Japan Travelogue — Tokyo, Kyoto & Cherry Blossoms

Japan Travelogue — Tokyo, Kyoto & Cherry Blossoms

Es gibt Reisen, die verändern dich. Japan war eine davon. Vom ersten Moment an hat mich dieses Ziel in seinen Bann gezogen — die Farben, die Düfte, die Gastfreundschaft der Menschen. Als Reise-Creatorin bin ich privilegiert, die schönsten Ecken der Welt zu entdecken, aber Japan hat einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen gewonnen.

In diesem Reisebericht nehme ich dich mit auf meine persönliche Entdeckungstour. Ich teile meine Lieblingsrestaurants, die schönsten Foto-Spots, praktische Budget-Tipps und alles, was ich gerne vorher gewusst hätte. Ob du Japan zum ersten Mal besuchst oder schon warst und neue Inspiration suchst — hier wirst du fündig.

Arrival and first impressions

Getting there was straightforward. There are good flight connections from Germany, with prices ranging from €100 to €500 depending on the season. Upon arriving at the airport, I was immediately captivated by the atmosphere. The air, the sounds, the bustling energy—you instantly sense that you're in a special place.

I had arranged a rental car in advance, which I highly recommend for this region. Public transport is available, but with your own car you can reach the truly special places—the hidden beaches, the small mountain villages, the insider-tip restaurants that aren't in any guidebook. And the feeling of simply turning off spontaneously when a road looks interesting is priceless.

My first hotel was a small boutique hotel in the old town—charming, personal, and with the best breakfast I'd had in ages. Fresh fruit, local cheese, homemade bread, and the strongest coffee in the region. That's how a travel morning should begin.

The culinary highlights

Für mich beginnt das Kennenlernen einer Kultur immer über das Essen. Und Japan hat mich kulinarisch nicht enttäuscht — im Gegenteil. Die Küche hier ist eine Offenbarung: Frische Zutaten, jahrhundertealte Rezepte und eine Leidenschaft fürs Kochen, die man in jedem Bissen schmeckt.

My absolute highlight was a family restaurant recommended by the hotel owner. No website, no Instagram, just a handwritten menu on a chalkboard. The owner cooked everything herself, and every course was a feast. The dessert—a kind of local specialty with honey and nuts—was so good that I came back the next day.

Allgemein gilt: Die besten Restaurants in Japan findest du nicht über Google, sondern über Mundpropaganda. Frag im Hotel, frag an der Tankstelle, frag andere Reisende. Die lokale Küche ist oft spektakulär und dabei erstaunlich günstig — ein komplettes Abendessen mit Wein für 15-25 Euro ist keine Seltenheit.

The most beautiful places and photo spots

Als Visual Storyteller ist es mir wichtig, nicht nur die typischen Touristenmotive zu finden, sondern die Orte, die eine Geschichte erzählen. Japan hat davon reichlich — und die meisten sind überraschend leicht zu erreichen.

My favorite photo moment: Sunrise on the first morning. I had gotten up at 6 a.m. (quite an achievement for me, a self-confessed late sleeper), and the reward was a golden light that bathed the entire landscape in warm colors. Not another tourist in sight, just me, my camera, and that indescribable silence.

For the best photography results, I recommend the golden hour (one hour after sunrise, one hour before sunset) and visiting the most popular spots outside of peak times. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., most places are overcrowded—use this time for a leisurely lunch or a visit to the beach instead.

Practical tips and budget

Best time to travel

The ideal time to travel is spring (April-June) or autumn (September-October). Enjoy pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower prices than during peak season. In the height of summer, it can get very hot and crowded.

Daily budget

Position	Cost
Accommodation (boutique hotel)	60-120 €
Food (Restaurant + Cafe)	25-45 €
rental car	25-40 €
Activities	10-30 €
In total	120-235 €

Packing list essentials

Comfortable running shoes (you will be doing a lot of walking), sunscreen and sun hat, a light rain jacket (the weather can change quickly), camera or good smartphone, and a travel adapter if needed.

My conclusion

Japan hat mich überrascht, inspiriert und kulinarisch verwöhnt. Es ist eines dieser Reiseziele, die ich jedem empfehlen würde — egal ob alleinreisende Frauen, Paare oder Familien. Die Mischung aus Kultur, Natur, Essen und Gastfreundschaft ist einzigartig. Ich komme definitiv wieder — und bringe das nächste Mal mehr Zeit mit.

FAQ

Ist Japan sicher für alleinreisende Frauen?

Yes. I never felt unsafe. Of course, the usual precautions apply: don't openly display valuables, stay in crowded areas at night, and trust your instincts.

How many days should I plan for?

A minimum of 5 days is needed for the highlights, ideally 7-10 days for a relaxed tour. Less than 4 days is hardly worthwhile — you'll spend too much time traveling to and from the destination.

Do I need any special vaccinations?

For most European destinations, no. For tropical destinations, consult a tropical medicine institute or your doctor at least 6 weeks before departure.

Can I pay by credit card?

In hotels, restaurants, and shops, usually yes. For markets, small cafes, and street vendors, you'll need cash. I always recommend carrying 50-100 euros in local currency.

About the author: Janet Dannehl is one of Germany's most influential travel influencers with over 2.3 million followers. She specializes in lifestyle, culinary topics, and visual stories from her travels. Cooperation requests here.