Japan Travel Guide PDF for First Timers | 2 Itineraries, Tokyo, Kyoto, Takayama, Mt Fuji, Kumano Kodo, Skiing in Hokkaido and much more + Google Maps Lists

Planning your first trip to Japan and overwhelmed by all the options? This is the guide I wish I'd had.

I spent three and a half months in Japan, living in Tokyo and travelling on weekends, then went back in winter to ski in Hokkaido. Friends kept asking me for tips, so I turned everything I learned into one honest, practical guide.

It's honest on purpose. I tell you what was worth it, what was overrated, and what I'd skip, so you can spend your limited days on the places that are really worth it.

What's inside (PLEASE SEE THE PRODUCT IMAGES FOR A FEW SAMPLE PAGES)

• Before you go: when to travel, Suica cards and trains, the Shinkansen, luggage forwarding, cash, convenience stores, eating out, useful phrases and a glossary
• Two tested itineraries: a 9-day classic western route (Miyajima, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kumano Kodo, Nara, Kyoto) and an 8-day route through Okinawa, the Nakasendo trail, Nagano and Takayama, each with route maps and what I'd change
• Tokyo: the best neighbourhoods, 16 restaurants I loved, sumo tickets, food tours, cooking classes and nightlife
• Trips from Tokyo: Kawaguchiko, climbing Mt Fuji, Kamakura, Shimoda and Mt Takao
• Western Japan: Miyajima, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara
• The Kumano Kodo: a day-by-day guide to Japan's ancient pilgrimage trail
• Central Japan and Okinawa: the Nakasendo trail, Nagano, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Okinawa's beaches
• Skiing in Hokkaido: Niseko, freeriding with a guide, the resorts, and how to time your trip
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Bonus: my Google Maps lists

Eight ready-made maps with around 120 places from the guide, from restaurants and cafes to stays and sights, each with my notes. Open them on your phone and you'll always know what's nearby.

Throughout the guide you'll find

• My verdict boxes with my honest take on each place
• Pro tips that save you time, money or a long queue
• Where I stayed, what I ate and what to book in advance
• Clickable links to booking sites and tickets

Good to know

• Digital PDF of 40+ pages, instant download, nothing is shipped
• Works on your phone, tablet or laptop, and can be printed
• Based on my own trips. Prices and opening hours can change, so always double-check before you go

Have a question before buying? Send me a message on Instagram at @ninochkaa.