Planning a trip to Japan benefits from a methodical approach that balances sleep, transit, and deep neighborhood exploration to create a travel experience more like living in a city than ticking boxes off a list.
Key Takeaways Thesis: Travel less like a checklist, more like a resident Arrival day rules: how to reset fast and start local Transit time budgeting: realistic scheduling for trains, buses, and transfers Lodging tradeoffs: station-adjacent convenience versus quiet neighborhood immersion Three anchor experiences: pick the right cores for every trip Reservation strategy: what to book, when, and how to stay flexible Packing list: essentials for comfort, mobility, and cultural fit Map checklist: pin, plan, and download the right layers Sample two-week skeleton itinerary built around anchors and jetlag rules Practical tips, etiquette, and small hacks Seasonal planning: timing for crowds, weather, and festivals Money, passes, and connectivity: smart choices to save time and cost Onsen and ryokan etiquette: respect and relaxation Accessibility and mobility considerations Health, safety, and emergency basics Food, dietary restrictions, and restaurant strategy Photography, privacy, and respectful behavior Apps, tech toolkit, and helpful online resources Longer stays and remote work: balancing productivity with presence Budget example and cost-saving measures Sample arrival-day timeline (practical minute-by-minute model) Decision checkpoints before departure
Prioritize neighborhood depth: choose one strong local base and plan most activities within walking distance to experience daily life.Manage jetlag from arrival: use daylight exposure, timed meals, and short naps to quickly adapt to Japan Standard Time.Plan three anchors: an urban immersion, a cultural highlight, and a nature/day trip provide rhythm and purpose to the itinerary.Balance reservations and flexibility: book peak items early (accommodations, ryokan, timed attractions) and leave room for spontaneous discovery.Use transit tools and passes wisely: IC cards, regional passes, and Shinkansen reservations reduce friction and save time.Respect local norms: learn basic etiquette for onsen, trains, and dining to travel respectfully and smoothly.
The central idea is simple: the traveler should place neighborhood depth above city breadth and prioritize physiological resets that prevent jetlag from erasing the first two days. Rather than racing between dozens of attractions, they get more meaningful, memorable experiences by selecting a few anchor experiences and arranging logistics—arrival timing, transit, lodging, and reservations—around those anchors.
Minimizing jetlag and maximizing neighborhoods go hand in hand. If the traveler is rested and oriented to Japan Standard Time quickly, they will be better able to explore endlessly walkable districts, discover small restaurants, and notice subtle cultural differences that guidebooks miss. This approach is especially useful in Japan, where a single ward or neighborhood in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka can offer a full week of discoveries.
Arrival day is the single most important day for controlling jetlag and setting the tone for the trip. The traveler should follow a short set of rules to sync their body clock with Japan Standard Time quickly.
Expose to daylight as soon as possible. Natural light is the strongest signal to the brain’s circadian clock. If arrival is in the morning or early afternoon, they should plan an outdoor walk rather than a hotel nap.
Match local mealtimes. Eat light, balanced meals at appropriate local times (breakfast/lunch/dinner) to reinforce the new schedule.
Limit caffeine and alcohol near bedtime. These substances disrupt sleep architecture, making it harder to adapt.
Short naps only. If the traveler absolutely needs a rest, keep naps to 20–30 minutes and avoid late-afternoon naps that can prevent nighttime sleep.
Use melatonin strategically. Low-dose melatonin can help some people fall asleep at the right time; the traveler should consult a physician and consider timing roughly 30–60 minutes before desired sleep.
Plan arrival time thoughtfully. Arriving in the morning or early afternoon makes syncing easier. If arrival is late at night, they should still aim to stay awake until a local bedtime to hit the first night’s sleep window.
Book first-night lodging with acceptance of early arrival energy levels. A centrally located hotel or guesthouse in the chosen neighborhood that allows luggage hold and flexible check-in is invaluable.
Practical tip: if arriving at Narita, factor in an extra hour for common immigration and customs queues; if the traveler uses Haneda, transfers into central Tokyo are often quicker. See the official airport pages for up-to-date information: Narita and Haneda .
budgeting : realistic scheduling for trains, buses, and transfersUnderestimating transit time is the most common itinerary killer. Japan’s punctual trains are fast, but stations can be large, transfers can be long, and luggage slows movement. The traveler should budget transit time with conservative buffers.
