Japan routes & Itineraries
Hi, I’m Marie, the creator behind @tabimawari. I lived in Kyoto, speak Japanese, and I design structured, realistic Japan itineraries.
If you’re planning Japan, you probably have 1000 saved spots… but no clear structure. You don’t know in which order to visit cities. You’re scared of losing time in transport. You don’t know what actually fits in one day. And you don’t want a generic copy-paste itinerary.
This guide helps you build YOUR Japan.
You get 1000+ curated spots organised by zone and category, ready-made itineraries you can customize to your taste, and an interactive offline map : all structured to optimise your days in Japan.
Everything is in one place. I've built it to remove your mental load, reduce your FOMO and to maximize each day of your trip.
Just a clear method to plan your trip with confidence.
Travel Japan with me
Structure first. Freedom after. I help you turn saved places, ideas, and inspiration into a Japan trip that actually works.
Planning a Trip to Japan? Start Here.
Plan your Japan trip stress-free (even on a budget) You cake a deep look at my free 300-page Japan guide.
Turn your ideas into a real plan
The problem isn’t that you don’t have enough ideas. It’s that saved places are not an itinerary.
WHAT ORDER TO VISIT JAPAN CITIES IN?
If you don’t want to spend half your trip on trains, this matters a lot.
HOW LONG IN EACH CITY?
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make when planning Japan: trying to treat cities like simple checkboxes.
Best hotel recommendations in Japan
Over the years, I’ve built a list of hotels & stays, some are places I stayed in myself, others are hotels I recommend to my clients.
All Japan train passes
Passes for unlimited travel in a specific area of Japan.
INTRODUCTION & HOW TO USE REXBY
The itinerary & guide introduction
Little Disclaimer
Thank You for Your Support!
About restaurants recommendations
What you need to know about food in my guide.
BASICS & GENERAL Informations travelling Japan
Basic informations for your trip & TO DO BEFORE GOING
ESSENTIALS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
Don't forget & What to pack & When to go ?
SEASONS & WHEN TO GO
Don't forget & What to pack & When to go ?
USEFULL JAPANESE
Usefull Japanese for your trip.
MAKE YOUR OWN TRAVEL PHOTO BOOK
How to make your own coffee table photo travel book (Assouline inspired)
MAPS FOR GOOGLE MAPS
If you want/prefer maps for google maps.
CUSTOMS AND FACILITIES
To make your arrival in Japan smoother,
VISA FOR JAPAN?
Japan has specific visa rules depending on your country of origin and the length of your stay.
DISABLED & ACCESSIBILITY
Here's what you need to know.
ELECTRICAL OUTLET
Power Outlets & Voltage in Japan: What You Need to Know ⚡
DATA : SIM CARD AND POCKET WIFI
To ensure seamless internet access in Japan.
CURRENCY AND EXCHANGE
Japan is still heavily cash-based, despite increasing credit card acceptance.
KARAOKE IN JAPAN
Karaoke is an essential part of Japanese culture, and it’s super easy once you know the basics!
GAME CENTERS AND PURIKURA
You need to try them !
TATOOS IN JAPAN
Tattoos hold a unique and complex place in Japanese society.
SMOKING IN JAPAN
Japan has a unique approach to smoking regulations, balancing strict rules in public spaces with designated smoking areas.
FLIGHTS DEALS & FIND YOUR FLIGHTS
How to Use Google Flights/ Skyscanner Effectively.
HAND FREE TRAVEL
Traveling in Japan is incredibly smooth and stress-free, thanks to its efficient luggage delivery services known as takkyubin (宅急便).
ADD AN EXTRA SUITCASE
If you need to add an extra suitcase to your flight, it’s best to do so at least 72 hours before departure.
TOKYO GUIDE by NEIGHBORHOODS
Discover Tokyo’s 23 wards in detail! Curate the map based on these.
AIRPORTS
Haneda, Narita, and KIX (Kansai)
FIND THE BEST ACCOMODATION
Location Matters: How to choose.
ACCOMODATION IDEAS
ACCOMODATION IDEAS For Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.
USEFULL APPS AND SITES
📍 Navigation & Transportation 🎟️ Booking Activities & Experiences 🚖 Taxi & Ride-Hailing Apps 🌸 Seasonal Apps
TRANSPORTATION & NAVIGATION IN JAPAN
Finding Your Way & Navigate train easily
Shinkansen – Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know : booking, boarding
BUS TRANSPORTATION
Buses are an essential part of public transportation in Japan, especially in areas where rail networks are limited.
