10 Days in Japan: From Osaka to Tokyo with Style & Adventure
Traditional Tea Ceremony Attire 🍵
Japan has always been high on my travel list, and this August I finally made the journey. From Osaka’s bustling streets to Kyoto’s serene temples and Tokyo’s neon-lit nights, every day was a blend of discovery, culture, and a little magic (check out the travel compilation video on YouTube and my Instagram for more pictures). Here’s how my trip unfolded — and a few tips I learned along the way.
✈️ Getting There & First Impressions
I flew business class with Lufthansa, which made the long-haul travel surprisingly comfortable. The service was excellent, and I loved that some of the meals were Japan-inspired — a nice prelude to what was waiting for me on the ground.
Once I landed in Osaka, I picked up a few essentials that based on my research, stated just makes navigating Japan much easier:
Transportation card: Get an ICOCA or SUICA card for buses and trains. It’s a lifesaver.
Connectivity: Grab an eSIM or pocket WiFi. Trust me, you’ll need it for maps and translations.
Cash: Many smaller shops still don’t take cards.
Discounts: Download Klook for reduced attraction tickets.
Practical must-haves: A mini notebook (for collecting the traditional temple stamps), an umbrella or rain jacket (August is the rainy season), and personal hand soap/towels (many public bathrooms don’t provide them).
🏙️ Osaka (August 29th – 31st)
Day 1: I checked into Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda. The location was perfect — only a five-minute walk from the train station with plenty of shops and eateries nearby. I spent the day simply exploring and soaking in the rhythm of the city while I waited for my daughter to arrive.
Day 2: The highlight was visiting Osaka Castle, a gorgeous site surrounded by parkland that made for the perfect photo backdrop. Later in the evening, We took the train straight into the energy of Dotonbori, where neon lights, the iconic Glico Man, and sizzling street food set the stage for an unforgettable night. Dinner was casual but delicious at one of the food stalls — because sometimes the best meals are the simplest and are at the most unexpected places.
Day 3: A slower pace meant walking through temples, shopping for souvenirs, pre-loved gems, my birthday gift to myself, and wandering through local neighborhoods. Osaka felt both lively and laid back, the perfect mix for easing into Japan.
🌿 Kyoto (September 1st – 3rd)
A short, one-hour bullet train ride brought us to Kyoto — fast, efficient, and absolutely worth the experience. We checked into the Hyatt Regency Kyoto, a modern yet tranquil base for exploring.
The days here were full of iconic moments:
Visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest followed by the serene Tenryu-ji Temple and Arashiyama Yusaitel.
Spending time at historic shrines, each one offering a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions.
A traditional tea ceremony, where I even dressed in traditional attire. It was such a sweet, cultural moment — and one I’ll always treasure since I shared it with my daughter.
A much needed spa day!
Getting hand crafted matching 18k gold rings engraved to commemorate the day was the absolute best. Check out my Instagram for the reel I posted of that process and more pictures🤩.
Kyoto felt like a step back in time, with every turn offering quiet beauty, history, and cultural lessons.
🌆 Tokyo (September 4th – 7th)
No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing Tokyo’s vibrant chaos, and the Shinkansen whisked me there in style.
Day 1 (Sept. 5): I headed straight to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, then spent hours shopping at Miyashita Park, Loft, Shibuya 109, and the ever-entertaining Don Quijote. The evening ended in Golden Gai, where narrow alleyways hide tiny, quirky bars full of personality.
Day 2 (Sept. 6): A dream stop at the Ghibli Museum, followed by vintage and thrift shopping (Tokyo is heaven for fashion lovers!). For photography fans, the city’s camera shops are worth exploring. Evening entertainment was unlike anything else — an interesting, colorful experience at the Japanese Dance Cabaret Theater Asakusa-Kaguwa.
Day 3 (Sept. 7): My last full day ended on a chill note since it rained. We wrapped the night with a nice dinner, packed our bags, and relaxed, a fitting farewell to Japan.
It's a Wrap
From temples and castles to futuristic city lights and playful experiences, Japan offers a little something for every traveler. My 10 days were packed, but I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.
If Japan is on your list — go. Just remember to pack that umbrella, bring cash, and save room for ramen. 🍜
Let me know in the comments if you want a travel check list.