**Summary:** This was my first trip to Japan, and it was wonderful. I went solo for 17 days and hit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima....
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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Picster on 2025-01-05 03:37:13+00:00.

Summary:

This was my first trip to Japan, and it was wonderful. I went solo for 17 days and hit Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Traveling around was way easier than I expected—super modern, clean, and crazy English-friendly. December turned out to be the perfect time to go: beautiful fall colors, great weather, no rain, and crowds that weren’t bad at all. I can’t recommend it enough—it was an amazing experience.

Check out my Google Maps guide here.

View my trip photos here.

Itinerary

  • Tokyo: 4 nights (start)
  • Osaka: 2 nights
  • Kyoto: 5 nights
  • Hiroshima: 1 night
  • Tokyo (again): 5 nights

Pocket Wi-Fi vs. Travel Plan

I skipped the pocket Wi-Fi completely. Instead, I used my US phone carrier’s travel plan, which was the same cost or cheaper. The biggest perk? No extra device to charge, pick up, or return—it was just simple and hassle-free. If you’re considering it, check with your carrier. Having reliable data the entire trip made everything easier.

Language

I spoke basically zero Japanese the whole trip—just a few “thank you” here and there. It wasn’t an issue at all. Nearly everything was in English, from signs to menus, and I didn’t need Google Translate at all. I was expecting to have to use Google Translate often but it was really unneeded. I didnt speak English either, verbal communication was just not needed anytime.

Transportation

Google Maps was the best. It showed me everything I needed: train platforms, bus stops, walking routes, and exact times. I mostly used subways and walked everywhere, but I did take three Ubers—mainly in Kyoto when I needed to reach sites that weren’t Metro-convenient (e.g., temples further out). After an Uber there, I’d wander my way back on foot, which worked great.

Payment Methods

Apple Pay on my phone was my go-to, and I used it for literally everything—transportation, food, shopping, you name it. I didn’t carry cash for the first week, and it wasn’t an issue until I hit a shrine that only took cash for entry. A friend gave me some cash later, and I ended up barely using it. Still, having a little cash on hand is smart, especially for random things like small entry fees to the random shrine.

Suica Card

The Suica card on my Apple Wallet was magic. It worked for all public transport—just tap in, tap out, done. I never needed a physical Suica.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Buying Shinkansen tickets was super easy: I’d look up my train on Google Maps, then go to the ticket machine, pick the exact train, and buy my tickets with a credit card. You need two tickets: the base fare and the Shinkansen fee. I didn’t book anything in advance—just showed up, grabbed a ticket, and hopped on. Used it for Tokyo → Osaka, Kyoto → Hiroshima, and Hiroshima → Tokyo. Quick but definitely pricey—it’s the most expensive thing after hotels.

Luggage

I travel light with just a carry-on and a backpack, which made moving around easy. I thought about using the luggage transfer service (takkyubin), but I didn’t really need it. I stayed in one hotel per city, so lugging my stuff around wasn’t a hassle. If you’re packing heavier or hopping between accommodations, the service might be worth considering.

Crowds

Crowds? What crowds? I’d heard so much about how Japan is insanely busy, but it wasn’t bad at all—way less crowded than I expected. Sure, the big Instagram-famous spots had people, but step one block away, and it was quiet. Everyone tends to flock to the exact same photo-op spots, but if you’re willing to wander even a little, you’ll find yourself practically alone. Check out my photos to see what you think.

December Travel

December was amazing. The fall colors were spectacular. The weather was perfect for walking around—not too cold, no rain, super comfortable. No real Crowds. I can’t imagine a better time to go.

Miscellaneous Notes

  • Electronic Converter: I didn’t need one. My chargers worked fine with Japan’s outlets.
  • Bathrooms: Clean, modern, and everywhere.
  • General Vibe: Japan felt more familiar than I expected—like traveling to a modern Western country (think Europe, Canada, or the U.S.), but with its own unique twist.

Overall Experience:

This trip was everything I wanted and more. Japan is incredibly easy to navigate, even for a solo traveler who doesn’t speak Japanese. It was a mix of stunning scenery, rich culture, and modern convenience. If you’ve been thinking about going, just book the trip.

Expenses

  • Full Total: $820.21 in Japan
  • Total Shinkansen (WEST JAPAN RAILWAY CO. and JR CENTRAL): $406.67
  • Total for Uber: $77.54
  • Total for everything except Shinkansen and Uber (including $60 cash): $413.54
  • $800 each way for flights
  • $2400 for 17 days in Japan (Including all travel, airline, trains, hotel, food)

I used points for hotels so did not have any “expense” there.

Check out my Google Maps guide here.

View my trip photos here.