9 Days in Japan: Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto & Osaka

Neon-lit streets and silent temple gardens, bullet trains and back-alley ramen, cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in autumn — Japan is the rare country where the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional sit side by side, often on the very same street.

Here's a relaxed 9-day route that links Japan's headline cities with mountain views and small moments of calm — plus the little things that make travel smooth, including staying online from the moment you land.

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Day 1–3: Tokyo — Neon, Shrines & Street Food

Start in the capital. Cross the famous Shibuya Scramble, find quiet at the forested Meiji Shrine, browse the old-town lanes of Asakusa around Senso-ji, then eat your way through Tsukiji Outer Market and a tucked-away ramen counter.

Tip: grab a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival — tap straight through the metro gates and pay at convenience stores without fumbling for coins.

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Day 4–5: Hakone & Mt Fuji — Hot Springs with a View

Slow down in Hakone, an easy hop from Tokyo. Soak in an onsen hot spring, cruise Lake Ashi, ride the ropeway over steaming valleys, and on a clear day watch Mt Fuji rise perfectly above the water.

Tip: book a ryokan with a private open-air bath — a Fuji view at dawn is worth every yen.

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Day 6–7: Kyoto — Temples, Geisha & Bamboo

Take the bullet train to Kyoto, Japan's old capital. Walk the thousand vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari, wander the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and catch the golden Kinkaku-ji mirrored in its pond before an evening stroll through historic Gion.

Tip: temples open early — arrive by 8am to beat the crowds and the heat.

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Day 8–9: Osaka — Japan's Kitchen

Wrap up in Osaka, the country's food capital. Feast on takoyaki and okonomiyaki under the glowing signs of Dotonbori, ride to the top of Osaka Castle, and use the city as a base for an easy day trip to the deer of Nara.

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Quick Tips for Japan

• Best time to visit: late March–April for cherry blossoms, or October–November for autumn leaves and crisp clear skies.
• Getting around: a JR Pass pays off for the bullet trains between cities; in town, tap a Suica/Pasmo IC card for metros, buses and convenience stores.
• Plugs & power: Type A/B plug, 100V — bring an adapter.
• Budget & currency: the yen (¥) is cash-friendly, so carry some notes; 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards.

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Staying Connected in Japan

From navigating Tokyo's metro maze to finding that hidden Kyoto teahouse, you'll want data that just works. With Happy Travel SIM you have two easy options:

• Travel eSIM — delivered instantly by email. Scan the QR code and you're online the second you land. Ideal if your phone supports eSIM. Japan Travel eSIM →
• Physical SIM card — prefer a real card, or your phone doesn't support eSIM? We post your Japan SIM to your door with free shipping in Malaysia and Thailand, ready to pop in before you fly. Japan Travel SIM Card →

Both give you fast 4G/5G coverage right across Japan — no roaming bill shock, and no hunting for an airport SIM kiosk after a long flight.

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Ready for Japan?

Pack your sense of adventure, sort your data before you go, and let the journey begin.

👉 Get your Japan eSIM, or order a physical SIM (free shipping in Malaysia & Thailand).