What are the best places to visit in Japan?

I'd suggest you get a JR rail pass as you'll be travelling inter-city.They can only be bought outside Japan and are for temporary visitors. There is a JTB office in Milan. You can buy 7, 14 or 21 day passes and can go superior or ordinary class. It will cover you for all JR shinkansen except Nozomi and Mizuto. Will also cover Tokyo monorail, JR buses and JR ferry to Miyajima. They are good value and convenient. Ame-mura in Osaka is interesting for shopping and quirky fashion.Lots of little izakayas and shokudos to eat cheaply and try Japanese food. Osaka people are food obsessed!! Rather than Osaka Castle, which was destroyed in WW2 and rebuilt out of concrete, I'd suggest a train trip to Himeji and visit the castle there. Only a short walk from the station and much more interesting and original-look for the hidden level. If you get to Hiroshima (and I'd recommend it) visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the bomb epicentre. From Hiroshima, take the tram out to the ferry and go to Miyajima, In Kyoto, make sure you walk through the bamboo forest-amazing temples in Kyoto (eg Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji) and you will be sure to see geishas and maikos around Gion Street. For an interesting experience in Kyoto, why not stay at a shukobo-accommodation attached to a temple. I can recommend Shunkoin temple www.shunkoin.com -you'll have to book in advance. In Nara visit Todai-ji temple-biggest wood structure in world-with big Cosmic Buddha. Look for the hole in the pillar-same size as the buddha's nostril-if you squeeze through, guaranteed enlightenment in next world. Kōfuku-ji temple and Hōryū-ji temple worth a visit too.

Japan is wonderful-you'll have a great time.

Hey Andrea, 

I was recently in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka) for two weeks with being in Tokyo for the most part. 

I would definitely say the subway system (although maybe a bit overwhelming at first), is very efficient and will probably take you to where ever you want to go in Tokyo. For Tokyo, aside from visiting popular areas (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, etc.) I visited Sensoji Temple in Asakusa area. I visited this place both during the day and evening and if you want to a better scenery and picture, I would suggest going at night as the temple and lanterns are all lit up then and a lot less tourist crowding around. 

What I found most memorable with Tokyo was actually just visiting a random bar in Meguro and meeting random but very nice people. There was a language barrier but some of the younger people knew English and I had Google translate app with me too. Anyways, maybe I just got lucky but I hit it off with some people and they took me out for food, clubs and bars. Had a very memorable time with them!

There's so much to say but I guess I'd stick with the basics for now. Given that you want to do day trips and go to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, I'd suggest you get the JR pass. It essentially let you ride the JR line for however long you've purchased the pass for. Very worth while!

Another thing I found to be very worthwhile to have was a mobile wifi. This is basically a small mobile device that will give you wifi access where ever you are in Japan. I found it nice to have to search up things while I'm out and more so for the translate app. 

Anyways, don't want to bombard you with loads of info. Let me know if you want to know more and have a great trip!

Re: Public transport in Kyoto: You would be moving around mainly via bus. They are accurate, almost to the minute, so plan wisely. 

As for Osaka, if you are going to explore mainly Osaka City itself, it might be a good idea to get the Osaka Pass. It'll give you unlimited train and bus rides, and discounted or even free entrances into various places in Osaka. 

Andrea, so excited to hear you are visiting Japan! Spring will be a lovely time to visit! If the cherry or plum blossoms are in bloom when you are there, definitely take some time to enjoy the natural beauty with a yummy bento lunch picnic in the park. ^_^ 

Regarding transport, I was curious if you purchased a Japan Rail pass for your trip? If you were planning on taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, I think the rail pass would be worth it, especially since you are making some of those day trips. You should be able to purchase the pass in your country.See details here: http://www.japanrailpass.net As far as the train goes, it should be no problem getting to and from those cities, as the transit system is really efficient. 

