Japan – A 10-Day Journey
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
It turns out that Japan is less expensive than many travelers imagine, and even a budget-conscious couple can enjoy it immensely. Over the course of ten days, you can immerse yourself in a world of unique culture, exquisite Japanese cuisine, breathtaking temples, and encounters with locals whose way of life feels both different and fascinating.
In the following article, we’ll guide you through a 10-day trip that blends the highlights of Japan’s traditions and modernity, while showing you how to make the most of your time and budget in this extraordinary country.
Sakura Season in Japan – A Celebration of Spring 🌸
In Japan, the sakura season, or cherry blossom bloom, is a true celebration of spring and renewal. Across the country, countless festivals are held in honor of this magical time: streets are decorated with floral ornaments, restaurants and food stalls offer special sakura-flavored dishes, and everywhere you look, the world is painted in shades of pink.
The Japanese deeply appreciate their natural surroundings, and cherry blossoms are seen as the highlight of the spring season. The traditional practice of honoring this bloom is called “hanami” (花見), meaning “flower viewing.” Families, friends, and colleagues spread out picnics beneath the blossoming trees, often turning the outing into a joyful evening of food, drinks, and laughter under a canopy of pink petals.
Hanami gatherings can last the entire day and stretch well into the night. Evening cherry blossom viewings, illuminated by artistic lighting, create a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
Typically, the first blossoms appear in the southwest, where the weather is warmer, while the last blooms arrive in northern Japan with its cooler climate. The peak season usually begins in late March and continues into early April. Once the blossoms appear, their full bloom reaches its height within about a week, creating a precious but short-lived window to experience sakura in all its splendor.
Why Japan?
We decided to take a vacation in Japan. After an intensive search through forums and Tips, we finalized an 11-day itinerary (including travel days):
Day 1: Flight
3 days in Tokyo
1 day traveling to Takayama with an overnight stay
3 days in Kyoto
2 more days in Tokyo
Day 11: Flight back
We had about a month and a half to book hotels, plan the route, and purchase the JR Pass for train travel.
A Country Geared for Tourists
Japan is amazingly prepared for travelers. Every question I asked at the railway company counters received a detailed answer, often with charts and maps—just one small example of how welcoming and organized they are for tourists with little knowledge.
That said, not everyone is as approachable as you might think. Some Japanese simply ignored us, likely because their English isn’t strong and they’re embarrassed to make mistakes. But those who do speak—and are willing—were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Everyday Life in Tokyo
The average Tokyoite earns around $5,000 a month (!!), but their main expense is rent—astronomical sums for apartments the size of a child’s bedroom in Israel. Aside from housing, another big spending category is brands. The average Japanese will happily sacrifice comfort just to own a Burberry bag or a Louis Vuitton (or as we jokingly called it, “Louis Biton”).
Overall, the standard of living is high, much higher than what the “average” Israeli knows.
Costs – Not as High as You’d Expect
Contrary to common belief, Japan is not more expensive than Israel. We arrived with a budget that we thought would just about cover everything, and returned with money left over.
Biggest expenses: transportation and accommodation.
Food: also added up, but for us, it was worth it. Being food lovers, we came with “extra motivation” to taste everything—something we couldn’t fully enjoy in Beijing for certain reasons—and Japan truly didn’t disappoint. I don’t think there was a single hour when we weren’t eating something.
Other expenses: entrance fees to attractions and, of course, shopping.
Shopping in Japan is great—not everything is luxury brands. There are plenty of excellent stores with very reasonable prices.
Starting the Trip in Tokyo
We left Beijing, stopped over in Shanghai, and landed at Narita Airport in Tokyo around 20:30. To reach the city center, we took a train from the airport (¥1,000 per person). Credit goes to the hostel staff, who gave us detailed instructions on how to get there, including the option for late check-in. From there, another train ride and a short walk brought us to our hostel.
