Trip through Japan: 10 Thrilling Adventures from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto

My trip through Japan – From Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto and Nikko

My trip through Japan began with landing at Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo. Before I set off on my adventure, I got a Suica card and a SIM card at the airport to be prepared for my travels and Internet use. The SIM card, which I bought directly at the airport, cost around 38 euros. You can also get it cheaper in the city for around 27 euros.

With the Suica card you can easily travel on the trains, buses and subways in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto – the perfect companion for exploring the city, even if it cannot be used for the Shinkansen or long-distance buses. The card is available in various amounts, starting at 1,000 yen and up to 10,000 yen. The price includes a deposit of 500 yen and a starting credit that you can use to get started right away.

From Narita I took the train to Asakusa, my first destination in Tokyo, where my hostel was located. Asakusa is the oldest district of Tokyo and I was immediately fascinated by its history and tradition. I was particularly impressed by the Asakusa Shrine and the lively atmosphere on Nakamise-dori Street, where you can buy souvenirs and traditional snacks. A walk along the Sumida River not only offered a relaxing break, but also a breathtaking view of the Tokyo Skytree and the Azuma Bridge, which are beautifully illuminated, especially in the evening.

From Asakusa I continued to the Shibuya District

Where I crossed the famous Shibuya Crossing – a truly impressive, chaotic experience. Right next to it is the Hachiko Memorial Statue, which commemorates the loyal dog Hachiko. In Mandarake, a legendary manga and anime shop, I was able to find a few souvenirs for my collection. The Shinjuku District surprised me with its mix of modern urbanism and leisure opportunities. I was particularly excited to visit the Skybar in the Granbell Hotel Shinjuku, which offers a fantastic view of the city, and the Godzilla Head on one of the skyscrapers, which was in all its glory at night.

For art lovers, I can recommend the Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza – an impressive experience of modern art installations and living aquariums. But the real highlight of my Tokyo exploration was the ride on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. If you want to see Mount Fuji during the journey, you should definitely sit on the right side of the train – the view is simply breathtaking!

When I arrived in Osaka, I explored the Shinsekai District, a rather nostalgic, somewhat quirky district that invites you to take a relaxing stroll with its restaurants and bars. I was particularly impressed by the visit to Dotonbori, a lively district with countless restaurants and bars – perfect for an evening stroll. If you want, you can also take a short boat tour here and enjoy the city from the water. An absolute must for film and theme park fans is of course Universal Studios Osaka, a huge theme park that offers fun for everyone with its roller coasters and shows.

Of course, a visit to Osaka Castle was a must, a beautifully restored castle with an interesting history. I then took the train to Kyoto to experience the tradition and beauty of this former capital of Japan. A highlight was the visit to the Nishiki market, which is a true paradise for foodies with its traditional stalls and delicacies.

Arashiyama, with its famous bamboo forest, impressed me just as much. From the Arashiyama Park Observation Deck I had a fantastic view of the Katsura River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge was a beautiful place for photos. The monkey park in Arashiyama was also an experience – you could walk through the forest and watch the cheeky monkeys. As a special souvenir, I got a tattoo with my best friend in Kyoto – a small but meaningful memory of this trip. The visit to Kyoto was simply magical and I will never forget the atmosphere of this city.

After this intense time in Kyoto

I took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. The last part of my trip took me to Nikko, a place known for its nature and tranquility. Nikko National Park with the impressive Kirifuri Falls and Shinkyo Bridge was the perfect place to take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty of Japan. I went on a short hike and visited an onsen to relax after all the exploring.

Another highlight was visiting Mount Takao, a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The view from the top was simply stunning, and on a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance. If you plan to take the Shinkansen, remember that in high season it is advisable to book tickets in advance. I was lucky and was able to buy my tickets for the Shinkansen spontaneously the day before departure or even on the same day at the major train stations. Tickets cost around 85 euros each way.

Conclusion | Trip through Japan

Was an unforgettable experience for me. The country not only impresses with its culture and history, but also with a very well-developed transport network that makes it easy to reach a wide variety of places. The day trips from Tokyo in particular, such as to Kamakura with the famous Great Buddha or to Mount Takao, are a fantastic way to experience Japan away from the big cities. I will carry this trip in my heart forever and look forward to the day I will return.