Basic rules for transit budgeting:
City transfers: allow 45–75 minutes between central-city train stations when crossing cities (e.g., Tokyo Station to Shinjuku) to account for walking between platforms, stairs, and crowded trains.
Intercity Shinkansen: book seat reservations and add 20–30 minutes extra at both ends for platform access and ticket gates. A Tokyo–Kyoto trip takes about 2 hours 15 minutes on a Nozomi; the traveler should add 60–90 minutes door-to-door for station transfer and luggage.
Airport transfers: Narita is farther out—estimate 60–100 minutes to central Tokyo by Narita Express; Haneda is generally 20–40 minutes by train or monorail depending on the destination . See Japan Rail Pass info for official train options and times.
Last-train awareness: many subways and local lines stop around midnight. If the traveler arrives late, confirm last-train times for return or budget for a taxi ride.
Luggage logistics: use coin lockers at stations or hotel delivery services (takuhaibin) to avoid struggling with suitcases on crowded trains. Japan Guide explains luggage forwarding options at Japan Guide – Takuhaibin .
When building the daily schedule, the traveler should create a transit buffer column next to each activity: actual transportation time × 1.25–1.5. That buffer covers locating the right platform, restroom stops, and small delays without derailing the day.
Lodging determines more than sleep—it shapes how the traveler experiences a neighborhood. The core decision is between staying close to a major station for convenience or choosing a smaller, quieter neighborhood for atmosphere.
Consider these tradeoffs:
Station-adjacent hotels: Pros: easy transfers, more late-night dining options, quicker returns after long days. Cons: busier, more expensive, less character in some cases.
Quieter neighborhood inns or guesthouses: Pros: local cafes, a feeling of living in the city, often better walks. Cons: longer walks to major lines and occasional inconvenience with lots of luggage.
Ryokan vs. business hotel vs. short-term apartment: a ryokan delivers a cultural experience (tatami, kaiseki meals), suited for 1–2 nights; business hotels are compact, clean, and efficient; vacation rentals or serviced apartments are best for stays longer than 4–5 nights or for families.
Budget vs. comfort: in-city capsule hotels and hostels save money but limit privacy. A mid-range hotel near a key transfer station can be the best compromise for a 7–10 day trip.
The traveler should choose an initial base with easy access to the airport line for arrival day flexibility—neighborhoods like Shinagawa, Tokyo Station, or Shinjuku in Tokyo are prime examples. For Kyoto, Gion or Kawaramachi are central for walking; in Osaka, Namba and Umeda are hubs. If the traveler plans multiple cities, it can be worth staying fewer nights in each place to avoid constant packing and relocation; alternatively, use luggage forwarding to move bags ahead and stay long enough to explore a neighborhood in depth.
Anchor experiences are the major activities that define the trip. The traveler should pick three—one urban immersion, one cultural-heritage highlight, and one day trip or nature escape. These anchors provide rhythm to the trip and help determine neighborhood choices, reservations, and packing.
Example: in Tokyo, the traveler might choose a single neighborhood such as Shimokitazawa, Nakameguro, or Koenji to explore for several days. The goal is to experience morning routines, local coffee shops, evening izakayas, and an afternoon market or boutique street.
Tips:
Walk without a strict itinerary—let the neighborhood set the pace.
Visit a local supermarket or kombini (convenience store) to see daily life and stock up on essentials.
Look for small workshops or pop-up events; these are often unadvertised online but visible on neighborhood noticeboards.
Example: in Kyoto, an anchor could be a temple/tea ceremony day: Kiyomizu-dera in the morning, a booked tea ceremony in the early afternoon, followed by an evening stroll through Gion. The aim is to layer context—artists, architecture, ritual—into one cohesive day.
Tips:
Pre-book special experiences that have limited availability, such as tea ceremonies or private shrine tours.
Allow time for slow appreciation—sitting and observing is as valuable as moving between sites.
Respect local customs (temple etiquette, quiet zones) and use guided services for deeper interpretation.
Example: a day trip to Hakone or Nikko from Tokyo, or an excursion to Nara from Kyoto. These trips reset the traveler’s pace with fresh air and different landscapes, and they often reveal a region’s historical relationship with nature.