I have only been to Tokyo a handful of times and am more familiar with western Japan, so here are some of my highlights:

Osaka: 

• Check out the Dotonbori area at night to see the big Glico running man sign all lit up. It can be sensory overload, with all the lights and shopping, but definitely fun too.
• While Osaka Castle is not as impressive as Himeji Castle(about an hour away by train), it is beautiful and worth a visit. 
• The Instant Ramen Museum: If you love instant ramen, check out this free museum. There is also an option to design your own instant ramen – it's super fun and makes a fun souvenir for yourself or friends. ^_^ The museum is actually in Ikeda, which is north of Osaka. 
  
• 海遊館　OSAKA AQUARIUM KAIYUKAN (JAPAN): I had never seen a whale shark before coming to this museum! It's also near the Tempozan Ferris Wheel (for some reason Ferris Wheels are really popular in Japan). 
  
• If you aren't already shopped out from your Tokyo leg of the trip, there is a lot more of it here. Ame-mura, Umeda Osakananba Station, and Nipponbashi are just few of the shopping districts. 

Kyoto: You may consider spending more than a day here. There is so much to see and many of the attractions are located all over the city. Here are just a few of the highlights: 

• Kinkaku-ji: The postcard picture perfect Golden Pavilion is what many think of when they think of Kyoto. 
  
• Ryoan-ji Temple: The beautiful zen rock garden here is definitely a must see! 
• Fushimi Inari Taisha: A shrine in Kyoto, known for it's stunning red gates. There are so many of them too; very impressive and highly recommended. 
  
• Gion: This is a neighborhood in Kyoto to check out if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can see many of the old style Japanese houses here. You might even be lucky enough to spot a maiko (geisha apprentice)!
• Kiyomizu-Dera: This temple is up in the hills with city views and should be lovely in the spring. 
  
• Arashiyama is west of Kyoto proper and is known for their fall leaves changing color festival, but it's also the home of a lovely bamboo grove! 

Nara: Nara makes a great day trip. Walk through Nara park, see the famous Nara "Shika" deer that roam freely around the park. I suggest hiding any paper goods that you do not want eaten by the deer. You can also purchase "shika-sembei", deer food (looks round crackers) for them. 

This deer wanted to check out my pocket for goodies. 

• Todai-ji is where you can find Nara's famous Daibutsu (Great Buddha). This is probably Nara's main attraction. Inside the hall, you'll see a wooden pillar with a hole at it's base. Apparently, it is the same size as the Great Buddha nostril and the myth is that those who can squeeze through it will be receive enlightenment in their next life. My friend went through no problem, but I was OK with just observing. ^_^ 
• Kasuga-taisha is another site to see! I remember loving all of the stone lanterns that line the pathway to the shrine. 

When it comes to food, there is so much variety! Besides typical restaurants, here are some other food options to try while you're in Japan: 

• Vending machine restaurants: You purchase your meal using the vending machine at the front of (or outside) the restaurant, then give your ticket to the server. There is no need to speak Japanese, although you may need to recognize and match characters from a picture to the machine buttons. ^_^ 
• Convenience store "Combini" snacks: 7-Eleven, Lawsons, and Family Mart are all over the place and are a great place to pick up drinks or snacks like rice balls, sweets, even hot food. 
• Department store food court: Check out the basement floor of any major department store and you'll be surprised to see supermarkets, restaurants, and a whole lot of yumminess. 
• Train station bento "Eki-ben": There is something fun about purchasing a lunch box to go and being able to eat it on the train! The bentos are wrapped in paper, complete with chopsticks and every different food item has it's own compartment. Lovely! 

Have a wonderful trip!! 

Dear Andrea,

Kyoto is a great place to visit. A few tips:

1. staying at the Piece Hostel Kyoto; a great budget accommodation

2. visiting the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and "Teapot Lane"

3. Don't visit the theatre the Gion Corner; a tourist trap

4. eating at A la Chalamont; a great place for a romantic dinner (I realise it's French and relatively expensive, but it's worth it)

In general, when it comes to things to eat: Okonomyaki is the best.

Also, you should really consider to visit Hiroshima; a fascinating place. Compared to other places in Japan, Hiroshima is very lively. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial and park are very, very impressive. Anderson Kitchen (a Danish store) offers the best (European) breakfast and Sante is a great place to have drinks (please try the home-made Limoncello) and eat crazy food at night.

Enjoy!