日本之旅

Seattle to Japan: April 15-23, 2025

Cherry blossoms in Japan

Cherry blossom season in Japan

Your comprehensive travel companion for a romantic and cultural journey through Japan with your fiancée, including the perfect proposal spot.

Your 7-Day Japan Itinerary

Day 1

Tokyo Arrival (April 15)

  • 12:00

    Arrive at Narita International Airport

    Clear customs and collect luggage

  • 14:30

    Check-in at Hotel in Tokyo

    Rest and refresh after the long flight

  • 17:00

    Evening stroll in Shinjuku

    Explore the vibrant neighborhood and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2

Tokyo Exploration (April 16)

  • 08:00

    Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

    Visit the serene shrine and enjoy the cherry blossoms in the park

  • 11:30

    Lunch in Harajuku

    Try local cuisine at a recommended restaurant

  • 13:00

    Kendo Experience

    Introductory lesson at Shidōkan Dōjō (pre-book required)

  • 16:00

    Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa

    Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and explore the traditional shopping street

Day 3

Travel to Kyoto (April 17)

  • 07:30

    Shinkansen to Kyoto

    2.5-hour bullet train journey

  • 11:00

    Check-in at Kyoto Ryokan

    Experience traditional Japanese accommodation

  • 13:00

    Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Explore the famous bamboo forest and surrounding temples

  • 17:00

    Dinner at Ryokan

    Traditional kaiseki multi-course meal

Day 4

Kyoto Cultural Day (April 18)

  • 08:00

    Fushimi Inari Shrine

    Early morning visit to avoid crowds at the thousand torii gates

  • 11:00

    Tea Ceremony Experience

    Traditional tea ceremony in Gion district

  • 14:00

    Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

    Visit the famous golden temple and its beautiful gardens

  • 16:30

    Philosopher's Path

    Evening stroll along the cherry blossom-lined canal

Day 5

Nara Day Trip (April 19) - Proposal Day!

  • 08:30

    Train to Nara

    45-minute train ride from Kyoto

  • 09:30

    Nara Park and Deer Interaction

    Feed and interact with the friendly sacred deer

  • 11:00

    Todai-ji Temple

    Visit the massive wooden structure housing the Great Buddha

  • 16:00

    Ukimido Pavilion at Sunset (Proposal Spot!)

    Perfect romantic setting overlooking the pond with cherry blossoms

  • 19:00

    Celebration Dinner

    Special dinner reservation at a traditional restaurant

Day 6

Zen Experience (April 20)

  • 07:00

    Morning Zen Meditation

    Guided meditation session at Kennin-ji Temple

  • 10:00

    Tenryu-ji Temple and Gardens

    UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful gardens

  • 14:00

    Hidden Kyoto Walking Tour

    Explore lesser-known shrines and historical spots

  • 18:00

    Gion Evening Stroll

    Walk through the historic geisha district

Day 7

Return to Tokyo (April 21)

  • 09:00

    Check-out from Ryokan

  • 10:30

    Shinkansen to Tokyo

    Return journey by bullet train

  • 13:30

    Check-in at Tokyo Hotel

  • 15:00

    Shibuya & Harajuku Exploration

    Visit the famous crossing and trendy neighborhoods

  • 19:00

    Farewell Dinner

    Celebrate your engagement at a rooftop restaurant

Day 8

Departure (April 22)

  • 09:00

    Last-minute shopping

    Pick up souvenirs at Akihabara or department stores

  • 13:00

    Transfer to Narita Airport

  • 17:00

    Departure Flight

    Return flight to Seattle

Budget Breakdown

Flights (round-trip for 2):

$2,400 - $3,000

Accommodation (7 nights):

$1,200 - $2,100

Transportation within Japan:

$500 - $700 (incl. 7-day JR Pass)

Food and Drinks:

$600 - $1,000

Activities and Entrance Fees:

$400 - $600

Souvenirs and Miscellaneous:

$300 - $500

Total Estimated Budget: $3,400 - $4,900

Maps & Transportation

Key Locations

Tokyo to Kyoto

Distance: 450 km (280 mi)

Shinkansen Time: ~2.5 hours

Cost with JR Pass: Covered

Direct Cost: ~¥14,000 per person

Kyoto to Nara

Distance: 42 km (26 mi)

