

Nara ↔ Tennoji · Day 5

✓ Pass

JR Osaka Loop Line

Green loop · Tennoji ↔ Osaka St · Day 5

✓ Pass

💳 Getting Your Suica (Day 0)

1️⃣Clear customs at HND Terminal 3
2️⃣Follow signs for Train / Tokyo Monorail
3️⃣Vending machines are on LEFT before gates
4️⃣Switch machine to English
5️⃣Select "Welcome Suica" — no deposit needed
6️⃣Load ¥5,000–10,000 in cash
💡iPhone users: add via Apple Wallet → Transit Card instead — skip the queue entirely

🔊 Gate Sounds

✅One beep + green light = go through
❌Two beeps / buzzing + red = problem
⚠️Always tap IN and tap OUT — or charged max fare
💡Balance shows on gate screen after tapping
🔧Stuck? Use "Fare Adjustment" machine inside gates

💴 Suica Costs Per Journey

🚇Tokyo Metro single: ¥170–310
🔴Keikyu HND→Shinagawa: ¥330
🟠Toei Asakusa→HND T3: ¥630
🔵Rinkai Oimachi→Teleport: ¥330
🚌Kyoto city bus (flat fare): ¥230
🟢Keihan Gion Shijo→Fushimi: ¥170

🛍️ Suica for Shopping

🏪7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson
🥤Vending machines (virtually all in Japan)
🍜Many restaurants showing IC logo
🚕Most taxis in major cities
💡Saves carrying loose coins everywhere

🔄 Topping Up

🎰Any station ticket machine → "Charge" button
💴Cash only at machines
📱iPhone: top up by card in Apple Wallet
🏧Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven)
📊Max balance: ¥20,000

🚉 Finding Your Platform

🎨Follow the line colour badge on overhead signs
🔢Platform (PF) in itinerary = ホーム ○番線
⏱️At big stations allow 5–8 min to find the platform
🚄Shinkansen platforms are SEPARATE — follow 新幹線 sign
📱Google Maps transit mode works perfectly in Japan

🎫 At the Gate

✅JR Pass → staffed gate · Show Pass + reservation slip
💳Suica → auto gate · Tap IC reader
⚠️NEVER tap Suica at a JR gate for a JR journey
🎟️Shinkansen: show BOTH pass AND reservation slip together
🚪Wrong exit adds 10+ min walking — check itinerary exit

📐 Carriage Numbers

🔢"Carriage 5/10" = car 5 of a 10-car train
🟡Yellow floor markings show where each car stops
📋Line up at your car number before the train arrives
🎫Your seat is shown on the reservation slip

🏎️ Train Speed Types

🚅Shinkansen — bullet train, separate platform
🚄Ltd. Express (特急) — sometimes extra fare
🚃Express / Rapid — skips some stations
🐌Local (各駅) — stops everywhere, slowest

📖 Useful Japanese Station Words

🚪改札口 Kaisatsuguchi = Ticket gate
🚉ホーム Hōmu = Platform
🚶出口 Deguchi = Exit
⬆️北口/南口 = North/South exit
↔️東口/西口 = East/West exit
🔄乗り換え Norikaeri = Transfer/change train
💳チャージ Chāji = Top up IC card
💹精算機 Seisanki = Fare adjustment machine
🎫みどりの窓口 = JR Green Window
↗️エスカレーター = Escalator (left in Tokyo!)

✅ DO

👫Queue at the painted floor markings on platform
🚶Let passengers OFF before you board
🎒Put backpack on overhead rack or hold in front
📱Set phone to silent (manner mode マナーモード)
💺Offer seat to elderly, pregnant, disabled passengers
🍱Eat and drink freely on Shinkansen (tray tables provided)
📞Move to vestibule between cars to take phone calls (Shinkansen)
⬆️Escalator: stand LEFT in Tokyo, stand RIGHT in Osaka
🧳Use luggage rack at seat end for suitcases (Shinkansen)

🚫 DON'T

📵Talk on phone on local/subway trains
🔊Talk loudly — keep conversations quiet
🍜Eat smelly food on local trains
🚪Block the doorway with yourself or luggage
🚫Enter Women-Only carriages (pink signs)
🎵Play music from phone speakers
💳Forget to tap OUT with Suica — max fare charged
📸Take photos of strangers without asking
🗑️Leave rubbish on the train

🧳 Luggage on Shinkansen

Small bags go on the overhead rack above your seat. Large suitcases go in the space behind the last row of seats in your car (first come, first served). Your Day 3 Car 12 seats 20ABC are the designated oversized baggage area seats — the dedicated rack is right behind your seats. Consider Takkyubin (luggage delivery) between hotels: ¥1,500–2,500, next-day, extremely reliable — travel shinkansen hands-free.

Tap the Japanese text to copy it for showing to station staff.

English · Japanese · Pronunciation

Where is platform ○?

○番線はどこですか？

○-bansen wa doko desu ka?

I want to go to ○ Station

○駅に行きたいです

○-eki ni ikitai desu

Is this the right train for ○?

これは○行きですか？

Kore wa ○-yuki desu ka?

Can I top up my Suica here?

ここでSuicaをチャージできますか？

Koko de Suica wo chāji dekimasu ka?

I have a JR Pass

JRパスを持っています

JR Pasu wo motte imasu

I need a seat reservation

指定席を予約したいです

Shiteiseki wo yoyaku shitai desu

I am lost

迷っています

Mayotte imasu

I don't understand

わかりません

Wakarimasen

Thank you very much

ありがとうございます

Arigatou gozaimasu

Excuse me / Sorry

すみません

Sumimasen

How much is this?

これはいくらですか？

Kore wa ikura desu ka?

Delicious!

おいしい！

Oishii!

One more please

もう一つください

Mō hitotsu kudasai

The bill please

お会計をお願いします

Okaikei wo onegaishimasu

Tap any Japanese phrase to copy it to clipboard — show phone to station staff if needed

Japan Adventure

Trip Overview

JR Pass Details

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Japan Train Cheat Sheet

🎫 JR Pass

💳 Suica Card

⚠️ Which to Use When?

📅 Day 1 Priority Action

💳 Getting Your Suica (Day 0)

🔊 Gate Sounds

💴 Suica Costs Per Journey

🛍️ Suica for Shopping

🔄 Topping Up

🚉 Finding Your Platform

🎫 At the Gate

📐 Carriage Numbers

🏎️ Train Speed Types

📖 Useful Japanese Station Words

✅ DO

🚫 DON'T

🧳 Luggage on Shinkansen