9 Day Itinerary for Your First Trip to Japan | Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Hey guys! I don't normally post videos like this, but since I've been back from Japan, I've been getting a lot of requests for our itinerary -- so here it is.
For the more detailed version of this itinerary, including addresses and restaurant recommendations, as well as a PDF of the whole shebang, go here: www.samanthaminor.com/post/20...
9 Day Itinerary for Your First Trip to Japan | Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
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[@yrbodyisnothing]

Really informative video and great editing skills, thank you for sharing!

[@hphan8022]

Great video! I am researching for our upcoming trip in October and your video is a great resource. Thanks!

[@emilysawyer4505]

It was such a great trip!!

[@Fitnessdealnews]

Awesome video ! Super helpful

[@mb-le9en]

Great video helped us make a decision thank you!

[@studionv]

Your the best thanks for this you made trip little easier me planning

[@nicolehaggerty3470]

I don't usually comment on videos, but I really like this itinerary!!! I'm planning my 2nd trip to Japan in 2022 and your videos are so helpful.

[@SamanthaMinor]

Awesome!! I am getting ready to make a new one of the itinerary I took in early 2020!

[@FannyGodMother]

Really great ideas. So helpful! Strange voice editing but you do you!

[@bawpsherep]

Great video! Thanks for your help :-)

[@pamelafabros3207]

will follow this itenerary 😊😊😊

[@gracerussell9488]

We loved Japan too !! Cant wait to go back !! I booked our teamlab tickets online before we left and same with a lot of our activities with klook it saved lining up and sometimes worked out cheaper 😊

[@streetviewtokyojapan]

good video!

[@ac-uk6hs]

Great article thanks

[@jtsdeals]

Pretty good itinerary. I went in 2019 too for 10 days total with a little less time in Tokyo, did Osaka as a day trip, added a day trip to Nara, and 2 days in Hakone (on the way back to Tokyo) where I stayed at a ryoken (onsen) which was amazing and a much needed rest after cramming so much in the first 7 days.

[@easankiru9292]

wow this is one of the very informative video I saw. I'm excited for my trip next year, hopefully! I'm sure to follow your itinerary. please do more videos on Japan travel. By the way, do you recommend staying in a hostel for a first time solo traveler in Japan? cause I think it's easy to meet other solo travelers.

[@madisonhenderson7473]

This was so helpful! I have been reading the written itinerary as well. I am planning my trip for April 2020! Thank you for posting!

[@SamanthaMinor]

Yay! We'll be just passing each other -- I'll be there in March! Have an awesome trip!

[@kiros1116]

@@SamanthaMinor i am going there last week of march first of april - thanks for the guide

[@brinag8604]

I'm planning April 2020 as well! Thank you for the video

[@ulyssesbraint.7442]

@@kiros1116 Hey, that's exactly when I'm going

[@inevitable-armageddon]

Ya that didnt happen did it?

[@jerardogomez1724]

this was very helpful for my trip planning! Im hoping to go in August next year

[@SamanthaMinor]

Jerardo Gomez yay!! Have fun! :)

[@michaelporter1578]

Stay away from Japan. Radioactive contamination problem is still ongoing problem in Japan. Almost 18,000 Japanese people died with cancer or leukemia caused by radioactive contamination from Fukushima. Stop eating radioactive contaminated food and water. Otherwise, you're going to get cancer, leukemia or infertility. Japan WAS good country but it's severely contaminated by radiation since Fukushima earthquake happened in 2011. Additionally Japanese government is trying to hide the truth about radioactive contamination. However, People have the right to know the truth and what's going on really in Japan !!

[@jamesphoenix1850]

This is definitely a more casual approach than my itinerary, but I think most people would find the rigorous timings on mine stressful haha, I think something worth impressing on people more heavily is the fact that many attractions do have at least one day closed per week, often Monday or Tuesday, so important for people to look up the specific sights or restaurants they want to go to. Also, some restaurants only open for dinner or at least have closed periods between lunch and dinner so those points are worth noting as that isn't really the case in Western cultures.

[@risingsunjapanguideinfo8405]

You must have enjoyed staying Japan a lot! If any chance, please come to Japan again!! 👍

[@EJAgdeppa]

Thank you for the awesome itinerary! Will keep this in mind for our Japan travel this October! Btw, how did you go about your luggages?

[@Creator0funnyshorts]

thank you!

[@indyartmusic1142]

Just watched this video!!! Thought it was very informative as i am planning a trip there but not sure when yet due to all this pandemic stuff going on at the moment!!! Firstly, have to say that i found the deep voice strange but still i enjoyed the video!! I t would have been nice if you had gone into more details about costings but never mind!! This was helpful as me and my son are hopefully going to Tokyo and Kyoto!!!! Was thinking about going for about ten days so your daily plans may prove useful for certain ideas!!! Thanks for sharing!! Take care #STAYSAFE

[@stephaniemilesmayo1165]

2 years ago, we planned to visit Japan for 2021.. Now it's only a dream. Haha. Hopefully, I can visit Japan once this pandemic ends. Keep safe everyone!