Train Time: ~45 minutes

Cost with JR Pass: Covered

Direct Cost: ~¥800 per person

Transportation Passes

JR Pass (7 Days)

Cost: ~$210 per person

Coverage: All JR trains, including most Shinkansen

Benefits: Unlimited travel on JR lines

Where to buy: Must be purchased before arriving in Japan

✓ Recommended for this itinerary

IC Cards (SUICA/PASMO/ICOCA)

Cost: ¥1,000 (~$7) deposit + added value

Coverage: Metro, buses, convenience stores

Benefits: Tap-and-go convenience

Where to buy: Station kiosks or ticket machines

✓ Essential for city transport

Highlighted Destinations

Nara Park

Nara Park

Nara, Japan

Famous for its 1,700+ free-roaming deer and surrounded by cherry blossoms in April. The perfect spot for your proposal at Ukimido Pavilion.

JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station
Philosopher's Path in Kyoto

Philosopher's Path

Kyoto, Japan

A picturesque stone path lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Perfect for a romantic evening stroll during sakura season.

Bus to Ginkakuji-michi or Nanzenji
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kyoto, Japan

A magical pathway through towering bamboo. Visit early morning to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere.

JR Saga-Arashiyama Station

Cultural Attractions & Experiences

Historical Sites

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kyoto

This stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf, creating a spectacular reflection in the surrounding pond. The pavilion houses relics of Buddha, and the surrounding gardens are meticulously landscaped.

Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fee: ¥500 (~$3.50)

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple

Nara

Home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue and one of Japan's largest wooden buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an impressive display of ancient Japanese architecture and Buddhist art.

Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (April-October)

Fee: ¥600 (~$4)

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kyoto

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create tunnels along the mountain trails. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and offers beautiful hiking opportunities.

Hours: Open 24 hours

Fee: Free

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Nara

Known for its bronze lanterns that line the paths and stone lanterns that hang from the buildings. This vermilion-colored shrine dates back to 768 AD and is surrounded by a forest with sacred deer.

Hours: 6:30 AM - 5:30 PM (April-October)

Fee: Free (grounds), ¥500 for inner area

Cultural Experiences

Tea Ceremony (Chado)

Experience the ancient art of Japanese tea preparation. The ceremony emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and tranquility.

Recommended: En Tea Ceremony in Gion, Kyoto (¥4,500 per person)

Kendo Experience

Learn the basics of this traditional Japanese martial art that uses bamboo swords (shinai) and protective armor.

Recommended: Samurai Kembu Theater in Tokyo (¥7,500 per person)

Zen Meditation

Participate in a guided zazen (seated meditation) session at a Buddhist temple to experience this ancient practice.

Recommended: Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto (¥2,500 per person)

Cooking Class

Learn to make traditional Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, or okonomiyaki with expert guidance.

Recommended: Cooking Sun in Kyoto (¥7,500 per person)

Hidden Gems

Sannei-zaka & Ninei-zaka

Kyoto

Two beautiful preserved streets with traditional wooden buildings, leading up to Kiyomizu-dera. These atmospheric lanes offer a glimpse into old Kyoto, with less crowds in the early morning or evening.

Tofuku-ji Temple

Kyoto

While famous for autumn colors, this temple complex is surprisingly quiet in spring. The Tsutenkyo Bridge spans a valley of cherry trees, offering a spectacular view without the crowds of more popular spots.

Abe Monjuin Temple

Nara

A hidden gem with approximately 500 cherry trees that bloom beautifully in spring. This temple is far less crowded than the main tourist sites in Nara, offering a peaceful sakura viewing experience.

Naramachi

Nara

The former merchant district of Nara with narrow streets, traditional machiya houses, small museums, and shops. A wonderful place to wander and discover the everyday life of old Japan.

