My Unforgettable 7-Day Solo Adventure in Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Fuji, and Tokyo
It feels like ages since I last shared a travel diary, so today I'm excited to spill all the beans about my recent solo trip to Japan in early June 2025. This was my very first time exploring the Land of the Rising Sun, and I hope my detailed account will be helpful, especially for fellow first-timers. Any seasoned travelers out there, feel free to chime in with your wisdom!
Trip Overview
- Total Cost: 27 million VND per person (including visa and souvenirs)
- Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
- Destinations: Osaka 🏯, Kyoto 🗻, Mount Fuji 🏔️, Tokyo 🌆
1. Visa Application
For the visa, I followed the standard procedures outlined in many online guides. I opted to submit my application through Viettravel. While other agencies exist, I found their service particularly attentive and supportive throughout the process.
- Cost: 1 million VND per person (covers visa fee, agent service, bank statement fees, and miscellaneous charges)
- Key Tips:
- I applied as part of a group of 5. Everyone in the group had a travel history to 1-2 Asian countries.
- Prepare all necessary documents from the start to avoid last-minute supplementary requests.
- Expect to receive your visa results approximately 7 days after the agency confirms submission to the Embassy.
2. Flights & Airport Arrival
- Outbound: Ho Chi Minh City to Kansai (KIX), Deluxe class with 20kg baggage. Departed at 1 AM, arrived in Japan at 9 AM.
- Inbound: Haneda (HND) to Ho Chi Minh City, Deluxe class with 20kg baggage. Departed Japan at 2 AM, arrived in Vietnam at 8 AM.
- Cost: 7.2 million VND per person
- Good to Know:
- Be prepared for potential flight delays of 1-2 hours.
- At Kansai Airport, follow the crowd to catch the mini shuttle train to the immigration area.
- Have a pen handy for filling out arrival cards, or consider filling them out online beforehand.
3. Cash & SIM Card
It's essential to have enough cash on hand for meals, attraction tickets, and souvenir shopping. While credit cards like Visa are accepted in many places, Japan still relies heavily on cash transactions.
- Cash Tips:
- Exchange currency before your trip.
- Carry a small tray or pouch to organize your coins, making them easier to use.
- Travel SIM: I purchased a SoftBank SIM card with 3GB of data per day from an e-commerce platform.
- Cost: 290,000 VND per SIM
- Data Usage Note: If you primarily need it for navigation, a SIM with less data might be a more economical choice. Activate your SIM card immediately upon landing in Japan to ensure your usage days start correctly.
4. Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1 – June 2nd (Osaka)
- 08:00: Arrive at Kansai Airport (KIX) and complete immigration.
- 12:30: Check into the hotel and have lunch.
- 14:00: Visit Tsūtenkaku Tower and explore the Shinsekai district.
- 16:00: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kuromon Market.
- 18:00: Enjoy dinner in Dotonbori and snap a photo with the iconic Glico Running Man.
Day 2 – June 3rd (Osaka to Kyoto)
- 10:00: Travel from Osaka to Kyoto (JR or Hankyu Line, approximately 1 hour).
- 11:00: Lunch in the Higashishiokojicho area.
- 12:30: Take a bus to Okazakienshojicho.
- 14:00: Visit Keiryu-bashi Bridge and the magnificent Heian-jingu Shrine.
- 16:00: Take a bus to the rabbit shrine near Okazaki-jinja Shrine.
- 17:00: Board a train to the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates.
- 18:30: Head back to Higashishiokojicho for dinner.
- 19:30: Return to Osaka.
Day 3 – June 4th (Kiyomizu, Onsen & Overnight Bus)
- 08:00: Check out of accommodation and store luggage in lockers in Osaka.
- 08:30: Travel from Osaka to Kyoto.
- 09:00: Explore the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- 12:00: Savor a delicious ramen lunch in the charming Kiyomizu old town.
- 13:00: Continue exploring the picturesque temples and traditional streets in the vicinity.
- 17:30: Return to Osaka to collect your luggage.
- 19:00: Relax and rejuvenate at an onsen (hot spring).
- 22:00: Board an overnight bus to Kawaguchiko for Mount Fuji.
Day 4 – June 5th (Mount Fuji & Onward to Tokyo)
- 08:30: Arrive at Kawaguchiko Station.
- 09:00–12:00: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji; I rented an e-bike for exploration.
- 12:00: Lunch break.
- 13:00: Continue cycling through parks and scenic spots for photos.
- 17:00: Travel to Tokyo by pre-booked bus.
- 19:30: Check into the Tokyo hotel and have dinner.
Day 5 – June 6th (Kamakura Day Trip)
- 08:00: Travel to Kamakura (approximately 1.5 hours by train).
- 09:30: Explore the historic Kamakura area.
- 12:00: Lunch in Kamakura.
- 14:00: Visit the beautiful island of Enoshima.
