The 50/50 rule

My final practical travel tip before your first day in Japan is simple but essential. This alone can bring your Japan experience much closer to perfect. Trust me, you will thank me later.

Plan half of your day

The most common mistake first time travellers make in Japan is planning too many things back to back. A breakfast spot, a museum with a time slot, lunch at a specific sushi place and suddenly it's already 5pm.

Choose one main experience. One museum, one temple or one larger activity. Add one café, lunch spot or restaurant you truly look forward to. Let the rest unfold naturally. Some of my favourite memories in Japan came from moments I never planned. I encourage you to try the same!

Take breaks

You will easily walk more than 10.000 steps every day. My daily average, without running included, reached more than 25.000 steps. Do not forget to pause. Sit down at the café you marked on your map or the one you spontaneously walk past.

If you are travelling solo, bring a book or simply sit and observe. Japan taught me the value of doing nothing in the best possible way. Sitting alone by a café window or on a bench in a quiet park, letting my thoughts wander.

As someone who is usually always moving and planning the next thing, this felt unfamiliar at first. It quickly became one of my favourite parts of the trip. I'm sure you'll love it too!

Leave space to wander

Many of my favourite experiences happened by accident. Try not to follow Google Maps too strictly. Walk in the direction that feels right, within reason of course.

Plan days without fixed destinations. Walk without a specific end point. This is where you will discover small alleys, hidden shops and unexpected places. It is how I once found my favourite film camera store in Ebisu in Tokyo. I simply walked into it by chance!

Avoid overstimulation

Japan can be intense. Bright lights, crowded crossings and endless attractions every single day can become overwhelming. If you try to fit five major spots into one day, you will likely feel mentally and physically exhausted (this is why I still spend months in Tokyo) When you are tired, you do not fully experience where you are.

Ask yourself what truly matters most. What can be skipped. What can be combined. What is the one place you are most excited about.

In other words: depth over quantity, always.

I hope this guide has prepared you well for your time in Japan. Next, read my tip on how to spend your first 24 hours in Tokyo and start your two week adventure in the best possible way!