Essential Japanese Phrases

Basic Greetings & Politeness

English Japanese Pronunciation
Hello こんにちは Kon-ni-chi-wa
Good morning おはようございます O-ha-yo-u go-za-i-ma-su
Good evening こんばんは Kon-ban-wa
Thank you ありがとうございます A-ri-ga-to-u go-za-i-ma-su
You're welcome どういたしまして Do-u i-ta-shi-ma-shi-te
Excuse me すみません Su-mi-ma-sen
I'm sorry ごめんなさい Go-men-na-sa-i
Yes はい Ha-i
No いいえ I-i-e

Travel & Directions

English Japanese Pronunciation
Where is...? ...はどこですか？ ...wa do-ko de-su ka?
Train station 駅 E-ki
Bus stop バス停 Ba-su te-i
How much is this? これはいくらですか？ Ko-re wa i-ku-ra de-su ka?
Too expensive 高すぎます Ta-ka su-gi-ma-su
I'll take this これをください Ko-re wo ku-da-sa-i
Ticket 切符 Ki-p-pu
I'm lost 道に迷いました Mi-chi ni ma-yo-i-ma-shi-ta
Can you help me? 手伝ってもらえますか？ Te-tsu-da-t-te mo-ra-e-ma-su ka?

Dining & Food

English Japanese Pronunciation
I'd like to order 注文したいです Chu-mon shi-ta-i de-su
Menu, please メニューをください Me-nyu-u wo ku-da-sa-i
Bill, please お会計をお願いします O-ka-i-ke-i wo o-ne-ga-i shi-ma-su
Delicious! おいしい！ O-i-shi-i!
I'm vegetarian ベジタリアンです Be-ji-ta-ri-a-n de-su
Water, please 水をください Mi-zu wo ku-da-sa-i
Cheers! 乾杯！ Kan-pa-i!

Romance & Proposal

English Japanese Pronunciation
I love you 愛しています A-i-shi-te-i-ma-su
Will you marry me? 結婚してください Ke-kkon shi-te ku-da-sa-i
You're beautiful あなたは美しいです A-na-ta wa u-tsu-ku-shi-i de-su
Forever 永遠に E-i-en ni
Happy anniversary 記念日おめでとう Ki-nen-bi o-me-de-to-u

Pronunciation Tips

  • Japanese is pronounced syllable by syllable with even timing.
  • Vowel sounds are pure: a (ah), i (ee), u (oo), e (eh), o (oh).
  • There is little to no emphasis on any particular syllable.
  • Double consonants (like "pp" in "kippu") indicate a brief pause before the consonant.
  • Use a translation app like Google Translate for audio pronunciation.

Travel Tips & Essential Information

Power & Electricity

Japan uses Type A and B plugs (same as USA). The voltage is 100V, slightly lower than the US (120V), but most devices work fine.

Tip: Bring a power strip if you have multiple devices.

Internet & Connectivity

Free WiFi is available in most hotels and many cafes. Consider renting a pocket WiFi or buying a local SIM card for constant connectivity.

Tip: Reserve a pocket WiFi before arrival for best rates.

Money & Payment

Japan is still largely a cash-based society. Many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices accept foreign cards.

Tip: Always carry ¥10,000-20,000 in cash.

Luggage & Storage

Coin lockers are available at major stations. For longer storage, use luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) to send bags between hotels.

Tip: Pack light as train storage space is limited.

Etiquette & Cultural Tips

1

Shoes Off Indoors

Always remove your shoes when entering homes, ryokans, traditional restaurants, and some temples. Look for shoe shelves or slippers at the entrance.

2

Tipping Not Expected

Tipping is not customary in Japan and can sometimes cause confusion. Service charges are often included in high-end establishments.

3

Quiet in Public

Keep your voice low on public transportation. Phone calls on trains and buses are considered impolite.

4

Bowing

A slight bow when greeting or thanking someone is appreciated but not expected from tourists. A nod of acknowledgment is fine.

5

Chopstick Etiquette

Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism). Don't pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

6

Trash & Recycling

Public trash cans are rare. Carry your trash until you find an appropriate disposal location, usually near vending machines or convenience stores.

Cherry Blossom Season Tips

Early Bird Advantage

Visit popular sakura spots early in the morning (before 8 AM) to avoid crowds and get better photos.

Night Illuminations

Many parks and temples have special evening illuminations (yozakura) during cherry blossom season, creating magical atmospheres.

Weather Monitoring

Cherry blossoms are sensitive to weather. Rain and wind can cause petals to fall quickly, so adjust your viewing schedule accordingly.