Tips:
Check train timetables and aim for an early start to avoid peak crowds.
Pack a light day bag with water and snacks; even on short trips, supplies can be limited outside central areas.
Confirm seasonal considerations—cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons require earlier reservations and different transit timings.
Reservations are a balancing act: book what sells out and leave flexibility elsewhere. The traveler should make a reservation schedule based on the anchors and season.
Priority reservations (book early):
Accommodation for peak season (cherry blossom, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year). Book 3–6 months ahead if traveling during these periods.
Ryokan with private onsen, limited rooms, or kaiseki meals . These popular lodgings often fill months in advance.
Ghibli Museum and other timed-entry attractions—tickets are sold out quickly. See Ghibli Museum for official ticketing.
Popular restaurants and izakayas —for Michelin-starred restaurants or well-known local spots, a reservation window can be several weeks to months depending on the place.
Shinkansen seat reservations for guaranteed seating on long journeys or during holidays. A Japan Rail Pass user should still reserve seats where possible.
Reservations that can be left flexible:
Every café, casual izakaya, or local bar—walk-ins are often the norm. Use reservations sparingly for restaurants unless they’re well-known destinations.
Short guided walking tours and some small museums—many accept next-day bookings or on-site payments.
How to stay flexible while securing essentials:
Reserve first and last nights and the lodgings around your main anchors. That creates a stable spine for the itinerary.
Use refundable or free-cancellation options where possible, especially for hotels. This reduces risk if plans shift.
Keep a single unscheduled day mid-trip to handle fatigue, rain, or unexpected discoveries.
For official schedules and ticketing, use trusted resources like the Japan Rail Pass page for rail options and Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for broader visitor guidance.
Packing for Japan should emphasize mobility, weather flexibility, and respect for local norms. The traveler will be walking a lot, navigating trains, and sometimes moving between types of accommodation (hotel to ryokan).
Items to keep in the carry-on for immediate access and in-case checked luggage is delayed.
Important documents: passport, printed reservations, travel insurance , and a small photocopy of passport kept separately. The traveler may also store digital copies in secure cloud storage.
Electronics: phone, charger, travel adapter (Japan uses type A plugs, 100V). A lightweight power bank is essential for long days. Consider a compact travel router or a local SIM/pocket Wi-Fi if the traveler needs constant connectivity; see local SIM options at Japan Guide – Pocket WiFi & SIM .
Comfort items: sleep mask, earplugs, compact travel pillow for long transfers, and compression socks for flights and long trains.
Health and hygiene: a small first-aid kit, any prescription medications with original labels, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, and masks for crowded environments if preferred.
Layered clothing: lightweight base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Japan’s weather varies by season and region.
Footwear: comfortable walking shoes, and a pair of smart shoes or sandals for ryokan stays (the traveler will remove shoes indoors frequently).
Small daypack: with zippered sections, a rain cover, and space for water/snacks and a small umbrella.
What to include if a checked bag is available, with season-specific suggestions.
Extra outfits: one or two smarter outfits if the trip includes formal restaurants or ceremonies.
Laundry supplies: laundry soap sheets or a small detergent pack if the traveler prefers washing basics in the sink; many business hotels provide coin laundromats or in-room machines.
Gifts or small tokens if visiting a local host—a tasteful, not overblown gesture.
Season notes: for spring (March–May) pack a light jacket for cool mornings; summer (June–August) requires breathable fabrics and a compact umbrella for the rainy season; autumn (September–November) needs warmer layers for crisp evenings; winter (December–February) requires insulated outerwear in northern or mountainous regions.
Packing philosophy: prioritize lightweight, layered clothing and items that double up (e.g., a scarf that acts as a light blanket). The traveler should leave space for purchases—especially food items, ceramics, or textiles—from neighborhoods visited.
Good mapping is the unsung hero of neighborhood-based travel. The traveler should prepare a layered map before departure and refine it daily while on the ground.
Map preparation steps:
Create neighborhood pins: in Google Maps or another mapping tool, pin the accommodation, the nearest station exits, nearby convenience stores, supermarkets, a local clinic or pharmacy, and one or two recommended cafés or restaurants.