- 18:00: Relax, stroll through the streets, or do some light shopping before heading back to Tokyo for dinner.
Day 6 – June 7th (Tokyo Exploration)
- 08:00: Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple.
- 11:00: Lunch in Sotokanda, followed by a relaxing afternoon nap at the hotel for about 3 hours.
- 15:00: Explore the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine.
- 17:00: Experience the vibrant Takeshita Street and the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
- 18:00: Dinner in the Dongenzaka area.
- 19:00: Shop at Donquijote nearby before returning to the hotel.
Day 7 – June 8th (Tokyo: Shopping & Aqua Park)
- 10:00: Check out of the hotel and store luggage. Visit Zōjō-ji Temple.
- 11:00: Lunch.
- 12:30: Marvel at the wonders of the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa.
- 15:00: Head to Ginza for a coffee break, shopping at Uniqlo, and browsing at Hana supermarket.
- 21:00: Depart for Haneda Airport.
Day 8 – June 9th (Return to Vietnam)
5. Accommodation
- Osaka (2 nights): A traditional Japanese house near Tamatsukuri station, featuring 2 bedrooms and complete amenities.
- Overnight Bus (1 night): A comfortable bus with reclining seats, power outlets, and a restroom, en route to Mount Fuji.
- Tokyo (3 nights): A compact but well-equipped and secure mini-apartment near Sugamo station.
- Cost: 5 million VND per person for 5 nights
- Accommodation Tips:
- Check-in is typically after 3 PM, and check-out is before 10 AM. Plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Safeguard your belongings; any damage to the room can incur significant fees.
6. Transportation
Getting around Japan was a breeze with a combination of passes and cards, all purchased conveniently through Klook and official websites.
- Kansai Mini Pass (3 days): Valid for JR lines in Osaka and Kyoto.
- Tokyo Subway Pass (2 days): For navigating the Tokyo metro system.
- Suica Card: Added and topped up via Apple Pay, this was my go-to for other train lines and versatile payments.
- Overnight Bus Ticket: Osaka to Mount Fuji.
- Highway Bus Ticket: Mount Fuji back to Tokyo.
- Total Transportation Cost: 4.15 million VND per person (Kansai Pass: 500k VND, Tokyo Subway Pass: 200k VND, Suica: 1.25 million VND, Overnight Bus: 1.8 million VND, Fuji to Tokyo Bus: 400k VND)
- Traveler's Advice:
- Use Google Maps for train directions; pay close attention to the direction of travel and departure platforms. Checking the electronic boards at stations and on trains will help prevent getting lost.
- It's best to have just one Suica card and use it consistently to avoid any potential card-swiping errors.
7. Food & Dining
Japanese cuisine is a highlight, and I enjoyed a variety of local favorites, from quick convenience store snacks to sit-down restaurant meals.
- Breakfast: Quick and easy options like onigiri (rice balls) or sandwiches bought the night before from a convenience store.
- Lunch & Dinner: I indulged in ramen, udon, eel rice bowls, sushi, bento boxes, grilled meats, and okonomiyaki. I relied heavily on Google Maps reviews for restaurant selection, considering proximity, ratings, menus, and prices.
- Recommended Eateries:
- Sushiro in Dotonbori: A modern conveyor belt sushi restaurant with incredibly fresh and flavorful sushi.
- Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Harumi Triton: Famous for its gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlet) served with a delightful egg yolk dipping sauce.
- Dining Cost: 700,000 VND per person per day, totaling 4.9 million VND per person.
- Dining Tips:
- Many larger restaurants allow ordering via iPad or pre-purchasing tickets from automated machines, often with multi-language support for ease of use.
- For other establishments, simply point to the menu or show pictures to order. When finished, signal a staff member for the bill, then pay at the counter.
Additional Notes
- Locker Usage: Utilize lockers at train stations to store your luggage when not checked into a hotel. Prices range from 400-900 yen depending on size. These lockers are usually available for the entire day, and payment can be made with your Suica card.
- Tax-Free Shopping: To qualify for tax-free shopping on souvenirs, your purchases must exceed 5,000 yen, and you'll need to present your passport.
- Walking: This itinerary involves a significant amount of walking. It's advisable to prepare your stamina beforehand to avoid fatigue or adjust your sightseeing plan if needed.
- Miscellaneous Expenses:
- Onsen visit & e-bike rental at Mount Fuji: 1.7 million VND per person.
- Souvenirs: I bought hand cream near Senso-ji Temple (quite popular), Namachoco at Haneda Airport, mochi, and various snacks from Donquijote, totaling nearly 2 million VND.
Final Thoughts
My trip in early June coincided with the beginning of summer, bringing warm, sunny days with occasional light rain, but overall, the weather was beautiful for sightseeing and photos. As a first-time visitor to Japan, I was profoundly impressed by the country's modernity, its rich culture, and the warmth of its people. I am already looking forward to my next visit!