Hanami Picnic

Join locals in "hanami" (flower viewing) picnics under the trees. Bring a small tarp/blanket and enjoy seasonal treats.

Food & Dining Tips

Say "Itadakimasu"

This phrase (meaning "I gratefully receive") is said before starting to eat, similar to "bon appétit."

Department Store Food Halls

The basement floors (depachika) of department stores offer amazing food selections and samples.

Convenience Stores

Japanese convenience stores (konbini) have high-quality, affordable meals and snacks.

Ordering by Pointing

Many restaurants have plastic food displays or picture menus. Pointing is perfectly acceptable.

Emergency Information

Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance/Fire: 119
  • Japan Helpline: 0570-000-911 (24/7 English service)

US Embassy in Tokyo:

1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420

Phone: +81-3-3224-5000

jp.usembassy.gov

Perfect Proposal Spots in Japan

Top Recommendation
Ukimido Pavilion in Nara Park

Ukimido Pavilion at Sunset

This floating pavilion in Nara Park offers a magical setting surrounded by cherry blossoms and reflected in the serene waters of Sagi Pond. The evening illuminations create a romantic atmosphere, with fewer tourists than during daytime.

  • Best Time: 30 minutes before sunset (around 5:30 PM in April)
  • Location: Within Nara Park, near Ukimido Way
  • Privacy Level: Good in early evening
  • Photo Opportunity: Excellent with lake reflections

Proposal Plan:

  1. Arrive at Nara Park in the afternoon and enjoy the deer and temples
  2. Head to Ukimido around 5:00 PM before other tourists gather for sunset
  3. Find a quiet spot on the viewing platform overlooking the pavilion and pond
  4. Wait for the magical moment when the pavilion lights illuminate as the sun sets
  5. Pop the question as the cherry blossoms glow in the evening light
  6. Celebrate with a special dinner reservation at nearby Wa Yamamura restaurant

Alternative Proposal Locations

Philosopher's Path in Kyoto

Philosopher's Path, Kyoto

A stone path lined with cherry trees following a canal. Early morning or evening offers the most privacy. The gentle falling petals create a magical atmosphere.

Best Spot: The quiet northern section near Ginkaku-ji

Best Time: Early morning (7-8 AM)

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

The towering bamboo creates a mystical atmosphere. Visit at dawn for a nearly private experience among the soaring green stalks.

Best Spot: The section near Okochi Sanso Garden

Best Time: 6:30-7:00 AM

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino, Nara

Famous for its 30,000 cherry trees planted across the mountain slopes. The panoramic views are breathtaking.

Best Spot: Hanayagura Viewpoint

Best Time: Late afternoon

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

The wooden terrace offers stunning views of Kyoto city and cherry blossoms. Evening illuminations create a romantic atmosphere.

Best Spot: The viewing platform overlooking the city

Best Time: During evening illuminations (6-9 PM)

Proposal Tips

Photography

Consider hiring a local photographer to discreetly capture the moment. Many English-speaking photographers can be booked through AirBnB Experiences.

Ring Safety

Keep the ring in a secure inner pocket, preferably with a zipper. Consider a ring box with LED light for evening proposals.

Weather Backup

Have an indoor backup plan. April weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain showers that may affect outdoor proposal plans.

Local Assistance

Hotel concierges can help arrange special details like champagne, flowers, or transportation. Let them know your plans in advance.

Post-Proposal

Book a special dinner or experience for after the proposal. Many high-end ryokans can arrange private dinners with advance notice.

Learn a Phrase

Consider learning "結婚してください" (Kekkon shite kudasai) - "Will you marry me?" in Japanese for an extra special touch.

Special Services

Here are some services that can enhance your proposal experience:

Private Dining Experiences

Many fine dining restaurants can arrange private dining rooms with advance notice.

Recommendation: Wa Yamamura in Nara (Michelin-starred Japanese cuisine)

Private Kimono Experience

Dress in traditional kimono for a special photo session among cherry blossoms.

Recommendation: Kimono Rental Wargo in Kyoto or Nara

Private Tour Guides

Hire a local guide who can help facilitate your proposal plans.

Recommendation: Explore Nara with Yoshie (private guide service)

Professional Photography

Hire a professional to capture your special moment.

Recommendation: Kyoto Photography Experience by Toshiki