Pin anchor locations: add all anchor experience sites (temples, museums, parks) and note opening hours and entry requirements in the pin’s notes.
Mark transport access: note the closest train or subway lines and exits. Many large stations have multiple exits that significantly change walking time to a destination—pin the exit number or name.
Download offline maps: for Google Maps, download area maps for offline use. This is crucial when coverage is spotty or if the traveler wants to avoid data roaming costs.
Identify coin lockers and luggage-forwarding points: pin major stations’ coin locker areas and the hotel counters that offer takuhaibin services. See an overview at Japan Guide – Luggage Forwarding .
Layer a walking radius: draw or estimate a comfortable walking radius (20–30 minutes) from the accommodation. Choose most activities within that radius on anchor days to maximize exploring on foot.
Accessibility info: if traveling with heavy luggage or mobility concerns, add elevator/accessibility markers for stations—some major stations’ exits are elevator-free and can add 10–20 minutes.
Emergency pins: pin the local embassy/consulate, the nearest hospital, and local police stations. In Japan, emergency numbers are 110 for police and 119 for fire/ambulance.
On-the-ground map habits:
Open the map each morning and review transit and walking options between planned stops.
If the traveler finds a preferred café or shop, add it to the map immediately; over time, the map becomes a personalized neighborhood guide.
Use local apps where appropriate—Tokyo Metro app, regional JR apps, and multi-language navigation apps can provide real-time platform information.
Here is a practical example to show how the above pieces fit together. The traveler adjusts this to flight times and personal interests.
Day 0 — Travel day: overnight flight, aim to sleep according to target timezone for arrival morning energy.
Day 1 — Arrival in Tokyo (base neighborhood: Shimokitazawa): follow arrival day rules—daylight exposure, light walking, early local dinner, short controlled nap if needed, sleep at a reasonable local hour.
Days 2–4 — Neighborhood immersion: focus on local cafes, boutique shops, a small cooking class, and a museum. Keep evenings free for spontaneous dining.
Day 5 — Day trip to Hakone (nature/onsen): early train, keep the day relaxed, reserve an onsen ryokan for an overnight if desired, or return to base if the traveler prefers one night only.
Day 6 — Train to Kyoto: reserve Shinkansen seats; light afternoon in the Gion neighborhood.
Days 7–9 — Kyoto anchor days: temple day, tea ceremony reservation, Nara day trip or a quieter afternoon stroll through less-touristed neighborhoods.
Day 10 — Travel to Osaka: short transfer; stay near Namba for food exploration.
Days 11–12 — Osaka food and urban culture: Dotonbori street food, Kuromon Market, and an evening at an observation tower or local live music venue.
Day 13 — Buffer/rest day or misc. attraction missed earlier.
Day 14 — Return flight: flexible travel to airport with extra buffer, final souvenir purchases, and luggage forwarding if desired.
This skeleton uses anchors to create a stable rhythm. It limits intercity transfers to only a few larger moves and includes unscheduled time for rest or discovery.
Small cultural and practical habits can make the trip smoother and more respectful.
Quiet in transit: avoid loud phone conversations on trains; many locals keep phones on silent and text instead.
Tipping: tipping is not customary in Japan and can be awkward. Instead, show appreciation verbally or with a thank-you note.
Cash and cards: while credit cards are increasingly accepted, many smaller shops, markets, and rural areas are cash-first. Withdraw cash at ATMs in 7-Eleven or at post offices for reliable service.
Shoes off indoors: be prepared to remove shoes at ryokan, some restaurants, and private homes. Bring tidy socks.
Language basics: learning a few phrases—hello (konnichiwa), thank you (arigatou), excuse me (sumimasen)—goes a long way. Most hospitality staff will use some English, but effort is appreciated.
Season matters in Japan; it changes the experience dramatically. The traveler should align anchor choices and reservation timing to seasonal patterns.
Spring (March–May): cherry blossom season is iconic but crowded and expensive. Book early and expect packed parks and train windows filled with domestic tourists. Late March to early April is typical for Tokyo; northern regions bloom later.
Summer (June–August): rainy season (tsuyu) usually runs mid-June to mid-July in much of Honshu. After the rains, summer festivals (matsuri) and fireworks create vibrant evenings; pack lightweight breathable clothing and a compact umbrella.
