Japan in Just 5 Days
Some of the most remarkable travel experiences aren’t the ones carefully mapped out months in advance—they’re the ones that unfold naturally, almost effortlessly. In the spring of 2023, my back-then-fiancé, Julius, and I discovered an unbelievable flight deal from Prague to Tokyo via Paris. Within days, we found ourselves embarking on a spontaneous, seven-day journey across Japan—proof that elevated travel doesn’t always begin with a perfectly polished plan. Sometimes, it simply requires curiosity, intention, and the right guidance. And it’s exactly this balance—effortless planning paired with elevated experiences—that I bring to my curated group trips.
Our round-trip flights cost 1,439 EUR, 1,672 USD, or 34,950 CZK, an exceptional price for such a long-haul itinerary. The 14-hour Air France flight from Paris to Narita was surprisingly smooth, giving us the rest needed for the adventure ahead. Upon landing, we headed to the JR East Travel Service Center to purchase the 7-day JR Pass, which cost 291 EUR, 338 USD, or 7,068 CZK per person. It covered our bullet train rides throughout the trip and gave us the flexibility to explore different regions efficiently. Although you can pre-order the pass and have it mailed to you, we bought ours on the spot due to our last-minute planning.
Rather than beginning in Tokyo, we decided to travel straight toward the peaceful Fuji region. After three train connections—from Narita to Nippori, then to Shinjuku, and onward to Kawaguchiko—we arrived in Fujikawaguchiko, a charming lakeside town with some of the best views of Mount Fuji. We checked into Hotel Route-Inn Kawaguchiko, a clean and simple property, but with one priceless highlight: a direct view of Fuji from the window. That evening, we wandered through the quiet town and enjoyed a store-bought dinner overlooking the mountain as the sky shifted into soft pastels.
The next morning began with a short journey to Arakurayama Sengen Park, home to the iconic view of Mount Fuji rising behind the red Chureito Pagoda. Standing there, taking in a scene that looks almost too perfect to be real, was one of those moments that stays with you long after the trip is over.
From there, we continued our journey south, taking two regular trains before boarding our first shinkansen from Shin-Yokohama to Kyoto. Because we were traveling during peak hours, the train was packed and we spent the ride standing—still, the experience was uniquely Japanese: clean, quiet, fast, and efficient. We reached Kyoto around 10pm and checked into Urban Hotel Kyoto for two nights.
Kyoto welcomed us with an irresistible blend of calmness and tradition. We spent our first morning wandering through the whispering paths of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before crossing the Katsura River and hiking up to the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where we fed the monkeys and enjoyed panoramic views of the city. Later, we visited the famously golden Kinkaku-ji, which was incredibly crowded but still breathtaking. As the day continued, we explored Yasaka Shrine and wandered through the old streets of Gion and Southern Higashiyama, passing locals and visitors dressed in traditional attire. We ended the day at the hilltop Kiyomizu-dera Temple, watching the sun melt into the skyline of Kyoto.
On the next morning, we checked out of the hotel and headed straight to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through its seemingly endless path of 10,000 bright orange torii gates felt like stepping into another world—quiet, spiritual, and uniquely Kyoto.
Soon after, we boarded another shinkansen—this time, a comfortable and quick ride back to Tokyo. We checked into Super Hotel Asakusa for our last two nights, just as the city was buzzing with Golden Week celebrations. Tokyo was alive with crowds and movement, yet still impeccably organized.
During our stay, we explored the serene lawns of the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, admired the clean lines and height of the business district’s skyscrapers, and immersed ourselves in the electric world of Akihabara. We visited Senso-ji, wandered through the markets of Asakusa, crossed Shibuya Crossing more times than I can count, and even stopped by a dog café in Shibuya. We spent an afternoon at Miyashita Park, a modern rooftop oasis built above the city streets.
Our last full day began with airy, cloud-like Japanese pancakes in Omotesando. From there, we made our way to the Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby for sweeping city views and ended the day at the immersive, unforgettable TeamLab Planets—an experience that is simply beyond words.
The next morning, we packed our bags, took the train to Haneda Airport, and retraced our route back through Paris to Prague.
This unexpected journey reminded me why I love travel so deeply—and why I am passionate about designing exceptional travel experiences for others. Even spontaneous trips can feel elevated and seamless when you know how to navigate flight deals, train networks, accommodations, and the rhythm of each destination. These are the kinds of journeys I curate in my group trips: effortless, enriching, and filled with meaningful moments.