[@SutanBatoegana]

I plan to Japan next February.. and almost same with this itinerary.. Tokyo Kyoto Osaka for9 days too.. starts with the day 1 in Shibuya and ended day 9 in asakusa.. I plan to Fushimi inari early morning too..

[@Pascua_bunch]

Lol I’m doing a trip to Japan and we are going to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. What a coincidence 😁

[@derogatory69]

“weird fanfiction shops there” omg girl brutal 🥲

[@sarahl.dennehy160]

Hi! Great video! Do you recommend buying train tickets prior to your trip, or can you buy train tickets there? Is the transportation system ready to figure out? I'm planning a Japan trip for next year, your video is super helpful. Thanks!!!

[@SamanthaMinor]

Sarah L hi! I’m actually working on a video for how to plan a trip :) Basically, if you’re planning on traveling longer distances on the bullet train, you can get a JR pass to save you money. You HAVE to buy it ahead of time - it’s not available once you’re in the country. This is a really good reference: www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html You can also calculate whether the $$ is worth it on that site! But you pretty much only need a JR pass if you’re going on bullet trains. As far as local trains, it’s really easy to figure out. There’s a lot of English, and I used Google Maps for everything which was highly accurate. I would recommend getting a Passmo or Suica card. Basically, these are cards you can load with money, and then just scan them as you go in and out of stations. A lot of people use these and it makes it way easier to pay your fare. Otherwise you have to buy individual tickets, which can get kind of complicated. You can get them at the airport when you arrive, or at any train station! :)

[@sarahl.dennehy160]

@@SamanthaMinor thank you so much!!! 👍

[@annewong7441]

Hello, i find the places are exactly the same as where u hv visited! Did you buy the JR pass for your trip? Or did u do single trip tixs?

[@kimreyes5331]

we're heading to Tokyo - Osaka trip on Feb 17 to 26, 2020. Is the snow heavy on those dates?? thanks! great vid!

[@SamanthaMinor]

Hey Kim! You'll be coming on the tail end of winter so you'll probably miss most of the snow. I'd definitely bring some warmer clothes though! It'll warm up towards the end of your trip but it will probably be a little chillier at the beginning.

[@dariusq8894]

Obviously there's a lifetime worth of stuff to do in Tokyo alone, but this was a good first visit. =)

[@yopparaiiii]

Forget about rainbow bridge and it's rainbow color that only happens 2 months in a year. I was shocked to see the bridge lit up red.

[@jzuncartier5903]

How much would you say you spent in total

[@tonylow9893]

Can You Help Me Travel To North Korea Country With Your Passport Also Needs Make Appointments For Applying Travel Visas??????? My Country Passport Cannot Travel To North Korea.

[@davidsenn5732]

Thanks for the video but what’s up with the “devil voice” over and over. Took away from the video alot

[@Nopi9]

Me realising I need a couple of months in Tokyo

[@noodlefankennedy6334]

Planning to do a Japan Cruise 9 Days Gion Festival in July 10 - 19, 2020 with 10 people, where would recommend staying in Tokyo for something affordable. Is there any AIr BnB that is at least 1 hour away from Haneda AIrport since that is the airport that we will land? Also we will only stay in Tokyo for 3 to 4 days. Would you recommend a JR Pass or IC Card.? Any guidance you can provide would be very helpful. Also loved the video, its very organized and informative.

[@SamanthaMinor]

Hello! So personally, I always stay in Hostels! It's probably the most affordable option for me... and there are a ton in Tokyo. I use a website called Hostelworld.com. There are a ton of different sizes and types of rooms - but for a large group like that, I'd say it would be a really great affordable option. And I've always had great experiences in Tokyo. A couple recommendations of Hostels I've stayed at would be Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya and Nui Hostel Bar & Lounge over in the Asakusa area. I'm not as familiar with AirBnBs in the area though. As far as the JR pass goes. You should only buy a JR pass if you're planning on riding the bullet train a handful of times, as they're pretty expensive and might not pay off otherwise. This is a great resource to see if it pays off: www.japan-guide.com/railpass/ Local travel in Japan by train is really affordable, though. And IC cards are the way to go in my opinion! You can actually purchase them at the airport too, which makes it easy. I got my Passmo card at Narita airport, but they have machines in Haneda as well. It's worth noting, though, you need cash to buy an IC card. The machines don't take Credit Cards. Hope this helps!

[@noodlefankennedy6334]

@@SamanthaMinor Thank you for your prompt response. It is quite informative and will surely research it. Once again, continue to make great content.

