Japan
10 Flavors of Japan: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto in Comfort
Sip, snack, and stroll Japan’s tastiest neighborhoods in comfort
Planning a trip to Japan?
A balanced 10-day Japan itinerary focused on food, drink, and relaxed exploration through Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You’ll eat your way through markets, izakaya, ramen shops, and sake bars while still enjoying temples, shopping streets, live music, and gentle nightlife—all clustered by neighborhood for easy, low-stress days.
Highlights
Start your trip with seafood, street snacks, and coffee around Tsukiji and Ginza’s famed food halls.
Combine Fushimi’s sake district with iconic temples and atmospheric old streets.
Dive into Dotonbori’s neon-soaked canalside for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and easy-going nightlife.
Learn to cook Japanese favorites in small-group classes with English-speaking instructors.
Relax in local izakaya across Tokyo and Osaka, pairing shared plates with sake and beer.
Where to Stay
Comfortable 3-Star Hotel in Shibuya or Shinjuku
Moderately priced hotel with small but well-designed rooms, easy access to major train lines, and countless dining options nearby.
$130-180/nightKyoto Downtown 3-Star Hotel or Ryokan
Comfortable accommodation near Nishiki Market and riverside, with easy bus and train access to major temples.
$120-170/nightGood to Know
Use IC Cards for Transit
Get a rechargeable IC card like Suica or Pasmo from a ticket machine and tap in/out on trains and subways instead of buying single tickets every time.
Cash and Cards Balance
Carry some cash for markets, small izakaya, and temple donations, but expect that many mid-range restaurants and stations accept credit cards.
Restaurant Ordering Basics
Many places use ticket machines or set menus; you can point at pictures or plastic food displays, and saying "osusume" invites staff recommendations.
Market Etiquette
Move with the flow of crowds, avoid blocking stalls, and eat in designated areas when possible rather than right in front of vendors.
Noise and Nightlife Norms
Japan’s cities are lively but order-focused; keep voices moderate in bars and izakaya, and expect many places to close by midnight outside major nightlife zones.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is generally not expected and can even be refused; good service is standard, and a simple "arigatou" is appreciated.
Shoes and Indoor Spaces
Be ready to remove shoes in some restaurants, traditional inns, and temple areas; wearing easy-on/off footwear makes this more convenient.
Hot Springs Etiquette
If you visit an onsen, wash thoroughly before entering baths, avoid swimsuits in traditional onsens, and keep towels out of the water.
Train Travel Timing
Arrive early for shinkansen departures, check your car and seat number, and line up on the platform markings; trains are extremely punctual.
Language and Phrases
Knowing a few words like "sumimasen" (excuse me), "arigatou" (thank you), and "oishii" (delicious) can make restaurant interactions warmer.
Smoking Zones
Smoking is often restricted to dedicated indoor rooms or outdoor corners; avoid walking while smoking and look for posted signs.
Waste and Trash Cans
Public trash cans can be scarce; carry a small bag for your waste until you find bins at stations or convenience stores.
Temple and Shrine Conduct
Walk respectfully, follow purification rituals at basins if you wish, and avoid loud conversations or eating within main worship areas.
Convenience Store Power
Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven sell good coffee, onigiri, snacks, and even basic hot meals at excellent value.
Weather and Clothing
Pack layers and a compact umbrella; trains and indoor spaces are often air-conditioned, while streets can be humid in warmer months.
Photography Etiquette
Ask permission before photographing staff or inside smaller bars and avoid flash in temples, shrines, and intimate izakaya spaces.
Mobile Connectivity
Consider a short-term eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi, but remember that many stations, cafes, and hotels offer Wi-Fi for occasional use.
Reserve Key Experiences
Book cooking classes, popular izakaya, and sake tastings a bit in advance, especially on weekends and in Kyoto.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Ginza Walking & Department Store Food Hall
Walk down Chuo-dori, then explore a depachika (department store basement food hall) such as Mitsukoshi for beautifully presented foods.
2h · Free (shopping extra)Harajuku Crepe or Street Snack Stalls
Grab a sweet or savory crepe or other light street food along Takeshita Street.
30m · $8-15 per person14 activities across 7 days