Planning a 9-day Japan itinerary can be difficult when you want to experience Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara in one trip. We recently did exactly that when my sister, my college best friend and her family came to visit us here in Japan. But this wasn’t just another Japan trip for me.
I live in Japan, and this time I had the chance to show some of the people closest to me not only the famous places, but also a few places that are personally special to me.
My best friend had already visited Japan twice, so this was her third trip. But it was the first time in Japan for my sister and my best friend’s sister. That made planning this trip a little different.
I wanted to bring them to the famous places everyone wants to see on their first Japan trip, but I also wanted to show them some of the places that are special to me.
And that’s why our first destination wasn’t Shibuya, Asakusa or Tokyo Skytree. It was Kawagoe. Over nine days, we traveled around Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Osaka, Nara and Kyoto, with Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan in between. It was tiring.
We traveled during Golden Week, encountered huge crowds and traffic, walked more than I want to remember and didn’t manage to follow everything exactly as planned. But we had a lot of fun. So rather than giving you a “perfect” Japan itinerary, I’m sharing the itinerary we actually did.
Kawagoe + Shinjuku
Our first day in Japan was a mix of old and new — from the charming historic streets of Kawagoe, a place that’s special to me, to the bright lights and energy of Shinjuku at night.
Kawagoe
Mt. Fuji &
Shibazakura
Festival
unforgettable moments ♡
Day 2 took us out of the city and into one of Japan’s most beautiful natural landscapes. We joined a group tour and visited Lake Yamanaka and the Shibazakura Festival at Fuji Motosuko Resort. . The highlight of the day was seeing the stunning pink flowers with Mt. Fuji in the background — it looked even more amazing in real life.
just stay in your
heart ♡
Mt. Fuji views, peaceful Lake Yamanaka and fields of pink shibazakura made this one of the most scenic days of our trip.
From the lake to a sea of pink
Lake Yamanaka
Our first stop was Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. The view of Mt. Fuji across the lake was already breathtaking.
We took some photos, enjoyed the fresh air and had a short walk around the area before heading to our next stop.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Next, we visited Fuji Motosuko Resort for the Shibazakura Festival. The fields were covered in pink moss phlox with Mt. Fuji in the background.
It was so beautiful and definitely one of the highlights of our trip. We spent time walking around, taking photos and simply enjoying the view.
What Actually
Happened
We were supposed to visit Mt. Fuji 5th Station, but due to heavy Golden Week traffic, it was cancelled. It was a bit disappointing, but it’s a good reminder to always be flexible, especially during peak season.
My Tip
If you’re visiting during Golden Week or weekends, expect heavy traffic. Book a tour, leave some buffer time in your itinerary and focus on enjoying the places you can visit. Even without the 5th Station, it was still a beautiful and memorable day.
Exploring
Tokyo
AKASAKA • HARAJUKU • SHIBUYA
So many memories! ♡
Day 3 was our busiest day in Tokyo! From historic temples to modern cityscapes, trendy streets and iconic spots, we explored seven different areas in one day. It was tiring, but so worth it — each place had its own unique charm.
Meets
Modern ♡
DAY 3 AT A GLANCE
End: Around 9:00 PM
but all part of Tokyo ♡
Asakusa
We started our day at Senso-ji Temple , one of Tokyo's most famous and historic temples. We walked around Nakamise Street, tried some snacks and took plenty of photos.
Odaiba
From Asakusa, we headed to Shimbashi and took the train to Odaiba . We enjoyed the waterfront views, explored the area and checked out the Gundam.
Ginza
We explored the upscale side of Tokyo. Ginza felt elegant with its modern buildings, luxury stores and wide streets. It's a great place to walk around and people-watch.
Akasaka
We stopped by Akasaka Harry Potter stair to see another side of Tokyo before continuing our afternoon adventure.
Harajuku
We visited Takeshita Street in Harajuku, explored the colorful shops and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
Shibuya
We ended the day in Shibuya, saw the famous Hachiko statue and explored the bright streets around Shibuya Crossing .
Tokyo
DisneySea
my favorite people ♡
Day 4 was our Tokyo DisneySea day, and it was nothing short of magical! From stunning scenery and themed lands to thrilling rides and delicious food, everything felt so beautiful and well-designed. It was a day of fun, laughter and feeling like a kid again!
01
From Maihama Station to DisneySea
We took the train from Maihama Station to the DisneySea gate. The Mickey-shaped windows already got us so excited for the day!
02
Frozen (3-Hour Wait!)
It took us 3 hours to queue for the Frozen attraction! It was a long wait, but it was worth it if you're a Frozen fan. The ride, story and details were amazing.
03
Fantasy Springs (Rapunzel)
We explored Fantasy Springs and took lots of photos. The details, scenery and atmosphere were absolutely magical! We wanted to try the Rapunzel ride and other attractions, but the queue was 2–4 hours, so we enjoyed the area instead.
04
Outside Fantasy Springs
The outside area of Fantasy Springs is so beautiful. Every corner is picture-perfect, with stunning landscapes, themed details and a magical atmosphere.
05
Port Discovery
We headed to Port Discovery and enjoyed the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Harbor. It's a great spot to relax, take photos and simply enjoy the scenery.
