Japan

Navigating from Narita to Tokyo:

1. Getting to the Train Station:

• After exiting the customs area, you'll find yourself in the Arrival Lobby. Follow the signs to the train station, which is located within the airport complex.

• Narita Airport has two main railway companies that connect to Tokyo: JR East (Japan Railways) and Keisei Electric Railway. Each operates different train services, so make sure you know which one you want to use based on your destination in Tokyo.

• Choosing a Train Service:

• If you're taking the Narita Express (N'EX) by JR East, follow the signs to the JR Narita Express ticket counters or ticket machines. The Narita Express is a direct service that connects Narita Airport to major stations in Tokyo, such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Shinagawa.

•  If you're taking the Keisei Skyliner by Keisei Electric Railway, follow the signs to the Keisei Skyliner ticket counters or ticket machines. The Skyliner connects Narita Airport to Nippori Station and Ueno Station.

2.  Purchasing Tickets:

• At the ticket counter or machine, select your destination in Tokyo (e.g., Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Nippori, or Ueno) and purchase a ticket for the appropriate train service (Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner). You can buy a one-way or round-trip ticket, depending on your travel plans.

•  If you have a Japan Rail Pass that covers the Narita Express, you can exchange your voucher for a reserved seat at the JR East Travel Service Center in the airport.

3. Boarding the Train:

• Follow the signs to the designated platform for the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner.

• Board the train at the specified time on your ticket. Trains typically run at regular intervals throughout the day and are very rarely late so be on time.

4. Arriving in Tokyo:

• The Narita Express takes around 60-80 minutes to reach Tokyo Station and other major stations, depending on your destination and train schedule.

• The Keisei Skyliner takes approximately 36-41 minutes to reach Nippori or Ueno Station, depending on your destination and train schedule.

5. Connecting to Your Final Destination:

• Once you arrive in Tokyo, you can use local trains, subways, or taxis to reach your hotel or final destination.

  • Taxis can be expensive in Tokyo so unless your hotel is near the train station it’s a good idea to continue with local trains. But if you are located nearby, the taxis in Japan are one of a kind. And remember don’t touch the door, it’ll open automatically for you. 

  • Taxis do take credit cards.

• Transfer to your hotel in Tokyo and check in.

If you’re not on a budget and want to treat yourself, the “Imperial Hotel” is exquisite and so is the “The Peninsula”. Both are not budget-friendly but provide a one-of-a-kind experience if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Nearby must-see: Hibiya Park, Ginza district is a beautiful place to walk around, and Tokyo tower

• Rest and explore the local area. Be sure to explore the area around your hotel and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant. Don’t be bashful if it looks local and small, be brave and polite and they’ll take great care of you.

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

• Start the day at Tsukiji Outer Market for a delicious breakfast. Below is worth a visit for a fun atmosphere, good views, and incredibly fresh fish (it is a little out of the way but so worth it). 

  • • Fisheries Terrace

    • マグロ卸のフィッシャリーズテラス

• Visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple.

  • • This is a perfect place for shopping and trying street food. Veer off the normal path and find some alleyways for a more authentic bowl of ramen.

    • Stroll through Nakamise Street for souvenirs and traditional snacks.

    • Head to the Tokyo Skytree for stunning city views.

• Explore Akihabara, the electronics and anime district.

• Afternoon: Experience the Harajuku district for unique fashion and street food or a bowl of incredibly good ramen, 

  • • Afuri Harajuku

      • 1. • Address: 3-63-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

           • Website: Afuri Harajuku

    • Afuri specializes in yuzu-flavored ramen, which offers a citrusy twist to the traditional bowl of ramen. The restaurant is modern and stylish, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

    • After your lunch, you can explore the streets of Harajuku, including Takeshita Street and Omotesando, or even take a leisurely walk to nearby Yoyogi Park.

• Head to Odaiba for futuristic architecture and entertainment.

• Enjoy dinner at an izakaya for a taste of local cuisine.

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

• Check out of your Tokyo hotel and head to Tokyo Station.

• Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (approximately 2.5 hours).

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

1.  At Tokyo Station, head to the JR (Japan Railways) area, where the Shinkansen platforms are located.

2. Look for the "Tokaido Shinkansen" line, which is the main line connecting Tokyo and Kyoto.

3.  Purchase a Shinkansen ticket to Kyoto at the ticket counter or using the ticket machines. You can choose between reserved (shiteiseki) or non-reserved (jiyuseki) seating options.

4. Board the Shinkansen bound for Kyoto. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

5. Enjoy the comfortable and high-speed journey on the Shinkansen. The trip from Tokyo to Kyoto takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes on the Nozomi trains, which are the fastest. If you're using a Japan Rail Pass, note that the Nozomi trains are not covered, but you can use the Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen instead.

6. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, disembark from the Shinkansen and proceed to explore Kyoto.

• Check in to your Kyoto accommodation and relax.

  • • • One of the best stays I’ve ever had was at "Konuka-Yakushi Temple" - A classical ryokan-style house.

      • This is a very special place with the most accommodating host who prepared the most beautiful traditional breakfast. There were bikes that came with the price which turned out to be an incredible way to see the city.

