Summary of 2 weeks in Japan
Osaka – 1.5 days 2 nights
Kyoto – 2 days 3 nights
Fuji – 2 days 2 nights
Tokyo – 3 full days 4 nights
Osaka – 1 day
Osaka Castle and Shinsekai district and a morning run!
To kick off our only day in Osaka — and our very first time in Japan — we started by visiting Osaka Castle. This iconic landmark is incredibly charming, surrounded by a scenic park that leads up to the castle itself. It’s a fantastic spot for runners, too! While the area was bustling, it didn’t feel overwhelming.
There’s an option to go inside the castle, but we decided to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore the gardens, and watch the street performers nearby. Afterward, we made our way up to a rooftop bar called Blue Birds Rooftop Terrace, located within the Osaka Castle complex. This spacious bar offered plenty of seating options and an absolutely stunning view of the castle.
Next, we ventured into the vibrant district of Shinsekai—defintely a contrast to the serene surroundings of Osaka Castle! This bustling, neon-lit area is brimming with quirky restaurants, unique shops, and lively gaming arcades. The sheer energy and dazzling lights of Shinsekai had us completely captivated. We spent the evening savoring a delicious meal and diving into the fun of the local arcades. It was a quirky and fun night! I highly recommend adding this spot to your itinerary for a dose of excitement and adventure!
Osaka running route
The next morning, before catching our flight to Kyoto, we laced up our running shoes for a 5km jog around the neighborhood near our hotel. This marked our first run of the trip, and wow—what a hot and humid one it was!
We were staying at the R Hotel – Atelier Shinsaibashi East, nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Osaka. The area is alive with activity, surrounded by busy streets, office buildings, and a mix of restaurants and bars. At 8:00 a.m., the streets were packed with office workers on their morning commute, which added a dynamic (and slightly crowded) vibe to our run.
If you’re planning to get your miles in while staying in this part of Osaka, I’d recommend timing your run outside the rush hour window. Early mornings or later in the evening might make for a more enjoyable experience. Still, it’s a great way to soak in the local energy before heading off to your next destination!
Kyoto – 2 days
Day 1 : Exploring Gion district and Beyond
We arrived in Kyoto via the famous bullet train, a quick and seamless journey that took just 25 minutes! Traveling by Shinkansen was such a chilled experience—efficient, comfortable, and stress-free.
By the time we checked into our hotel, it was already fairly late. Rather than heading straight to bed, we decided to squeeze in a quick gym session to unwind and re-energize after the day’s travels. (You can find details about the gym we used at the end of this Kyoto itinerary!)
Our first full day in Kyoto started with a bus ride to the historic Gion district. This area is full of charm, with its traditional wooden buildings, shops, and restaurants. It felt authentically Japanese, but it was also incredibly touristy—and extremely hot! To cool down, we treated ourselves to matcha ice cream and kakigori (shaved ice).
There’s plenty to see in Gion, including the impressive Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the iconic five-story pagoda at Hokanji Temple. After exploring, we stumbled upon a cozy bar called Gion Yamaneko, where the friendly bartender recommended some fantastic sake.
We finished the day with a peaceful walk along Shirakawa Lane, a scenic canal-side street lined with restaurants, accommodations, and quiet spots to relax. It was a perfect mix of culture, food, and beautiful scenery to kick off our Kyoto adventure.
In the evening, we made our way to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Choosing to visit later in the day turned out to be a great decision, as the crowds were much smaller—perfect for soaking up the atmosphere and snapping photos without the hustle and bustle.
There’s something truly magical about visiting the shrine in the evening. Walking through the famous torii gates felt calm and unhurried, making it a memorable and peaceful way to explore this popular spot.
Day 2: A morning run, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nishiki market.
On this morning we headed to the closest park and went on a very sweaty run (You can find details about the running route at the end of this Kyoto itinerary!)
After, we were on route to the Arashiyama Bamboo forest. This is quite far away from where we stayed in Kyoto however was worth the travel. This was one of the most is one of the most tranquil we had seen so far in Japan. As soon as you step into the grove, you’re surrounded by tall, towering bamboo stalks that stretch high into the sky. Make sure you walk 15-20 minutes into the forest as it does get quieter and has better opportunity for photos!
After this, we walked 10 minutes from the Bamboo forest to towards Tenryuji Temple. This is one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It costs 500 yen to enter, however it is totally worth it. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden that has remained unchanged for centuries.
Then, walk around 5 minutes towards the Katsura river where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along its banks or a peaceful boat ride to soak in the beautiful surroundings.
After a calming walk through the Bamboo Forest, we returned to the city and visited Nishiki Market. This lively spot is perfect for sampling local cuisine and browsing for unique souvenirs.
We stopped at a small food stall and enjoyed some tasty kushiyaki—grilled Japanese meat skewers. It was a quick and satisfying way to experience the flavors of Kyoto!
Kyoto running route
This run was felt very stress-free and a perfect escape from all the crowds! The route was mostly flat, making it easy to enjoy the surroundings as we ran through a charming little market nearby. Umekoji Park, just a 10-minute walk from our hotel, Haruya Umekoji, is a lovely spot and conveniently located right next to the Kyoto Aquarium.
