Japan Itinerary at a Glance

What we planned vs. what actually happened

Day 1 — Kyoto

Planned: Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera, Monkey Park
Actual: Murakami exhibit, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari

A photo from the Murakami exhibit.

Day 2 — Kyoto

Planned: Fushimi Inari, Higashiyama & Gion, Kyocera Museum, Osaka at night
Actual: Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Monkey Park, Golden Pavilion, Omakase

A glimpse of the Golden Pavilion.

Day 3 — Osaka

Planned: Universal Studios Japan
Actual: Nara day trip (deer, temples, zero regrets)

A photo from the train to Nara.

Day 4 — Osaka → Tokyo

Planned: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Bullet train to Tokyo
Actual: Exactly that (a miracle)

Day 5 — Tokyo

Planned: Asakusa, Tsukiji Market, TeamLab
Actual: Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Jingu, TeamLab

Day 6 — Tokyo

Planned: Shinjuku izakayas, Tokyo EDITION, arcade night
Actual: Asakusa, Tsukiji, Tokyo Tower views, Omoide Yokocho

The iconic Omoide Yokocho sign.

Day 7 — Tokyo

Planned: Full Shibuya day
Actual: Shibuya shopping + Hachiko Square

The iconic Hachiko statute.

Day 8 — Tokyo

Planned: Ginza + airport
Actual: Ginza + airport