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• Alternative entries: Osaka (Kansai), Sapporo (New Chitose), or Fukuoka work well if you’re planning a different route.

• Budget: capsule hotels, hostels, and business hotels near train stations.
• Mid-range to luxury: modern city hotels, boutique ryokan, or traditional inns for a cultural experience.

1. Transit (IC) Cards: Add a Pasmo or Suica card to your Apple Wallet (iPhone only). Android users can purchase physical cards at airports or JR stations. These work on trains, subways, and most buses nationwide.
2. Rail Passes: For long-distance travel, consider a Japan Rail Pass or regional passes if they fit your route.
3. City Metro Passes: In major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, short-term subway passes (1–3 days) can save money for heavy sightseeing days.
4. eSIM: I used an Airalo eSIM (3 GB for 30 days, then topped up another 3 GB). Heavy Google Maps use eats data, so plan accordingly.
   • Get $3 off with code PRINCE4311.

• Quick & budget-friendly: Convenience stores (konbini such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) for surprisingly good on-the-go meals—just eat inside or in designated areas.
• Don’t miss:
  • Tokyo: ramen alleys in Shinjuku and tsukemen in Ikebukuro.
  • Kyoto: matcha desserts and kaiseki dinners.
  • Osaka: takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori.
  • Takayama: Hida beef sushi and hearty miso ramen.
  • Kanazawa: ultra-fresh seafood and gold-leaf soft serve.
• Cafés: Japan excels at themed cafés (from minimalist to whimsical) and third-wave coffee spots—perfect for a mid-sightseeing break.

• Arrival: Landed at Narita Airport late evening.
• Transport: Took the Limousine Bus directly to Shinjuku—one of the easiest options when you have luggage, since it stops at major hotels and stations.
• Hotel: Checked in at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, famous for the giant Godzilla head peeking over its rooftop.
• First Impressions: Even close to midnight, Shinjuku buzzed with neon lights, late-night ramen shops, and lively karaoke bars.

• Transport: Bought a 3-day Tokyo subway pass, perfect for unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei lines (and some buses). A few local buses don’t accept it, so I used my Pasmo card when needed.
• Highlights:
  • Immersed in digital art at teamLab Planets.
  • Joined the crowd at the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble.
  • Enjoyed panoramic city views from Shibuya Sky.
  • Browsed quirky boutiques along Harajuku’s Takeshita Street.
  • Wrapped up the evening with neon-lit wanderings through Shinjuku.

• Transport: From Shinjuku, took the train to Kawaguchiko Station.
• Highlights:
  • Picture-perfect views of Mt. Fuji mirrored in the lake.
  • Climbed to Chureito Pagoda, one of Japan’s most iconic Fuji viewpoints.
  • Strolled Oishi Park for wide-angle mountain scenery.
  • Coffee break at Lake Bake Café.
  • Warmed up with hearty noodles at Hotou Fudo.
• Return: Back in Shinjuku by evening for a stroll through Omoide Yokocho, known for its narrow alleys packed with tiny yakitori (grilled chicken skewer) stalls.

• Highlights:
  • Visited Gotokuji Temple, birthplace of the lucky maneki-neko (beckoning cat).
  • Stopped by Hie Shrine, tucked among modern skyscrapers.
  • Wandered through the colorful Nezu Shrine with its vermilion torii gates.
  • Explored Sensō-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street in Asakusa.
  • Ended the night bar-hopping in Golden Gai, Shinjuku’s famous cluster of tiny themed bars.

• Transport: JR train (booked online). The journey takes about 3 hours, passing scenic mountain landscapes.
• Highlights in Matsumoto:
  • Matsumoto Castle – One of Japan’s few remaining original castles, nicknamed the Crow Castle for its striking black exterior.
  • Nawate Shopping Street – A charming pedestrian lane with retro storefronts, snack stalls, and quirky frog statues.
  • Yohashira-jinja Shrine – A peaceful Shinto shrine in the city center, surrounded by a small pond and cherry trees.

• Transport: Reserved bus tickets at Matsumoto Bus Terminal. The journey winds through the Japanese Alps (~2.5 hours).
• Highlights:
  • Miyagawa Morning Market – A riverside market selling fresh produce, local crafts, and street snacks.
  • Hida no Sato (Hida Folk Village) – An open-air museum with traditional thatched farmhouses showcasing rural life in the Alps.
  • Sanmachi Suji – Takayama’s beautifully preserved old town lined with Edo-period merchant houses, sake breweries, and souvenir shops.
  • Local Flavors: Try Hida beef sushi and hearty Takayama ramen.
• Note on Weather: Takayama was noticeably colder than Tokyo and Matsumoto, with autumn colors starting to appear.

• Transport: Our original plan—an express bus—was sold out, so we switched to local trains. The longer route turned into a scenic bonus, with alpine views unfolding outside the window.
• Arrival: A soft drizzle greeted us, perfect for ducking into a minimalist café for hand-brewed coffee before an evening izakaya feast of fresh sashimi and seasonal small plates.

