Skip to content
Earth To Editorial
  • AboutExpand
    • Contact Us
    • Travel Tips
  • Newsletter
  • EuropeExpand
    • Austria
    • Czech Republic
    • France
    • Greece
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Montenegro
    • Spain
    • Switzerland
  • EverywhereExpand
    • AsiaExpand
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
    • South AmericaExpand
      • Argentina
      • Peru
    • North AmericaExpand
      • Mexico
      • Puerto Rico
      • USA
  • ShopExpand
    • Shop Maps
YouTube Instagram TikTok Pinterest Facebook
Earth To Editorial

Authentic Travel in Japan

Home » Japan

EARTH TO

Japan

Japan is the kind of place you just have to visit to believe such a place exists. There is a constant push and pull between hyper-modern comforts and an ancient civilization. It’s no wonder that so many seek authenticity in their Japan travels.

We’ll bring you through an epic 5-day journey through Tokyo’s historic center, and introduce you to the Japanese Romeo and Juliet in Osaka. You can’t miss the spiritual emphasis of Shintoism prevalent in the country either. You’ll be stunned by the sheer number of historical temples to visit–an estimated 100,000, to be more specific. 

Known as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to thousands of temples and gardens. Immerse yourself in the city’s UNESCO sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or rent a Kimono and experience life as a geisha in the Gion District. 

In Tokyo, you can explore the iconic landmarks of the metropolis, like Tokyo Tower and Senso-ji Temple. Don’t forget the endless tech and game shops of Akihabara. Mario Kart, anyone?

FAST FACTS

Tokyo

Capital City

3.38 M

Annual Visitors

25

UNESCO Heritage Sites

10+ Hours

Average flight time from the U.S.

The Authentic Traveler’s Guide to Japan

Discover the unique corners of Japan, from lesser-known cities to tucked-away Tokyo.

A woman walks in a bamboo grove with a kimono rental in Kyoto. This Kyoto guide shares everything to do in the city.

Core Memory Unlocked: Renting Kimono in Kyoto

Exploring the Gion District of Kyoto wasn’t complete without a colorful silk kimono and a pair of geta, Japanese sandals traditionally made from wood.

Read the Story
During the Kyoto itinerary, I sampled traditional Japanese cuisine, including fresh sushi and sashimi.

The best way to sample sushi: find a small, hole-in-the-wall spot away from the tourist crowds. Look for places that don’t have long lines, or search maps with the Japanese kanji characters to show locally-known places.

Popular Cities in Japan

Osaka
Kyoto
Tokyo

Guides for Your Next Adventure in Japan

  • A woman walking through the Torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto.

    Is It Still Worth Going to Kyoto in 2026?

    A woman stands in the middle of Shibuya crossing during this 5 day Japan itinerary.

    The Perfect 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary

    The Lady of the Rocks church is in Montenegro, a destination dupe for Croatia, located on the water near Perast.

    No Crowds Crew: 6 Amazing Destination Dupes to Discover On Your Next Journey

    A bowl of ramen served bar side in Kyoto Japan.

    Honbap: Eating Alone and The Rise of Contactless Dining in Asia

    A woman walks in a bamboo grove with a kimono rental in Kyoto. This Kyoto guide shares everything to do in the city.

    Explore Japan’s Former Capital in Style: What It’s Like to Rent a Kimono in Kyoto

    A girl laying in a mirrored room with flowers all around her in the teamLab Tokyo art exhibit

    The Complete Visitor’s Guide to teamLab Tokyo

  • A woman walking through the Torii gates in Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Kyoto.

    I Was Haunted in Kyoto, Japan

    The Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto during a rush of afternoon tourists, overtourism in Japan reaches its peak in Kyoto.

    Combatting Overtourism in Japan: New Restrictions in the Gion District

    What is Harajuku? Discover the fashion style and subculture in Tokyo.

    The Wild World of Harajuku: Japan’s Infamous Fashion Subculture

    How to get to Kyoto Japan from Tokyo, this guide shares everything you need to know.

    Getting to Kyoto: Navigating Public Transportation from Tokyo and Osaka

    Nara deer coming to eat biscuits from a solo traveler in Japan.

    The Deal with Nara Deer in Japan: Is It Ethical?

    A woman stands in a quiet Shinto temple in Osaka.

    Eat, Drink, and Explore | The Essential Osaka City Guide

  • A woman walks in a bamboo grove with a kimono rental in Kyoto. This Kyoto guide shares everything to do in the city.

    The Perfect Kyoto City Guide: What to Eat, See, & Experience

    A woman tourist wearing a kimono in Kyoto, a city with new regulations due to overtourism in Japan

    Kyoto’s Hidden Gems and Must-Sees | 5 Days of Temples, Onsens, and Samurai

    Be That Girl: 10 Cool Bachelorette Destinations

    A female solo traveler explores the drinking bars in Tokyo.

    Beyond Shinjuku: 16 Amazing Things to Do in Tokyo

    Eryn is the founder and editor-in-chief at Earth To Editorial, she shares cultural guides and the best solo travel places.

    Dip Your Toes into Solo Travel: 8 of the Best Destinations for Solo’ers in Asia

  • No posts

Explore Our Authentic Travel Guides for Japan and More!

  • A digital design of the ebooks for sale from Earth To Editorial.
  • An image of the Earth To Editorial travel guides.
  • A digital design of the maps for sale from Earth To Editorial.

Get The Most Out of Travel in Japan

  • The famous hotel in Puerto Vallarta that appeared in Night of the Iguana with Elizabeth Taylor.
    Cheap Flights
  • The navigli in Milan city is a connection of canals with artistic boutiques and restaurants to check out on this Northern Italy itinerary.
    Best Hotels
  • A woman looks inside of a Chinese-inspired building at the Newport Mansions in Rhode Island.
    Best Viator Experiences
  • A historical tower clock in Brescia, which you can visit during this Northern Italy itinerary.
    Amazon Storefront
  • Palm trees overhead in a tropical travel destination.
    Book On Expedia
Earth to Editorial Logo
  • About
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer

Popular
Travel Ideas

  • Culture Travel
  • Food and Wine
  • Solo Travel
Facebook Instagram TikTok Pinterest

Earth To Editorial is an Amazon Associate member. If you make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you.

This site and its content was lovingly made by humans. Protected under copyright Earth To Editorial. All Rights Reserved 2026

  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Travel Tips
  • Newsletter
  • Europe
    • Austria
    • Czech Republic
    • France
    • Greece
    • Iceland
    • Italy
    • Montenegro
    • Spain
    • Switzerland
  • Everywhere
    • Asia
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Peru
    • North America
      • Mexico
      • Puerto Rico
      • USA
  • Shop
    • Shop Maps
Search