Where should I go for the first time in Japan?
Where should I go for the first time in Japan? Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are the top places to visit in Japan for first-timers if you only have 1 week or so. Most Japan first-timers travel to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. These three cities represent the best of Japan's urban experience, with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
Is it better to fly from Tokyo to Osaka or take the train?
By rail or road, the journey is more like 515 km. The fastest, easiest, and most convenient option is the Shinkansen, especially if you have a Japan Rail Pass or are looking to arrive quick-fast. The cheapest option is usually a highway bus, followed by flights — but these are both a bit time-consuming.
How much is the bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo?
The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.
How English friendly is Osaka?
If you're dining out and don't speak Japanese, there's no need to worry. Most of the restaurants and bars in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka that are frequented by foreigners will usually have an English menu or at least one English-speaking staff member.
Is there a bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto?
The fastest way to travel from Osaka to Kyoto is by rail. Using your JR pass you can catch a Shinkansen bullet train which only takes around 15 minutes to travel a distance of 56.4km.
Should I go to Kyoto or Osaka first?
The biggest decision you must make is which city to visit first: Osaka or Kyoto? Here, we'll suggest visiting Osaka first, but you could easily switch them around. Note that the two Osaka days here are a summary version of our Osaka 2-Day Itinerary.
How long is bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka?
Shinkansen or bullet train In just 2 hours and 30 minutes, you can get from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. A one-way trip costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat), and is not covered by the JR Pass.
Should I stay in Osaka or Tokyo longer?
If you want to focus on one city, Tokyo is the one. However, Osaka offers many similar features and it's a great base to see a whole lot more. Having been to both multiple times, if I were a first-timer again and I can't afford to go to both, I would personally pick Osaka and see everything else around it.
Is Osaka friendlier than Tokyo?
A Little More Relaxed The Kansai region as a whole has long been characterised as more friendly and outgoing than Tokyo and this is somewhat true. People in Osaka tend to be a bit more open and generally won't hesitate to speak to you even if you're a foreigner.
How far apart is Tokyo from Osaka?
Distance from Tokyo to Osaka The shortest distance (air line) between Tokyo and Osaka is 246.34 mi (396.45 km). The shortest route between Tokyo and Osaka is 313.99 mi (505.32 km) according to the route planner. The driving time is approx. 5h 55min.
What I wish I knew before going to Japan?
Take plenty of cash. Japan is largely a cash-based society, so you'll find that some places may not accept your credit card – especially outside of major cities. You'll generally need to use cash in local restaurants, bars, markets, tourist sights and ryokans.
How many days in Osaka is enough?
It's known for having some of the best food in Japan and it offers plenty to do for first-time visitors. If it's your first trip and you don't have a lot of time, then I'd say that 3 days in Osaka is ideal. It'll give you enough time to see the city's top attractions without feeling rushed.
How much is bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto?
The Shinkansen service which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is the fastest way and it's covered by the JR Pass. The bullet train time is only 15 minutes. If you don't have a JR Pass, the Shinkansen price for this journey is 1,420 yen.
Is it easy to tour Japan on your own?
Is Japan good for solo travel? Solo travel in Japan is safe and it's easy to get around thanks to the country's excellent transport links. It's also a place where being alone is celebrated. In some countries, you may feel out of place if you go out to eat or drink solo, but not in Japan.
Which is the best month to go to Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is between March and May and between September and November as it's both warm and dry between these periods. However, the joys of springtime and the iconic blooming of the cherry blossoms in Japan are no secret, which means you'll be sharing the space with plenty of other travelers.