06
DisneySea Electric Railway
Later in the day, we rode the DisneySea Electric Railway for a relaxing ride around the park. It's a great way to see more of DisneySea and enjoy the views from a different perspective.
MY DISNEYSEA HIGHLIGHTS
- Took the train from Maihama Station to DisneySea
- Waited 3 hours for the Frozen attraction — worth it!
- Explored Fantasy Springs and took lots of photos
- Rode a few other attractions, but skipped many due to the long queues
- Tried many themed food and snacks
- Enjoyed the stunning scenery and atmosphere
- Watched the Disney Sea of Dreams show — don't skip it!
- Made so many happy memories with my favorite people!
THINGS TO KNOW
- We visited during Golden Week, so the park was extremely crowded.
- We only managed to ride a few attractions because the wait times were very long.
- The Frozen attraction had a 3-hour wait.
- If you're not a big Frozen fan, you might not enjoy the wait as much since the show is only a few minutes long.
- The queue for other popular rides, like Rapunzel, was around 2–4 hours.
- Arrive early and be prepared for lots of walking.
MY TIPS
- Buy a Disney Premier Access for popular attractions if available.
- Arrive early to make the most of your day.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Take your time to enjoy the details, themed areas and beautiful views.
- Try the themed food!
- Don't skip the Disney Sea of Dreams show.
- Even if you can't ride everything, there's still so much to see and enjoy.
- Don't forget to take lots of photos!
- Download and learn to navigate Disney map in advance.
Tokyo to
Osaka
more memories ♡
It was time to say goodbye to Tokyo — for a few days, at least. Day 5 was all about traveling to Osaka by Shinkansen and exploring the city in the afternoon. From the excitement of riding the bullet train to our first taste of Osaka's food and nightlife, it was another unforgettable day in Japan.
01
Tokyo Station
We arrived at Tokyo Station at around 8:00 AM and took some photos before boarding our 9:12 AM Shinkansen to Osaka. The station's beautiful architecture is always a sight to see!
02
Ekiben on the Shinkansen
One of my favorite Shinkansen traditions! We bought ekiben before boarding and enjoyed lunch on the train. If you're seated on the Mt. Fuji side, there's also a chance to see Mt. Fuji along the way, which makes the journey even more special.
03
Arrival in Osaka & Rest
We arrived in Osaka at around 11:42 AM. After checking into our accommodation, we rested for around three hours. That rest was necessary — our itinerary was catching up with us. 😅
04
Osaka Castle
At around 4:00 PM, we visited Osaka Castle and explored the surrounding park. The castle, beautiful grounds and vibrant atmosphere made it a great start to our Osaka adventure.
05
Umeda Sky Building
Next, we went to Umeda and visited the Umeda Sky Building. We originally planned to go to the observatory, but the queue was so long that we decided not to bother. Instead, we continued to Namba for yakiniku.
06
Dotonbori at Night
Our first early night in Tokyo ended in Dotonbori. We walked underneath all the bright signs, explored the area and took photos with the famous Glico Running Man. It was the perfect way to end a full and fun day!
DAY 5 HIGHLIGHTS
- Visited Tokyo Station
- Rode the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
- Enjoyed ekiben on the train
- Caught a glimpse of Mt. Fuji
- Explored Osaka Castle
- Visited Umeda
- Had yakiniku in Namba
- Walked around Dotonbori and took photos with the Glico Running Man
- A relaxing yet exciting day!
THINGS WE LEARNED
- Buy your ekiben before boarding the Shinkansen.
- If you want to see Mt. Fuji, try to get a seat on the right side, depending on the route.
- Build rest time into your itinerary, especially when traveling between cities.
- It's okay to skip an attraction if the queue is too long.
- Osaka is best enjoyed in the afternoon and evening, when the city comes alive.
- Wear comfortable shoes — you'll still do a lot of walking even after traveling.
MY TIPS
- Arrive early at Tokyo Station.
- Bring snacks and drinks for the train ride.
- Consider reserving seats in advance if possible.
- Take time to rest after arriving in Osaka.
- Allocate time for flexible plans.
- Try the local food — yakiniku, takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
- Bring a power bank and extra storage for photos.
- Most importantly, enjoy the journey!
- For Mt. Fuji views from Tokyo to Osaka, book Seat E.
= instant
happiness ♡
Heading to Nara
The next morning we had breakfast at the accommodation before taking the train to Nara. We arrived around 10:20 AM and started our Nara adventure.
Nara Park
We spent the morning exploring Nara Park, temples and the surrounding area. And yes — the deer got plenty of attention. They were friendly, curious and absolutely photo-worthy!
Starbucks Break
After exploring Nara, we took a short break at Starbucks before heading back to Osaka. A quick recharge before the next adventure!
Santa Maria Cruise
We continued to Osaka Minato, had a late lunch of udon and tendon, and boarded the Santa Maria cruise around Osaka Bay at around 5 PM. It was a relaxing cruise with nice views of the bay and the Osaka skyline.
Osaka Bay Views
The cruise gave us a different perspective of Osaka. The views of the harbor, buildings and city skyline during the late afternoon were worth it.
