Tokyo, the world’s largest city, is also one of the best run on earth. Known to some as The Big Mikan (seedless Mandarin), the city is home to 37 million people, yet runs more smoothly than many cities a tenth that big.
Considered to have one of the best public transit systems anywhere, the trains run on time, and the highways move swiftly day and night.
Filmmaker Gavin Heffernan shared this beautiful timelapse on a trip to Tokyo, and it shows the city pulsing and moving with streaks of light.
Entitled Dreamlapse Japan, we see how this part of the world is alive and thriving.
Planning a two-week trip to Japan can be an exciting yet overwhelming task, given the country’s rich history, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, a Japan Traveller Guide will help you make the most of your trip by covering must-visit destinations, essential travel tips, and itinerary suggestions.
Best Time to Visit Japan
Japan is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are:
Spring (March to May): Famous for cherry blossoms.
Autumn (September to November): Enjoy vibrant fall foliage.
Winter (December to February): Perfect for skiing in Hokkaido.
Summer (June to August): Experience festivals and fireworks, though it can be hot and humid.
Pre-Trip Essentials
Before you go, make sure to:
Get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for unlimited travel on Shinkansen (bullet trains) and JR lines.
Book accommodations early, especially during peak seasons.
Buy a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient public transport access.
Arrange pocket Wi-Fi or a SIM card for internet access.
Learn basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience.
Two-Week Japan Itinerary
Here’s a balanced itinerary covering the best of Japan’s cultural and modern attractions:
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Start your adventure in the vibrant capital.
Day 1: Explore Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Harajuku. Visit the Meiji Shrine and experience Tokyo’s nightlife.
Day 2: Visit the historic Asakusa district, Senso-ji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree. End the day in Akihabara for tech and anime shopping.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Hakone for an onsen experience with views of Mt. Fuji.
Days 4-6: Kyoto
Take the Shinkansen to Japan’s cultural heart.
Day 4: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, and explore the Gion district.
Day 5: Discover Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the famous Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).
Day 6: Take a day trip to Nara to see Todai-ji Temple and friendly deer at Nara Park.
Days 7-9: Osaka & Hiroshima
Enjoy food, history, and entertainment.
Day 7: Arrive in Osaka and visit Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and Shinsekai.
Day 8: Take a day trip to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima Island.
Day 9: Enjoy Universal Studios Japan or explore more of Osaka’s culinary scene.
Days 10-12: Takayama & Kanazawa
Experience Japan’s traditional side.
Day 10: Head to Takayama for its well-preserved Edo-period streets.
Day 11: Visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village with thatched-roof houses.
Day 12: Explore Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Garden, Samurai District, and the 21st Century Museum.
Days 13-14: Return to Tokyo or Visit Yokohama
Day 13: Return to Tokyo for last-minute shopping or take a trip to Yokohama.
Day 14: Relax at Odaiba, visit teamLab Planets, and enjoy your final meal in Japan before departure.
Final Thoughts
By following this itinerary and planning ahead, you can enjoy an unforgettable two-week journey through Japan, immersing yourself in its rich traditions, modern innovations, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy your trip!
Traveling the globe doesn’t have to break the bank—unless, of course, you want it to.
In this article, we’ll journey from budget-friendly paradises to extravagant escapes, exploring the contrasting worlds of affordable adventures and luxurious indulgences.
Get ready for a whirlwind tour of destinations where you can stretch your dollar or splurge like royalty. Maybe a touch of both could be just the balance that makes the perfect vacation.
A street-food lover’s paradise, Hanoi is a vibrant city where you can enjoy a bowl of pho for less than $2. Budget-friendly hotels and an extensive public transportation system make it a haven for budget travelers.
2. La Paz, Bolivia
Perched high in the Andes, La Paz offers an array of affordable experiences. From exploring bustling markets to riding the city’s iconic cable cars, you’ll find breathtaking views and cultural wonders without hefty costs.
3. Kraków, Poland
Europe on a budget comes alive in Kraków, where historic charm meets affordability. With cheap eats, low-cost accommodations, and free attractions like Wawel Castle, it’s an ideal destination for cost-conscious explorers.
