Temples, tuna & trains: two unforgettable weeks in Japan
Traditional ryokan stay in Kyoto — seven generations of hospitality and quiet beauty.
Japan has a rhythm all its own—equal parts stillness and motion, tea and technology, order and chaos.
I fell completely in love with Japan. It’s one of those rare places that makes you feel both energized and at peace at the same time. I had always imagined it as a “someday” trip, something I’d plan years down the road, but I’m so glad I didn’t wait. Now, I’m just counting the days until I can go back.
If you’ve ever dreamed of cherry blossoms fluttering past glass towers, of late-night ramen after centuries-old temples, this two-week itinerary is the perfect way to see it all without feeling rushed.
✈️ Overview
Trip length: 14–15 days
Route: Tokyo → Hiroshima → Osaka → Kyoto → Tokyo
Best for: Curious travelers who want a little bit of everything: culture, cuisine, and those in-between moments that make a trip linger.
When to go: Late March–April for cherry blossoms (expect crowds!) or October–November for golden leaves
🏙 Tokyo: neon beginnings (3 nights)
Touch down in Tokyo, and you’ll understand instantly—this city hums.
Start in Shibuya, where crosswalks pulse like choreography and side streets hide the best bites. Step into glowing alleys strung with paper lanterns, order something you can’t quite translate, and toast to your first night in Japan.
Tokyo isn’t all hustle and bustle, somehow, between the buzz, there’s quiet. You’ll find peace in Meiji Shrine’s forest path, Omotesando’s design stores, or a tucked-away café with Japanese milk tea.
From our own trip: We wandered for hours through Tokyo’s busy streets. Each block somehow louder, smaller, and more full of character than the last. We joined a food tour with a young local who knew every hidden counter and every way to my heart (tuna, obviously). We stayed in an upscale capsule-style hotel—because adventure is great, but comfort matters—and found peace under the towering trees at Meiji Shrine, where the stillness made the rest of the world fade out for a minute. And then we ate. And ate. And ate again.
Tokyo is a contradiction in the best way possible. It keeps you moving but somehow slows you down.
🕊 Hiroshima: reflection and resilience (2 nights)
About four hours from Tokyo by bullet train and the tempo shifts.
Hiroshima is humbling, modern, and vibrant, yet anchored in memory. The A-Bomb site and A-Bomb Museum were musts. Both were necessary, emotional, and incredibly heavy experiences. Still, I’d recommend everyone visit at least once. It’s powerful in a way that stays with you.
The Peace Memorial Park that surrounds them serves as a gentle reminder of reflection, resilience, and the quiet hope that defines this city.
Memories from our trip: Most visitors come for the history, but what we didn’t expect was how much we’d fall in love with the city itself. It has this easygoing charm that instantly reminded me of someplace I’d known. Hiroshima felt like the Philly to Tokyo’s New York City, (and you all know how I feel about Philadelphia).
An hour’s drive and a short ferry ride brought us to Miyajima Island, where the “floating” torii gate rises from the sea and deer wander freely through the streets. We joined a group tour (normally not my style), but our guide, Mo, made it unexpectedly fun and heartfelt.
And maybe my favorite surprise? One of the best meals of the entire trip came from simply wandering into a tiny, unassuming restaurant with no English menu and a kind, smiling chef. It’s always the unplanned moments that stick.
🍜 Osaka: energy, flavor, and fun (2 nights)
This city doesn’t whisper—it shouts. It’s another culinary playground, where neon signs glow brighter, laughter carries longer, and every alley leads to another late-night snack.
Spend your days exploring Osaka Castle, Dōtonbori’s canals, or wandering through neighborhoods stacked with vintage shops, game arcades, and endless street food. When you’re ready for a change of pace, a short train ride to Nara offers a gentle contrast; where deer roam temple paths and quiet gardens that feel a world away.