Umeda & Shopping
After the cruise, we returned to Umeda and did some shopping at UNIQLO and GU. It was the perfect way to end the day — exploring the city, good food and a little shopping.
♥ DAY 6 HIGHLIGHTS
- Traveled to Nara
- Explored Nara Park and saw the deer
- Visited temples and surrounding area
- Took a Starbucks break
- Enjoyed a late lunch (udon and tendon)
- Rode the Santa Maria cruise around Osaka Bay
- Visited Umeda
- Did some shopping at UNIQLO and GU
- A fun and relaxing day!
ⓘ THINGS WE LEARNED
- Nara is easy to visit by train from Osaka.
- Feed the deer only with the deer crackers.
- Go early to enjoy Nara Park before it gets more crowded.
- The Santa Maria cruise is a relaxing way to see Osaka from a different angle.
- It's okay to mix nature, sightseeing and shopping in one day.
- Comfortable shoes is a must!
☀ MY TIPS
- Have breakfast before heading to Nara.
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Be respectful to the deer.
- Try the local food near the port.
- Check the cruise schedule in advance.
- Leave some time for shopping in Umeda.
- Bring a power bank and extra storage for photos.
- Most importantly, enjoy the moment!
same great company. ♡
Universal Studios Japan
and childhood favorites ♡
Another full theme park day in Osaka, filled with exciting rides, colorful worlds and plenty of photos.
More memories. ♡
Day 7 was another full theme park day. After a simple convenience store breakfast at our accommodation, we headed to Universal Studios Japan and arrived around 9:30 AM.
It was a day filled with thrilling rides, our favorite characters and themed worlds that brought our childhood favorites to life.
We secured a timed entry pass for Super Nintendo World in advance, which saved us a lot of time. Since it’s one of the most popular areas at USJ, booking your timed entry early is definitely worth it.
By this point we'd already done Mt. Fuji, Tokyo, DisneySea, Osaka and Nara. I don't know where our energy was coming from anymore.
Arrival at USJ
After a quick breakfast from a nearby convenience store, we headed to Universal Studios Japan.
We arrived around 9:30 AM, and the excitement was already in the air. The entrance area was lively, with music, characters and other visitors just as eager to start their day.
Once inside, we took a few photos near the iconic Universal globe before heading to our first stop.
The Wizarding World
of Harry Potter
We started our day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
The castle, the village and the attention to detail really make you feel like you've stepped into the world of Harry Potter.
We rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which is still one of the most popular attractions in the park. The queues can be long, but the experience is worth it.
Super Nintendo World
Next, we explored Super Nintendo World.
From the colorful sets to the interactive elements, everything felt like a real-life game. We enjoyed the rides, took lots of photos and spent some time exploring the incredibly detailed Mario-themed world.
It was easily one of the most colorful and fun areas of USJ.
More Rides and Themed Areas
Throughout the day, we explored more areas and attractions, including Jurassic Park, JAWS, Hello Kitty and Minion Park.
Each area had its own unique atmosphere, and it was fun jumping from one completely different world to another.
End of the Day
After a full day of walking, riding and exploring, we headed back feeling tired but happy.
USJ is the perfect place for families and friends — there's really something for everyone, no matter your age. It was another unforgettable day in our Japan trip!
More laughs.
More memories. ♡
Kyoto Day Trip
from Osaka
Temples, bamboo paths, historic streets and last-minute shopping
Same amazing memories. ♡
KYOTO
JAPAN
For our final full sightseeing day, we headed to Kyoto. Instead of changing hotels again, we kept Osaka as our base and made Kyoto a day trip.
It was the perfect way to see one of Japan's most beautiful cities without the hassle of moving our luggage.
Arashiyama
Our first destination was Arashiyama.
We visited the colorful Kimono Forest and the famous Bamboo Grove.
After strolling around, we had lunch nearby and grabbed a matcha ice cream before continuing our Kyoto adventure.
Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari
Next, we stopped at Kyoto Station for a quick photo with the iconic Kyoto Tower before continuing to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
The thousands of red torii gates were just as impressive in person. We walked through a portion of the trail, enjoyed the atmosphere and took plenty of photos.
Gion, Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka
Later in the afternoon we explored Gion.
We stopped at Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya, then spent some time walking around Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Kyoto is somewhere I wouldn't rush if I had unlimited time. Unfortunately, we didn't.
Back to Osaka + Last-Minute Shopping
By around 6 PM, we were traveling back to Osaka.
And we finished our last full night exactly as any responsible traveler should: last-minute shopping at Don Quijote.
From snacks and souvenirs to “just one more” find, it was the perfect and very familiar way to end our final full day in Japan.
Kyoto is a place that stays with you — a perfect mix of history, culture and quiet beauty.
Even in just one day, it left us wanting more.
day in Kyoto. ♡
Saying Goodbye
End of our 9-day Japan adventure
Same unforgettable memories. ♡
And just like that, our nine days were over.
It was a short trip, but a very busy and unforgettable one. From Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, DisneySea, Osaka, Nara and Kyoto — we packed so many experiences into these days and created memories we will always treasure.