4. Goa, India
Famous for its golden beaches, Goa offers budget-friendly accommodation and mouthwatering seafood. Whether lounging by the sea or exploring its Portuguese heritage, you’ll get great value for every rupee.
5. Siem Reap, Cambodia
The gateway to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a dream for history buffs and budget travelers. With inexpensive guesthouses and $1 beers, it’s an affordable way to explore one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.
6. Tirana, Albania
Often overlooked, Tirana is a treasure trove of affordability in Europe. Colorful streets, inexpensive cafes, and mountain backdrops make this Balkan gem an exciting and budget-friendly destination.
7. Medellín, Colombia
Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín offers modern infrastructure and lush surroundings at a fraction of the cost of other urban centers. Its rich culture and friendly locals make it an irresistible choice.
8. Zanzibar, Tanzania
White-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters await on Zanzibar Island. Affordable resorts and local markets offering fresh seafood keep costs manageable for those seeking paradise on a budget.
9. Bucharest, Romania
Romania’s capital combines old-world charm with modern energy, all at affordable prices. Explore medieval neighborhoods, sip on local wines, and enjoy hearty meals without draining your wallet.
10. Luang Prabang, Laos
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang is serene and stunning. With affordable accommodations and free activities like hiking and exploring waterfalls, it’s a great destination for backpackers.
10 Most Expensive Travel Destinations
Luxury Unleashed: 10 Most Expensive Destinations
1. Zurich, Switzerland
Known for its high quality of life, Zurich also comes with a hefty price tag. Dining out and accommodation in this Swiss city often require a well-padded wallet, but the views of the Alps? Priceless.
2. Oslo, Norway
From high-end dining to fjord cruises, Oslo offers unique experiences—at a cost. The city’s sleek modernity and proximity to natural beauty make it worth the splurge for luxury travelers.
3. Tokyo, Japan
While Tokyo has budget-friendly options, its fine dining, luxury hotels, and exclusive experiences can quickly add up. A night at a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant alone can cost a small fortune.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s stunning landscapes come with a price. Accommodation, dining, and guided tours to natural wonders like the Blue Lagoon often make Reykjavik a destination for those with deep pockets.
5. Dubai, UAE
A city synonymous with excess, Dubai boasts gold-plated dining experiences, luxury hotels like the Burj Al Arab, and extravagant attractions, all of which come at a premium.
6. Paris, France
The City of Light is also the city of expense, especially if you opt for high-end hotels, fine dining, and luxury shopping along the Champs-Élysées. But for many, the romance is worth the price.
7. New York City, USA
From Broadway shows to five-star hotels, NYC’s vibrancy often comes at a steep cost. Even a simple bagel and coffee can feel like a splurge in the Big Apple.
8. Sydney, Australia
Sun, surf, and skyscrapers come with a high price tag in Sydney. Dining with a view of the Opera House or staying near Bondi Beach will likely stretch your budget.
9. Seychelles
This tropical archipelago offers unparalleled luxury, from private villas on remote islands to exclusive yacht experiences. The price of paradise is steep, but its beauty is unforgettable.
10. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Synonymous with wealth, Monte Carlo is a playground for the rich and famous. From luxury casinos to superyachts in the harbor, the glamour comes with an astronomical price tag.
No Wrong Answer
There’s no wrong place to visit.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re pinching pennies or planning the ultimate splurge, the world has something to offer every traveler.
While traveling can be expensive, finding cost-effective ways to have fun is key. For Canadian players looking to have some online casino fun without breaking the bank, a $20 minimum deposit casino in Canada offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy gaming with a low starting deposit.
Another stunning project that’s underway in the Toranomon-Azabudai district of Tokyo, near the base of Japan’s tallest new building, is what the studio calls a planted pergola, a building that curves and angles as it rises.
And though it’s dwarfed by the soaring towers behind it, the attractive shape and form feels hugely distinctive, especially in such a mega-city like Tokyo. The addition of ample plants and trees help bring a sense of calm and relief in this new business district.
Set to open in 2023, it will be Heatherwick’s first project in Japan.