We stayed at New Koyo Hostel near Ueno, the cheapest option in the area (¥4,800 for a double room). Unfortunately, it was old, not very clean, and very noisy—every sound from the hallway carried into the rooms—so it was hard to get a good night’s sleep. Honestly, our first evening in Tokyo was quite depressing, not the best start to a trip. But Japan quickly made up for it. I canceled the rest of the week’s booking and switched to New Azuna Hostel.
That first night, we wandered around, stopped at a local bar popular with Western expats, returned for showers, and finally went to bed at 1:30 AM—only to wake up at 4:30 AM for our visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market.
Tsukiji Fish Market Experience
After barely three hours of sleep, we headed to the market early (closed on Sundays). We took the subway and followed the crowds, arriving around 6:00 AM. We saw massive fresh tuna, the famous auctions, and the skilled work of filleting and preparing fish for Japan’s hungry buyers. The pace was hectic, with workers driving special stand-up vehicles zipping around at crazy speed, but the sights were unforgettable: spotless trucks, endless seafood stalls, and the precise art of preparing fish for sale.
On the edges of the market are small alleys filled with knife shops, cooking tools, and tiny sushi/sashimi restaurants, often with queues stretching forever. We treated ourselves to the freshest sashimi meal we’ve ever had, though it was expensive—¥2,100 for a relatively small portion. In hindsight, it wasn’t the best value.
A few streets away, however, begins another market filled with stalls and eateries offering the same dishes at much more reasonable prices—¥700–800 for a meal, such as soba noodle soup with udon and tempura shrimp. There were also knife shops with advanced sharpening machines, plenty of food stands, and more.
Ginza, Akihabara & Asakusa
From there, we walked to Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury shopping district with brand-name stores, the Sony Building, and a huge Apple Store where you can browse the internet for free on display computers. We were very tired, though, and most stores don’t open until 10:00–11:00 AM. We tried resting in a nearby park, but the grass was off-limits and the benches uncomfortable.
Later, we took a train to Akihabara, the electronics district. We explored a multi-story building floor by floor. Honestly, it didn’t excite us much. The highlight was the massage chairs, which gave our tired feet some relief. Since we’re not gadget lovers, we found it a bit boring, but for tech fans, this area could easily fill an entire day.
Finally, we headed to Asakusa, an older part of Tokyo known for its temples, narrow streets, and open-air bars where Japanese and Westerners sit together drinking. It was laid-back and fun. We sat down for a beer, watched the world go by, and then returned to the hostel after an exhausting but unforgettable first day in Tokyo.
Exploring Shibuya, Yoyogi, and Ueno
We took the subway to Shibuya, but honestly, there isn’t much to add beyond the fact that it’s a crazy intersection and a massive shopping and dining hub, filled with American chains like Starbucks, Dean & DeLuca, and of course countless McDonald’s scattered everywhere. From there, we started walking toward Yoyogi Park, passing endless stores—famous brands and unknown labels alike—all incredibly stylish and fun to browse.
At the square near Yoyogi’s entrance, we crossed the bridge and found Chococro, a bakery serving amazing chocolate croissants. After indulging in a few of those, we entered the park. The entrance square is a gathering point for young Japanese dressed up as punks, gothic brides and grooms, or even “Heidi girls,” posing and waiting for tourists to photograph them—a quirky and entertaining sight.
We then walked through the park under a giant Torii gate, symbolizing entry into a sacred place, and made our way to Meiji Shrine. At the entrance, we rinsed our hands with bamboo ladles, and inside we were lucky to witness traditional Japanese weddings (apparently held only on Sundays). The ceremonial attire and rituals were fascinating, and we couldn’t stop taking photos.
Later, we wandered through the lively Harajuku area, filled with people, unique shops, and giant sweet crepes stuffed with everything imaginable—a perfect evening snack. That night, we stayed at “Beit Shalom”, where Aki and the wonderful staff hosted us with unmatched warmth.