Autumn (September–November): offers stable weather and spectacular foliage. Peak colors vary by region and altitude; Kyoto’s temples can be extremely busy in November.
Winter (December–February): ideal for skiing in Hokkaido and the Japan Alps, and for enjoying hot springs with snowy backdrops. Coastal and Tokyo-area winters are milder; bring insulating layers for evenings.
Festival and holiday impacts: Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year see heavy domestic travel; consider avoiding or planning well in advance if traveling then.
For event calendars and regional timing, consult the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and regional city tourism pages.
Small choices in how the traveler pays and connects can reduce friction and expense.
IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca): these rechargeable transit cards are useful for trains, buses, and many convenience store purchases. They save time and eliminate small-ticket transactions. See JR East Suica for details.
Japan Rail Pass: cost-effective only for multiple long-distance travels by shinkansen. Evaluate the pass against single tickets; the pass must be purchased before arrival in many cases.
Regional passes: often cheaper than nationwide passes if staying within a specific area (e.g., Kansai Area Pass, Hakone Free Pass).
Cash strategy: carry reasonable cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas—ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices are reliable for foreign cards.
Connectivity: pocket Wi-Fi rental or a local SIM offers reliable mobile data; many travelers prefer a pocket Wi-Fi for group travel. Pre-order options are available at airports or online.
Onsen bathing and ryokan stays are highlight experiences but include strict social norms. Understanding etiquette improves enjoyment and prevents misunderstandings.
Clean before entering: wash completely at the provided showers before entering any communal bath; soap and shampoo are usually provided at ryokan or public onsen facilities.
No swimwear: onsen are typically bath-naked; modesty is maintained with a small towel used to cover while walking but not taken into the water.
Tattoos: many onsen restrict entry to visitors with visible tattoos due to historical associations with organized crime; some facilities accept tattooed guests if covered with a bandage, and some are tattoo-friendly—check policies ahead.
Quiet and relaxation: onsen are spaces for calm; avoid loud conversation and extended phone use.
Ryokan protocol: slippers are provided for indoor areas, but remove them for tatami rooms; futon beds are set up by staff in the evening—leave space clear and consult staff if unsure.
More practical guidance is available at Japan Guide’s onsen page: Japan Guide – Onsen .
Japan is generally accessible but some older stations and neighborhoods have limited elevators or ramps. Travelers with mobility concerns should plan with care.
Station accessibility: major stations often have elevators and accessible toilets, but smaller stations may not. Pin elevator locations in advance and choose routes with barrier-free options.
Taxi availability: taxis are plentiful in cities and can be a logical choice for short, accessible transfers. Many taxis accept cards or IC payments, but confirm before boarding.
Hotel accessibility: contact hotels ahead to confirm room access, elevator availability, and assistance for luggage.
Resources: consult official tourism pages for accessibility guidance, for example the Go Tokyo accessibility guide .
Japan is a safe destination but preparing for medical and emergency needs remains important.
Travel insurance: carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and illness. Keep policy numbers and emergency contacts accessible.
Medical care: many hospitals in larger cities offer English-speaking services; pin the nearest clinic to base neighborhoods. For general travel health guidance, refer to CDC travel health .
Medications: bring sufficient prescription medication in original containers and print a doctor’s note if necessary. Some controlled medications are restricted—check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or relevant embassy pages for policies.
Natural hazards: Japan experiences earthquakes and occasional typhoons; review evacuation procedures and hotel emergency instructions upon arrival. The Government of Japan provides guidance on disaster preparedness.
Japanese cuisine is diverse but can present challenges for travelers with dietary restrictions. Planning and communication help ensure safe and satisfying meals.
Allergies and dietary needs: prepare a short, translated card that explains allergies (e.g., “I am allergic to shellfish”) and carry it when dining. Some services allow staff to check ingredients, but prepared cards reduce miscommunication.
Vegetarian and vegan options: traditional Japanese meals often include dashi (fish-based stock); vegetarian or vegan options may require explicit confirmation. Websites and apps dedicated to vegan dining in Japan can be helpful in larger cities.
Restaurant strategy: for casual meals, walk-ins are common and enjoyable; for special meals or popular restaurants, make advance reservations. Many establishments accept reservations via phone or online booking platforms.
