Japan, the land of the rising sun, has always been a dream destination for many Filipino travelers. With its rich culture and history, amazing cuisine, fantastic shows and animations, and thrilling modern and classic attractions, every one of us wants to visit Japan!
Visiting Japan has been a dream of mine ever since I was a kid! Growing up with a vivid imagination fueled by all those fun animations and cartoons, I instantly fell in love with Japanese culture and all the magic it brings. Not to mention the fact that I got into Japanese cuisine which made my love and interest grow for Japanese culture. As a result, I promised myself that I would really visit Japan for an authentic cultural experience.
In this blog post, this Japan travel guide highlights a 6-day itinerary for Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Shirakawa-go! Whether you’re traveling to Japan for the first time or not, this 6-day Japan ultimate guide is for you!
Table of Contents
Japan Tourist Visa for Filipinos
If you’re a Philippine passport holder, then you need to apply for a Japan tourist visa before flying into Japan! You may either apply for a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. If you happen to get a single-entry visa, then you are allowed to stay in Japan for 14 days! However, if you get lucky and get a Japan tourist visa approved for multiple entry, then you are eligible to stay in Japan for 30 days and enter Japan as many times as you can, which is valid for 5 years!
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- Make sure you have a valid Japan tourist visa upon entering Japan.
- Bring cash for emergency purposes. Most establishments do accept cashless payments, but always remember that cash is king! You might still need some cash any time around.
- Make sure to pack your things accordingly. If you’re travelling to Japan in winter, then you need to bring some appropriate winter clothes. Always make sure to check the weather and temperature before traveling to Japan.
- Be aware of some cultural norms in Japan. Waste disposal can be tricky as there are few public trash bins. Carry a small plastic bag for your trash, and be sure to separate recyclables when you do find bins.
- Japan’s public transport system is efficient and punctual. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is an excellent investment for tourists planning to travel extensively across the country. It offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
- Make sure you have IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient travel on buses, subways, and local trains in cities.
- Google Maps is your best friend! The Google Map can show you the accurate time of departure and arrival of public transportation in Japan! Yes. Amazing it is!
- Be respectful of religious practices and ceremonies.
Best Places to Visit in Japan for First-timers
Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its modern architecture, bustling shopping districts, and rich culinary scene. Often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is famous for local delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
Nara
Known for its ancient temples, serene parks, and friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara is another must-visit in Japan! Aside from its famous deer, the city is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Todai-ji Temple, which houses the massive bronze Great Buddha, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital, is the heart of Japan’s traditional culture and history. Famous for its stunning temples, serene Zen gardens, and iconic geisha district in Gion, Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan’s elegant past. This is another popular tourist destination that you shouldn’t miss out on when travelling around Japan!
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go is a picturesque, UNESCO-listed village in the Japanese Alps, renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses. These unique structures, designed to withstand heavy snowfall, provide a glimpse into Japan’s rural heritage. Shirakawa-go is definitely one of the must-see places to visit in Japan!
Japan Itinerary for 6 Days
Day 1: Osaka
- Arrival in Osaka
- Check in to our hostel.
- Walk around Dotonbori
- Dinner
- Rest
Day 2: Osaka
- Dotonbori
- Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
- Osaka Castle
- Umeda Sky Building
- Hep Five
- Dotonbori (Dinner)
Day 3: Nara – Kyoto
- Nara Park
- Todai-ji Temple
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kyoto
- Nosonin Temple
Day 4: Shirakawa-go
- Day trip to Shirakawa-go (with Takeyama sidetrip)
Day 5: Universal Studios Japan
- Day tour adventure at Universal Studios Japan
Day 6: Back to Manila
- Back to Manila
Where to stay in Osaka, Japan?
There are a lot of options to choose from Booking, Agoda, or even KLOOK. These are the usual sites that you can use to look for cheaper accommodations. In our case, my friend and I stayed at Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori for 6 days and 5 nights! We booked our accommodation through Agoda.
As for this trip, apparently, we opted to stay in Osaka for the entire trip!
How to get from Osaka to Nara?
- Via JR Yamatoji Line (from Osaka Station): Take the JR Yamatoki Rapid Rail. Travel time from Osaka to Nara is approximately 45 minutes.
- Via Kintetsu Nara Line (from Osaka Namba Station): Take the Kintetsu Limited Express Line. Travel time from Osaka to Nara is about 35 to 40 minutes.
Take note that the Kintetsu Nara Station is closer to Nara Park and major attractions, while the JR Nara Station is a bit farther but still convenient.
How to get from Nara to Kyoto?
- Via JR Nara Line (from JR Nara Station): Just simply take the JR Nara Line (Direct Rapid Service to Kyoto). The travel time takes about 45 minutes from Nara to Kyoto.
- Via Kintetsu Kyoto Line (from Kintetsu Nara Station): Take the train via Kintetsu Limited Express or Express. The travel time takes about 45 minutes from Nara to Kyoto.
How to get from Osaka to Kyoto?
- Via JR Special Rapid Service (from Osaka Station): Take the train via Tokaido/Sanyo Line. The travel time from Osaka to Kyoto is approximately 30 minutes.
- Via Hankyu Line (from Umeda Station): Take the train via Hankyu Kyoto Line Express from Umeda Station to Kyoto. The travel time is around 40 to 45 minutes.
Whether you’re wandering the historic streets of Kyoto or stepping into the fairy-tale-like village of Shirakawa-go, Japan’s architectural wonders will captivate your imagination. Each city and region brings its own unique aesthetic, shaped by local culture, geography, and history.
If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time anytime soon, then this 6-day Japan itinerary is definitely for you!
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