The loop around the park is about 1km (0.62 miles), starting near the aquarium entrance and following a simple, well-marked path. We went for a run on a Saturday morning around 9 am, and the park was pleasantly quiet—just a handful of other runners were out.
If you’re into interval training, this park is perfect for setting clear distances. We opted for a relaxed 5km run, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the greenery. Highly recommended for anyone looking to balance their Kyoto adventures with a bit of exercise!
Mount Fuji – 2 days
After Kyoto, it was time for us to head to Fuji for our climb! Check out my post on this for more information.
Tokyo – 3 days
Day 1: Gym, Shibuya crossing and tiny bars!
We arrived in Tokyo and with some time to kill before check-in, we headed straight to the gym (check out my gym list on the blog!). After a quick session and freshening up at the hotel, we went straight to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. The sea of people crossing from every direction was just as chaotic and exciting as we’d imagined—a true Tokyo experience!
Feeling hungry, we decided to explore one of Tokyo’s iconic Yokocho alleyways. These narrow, atmospheric streets are packed with tiny bars and eateries, each brimming with character. We found ourselves wandering through Omoide Yokocho. The vibe was incredibly unique, but finding a seat was tricky since the spaces were so small. However, they are great to just walk through and to soak in the lively atmosphere!
To wrap up the evening, we continued exploring and stumbled upon Shinjuku Golden-Gai. This vibrant area is filled with tiny bars, each with its own quirky personality. It was the perfect spot for drinks and a chance to meet people from around the world. With so many options and bars staying open late, it was the ideal way to end our first day in Tokyo!
Day 2: Takeshita, Togo-jinja shrine and the Grand Palace.
On our second day in Tokyo, we headed to the vibrant and eclectic Takeshita Street in Harajuku. This quirky, narrow street was packed with colourful shops, neon boutiques, and amazing food stalls to try. The atmosphere was lively, with plenty of street fashion and delicious snacks to sample. It’s the perfect spot to experience Tokyo’s youthful and quirky energy.
Nestled in the middle of Harajuku’s busy Takeshita Street, the Togo-jinja Shrine is a calm escape from the hustle and bustle. As you walk through the shrine, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a peaceful Japanese-style garden. The highlight is the pond full of koi fish, adding to the serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take a break from the madness of Takeshita Street. Just a heads-up, though—food and drink aren’t allowed, so you can fully enjoy the peaceful vibe without distractions.
The last place we visited was the Imperial Palace, surrounded by beautiful scenery that truly enhanced the experience. The lush gardens, tranquil moats, and historic architecture created a serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, we missed the time slot to enter and explore the palace grounds, but we still enjoyed the stunning views from the outside.
Day 3: teamLab Borderless and Karaoke in Shibuya!
On our last day, we decided to try something a little different. While chatting with a local man we met in one of the tiny bars in Shinjuku Golden-Gai, we asked for recommendations on what to do in Tokyo. He suggested we check out teamLab Borderless. We had seen it mentioned a lot on Klook and, to be honest, weren’t sure it was something we’d enjoy since there’s a similar immersive art experience back home in London (Frameless Immersive Art).
But to our surprise, teamLab Borderless ended up being one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Both my partner and I were completely in awe of it, and we ended up spending nearly three hours there, fully immersed in the stunning digital displays. It turned out to be one of the most memorable activities we did in Japan, and I’m so glad we decided to give it a go!
Afterwards, we headed straight back to Shibuya for a bit of karaoke. It’s not something we usually do, but since karaoke is such a big part of Japanese culture, we figured we should give it a try. Shibuya is full of karaoke spots, many of which offer private rooms where you can sing your heart out without an audience. With a huge selection of songs to choose from and drinks available to keep the energy up, it turned into a super fun experience! It was definitely a unique way to spend an evening in Japan, and we’re so glad we tried it!
Gyms used in Japan
Price: 2,700 yen (£15)
While the price was a bit steep for us, Stance Fitness 2D is conveniently located close to our hotel. Upon arrival, we were given indoor gym shoes, which was a nice touch. The gym had all the essentials we needed for a solid back, biceps, and triceps workout, including benches, dumbbells, and a cable machine.
It wasn’t very busy during our visit (7pm), so we had no trouble using the equipment. However, it’s a small gym, so I’d recommend avoiding peak hours if you don’t want to wait for machines. There’s only one squat rack and one cable machine, so it can get crowded during busier times.
Tokyo – Shinjuku Sports Centre
Price: 400 yen (£4! Incredibly cheap for Tokyo).
This is a great gym for the price we paid. We did have to pay another 400 yen for indoor sports shoes but this seems to be a common thing in Japan. You can go in with your own clean, indoor gym shoes however we wore ours often and did not keep them clean looking.
The gym had most things we needed, however, it had a strict booking system for the equipment. For example, if I wanted to book the bench for dumbells, I would need to take a booking card, and then wait for the person before me. On each free-weight, you are only able to use it for 20 minutes. So, if you are looking for a quick session on the free weights this will probably not be the right gym for you. However, if you are not in a rush it will do the job!
Stride and Seek 
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