[@StarGazer6]

I stay in japan in 2016 for 8 days!

[@t.c.8796]

@Samantha Minor Hello! Super awesome video! I'm travelling to japan 2 weeks from now. should I get a JR Pass? I want to follow the exact Itinerary you have :D I heard it is $150 from let's say Tokyo to Kyoto so round trip would be $300. should I just get the JR Pass then? Thank youuuu!

[@SamanthaMinor]

Tophe Cura are you traveling more than just Tokyo and Kyoto?? I would say if that’s the only trip you’re taking then the JR pass might not be worth it - this is the website I use when I’m trying to decide whether or not i should get a JR pass: www.japan-guide.com/railpass/ Keep in mind that if you do get, say, the 7 day pass, you have to do all of your traveling during that 7 day period.

[@takami5826]

How much does the shinkansen from tokyo to kyoto costs?

[@SamanthaMinor]

Ab Del It will probably vary a bit depending on when you’re traveling and which bullet train you take, but typically it’ll be around ¥ 1300 - ¥ 1400, which is $120-$140 USD. If you’re going to ride the Shinkansen more than twice, I’d recommend looking into the JR Pass. It’ll save you $$! My favorite resource for the Shinkansen is www.hyperdia.com/en/sp/. You can put in your route see all of your options and prices there.

[@takami5826]

@@SamanthaMinor Thanks for your answer and your advice, I appreciate it ! and really nice video by the way ^^

[@pachycephalosauruslover14]

1300 yen is 12 usd not 120

[@rhonapalicpic1330]

how much is your budget overall?

[@michaelporter1578]

Stay away from Japan. Radioactive contamination problem is still ongoing problem in Japan. Almost 18,000 Japanese people died with cancer or leukemia caused by radioactive contamination from Fukushima. Stop eating radioactive contaminated food and water. Otherwise, you're going to get cancer, leukemia or infertility. Japan WAS good country but it's severely contaminated by radiation since Fukushima earthquake happened in 2011. Additionally Japanese government is trying to hide the truth about radioactive contamination. However, People have the right to know the truth and what's going on really in Japan !!

[@BRAWLERSTATUSV0914]

How much USD did you spend total on that trip? Just curious

[@SamanthaMinor]

ishmael vaudrin so I don’t know exactly but I want to say it was just under $2000.. about $1600 of that though was flights, hostels, WiFi, and train tickets. Lol so basically the only other expenses are food and souvenirs, which you don’t have to spend a ton of money on. I’m actually going again this year and got cheaper flights too, so our flights last year were pretty expensive

[@BRAWLERSTATUSV0914]

@@SamanthaMinor I'm headed there for this New Years, then spending 10 days after. I'm so excited.

[@avtarsinghkandowalia5992]

Please share me itinerary letter for japan

[@SamanthaMinor]

Uggggh I’m sorry for the annoying voice effects everyone! 😭 this was my FIRST ever KZbin video like this and I just low-key hated the sound of my own voice 😅 and I honestly didn’t think anyone would watch it lolll. I hear you though!! I’m working on an itinerary from my latest trip, so stay tuned, and there will be no effects 😁

[@Manifestmeditatechill]

i liked the voice effects! (:

[@2Fennie]

Your normal voice is just fine

[@LeandroMartinzzz]

which time of the year did u go?

[@SamanthaMinor]

Leandro Andrade April! This year I’ll be going in March :) spring time is good but also busy!

[@LeandroMartinzzz]

@@SamanthaMinor Hi Sam, thank you for the reply, I am planing to go in March too :)

[@atomixfang]

"weirdly intertwined streets" this is what we call a walkable city. Something Americans have given up in favor of their traffic jams and malls with never ending parking spaces.

[@takeru2702]

いいね

[@vaishnavimangaokar8741]

How warm was it in Tokyo & Kyoto when you went? I am looking at going around the 10th of May. Should we expect hot weather?

[@SamanthaMinor]

Vaishnavi Mangaokar I went in April and it was around 70F when we were there-so I don’t think it will be super hot but I think probably warmer, high 70s! It’ll probably be really nice!

[@2Fennie]

Don't know why u need to distort ur voice to the pt so hard to understand what ur saying, otherwise it would have been ok

[@512Belieber]

It’d have been easier if she fly to Osaka and travel to Kyoto than go tokyo and fly out from there. Save you some time.

[@JB-ut9es]

deep voice edit is cringe

[@smithy1578]

Agreed

[@donexcelcisimo]

Must have cost a fortune to board the bullet train three times.

[@SamanthaMinor]

We got the JR pass which i highly recommend.. a little under $300 a 7 day pass, which gives you unlimited rides!

[@barryoneill7016]

"wander around"....not..."wonder around" 🙂 What's with the moments of "possession"....shall I call an exorcist ?