Local eating habits: standing ramen bars and conveyor-belt sushi provide quick, authentic experiences; in izakayas, small plates are shared—order a variety to sample local flavors.
Photography is part of travel but requires sensitivity to local customs and privacy.
Temples and shrines: many allow photos, but avoid taking pictures of private rituals and refrain from using flash in dim interiors. Follow posted signs and staff directions.
People and street photography: request permission when photographing identifiable individuals, particularly in intimate settings or when photographing children and elderly people.
Train etiquette: avoid using tripods or obstructing platform flow. In many crowded places, quick unobtrusive shots are preferred to elaborate setups.
Technology simplifies navigation, reservations, and translation—having the right apps preinstalled saves time.
Navigation: Google Maps for general navigation and station exits; Hyperdia or the JR East apps for train timetables; the Tokyo Metro app for subway details.
Translation: Google Translate with downloadable Japanese packs for offline use; set up phrase cards for key requests like “no shellfish” or “is this vegetarian?”.
Reservation platforms: use official websites for tickets (e.g., Ghibli ) and international platforms for restaurants that accept foreign bookings when needed.
Money apps: set up banking alerts and note ATM locations; consider a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
If the traveler plans a longer stay or to work remotely, neighborhood selection, connectivity, and pace must be adjusted.
Choose accommodation with reliable Wi‑Fi: serviced apartments or business hotels often provide higher-quality internet suitable for video calls.
Establish a work schedule aligned with local time: shifting work hours to match local daylight preserves circadian rhythm and better integrates the traveler with the neighborhood’s daily life.
Use local coworking spaces: many cities offer short-term passes to coworking facilities which provide stable desks, printers, and meeting rooms—useful for focused days between explorations.
Blend work and leisure: reserve mornings for work and afternoons for anchors; this preserves productivity while allowing deeper exploration at low crowds.
A simple daily budget example helps set expectations. Costs vary widely by travel style, but a mid-range daily budget is useful for planning.
Budget traveler: 6,000–10,000 JPY/day (hostels, convenience-store meals, local buses).
Mid-range traveler: 15,000–30,000 JPY/day (3-star hotels, mixed dining, occasional taxis, and entry fees).
Comfort traveler: 40,000+ JPY/day (higher-end hotels, more dining out, guided tours).
Cost-saving tactics:
Use IC cards for transit and small purchases to avoid repeated fare purchasing delays.
Eat where locals eat: small izakayas and neighborhood ramen shops offer excellent value compared to tourist-trap dining districts.
Book transportation early: early-bird fares and regional passes can reduce long-distance rail costs.
Use convenience stores: kombini food is high quality, economical, and a fast way to sample Japanese flavors without restaurant time or reservation.
A practical timeline helps the traveler visualize how to execute arrival-day rules in the real world.
Arrival morning (08:00–10:00): clear immigration, withdraw some local currency, pick up IC card or pocket Wi-Fi at the airport, take the train into the city, and store luggage if the room is not ready.
Midday (11:00–14:00): find a local café or light lunch near the accommodation, spend 45–90 minutes walking outdoors to get daylight exposure and circulation.
Afternoon (14:00–17:00): light activity—a neighborhood stroll, a museum with seating areas, or a short boat or river walk if available. Avoid heavy rucksacks and long transit on day one.
Evening (18:00–21:00): early local dinner, minimize alcohol if jetlaggy, return to the hotel for a warm shower and an early bedtime aligned with local night.
These arrival-day actions prioritize circadian cues, local food rhythms, and manageable activity to accelerate adaptation.
Before the traveler leaves, a quick checklist reduces last-minute stress :
Confirm all anchor reservations (tickets, restaurants, ryokan) and note cancellation policies.
Download offline maps and train apps and save critical addresses to the phone and a printed copy.
Set an initial sleep schedule for the first two nights with alarms and a planned morning outdoor activity on arrival day.
Arrange airport transfer or note best routes and add buffer time for customs and immigration.
Pack a small travel kit in carry-on with essentials to survive at least 24 hours in case of delayed baggage.
Which neighborhood would the traveler most like to explore for three nights and why? Planning one strong local base and building around it is the clearest path to both minimizing jetlag and getting the deepest possible sense of place—exactly what makes a trip to Japan memorable.
