First trip to Japan
Visiting Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto
📌 By Jakub Mikula | October 11, 2024
My first trip to Japan! During my 6-day autumn trip, I visited Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Since it was my first time in Japan, I made sure to prepare by planning most of my itinerary in advance. To my surprise, I was able to complete the immigration process before even arriving in Japan by filling out the required details on Visit Japan Web (https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp). By submitting my passport details, including a photo of the passport’s front page, I received QR codes for both immigration and customs clearance, which meant I did not need to fill out the usual paper forms on the plane.
For train travel, I used the smartEX app to book my Shinkansen tickets. Despite the relatively bad reviews on the Play Store, I had no issues registering my credit card or making payments on my Android phone. I booked reserved seats for my trips from Tokyo to Osaka and from Kyoto to Tokyo.
After arriving in Japan and clearing immigration, I bought an IC card (PASMO) to use on public trains and buses, which made getting around the cities very convenient. The card can be easily recharged at any train station.
In Tokyo, I stayed near the main train station, which was extremely convenient because it provided easy access to trains heading in all directions.
On my first evening, I visited the Tokyo Skytree, an impressive tower offering a 360-degree view of the city from two observation decks, one at 350 m and another at 450 m.
Buying tickets online can be helpful to avoid the long lines at the ticket counter. Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, the night view was breathtaking.
On my second day, I boarded the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. The train station initially felt huge and crowded, but it was well organized, and I had no trouble following the signs to the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms. I linked my train ticket to my PASMO card through the smartEX app, which allowed me to use the IC card to access the platform. The station was bustling, with trains arriving and departing every few minutes.
A small stall on the platform sold snacks and drinks. The journey to Osaka took less than three hours.
In Osaka, I stayed near Namba Station, within walking distance of the Dotonbori entertainment district, a vibrant area filled with street food, restaurants, and bright lights.
An evening walk along the canal was especially charming.
On my second day in Osaka, I visited Osaka Castle, which houses a museum displaying traditional paintings and miniature models of classic Japanese architecture.
The peaceful park surrounding the castle is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog.
On my third day, I took a local train to Kyoto. At the train station, I bought a traditional paper ticket out of curiosity, even though I could have used my PASMO card for the trip.
The number on the ticket shows its price, depending on the destination selected on the ticket machine.
When I arrived in Kyoto, I was immediately struck by the many traditional Japanese-style houses and the surrounding hills and mountains, which made the city even more picturesque. If I planned my trip again, I would definitely spend more time in Kyoto because there is so much to explore.
I began my Kyoto visit at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, located in a beautiful park.
There were few visitors on this weekday, and entry to the palace was free.
In the late afternoon, after checking in to my hotel, I took a bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
The streets lined with traditional houses were full of tourists, some even dressed in traditional outfits, yet the area still kept its charm.
As the sun set, the streets grew quieter, with shops closing and city lights illuminating the surroundings.
On my second day in Kyoto, I ventured into the nearby mountains. Early in the morning, I took a train to Yase-Hieizanguchi, where I took a cable car and ropeway to the summit of Mount Hiei.
This area, largely free of tourists, offered stunning views of the surrounding cities, forests, and lakes.
In the afternoon, I took a train to Arashiyama on the other side of the city, where I hiked along a scenic trail beside the river to Daihikaku Senkoji Temple, and then ended the day with a relaxing soak at a nearby onsen.
On my final day, I returned to Tokyo before catching my flight home.
The culture, landscapes, and cities that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity left a lasting impression on me. I look forward to visiting Japan again soon.
