# Japan - Dream Destination

## Priority: 1 (Must visit!)

## Basic Info
- **Continent:** Asia
- **Region:** East Asia
- **Best time to travel:**
  - 🌸 March-April (cherry blossom)
  - 🍁 October-November (autumn colors)
- **Recommended duration:** 14-21 days
- **Visa:** Not required for Germans (up to 90 days)

## Estimated Budget

| Category | Amount (per person) |
|----------|---------------------|
| Flight | €800-1,200 |
| Accommodation (14 nights) | €1,000-2,000 |
| Transport (JR Pass 14 days) | €400 |
| Food | €500-700 |
| Activities | €300-500 |
| Other | €300 |
| **TOTAL** | **€3,300-5,100** |

## Why Japan?

**What excites me:**
- 🏯 Culture & Tradition (temples, shrines, tea ceremonies)
- 🍣 Food (sushi, ramen, izakaya, street food)
- 🌸 Nature (cherry blossoms, bamboo forests, mountains)
- 🚅 Technology (Shinkansen, neon cities, gadgets)
- 🎌 Contrasts (ultra-modern vs. ultra-traditional)

## Planned Highlights

### Cities
1. **Tokyo** (5-6 days)
   - Shibuya Crossing
   - Senso-ji Temple
   - Meiji Shrine
   - Harajuku
   - Tsukiji Outer Market
   - TeamLab Planets

2. **Kyoto** (4-5 days)
   - Fushimi Inari Shrine
   - Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
   - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
   - Gion District
   - Kiyomizu-dera

3. **Osaka** (2-3 days)
   - Dotonbori
   - Osaka Castle
   - Street Food Tour

4. **Hiroshima** (1-2 days)
   - Peace Memorial
   - Miyajima Island

5. **Optional:**
   - Hakone (Ryokan + Onsen)
   - Nara (deer + Todai-ji)
   - Nikko

## Open Questions

- [ ] Does JR Pass make sense? (Yes, for 14+ days)
- [ ] Which cities besides Tokyo/Kyoto?
- [ ] Plan ryokan experience?
- [ ] Cooking class (sushi/ramen)?
- [ ] Visit Mount Fuji? (Only in good weather)

## Trip Preparation

### Bookings (well in advance)
- [ ] Flight (6 months before)
- [ ] JR Pass (1 month before)
- [ ] Hotel/Airbnb (3-6 months before)
- [ ] TeamLab Planets tickets (weeks in advance)
- [ ] Ghibli Museum (if interested)

### Apps to install
- [ ] Google Translate (with camera feature)
- [ ] Hyperdia (train schedules)
- [ ] Tabelog (restaurant reviews)
- [ ] IC Card (Suica/Pasmo)

## Links & Resources

- [ ] r/JapanTravel Wiki
- [ ] japan-guide.com
- [ ] Hyperdia (train connections)

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**Planned for:** 2027
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-08