• Evening: Explore Gion, Kyoto's historic geisha district. Or opt in for a food tour with “Ninja Food Tours”. This was a really great way to ease into a new city and try foods we wouldn’t have otherwise sought out without a local guide. A few of our favorite stops were,

  • • Mifune
      This local izakaya was opened about 50 years ago and it is located in the heart of Harmonica Alley, specializing in Japanese home-style cooking.
      Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino

    • Uogashi Nihonichi
      Small standing sushi bar offering high-quality fish directly from Toyosu fish market.
      Address: 1-chōme−5−9 くまもとビル, Kichijōji Minamichō, Musashino, Tokyo

    • Hanbey
      Local izakaya is famous among the locals for its nostalgic post-war decor and yummy bites.
      Address: 1 Chome−4−1 地下1階 井の頭ビル, Kichijoji Minamicho, Musashino

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Fire Ramen

• Visit Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.

• Enjoy lunch at Menbakaichidai, the Fire Ramen (be prepared for a fiery experience!).

  • • • While this was definitely a tourist experience it is a must-do. The food was absolutely incredible and the experience is so worth a short wait in line (get there early!)

• Afternoon: Explore Nijo Castle and its beautiful gardens.

• Evening: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha and its iconic thousands of torii gates.

  • • • If you are unable to pack this in, suggest that this be moved to early morning on the next open day of your travels. 

Day 6: Kyoto Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

• Morning: Visit the Daihikaku Senkōji Temple.

• Enjoy the scenic views at the Iwatayama Monkey Park.

• Afternoon: Take a leisurely boat ride on the Hozugawa River.

• • • Evening: Return to Kyoto for a kaiseki cuisine in Gion at “Gion Shirakawa Namisato”

      • Be sure to make reservations and ask for the window seat if possible. This was one of the more unique dinners we had that was full of new flavors and had excellent service.

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

• Take a day trip to Nara via the JR Nara Line (approx. 45 mins).

Detailed guide on the best way to get to Nara from Kyoto:

Option 1: By Train

1. From your Kyoto accommodation, make your way to Kyoto Station.

2.  At Kyoto Station, find the JR Nara Line platform. The Nara Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR).

3. Take a local train bound for Nara. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and trains run regularly throughout the day.

4. Enjoy the scenic ride as you pass through the picturesque countryside.

5. Arrive at Nara Station, the final stop on the JR Nara Line.

Option 2: Kintetsu Railway

Kintetsu Railway is a private railway company that also operates direct trains from Kyoto to Nara. The Kintetsu option may be more convenient if you plan to visit specific attractions in Nara, as some of them are closer to Kintetsu Nara Station than JR Nara Station.

1. From your Kyoto accommodation, make your way to Kyoto Station.

2. At Kyoto Station, find the Kintetsu Kyoto Line platform.

3. Take a Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Nara. The journey takes about 35 minutes, and the trains run frequently.

4. The Kintetsu Nara Station is conveniently located near Nara Park and many of Nara's main attractions.

• Visit Nara Park to see the friendly deer and Todai-ji Temple.

  • • • This can be a fun experience but it is touristy. This is better suited for an afternoon and not a full day. 

• Explore Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine.

• Check out the Isuien Garden for a serene experience.

• Return to Kyoto for the night.

  • • • A wonderful place for dinner is " Monk, 147 Jodoji Shimominamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8404, Japan". This was featured on Netflix and is truly an amazing dining experience if you're in the mood for something other than ramen or sushi. 

Day 8: Kyoto to Tokyo

• Check out of your Kyoto accommodations. 

• Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo (approximately 2.5 hours).

  • • Don’t forget to grab a bento box or onigiri before you get on the train and a beer to enjoy on the ride.

• Check in to your Tokyo hotel and rest/refresh.

  • • Suggest finding a hotel near the train station for easy access to the airport. The below is about a 6-minute local train ride from the main station. 

      • • Hotel: APA Hotel Tokyo Kanda Ekimae

        • Address: 2-1-1 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

        • Website: APA Hotel Tokyo Kanda Ekimae

• Evening: shopping or sightseeing in Tokyo.

  • • Explore Marunouchi Brick Square:

      • • This is a charming open-air space with shops, cafes, and a relaxed ambiance. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea at one of the cafes while taking in the views of the illuminated buildings.

Day 9: Tokyo Shopping 

• Daiso Harajuku: Visit the Daiso Harajuku store, a 100-yen shop where you can find a plethora of items at affordable prices, including stationery, beauty products, and more.

• Shibuya 109: Explore Shibuya 109, a shopping complex known for its trendy and affordable fashion. It's a great place to find stylish clothing, accessories, and cosmetics at reasonable prices.

• Shibuya Center Street: Walk along Shibuya Center Street, lined with smaller shops and boutiques offering unique finds at budget-friendly prices.

• Ameya-Yokocho Market: Head to Ameya-Yokocho Market in Ueno, where you can explore a bustling market with various stalls selling clothes, accessories, cosmetics, and street food at competitive prices.

• Harmonica Yokocho: Explore the vintage and thrift shops in Kichijoji's Harmonica Yokocho area, where you can find unique fashion items and accessories at affordable prices.

• Don Quijote: End your day at Don Quijote, a discount store that offers a wide range of products, from electronics and cosmetics to snacks and souvenirs, all at affordable prices.

Day 10: Departure from Tokyo

• Depending on your flight departure time, you can explore nearby areas in Tokyo or do some last-minute shopping (locations/suggestions above).

• Transfer to the airport and bid farewell to Japan.

Enjoy your trip to Japan!