“As a way of combining an architectural construction system with significant amounts of nature we developed the idea of a garden pergola scaled up to district size,” he continued.
“This concept has allowed us to bring an overarching logic to an eight-hectare piece of Tokyo whilst also making space for facilities such as housing, shops, hotels, spas, a school and a temple within the sections framed by the grid.”
Japan has taken the global pandemic seriously, and their relative low numbers reflect that attitude. Even in the tail end of 2021, the restaurants and hotels in big cities like Tokyo are not taking things lightly, with restrictions that other countries don’t have.
That doesn’t mean that Japanese businesses aren’t getting creative with their covid protections.
The Hoshinoya Tokyo is a high end hotel with restaurant, and it welcomes diners with a unique form of protection. The custom-made lantern pods allow for diners to interact with others, while remaining in their own airspace.
We appreciate the design, which has clear Japanese design, but also a friendly futuristic vibe to it, feeling artful and functional all at the same time.
Produced by traditional Kyoto lantern shop Kojima Shouten, the lamps have a collapsable function, making them easy to enter and leave. Really clever and memorable. Via Design You Trust:
This clever craft is shaped like a zipper pull, and as it moves across the river surface, the wake creates an unzipping effect.
The work of Japanese artist Yasuhiro Suzuki, he often wondered what lay beneath Tokyo’s Sumida River, and this was his symbolic discovery craft.
We’ve heard of sports boats, wake boats, but it’s probably fair to say this is one of the few zipper boats in existence. Via Colossal:
(translated) “Fastener ship” was inspired by artist Yasuhiro Suzuki, who looked down on Tokyo Bay from the window of an airplane and saw that the ship and wake going through the sea seemed to open the sea (earth) with fasteners…. The trailing waves of the ship that goes back and forth between Azumabashi and Sakurabashi will connect the opposite banks while opening the water surface like a fastener and will change the way you see the scenery of the town.
Builders with a larger than life dream have created an amazing robot, straight from the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam from the 1970s and 80s.
Gundam Factory Yokohama are the ambitious creators of the full-size robot. Standing 60 feet tall and weighing a staggering 55,000 pounds, the robot is able to walk, kneel, point, and turn its massive head. Further movement and mobility are promised in the future, and we imagine the robot will be a major tourist attraction in the future. Located at the Port of Yokohama in Tokyo.
Tokyo has long been known for the impressive way its skyline lights up at night, the mega-city always buzzing and vibrating with electricity.
Hosokawa Ryohei has a beautiful series that captures this energy and movement, plus all of the vibrancy of the Japanese city. We’ve only spent a handful of days in Tokyo, but we can attest to the light and color that is captured here.
Japanese artist Natsumi Hayashi is a self-proclaimed “levitator”, taking photos of herself floating all over her city of Tokyo.
The clever compositions show her on the subway, vacuuming, and going about her daily tasks, all while hovering elegantly above the ground. It makes us, too, want to take flight. Via DesignYouTrust:
Today’s pace of life can be dizzying, and in this series, the photographers wanted to capture that essence, the speed and fleeting nature of city life. Using a montage-like multilayered approach, we’re able to see a number of people and pieces of scenery at once, all taken from a specific city. Obviously the choices were subjective, but it’s neat to see the overall vibe of places like New York, Cairo, and Mexico City, and the way in which the energy feels distinct for each. Via The Big Domain, and My Modern Met:
If you’ve visited (or live) in Tokyo, you know just how futuristic and expressive the architecture can be. It’s one of the world’s biggest cities, and one that fully has embraced the future, whether that future is one of expression and industry, or of pure form. Either way, photographer Tom Blachford has done an excellent job showcasing that future, in a style that feels at home in the Blade Runner series. Blade Runner, the seminal film of the 1980s showcases a futuristic Los Angeles, dominated with enormous megastructures, buildings that felt more like systems than they did simply structures. Blachford’s series is entitled Nihon Noir, and we feel it’s a great representation of Neo-futuristic style. Via Dezeen:
A huge structure feeling very much like a set piece of Blade Runner
A capsule hotel in Tokyo that would look as in place in 2049 as it would today.