• Highlights:
  • Omicho Market – Bustling seafood market with sushi stalls and local delicacies.
  • Kenrokuen Garden – One of Japan’s celebrated “Three Great Gardens,” blending ponds, bridges, and seasonal blooms.
  • Kanazawa Castle Grounds – Reconstructed samurai-era fortress with impressive stone walls.
  • Nishi Chaya District – A quieter geisha district filled with teahouses and artisan shops.
  • Nagamachi Samurai District – Preserved samurai residences and earthen walls from the feudal era.
  • Higashi Chaya District – The most famous geisha quarter, with traditional teahouses and gold-leaf craft stores.
  • Local Specialties: Kanazawa sushi and ultra-fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan.

• Transport: Bought vouchers on KKday (Hokuriku 1-Way Kanazawa → Kyoto).
  • Process: Exchange vouchers at Kanazawa Station for tickets.
  • Route: Kanazawa → Tsuruga (Tsurugi Line), then Thunderbird train to Kyoto.
• Highlights:
  • Zenkyo-an Temple – A tranquil Zen retreat with beautifully raked gardens.
  • Shirakawa Canal & Tatsumi Bridge – Picture-perfect Kyoto scenes of willow trees and stone bridges.
  • Yasaka Shrine & Maruyama Park – Vibrant Shinto shrine and a favorite cherry-blossom viewing spot.
  • Chion-in Temple – Home to Japan’s largest temple bell and massive wooden gate.
  • Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka – Historic sloped streets lined with teahouses and souvenir shops.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Famous hillside temple with a dramatic wooden stage overlooking the city.
  • Yasaka Pagoda – Iconic five-story pagoda often featured in Kyoto postcards.

• Highlights:
  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji – Temple known for 1,200 whimsical stone statues.
  • Adashino Nenbutsu-ji & Bamboo Grove – Serene bamboo paths and mossy Buddhist statues.
  • Nijō Castle – A UNESCO site with ornate interiors and “nightingale floors” that chirp when walked upon.
  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Zen temple covered in shimmering gold leaf.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – Thousands of iconic red torii gates climbing Mt. Inari.
  • Eikandō Temple – Especially stunning in autumn for its glowing maple leaves.

• Transport: Local train from Kyoto (~45 min).
• Highlights:
  • Nara Deer Park – Meet sacred deer that bow for crackers.
  • Yoshikien Garden – A trio of tranquil gardens: moss, pond, and tea-house style.
  • Kasuga Taisha Shrine – Renowned for hundreds of stone lanterns.
  • Return: Aoniyoshi Limited Express for a comfortable ride back.

• Transport: Local train using IC card (quick and easy).
• Highlights:
  • Namba Yasaka Jinja – Known for its dramatic lion-head stage.
  • Namba Malls – Endless shopping and dining choices.
  • Kuromon Ichiba Market – Street-food paradise with takoyaki, fresh oysters, and wagyu skewers.

• Highlights:
  • Umeda Sky Building – Futuristic skyscraper with a 360° rooftop view.
  • Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping Street – Covered arcade packed with fashion and souvenir shops.
  • Dotonbori – Iconic neon lights, giant food signs, and buzzing nightlife.
  • Katsuo-ji Temple – Famous for its “winning daruma” dolls symbolizing perseverance.
  • Osaka Castle – A stroll through its impressive grounds.

• Transport: Nozomi Shinkansen (book 30 days in advance via SmartEX for discounts). Only 2.5 hours; seats D/E offer Mt. Fuji views.
• Highlights: 
  • Tokyo Station – Architectural blend of red-brick heritage and modern shopping.
  • Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower – Sky-high observation deck with striking Tokyo Tower views.

• Highlights:
  • Starbucks Reserve Roastery – A four-story coffee wonderland.
  • Neighborhood: Stayed in Ginza for its upscale shopping, sleek cafés, and easy access to Haneda Airport.
  • Shinjuku 3D Cat – Viral giant-cat billboard that appears to leap from the screen.
  • Last-Minute Shopping: Souvenir hunts in Shibuya and Ginza.

• Transport: From Ginza, we took the Asakusa Line direct to Haneda Airport.

Looking back at this trip, I can’t help but smile—it was such a mix of excitement, discoveries, and a few unexpected turns (like missing out on Shirakawa-go because of sold-out bus tickets!). But honestly, that’s what makes travel so memorable. You plan what you can, and the rest just becomes part of the adventure.

What stood out the most to me was how each city had its own unique rhythm. Tokyo was buzzing with endless energy, while Matsumoto felt like a quiet pause in the mountains. Takayama gave us that cozy, autumn-in-the-countryside vibe, and Kanazawa surprised me with its mix of samurai history and modern touches. Kyoto was a dream with its temples and traditions, Osaka had the best food scene (takoyaki, anyone?), and then there was the calm but bittersweet return to Tokyo at the end.

Transportation in Japan was its own adventure too—buses, trains, and even the Shinkansen with Mt. Fuji views. It was a reminder that the journey in between places is just as special as the destinations themselves.

If I had to sum it up, this trip was about more than just checking cities off a list. It was about experiencing Japan’s contrasts: old and new, quiet and busy, tradition and innovation. And even though we missed the peak fall colors everywhere except Takayama, the timing gave us something to look forward to—we’ll just have to come back and chase the full autumn palette next time.

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