Pack your bags — virtually, or literally — because we’re headed to Japan!
Airalo brought together a group of travel enthusiasts for an unforgettable adventure across this incredible country, all powered by the seamless connection of our eSIMs. With just one week to explore, they’re diving into the top things to do in Japan: from must-see sights to can’t-miss cultural moments. Whether you’re planning your own trip or just dreaming of one, follow along for tips and inspiration on how to make the most of a short-but-spectacular stay.
Day 1-3 - Start Your Trip in Tokyo
General Tokyo Checklist
Our Japan adventure starts in iconic Tokyo! This city is full of surprises, from historic temples to urban hustle and bustle. Our trip begins with plenty of free time for guests to roam and make this Japan trip their own. Here are 20 Best Things To Do in Tokyo that we gathered as a starting point.
Want more specific recommendations? Here are a few activities organized for our Airalo trip that we recommend to all travelers.
Join a Sushi Making Class
A sushi-making class is a fun thing to do in Japan and the perfect way to familiarize yourself with this popular food. For an authentic experience, pair a class with a visit to the Tsukiji market—bonus points for bringing all your sushi knowledge home and impressing your friends.
Recommended Read: Sushi in Japan - Tokyo's Tsukiji Market & More
Get Inspired By Our Ramen Scavenger Hunt
The adventure continues! We let guests review and rate a variety of ramen places. If you want to recreate this experience, pick three ramen spots to discover on your trip and treat the experience like your very own vlog. Take pictures, grade each meal, and compare your results with your travel partner(s).
Grab Drinks in Shinjuku
End the day in the Shinjuku Golden Gai district. The district is known for its charming narrow alleys with small bars and restaurants. Read our Discover Shinjuku Golden Gai's District guide to learn how to navigate this area and find the perfect spot for you.
Watch Sumo Wrestling
Let's finish our Tokyo stay with sumo wrestling! Sumo wrestling is a must-do in Japan as it is considered the national sport. In this experience, like no other, watch competitors fight in a circular ring and try to force their opponent out.
Day 4-6 - Discover Beautiful Kyoto
It's time to embark on our journey to Kyoto! The trip from Tokyo to Kyoto takes about 2 hours by bullet train.
Recommended Read: Your Guide to the Tokyo to Kyoto Bullet Train
Try New Foods at The Nishiki Market
If you take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto in the morning, you can arrive in Kyoto by lunch.
This makes it the perfect time to walk around the Nishiki Market. We let all our guests roam around to find something they like before continuing to our next activity. Here are some Nishiki Market highlights to check out:
- Fresh Seafood: The market was initially a fish market, but although it has diversified, you can still enjoy a variety of delicious seafood.
- Kobe Beef: Another highlight of the market was the Kobe beef. You can try delicious beef skewers in a casual atmosphere.
- Knives and Cookware: The market is a great place to shop for souvenirs. You can find gorgeous knives and a wide variety of cookware.
Walk Through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Next on our itinerary: the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest! Join us and immerse yourself in an otherworldly environment. Walk down dreamlike paths with soaring bamboo stalks surrounding you. Finish your visit by going to the Tenryu-ji Temple, a beautiful temple right by the water and close to the bamboo forest.
Other Kyoto Activities
Our Kyoto Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know contains other popular Kyoto activities.
Amongst them, you'll find:
- Cycling Along the Kamo River: Rent a bike and enjoy scenic views.
- Participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony: Learn more about Japanese tea preparation.
- Visiting the Nijo Castle: Once the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, this castle is a gorgeous UNESCO site.
Day 7 - Bonus Day Trip
Our Airalo Japan trip ends there, but if you want to wrap it up nicely with an extra day for the perfect Japan 7-day itinerary, we recommend a day trip close to Kyoto. Here are three options to choose from:
- Go to Nara Park: Nara is less than an hour away from Kyoto and is home to a beautiful park full of deer.
- Travel to Osaka: The bullet train from Kyoto takes under 15 minutes. Indulge in local delicacies, a riverwalk, and more.
- Visit the Himeji Castle: This UNESCO site is about an hour from Kyoto and is worth visiting, especially for history and architecture lovers.
If you're tired of traveling vicariously through this blog and ready to book your trip, we've gathered our top Japan resources for you:
- Wondering when to go? Here is The Best Time To Visit Japan.
- Don't know what to pack? Here is our Japan Packing List.
- Want to stay connected? Learn more about Japan eSIMs.
Enjoy your travels!
FAQs
How does Airalo work? Airalo provides eSIMs that allow you to access mobile networks without needing a physical SIM card. Purchase an eSIM plan through the Airalo app, install it on your device, and start using data immediately.
How to activate Airalo eSIM? Activation is simple. After purchasing a plan, follow the instructions in the Airalo app to install the eSIM on your device. Once installed, it will activate automatically.
Is my phone compatible with Airalo eSIM? Airalo eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones. Check the list of compatible devices.
What if my Airalo eSIM isn't working? Airalo's customer support is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact support through the app or website for immediate help.
