In 2025 I was lucky enough to be able to spend 12 days in Japan, mainly in the Kansai region.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a friend of mine who’s soon going to Japan, and I’m so happy for you. I think if you do it well, you’ll love it!
I had an amazing time there but I think I could’ve had an even better time had I done a couple of things differently. So, here’s what I wish I knew before going to Japan, hopefully some of these will be useful for you.
Context
Be wary of the recommendations from people on the internet. Everybody has a different taste, and when it comes to travel, it’s ESPECIALLY true. Context is king, so know this before reading on:
- I’m 25 years old, male
- I spent 12 days in Japan solo
- I love mixing up with locals on my travels, feeling the everyday issues, seeing how everyday life unfolds on a typical Wednesday afternoon
- I usually avoid popular places (sorry, Italy!)
- For some reason I love to travel using local transport and exploring the country that way
So, what did I actually do?
- I spent 2+1 days in Osaka. Saw most of the important sites you’ll find on the internet. Nothing very hidden. Also did a day trip to Nara from here.
- 4 days in Kyoto, including a day trip to Uji.
- 1 day: checkin, nijo castle, gion walking tour
- 1 day in Arashiyama (bamboo forest, temples, crossing the river)
- 1 day on a push bike exploring east side of Kyoto (from Philosophers’ Path to Gion district)
- 1 day in Uji and some leftover activities I wanted to do in the city center
- 1+1 day in/to Hiroshima
- visited Himeji castle on the way
- Peace museum, park, hiroshima style okonomiyaki <3
- day trip Itsukushima island (“floating shrine”)
- 2 days cycling on Shimanami Kaido (bicycle route in Seto Inland Sea)
Kyoto
Kyoto is a hard one to crack, it has some really nice sites but it’s just so overly packed by tourists (like me) that it’s hard to enjoy it. After exploring Arashiyama, I took the next day to slow down, just biking around the city, avoiding the popular temples and areas because I was overwhelmed by the crowds.
Go early (or late, like post 9pm) to Fushimi Inari, it’s a must-see. Just be careful with the animals at night (and don’t go alone).
Regarding temples and gardens, try to find some that are quieter. Honestly, they’re equally beautiful. At one point, I had an entire temple complex to myself (okay, I shared it with a Japanese couple), dare I say it was far superior experience compared to the famous insta-worthy temples? You bet.
Book your accommodation somewhere close to the train station. It’s central, has good connections. Just make sure it’s not too close, I’ve heard people complain about trains being loud at night.
Osaka
Oh my god, I think this city is SOOOO underrated, especially for non-families!! Amazing vibe, great food, cool people, excellent transport. Sadly, there isn’t very much to do in the city itself, but day trip options are plenty: Nara, Kobe, Himeji are all close by. Nightlife is amazing as well.
I’d say stay close to Dotonbori, especially if you want to explore the nightlife. I was further away from the center, and to my surprise public transportation, including subways, generally stops around midnight, which resulted in an hour long walk to home. Osaka is gorgeous and completely safe though, even at night!
You can do day trips to Kyoto from Osaka (or vice versa), but as I rate Osaka’s nightlife highly I’d base myself in Osaka.
Also, I really enjoyed the Osaka Free Walking Tour, highly recommend! (Can’t say the same about the one in Kyoto though..)
Hiroshima
Initially I planned more time here but I had to fit the bike route into my plans, so I cut a day from Hiroshima, and boy was I sad about it once I arrived! The whole city has such a cool atmosphere, especially if you think about its history and how far it has come. Such a thriving, charming city (apart from the Dome area of course) and you get the sense that you’re visiting one of the most important locations in our planet’s history.
I could’ve easily spent another day or two here, and I really wanna go back in the future.
Not sure where to sleep, I was quite close to the museum, and I didn’t regret that.
My Unexpected Highlight
If I must name an activity, then it was hands down cycling Shimanami Kaido. Weirdly, I didn’t even know about it before coming to Japan and only heard about it from another traveler, but I’m so glad she mentioned it! If you like cycling, beautiful nature and rural vibes, definitely go for it!
Otherwise, just random moments. Praying together with a japanese lady, getting addicted to sento (public bath), being shocked that I just stumbled into a geiko leaving a teahouse. None of these would’ve happened had I stuck to my plan.
Things I’d do differently
While planning my trip I knew it was going to be hard to estimate the amount of time optimal for Osaka/Kyoto/Hiroshima. You’ll read different opinions online, but I really wish I spent less time in Kyoto and more in Hiroshima.
How to plan your trip
As I said, I think it’s tricky to plan a trip to Japan. I only wanted to visit the Kansai region and Hiroshima, but even so 12 days felt like I’m barely scratching the surface.
If you only take one thing away from this, PLEASE keep room in your plans for on-the-spot adjustments. You’ll hear about great options, you’ll realize you love a city way too much to leave just now or you’ll want to ditch a place ahead of time.
I 100% believe Japan has to be experienced and not just seen.
Many people will rush through the sites and post great pictures, but miss the greatest part of Japan - their culture. If you truly stop, take your time and appreciate the locals and the way they do things, you’ll have an amazing experience. My best memories happened after I got lost and just wandered around.
Hope you’ll have a wonderful time, enjoy Japan!
Helpful Notes & Travel Tips
- JR Pass Calculator: jrpass.com/farecalculator - great for checking if it’s worth it.
- If you do get the JR pass, you can buy it online and pick it up at train stations. Read carefully though, you’ll need your passport for example and many people get confused by the process.
- The Kyoto-Hiroshima JR pass does not include shinkansen between Kyoto and Osaka. However many times you’ll try to get through the gates, you won’t succeed. Trust me, I tried ;)
- shinkansen trains are amazing
- Kyoto buses are pain
- Use google maps for transport, it’s amazing. You’ll see which platform to go, where to exit etc
- 7-11 ATMs are great to withdraw cash
- Get an ICOCA/Suica/Pasmo card for transport, it’s so easy to use. Upload money and just tap!
- Keep your coins and have cash with you always!
- Try an onsen or or at the very least, a public bath - I got hooked
- Transport from the endpoints of the Shimanami Kaido (bike route) is pretty bad, plan accordingly.
- Watch at least 1 video on Japanese customs, expected behaviour before boarding the plane
- World expo is in Osaka from April 2025 to October 2025.
- Japanese people love collecting, so choose your poison: pokemons, train stamps (ekistamp) or goshuinchos. They’ll be great souvenirs for yourself
- Learn some japanese in advance. I was shocked how little English is spoken there, but they do appreciate you trying
- Book accommodation as early as you can (preferably refundable). I didn’t and either had to pay extra or end up in an inconvenient location
Key Takeaways
- Go off the beaten path - you’ll be rewarded.
- Don’t over-plan - leave room for spontaneity.
- Osaka’s underrated, Hiroshima’s powerful, Kyoto’s beautiful but crowded.
- Japan is best experienced through its culture, not just its sights.
Things I want to do if I manage to visit Japan again
- Tokyo
- Baseball game
- Sumo tournament
- Kinosakionsen