DRIVING IN JAPAN
If you're planning to drive in Japan, it's essential to understand the license requirements, road rules, and toll systems.
MOTORCYCLE IN JAPAN
If you're planning to rent a motorcycle in Japan, here are the essential requirements
CYCLING IN JAPAN
Cycling is a flexible, budget-friendly way to discover Japan. 🚲
FERRIES IN JAPAN
Japan’s ferry network connects the country’s main islands (Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu) and smaller island destinations
TAXIS IN JAPAN
Taxis in Japan are extremely clean, safe, and reliable, but they can be expensive, especially in cities like Tokyo & Osaka. 🚕
TOILET IN JAPAN & How to use them
Japanese toilets are modern and high-tech, especially in public places. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate their features!
Shopping & Thrift Shopping in Japan
Shopping , Thrift shop in Japan, Tax free, sales
SUMO MATCH IN JAPAN
Sumo wrestling is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional sports, and attending a live tournament is an unforgettable experience!
ATTEND A GEISHA PERFORMANCE
Meeting a geisha or a maiko (apprentice geisha) is a unique cultural experience in Japan.
TRAVEL WITH CHILDEN
Japan is an extremely safe, well-organized, and clean country, making it a great destination for traveling with kids
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN JAPAN
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka : Tea ceremony, Samurai & ninja experience , Braiding Workshop, Zen experiences...
THEMED PARK IN JAPAN
Japan has many theme parks, from historical and cultural sites to major amusement parks.
RELIGION IN JAPAN
Japan has two major religious traditions: Shintoism and Buddhism.
GOSHUIN & EKI STAMPS
Japan has a popular culture of collecting stamps in various places:
HOW TO EAT KOBE BEEF
To ensure that a restaurant actually serves real Kobe beef, it must be certified.
ANIME SITES & PILGRIMAGE
How to see all places related to anime & collaboration cafe.
ONSENS, SENTOS : The rules
Onsen are natural hot springs created by Japan’s volcanic activity. More than just a bath.
BEACHES
While Japan isn’t always thought of as a beach destination, there are beautiful coastal areas worth visiting, especially in summer!
Mains festivals in summer in Kansai & Tokyo
Summer matsuri (festivals, 祭り) are some of the most vibrant events in Japan.
Japanese Holidays and Annual Events
All year events and matsuri in Japan
INSTAGRAM PHOTOSPOT
Photospot from Instagram
PDF & SHEETS
Here is the pdf & sheets version of all this itinerary.
The FOOD GUIDE : Main dish
Here's all the food you can try in Japan during your trip.
Dessert guide : what to try
Here's all the dessert & sweets you can try in Japan during your trip.
FOOD GUIDE : Food court, Markets, Themed restaurants
Here are some food court, markets, unusual restaurants and cafes you can find in Japan.
VENDING MACHINES IN JAPAN
🤖 Japan’s Most Unique Vending Machines
My favorites restaurants
Each of these restaurants has something unique to offer!
Best Dessert Places in Japan
Japan is a paradise for dessert lovers :)
The Cheapest Restaurant Chains in Japan
Japan offers plenty of affordable dining options.
SOUVENIRS FROM JAPAN
Here’s a list of souvenirs to buy in Japan (+cultural insights.)
SAKURA & HANAMI
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are one of the most iconic symbols of Japan. Learn more about them.
OMIKUJI & EMA
Omikuji (おみくじ), traditional fortune slips & Ema (絵馬), votive tablets on which visitors write their wishes and prayers.
What to do in Japan in November ?
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Japan in autumn, November is one of the best months to do it.
What to do in Japan in December ?
Here’s everything happening across Japan this December 👇
What to do in Japan in January ?
Here’s everything happening across Japan in January 👇
What to do in Japan in February ?
February is one of the calmest months to travel in Japan. It’s peak winter in the north, plum blossoms start blooming in cities!
March in Japan
Winter fades, temperatures rise, plum blossoms end, and cherry blossom season begins in southern and central regions.
Affiliate links & promo codes
Discount codes, Get your guide, Wabunka, Klook
ABOUT TABIMAWARI
Who I am & my story
FAQ : Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Japan & Living in Japan
Questions about travelling in Japan and living there.