Hello Community, A while back, I shared a list of things I *hoped* to do in Japan. I’m a 35M based in Australia, and I recently returned...
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The original was posted on /r/japantravel by /u/Suspicious-Rich9451 on 2025-05-09 03:47:08+00:00.

Hello Community,

A while back, I shared a list of things I hoped to do in Japan. I’m a 35M based in Australia, and I recently returned from an unforgettable solo trip—and I can honestly say, Japan exceeded all expectations. https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/1jj7rbx/japan_10_day_trip_please_provide_recommendations/

No complaints, just pure gratitude.

In this post, I’m compiling everything I actually did on the trip (with a few changes from my original plan). Whether you’re planning your first visit or dreaming of going back like I already am, I hope this gives you a good idea.

Day 1 – April 16: Arrival in Osaka

Arrived in Osaka around 3 PM local time. Took the Nankai Line to Namba and checked into my hotel near Dotonbori.

Tried okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Sanpei and takoyaki from Wanaka Sennichimae.

Spent the evening exploring Dotonbori — saw the iconic Glico sign and strolled along the riverfront.

Day 2 – April 17: Himeji Castle & Shopping in Osaka

Started early and headed to Himeji. The castle was stunning, especially with the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Explored all the floors and enjoyed panoramic views of the city from the top.

Visited the nearby Koko-en Garden — the flower beds, koi ponds, and mini waterfalls made it totally worth it.

Had lunch at a ramen spot near Himeji Station.

Returned to Osaka by evening and went shopping.

  • Bought a Japanese kitchen knife from Tower Knives Osaka
  • Picked up Japanese denim from Studio D’Artisan
  • Bought Japan-exclusive badminton shoes and a few Imabari towels near the hotel. Called it a day after that.

Day 3 – April 18: Hiroshima Day Trip

Caught the 7 AM Shinkansen to Hiroshima and arrived around 9:30 AM.

Spent the morning at the Peace Memorial Museum, A-Bomb Dome, and Peace Park.

The afternoon was reserved for Miyajima, but unfortunately, ferries were operating only one-way due to tide conditions. In hindsight, I should’ve done Miyajima first.

Tried Hiroshima-style ramen and waited in line at Okonomimura to try the famous Hiroshima okonomiyaki — totally worth it.

Returned to Osaka by 4 PM.

In the evening, visited Umeda Sky Building for night views of the city, shopped for sunglasses at JINS, and had ramen for dinner.

Day 4 – April 19: Osaka Local Sights

Forwarded my luggage to Kyoto and started the day around 9 AM.

Visited Osaka Castle — skipped the interior but loved the view of the moat.

Next stop: Osaka Aquarium and Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Had lunch at Kuma Café nearby.

Returned to the hotel around evening to rest.

In the evening/early night, explored Amerikamura and Nipponbashi Denden Town (like a mini Akihabara). Saw some cool stores — almost bought a Naruto-themed bomber jacket!

Had Korean BBQ for dinner and wrapped up the night with another round of okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

Day 5 – April 20: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Samurai & Ninja Museum

Took an early train to Kyoto, arriving at Fushimi Inari around 7:30 AM. Did the full hike — the serene torii paths were unforgettable.

Next, visited Kiyomizu-dera. It was crowded, but I managed to see some inner sanctums.

Stopped by Nishiki Market for lunch: sushi, tempura, bubble tea, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and sweet rice balls.

Went shopping — bought:

  • A custom name stamp from Tamaru Imbou
  • Japanese tea cups
  • A fridge magnet
  • Custom-made perfume from My Only Fragrance

Ended the day at the Samurai & Ninja Museum. Dressed up in samurai gear, learned a few sword moves — a fun and immersive experience.

Day 6 – April 21: Kyoto – Arashiyama, Philosopher’s Path, Gion

Started at 7 AM and headed to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — quiet and peaceful. Walked all the way to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, enjoying traditional Japanese houses along the route.

Visited Togetsukyo Bridge before taking a bus to Philosopher’s Path. Explored several nearby shrines too.

In the evening, freshened up and headed to Gion for dinner at Izakaya Gion Yuki.

Day 7 – April 22: Tokyo – Asakusa

Arrived in Tokyo in the afternoon and went to Asakusa. Visited Senso-ji Temple, tried the fortune-telling paper, and bought an amulet.

Explored Nakamise Street and had lunch nearby.

Went shopping at Uniqlo Asakusa, then visited Don Quijote (super crowded). Picked up:

  • Chopsticks
  • Matcha KitKats

Also got Kimono-themed shoes from Tokyo Kimono shoes (sizing was tricky but worth it for the souvenir)

Returned to Shinjuku, where I was staying, and had dinner at a local izakaya.

Day 8 – April 23: Tokyo – Akihabara & Roppongi Hills

Started late due to rainy weather. Spent the day shopping in Akihabara:

  • Radio Kaikan
  • Yodobashi Camera
  • BIC Camera

Bought toy cars, Pokémon plushies, and a Japan-exclusive Seiko watch.

In the evening, visited Teamlab Borderless — a surreal experience. Had dinner nearby in Roppongi Hills.

Day 9 – April 24: Tokyo – Shinjuku, Shibuya, Meiji Shrine

  • Visited Meiji Jingu Shrine
  • Spent time in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
  • Headed to Shibuya for the Scramble Crossing and Hachiko Statue
    • Best views of the crossing from 7F of Magnet by Shibuya 109

Ended the day exploring Kabukicho — Godzilla Head, neon lights, and buzzing nightlife.

Day 10 – April 25: Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko Day Trip

Booked a Klook day tour to Mt. Fuji. Weather was perfect — made it a fantastic (though short) trip.

Visited:

  • Oshino Hakkai
  • Oishi Park
  • Arakurayama Sengen Park
  • Fujiyoshida Street

Captured some breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

Day 11 – April 26: Departure

Packed up and began the journey back home.

Things that helped me survive this intense trip with 18–20k steps daily (max 27k):

  • Good shoes
  • Pocari Sweat
  • Snacks & sandwiches
  • Regular meals
  • Magnesium glycinate supplements
  • Foot patches from Suggi