A Day Around Ueno
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast at Beit Shalom, we headed to the Ueno area. Exiting the station, we explored the bustling market streets between Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, packed with clothes, electronics, and fantastic food. We enjoyed one of our best meals of the trip—a set of soba soup with udon noodles and a bowl of rice topped with assorted tempura—all for just ¥750.
From there, we strolled into Ueno Park, wandered its paths, and then continued on foot through Tokyo’s fascinating streets until we reached Shinjuku’s Times Square by evening. The area was overwhelming in its scale, with endless neon-lit streets, countless restaurants, bars (some a bit sleazy, with “men’s clubs”), and plenty of shops. We grabbed a light dinner in one of the local restaurants before returning to Beit Shalom for a good night’s rest ahead of our trip to Takayama.
Travel Prep
During the day, we stopped by one of the JR offices to finalize our paperwork, activate our JR Pass, and reserve seats for the next day’s train journey.
Journey to Takayama
Following the detailed instructions of the JR staff, we boarded the train to Takayama—a small, tourist-friendly town nestled in the Japanese Alps, roughly halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto. The two-hour ride flew by, as we were glued to the stunning mountain scenery outside the windows.
At the station, a large tourist information center provided us with maps, brochures, and helpful advice. After a 10-minute walk, we reached our lodging for the night: an old Buddhist temple run single-handedly by an elderly Japanese man named Tomi, who speaks fluent English (Tel: 0577-32-8470). At first he seemed a bit stern, but he quickly gave us an excellent briefing on where to eat, what to see, and how to get around. He then showed us the facilities: simple tatami rooms, showers, kitchen, washing machine, and free internet. The place was clean, affordable (¥3,000 per person), and charmingly located by a small stream.
We headed out to explore the old town streets, enjoying the narrow lanes with neat wooden houses, streams on both sides, souvenir shops, and of course, plenty of food options. A river with enormous goldfish and colorful bridges cuts through the town, surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, we found a cozy little restaurant for dinner, but beyond that, the town quieted down early. We returned to the temple for showers, some internet time, and rest.
Morning Markets & Hida Folk Village
The next day, we packed our bags and left them at the temple until our departure later in the afternoon. We began with a visit to the two morning markets. They weren’t overly impressive—lots of unusual food items, fresh fruits, and vegetables at slightly high prices.
Afterward, we rented bicycles (¥500 for two hours each) and cycled south, following Tomi’s advice, toward the Hida Folk Village. This open-air museum preserves traditional houses and lifestyles from historic Japan, and it’s absolutely worth a visit. The ride there was scenic, though a bit tough with the uphill climbs (not ideal for asthma sufferers). Once inside, we spent about two hours exploring (¥700 entrance fee, with a free audio guide available).
A Taste of Hida Beef
Back in the town center, we followed Tomi’s golden tip and went to a local Hida beef restaurant. He had warned us to avoid any place calling itself a “Steak House,” as they inflate prices unnecessarily. Instead, we enjoyed a set meal for ¥1,500 that included a small Hida steak (which you grill yourself with butter on a small tabletop structure), miso soup, rice, and a few side dishes. The beef lived up to the hype—so tender it melted in the mouth. A true culinary highlight!
Heading to Kyoto
After this unforgettable meal, we returned to the temple, thanked Tomi, picked up our bags, and walked back to the station for our train to Kyoto. We arrived late in the evening, after the standard check-in time, so we had to take a train and then a taxi (¥640) straight to Beit Shalom, our accommodation in Kyoto.
This guesthouse turned out to be a gem: the hosts were a lovely couple, the husband speaking fluent Hebrew (he was born in Israel and later studied at the Hebrew University). For Israeli guests, they provide an entire house, including a spacious living room with free internet, kitchen, bathroom, and upstairs two tatami-style bedrooms plus an additional bathroom. Everything was spotless, well-equipped, and welcoming. We were thrilled to know this would be our base for the next three nights in Kyoto.
Two Days of Temple-Hopping in Kyoto
We had just two full days in Kyoto, so we focused on its most famous temples and historic districts.