Memories from our trip: Osaka was lively—albeit a slight sensory overload at times—but we had some core memories here. We hit Kuromon Market once and immediately went back the next day with friends because, well, how could we not? We snacked our way through the market eating grilled crab legs, wagyu burgers, sugared strawberries, Michelin-rated fresh tuna nigiri, more wagyu (because duh). One of our most fun nights here ended in karaoke until 4 a.m.—no regrets, just memories and maybe a few sore throats. And somewhere between bites, I discovered the joy of Osaka’s vintage purse shops… let’s just say my suitcase was a little heavier flying home.
Osaka is loud, fun, and unapologetic.
🍵 Kyoto: timeless and tranquil (4-5 nights)
Then, the volume fades.
Kyoto is a must-visit; everyone says it, and they’re right. It’s both vibrant and peaceful, deeply cultural yet quietly contemporary. Here, mornings begin with temple bells and evenings glow with lantern light.
Spend your days exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking through its seemingly endless path of red torii gates, or stand among the towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters in like something out of a dream. Wander through Gion’s narrow streets, peek into teahouses, and let the pace of the city invite you to slow down.
Memories from our trip: Kyoto truly lived up to the hype—and then some. It’s one of those cities you could stay in for weeks and still find new corners to love. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was easily one of my favorite experiences in Japan. It’s breathtaking in a way photos can’t quite capture. And Pontocho Alley? That’s where we stumbled upon the best meal of the entire trip. We went back for lunch the next day because Restaurant MUNI, a Japanese-French fusion gem, completely ruined us (in the best way). Their wagyu cutlet sandwich might just be the single best thing I’ve ever eaten. I said it.
Kyoto was also our “splurge” stay. I always recommend picking one destination for that. We checked into a traditional ryokan, a seventh-generation inn with private onsen baths, tatami mats, and rice paper walls. The staff was warm, genuine, and always eager to share the property’s history and traditions. When we first checked in we had a quiet moment in our room, both a bit struck by this experience we never imagined for ourselves.
Kyoto rewards you for slowing down. It’s the heart of Japan’s quiet magic, and a place I’ll return to again and again.
🌆 Tokyo: one last look (2 nights)
Looping back to Tokyo feels like returning to a familiar rhythm—but with new eyes. After two weeks of temples, trains, and more tuna and wagyu than I can count, the city felt both electric and comforting.
Use these last couple of days to slow down your sightseeing and soak in what you missed at the start. Explore Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town, where history hums between market stalls and temple grounds. The area’s anchor, Sensō-ji Temple, is one of Japan’s oldest and most beloved—and the perfect reminder of how tradition still thrives in a city known for innovation.
Memories from our trip: Asakusa was the perfect finale. We still had plenty of history and markets to wander through, but the highlight was definitely dining on Hoppy Street, a lively little strip where locals fill open-air tables with beer, yakitori, and laughter. We also found ourselves at a conveyor-belt sushi spot nearby (because, when in Tokyo…). And to cap it all off, we visited the Tokyo Skytree. Standing at the highest point in Tokyo and looking out over the endless sprawl of the city was nothing short of breathtaking.
It was the perfect way to end—a reminder that Japan always finds a way to blend energy and serenity, modern and ancient, excitement and ease.
🏎 A quick note on Nagoya & Suzuka
While it isn’t part of this two-week route, we also spent time in Nagoya to attend the Suzuka Formula 1 Grand Prix, (which actually started this trip planning). It was an unforgettable experience full of speed, adrenaline, and some of the friendliest fans we’ve ever met. More on that to come in a separate post... stay tuned!
💡 Travel notes
Trains: Japan’s rail system is famously efficient. I’ll help time your transfers so you glide between cities instead of sprinting for platforms.
Pacing: Built for balance, but enough movement to stay inspired, and enough downtime to actually enjoy it.
Customization: Want more city energy? Add Kanazawa or Hakone. Need an extra breather? Stretch Kyoto another day.
✨ Ready to plan your own Japan adventure?
Japan shines when you do it with intention. Find the right neighborhoods, slow down when you can, and let the rhythm of the trip surprise you.
That’s where June comes in. I’ll craft a version of this journey that’s just right for you: your pace, your season, your story.
Submit your PTO—Japan is calling. Let’s chat.