The color and style of the photographs, taken at night, possess a certain emotional futurism.
We love the futuristic form of this structure, which resembles the super pyramid of Blade Runner 2049.
An organic gold sculpture atop a rooftop in Tokyo’s Nihon district.
We’ve ridden the metro in Tokyo, and can attest to it’s promptness, it’s speed, and it’s cleanliness. We can’t, however, vouch for the 4th dimension that it will transport you to, in afridimensional‘s world, that is. Using a simple mirrored video technique, afridimensional transports you to another dimension, making it seem like the cityscape is both floating and calming drifting apart. As a train approaches the station, it’s mirrored effect makes it look like a floating hyperloop pod, from the future. The nighttime videography is paired with a music track that helps take you on a visual journey. Makes us want to get our ticket stamped and take another ride. Via Sploid:
Projection mapping, the art and science of precise projected artwork, is coming into it’s own. Take the newly opened Sagaya restaurant in the Ginza neighborhood of Tokyo. It’s diners are greeted to a table that reacts to the plates set on it, so each course is a new and beautiful experience. Butterflies flit and fly around a plate of delicate vegetables. Leave your hand still on the tabletop, and a digital bird may land on it, just to take flight when you move it. Created by art collective Teamlab, the restaurant looks delicious and an experience not to miss. Via DesignBoom:
Fascinating geometric lightscapes put to music entitled Stroll, by Tao Tajima. Composed on the evening streets of Tokyo, this is simple yet remarkable in style. Via Colossal:
Night Stroll is a lovely animated short by Tao Tajima. Various light figures are seen interacting with locations around Tokyo, I can’t begin to guess how this was all planned, shot and animated and there is almost no information about it online, but it’s remarkable nonetheless. (via be con in riot)
In the late 1960s, strange markings started appearing on walls and gates of Paris, a city in the midst of violent upheaval. The markings were always stripes of exactly 8.7-centimeter width, and always alternated white with a color, say, blue or black. Soon, the same stripes appeared on bus stops all over Los Angeles and in Tokyo. Before long, the art world had taken note, and two years later, the rogue poster artist–Daniel Buren–was hanging a 66-foot-tall banner of stripes in the atrium of the Guggenheim Museum.
The works were created with help of fabric company Brochier Soieries, which developed the textiles, using optical fibers as a material instead of cotton or silk.
If that sounds like a meteoric rise, it’s because it was–especially for an artist who has spent his career refining a singular visual tool. He calls themaffichages sauvages–savage posters–and they’ve appeared on Hermes scarfs and the vast interior courtyard of the Palais Royal. Buren has experimented with numerous other mediums: Last year, as the fifth artist to participate in the Monumenta series, he installed a canopy of brightly colored lenses that transformed the floor of the Grand Palais into a raucous light show. Still, he continually returns to his signature stripe, which he uses as a unit of measurement, a standard way to frame and call attention to space.
This week, Buren returns to his roots with Electricity Paper Vinyl, a show at the Bortolami Gallery in New York. The 74-year-old artist will unveil newaffichages sauvages that, thanks to the help of textile company Brochier Soieries, glow with fiber-optic-enabled luminescence. “After having worked with flags, linen, silk, and other fabrics, [Brochier] came to me six or seven years ago asking if I wanted to try to use a very new technique they were developing using optical fibers as a material instead of cotton or silk,” Buren tells Co.Design. “I did a first prototype and then continued developing other possibilities to push the game and see what this new technique could give.” A recent show at Lisson Gallery, in London, had the artist experimenting with radiance and color, but the works at Bortolami are an entirely new technical paradigm.
MAKE Magazine has a brief look at Tokyo’s 3D Printing Photo Booth. You can get a photo-realistic figurine of yourself! The ‘booth’ is more of a process than a simple black-and-white snapshot, and be prepared to shell out a few hundred bucks for your likeness. But the future beckons….
A huge structure feeling very much like a set piece of Blade Runner
A capsule hotel in Tokyo that would look as in place in 2049 as it would today.
The color and style of the photographs, taken at night, possess a certain emotional futurism.