Kiyomizu-dera
Our first stop was Kiyomizu Temple, perched on a hillside in the eastern part of the city. The large wooden terrace offers sweeping views over Kyoto, making it one of the most impressive spots we visited. Around the temple are narrow alleys filled with shops and stalls, perfect for wandering, picking up souvenirs, or grabbing a snack. The atmosphere is both spiritual and lively, with the streets buzzing with visitors.
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
Another highlight was Kinkaku-ji, the famous Golden Pagoda. The four-story structure, covered in gold leaf, stands in the middle of a reflective pond, surrounded by a meticulously designed garden. The sight of the pavilion shimmering in the water is unforgettable. Entrance costs ¥500, and it’s worth every yen.
Heian Shrine
We also visited the Heian Shrine, which, in my opinion, was the most beautiful of them all. Its vivid orange, gold, and white colors give it a radiant look, and the spacious grounds are inviting. We bought sushi from a nearby street vendor and sat on benches under the trees to enjoy it—a simple but perfect Kyoto moment.
Gion District – The Geisha Quarter
No trip to Kyoto would be complete without exploring Gion, the historic geisha district. We arrived in the late afternoon, when the streets were buzzing with anticipation. Several ochaya (teahouses) still operate here, and as geishas stepped out, dressed impeccably for their evening engagements, the scene turned surreal.
But the experience was a bit of a paradox: while it’s thrilling to see real geishas in their traditional attire, the streets were lined with tourists acting like paparazzi, chasing after them with cameras the moment they appeared. It felt slightly intrusive and almost theatrical, but it’s part of the modern Gion experience, and—like everyone else—we too got caught up in the excitement.
Kyoto Beyond the Temples – Strolling the Streets
After the excitement of spotting the geishas in Gion, we continued exploring Kyoto on foot. Crossing a river, we wandered through lively neighborhoods and shopping districts.
Shinkyogoku: A massive shopping arcade, packed with stores of every kind—fashion, souvenirs, gadgets, and plenty of food stalls. It’s a great place to people-watch and soak up the local vibe.
Rokkakudori Street: A charming street lined with stylish boutiques and small specialty shops. Perfect for browsing unique items and enjoying Kyoto’s slower pace compared to Tokyo.
Pontocho Alley: A narrow, atmospheric lane running parallel to the river, filled with restaurants and bars—some traditional, others modern. At night, the lantern-lit atmosphere is unforgettable.
Somewhere along the way, we also had fantastic kaiten-zushi (conveyor-belt sushi). Sadly, I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but the freshness and variety made it one of the best sushi meals of the trip.
Kyoto Station & Modern Side of the City
On our second day, we headed to Kyoto Station, partly to reserve seats for our train back to Tokyo the next day. The station itself is an architectural giant—a futuristic hub with endless shops, department stores, and restaurants. You could spend hours just exploring inside.
A short walk away stands the Kyoto Tower, offering panoramic views of the city for a fee. We decided to skip it, preferring to spend our time at street level, wandering through the neighborhoods.
Kyoto’s Special Charm
Kyoto feels very different from bustling Tokyo. While Tokyo dazzles with neon and nonstop energy, Kyoto has a more relaxed, serene atmosphere. The best way to experience it is simply by walking: drifting through its streets, peeking into small shops, stopping at local eateries, and soaking in the unique blend of tradition and modern life.
Harajuku & Yoyogi – The Human Carnival of Tokyo
After a warm farewell breakfast at Beit Shalom and a quick train ride back to Tokyo (about 2 hours and 40 minutes), we checked into New Azuna Hostel, dropped our bags, and set out again.
That first afternoon, we explored Roppongi, an upscale but less formal district compared to Ginza. The narrow streets were full of small cafés, boutique shops, and cozy restaurants. For fun, we hunted down a McDonald’s just to try the Japan-exclusive Big Mac with its special teriyaki-style sauce—absolutely worth it. From there we walked all the way to Shibuya, blending into the sea of people, neon lights, bars, and department stores. Running into a branch of Dean & Deluca gave us a nostalgic taste of New York City before we wrapped up with dinner and returned to the hostel.
A Sunday in Harajuku & Yoyogi Park
The next morning, we headed to Harajuku determined to catch the street culture we had missed the previous Sunday. This time, we hit the jackpot.
Yoyogi Park was alive with “human spectacles”: Elvis impersonators in full leather, rockabilly “Grease” crews dancing in sync, and dozens of live bands playing everything from punk to pop.
All around, on the grass, people were eating, reading, dancing, drumming, juggling, even getting haircuts in the open air. The energy was a mix of carnival, picnic, and youth festival.
Nearby, we stumbled upon a Bangladesh Festival at the adjacent fairgrounds and feasted on naan and curry until we couldn’t eat another bite.
The only hiccup was running out of cash—since not everywhere in Tokyo exchanges money easily, we had to detour to Akihabara just to change currency. Once replenished, we returned to Yoyogi, wandered through Harajuku’s bohemian side streets (like Tokyo’s own “Neve Tzedek”), and enjoyed a final dinner before heading back to the hostel for an early night.
Summary & Useful Information – Traveling in Japan
After 10 packed days in Japan, here’s a recap of the impressions, surprises, and practical tips we gathered along the way.
What Surprised Us Most
Silence on the trains: Even when they’re packed to the brim, the silence is absolute. The only noise? Us, whispering in amazement.
Cleanliness: Finding a trash bin is almost a quest (sometimes on the 2nd or even 3rd floor of a building), yet the streets are spotless.
Smoking rules: Smoking is prohibited in the streets, so smokers gather in small corner stations.
Prices: Japan turned out cheaper than Israel in many aspects—yes, really.
The future in 4 hours: Just a short flight, and you land in a world that feels futuristic.
Communication
Japan isn’t the easiest when it comes to staying connected:
Unlike Thailand, where a cheap SIM card solves everything, here it’s complicated for foreigners.
We relied on free internet spots (like the Apple Store in Ginza) to send emails.
Locals use advanced, bulky phones—watching TV, surfing the net, even playing PS2 games on them—with touchpads long before they were common in the West.
Forget about charging your Israeli phone easily: batteries, chargers, and compatibility can be a nightmare.
Transportation
We learned quickly that Japan’s transport system is efficient but expensive:
JR (Japan Rail): Covers city and intercity routes. Best value if you buy the JR Pass outside Japan before arriving.
7-day pass ≈ 280 USD per person.
Worth it if you plan more than one intercity ride.
Saved us money on the airport ride too (normal fare 2,000 yen).
Subway (Tokyo): Huge, efficient network.
Fares: 160–280 yen per ride.
Daily pass: 720 yen.
Private rail companies: Also operate between and within cities. We didn’t use them.
Tip: Activate your JR Pass strategically so it also covers your return to the airport.
Accommodation
Options for Israelis traveling Japan fall into two categories: paid hostels/guesthouses or free stays in special communities.
Budget hostels:
Start around 5,000 yen for a double room.
Not all are spotless, despite the Japanese reputation.
Example: New Koyo in Ueno was cheap but disappointing (tiny rooms, shabby area).
A better alternative was New Azuna—same price, much cleaner.
Beit Shalom (“House of Peace”):
A Christian community with a deep connection to Israel.
Offers free accommodation (max 3 nights), including hearty breakfasts.
Guests must be married couples or small groups (up to 4).
Facilities: showers, towels, guest rooms, and all essentials.
Drawback: curfew (22:30) and no night trains anyway, so nightlife is limited.
We stayed in both Tokyo and Kyoto branches—absolutely recommended.
✨ Final Note:
Japan isn’t just temples, sushi, and neon lights. It’s a land of contrasts—tradition and modernity, silence and chaos, minimalism and extravagance. If you prepare well and keep an open mind, it’s more affordable than expected and an experience unlike anywhere else.
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