Travel Guide
Japonya
Tokyo’s order, Kyoto’s temples, Osaka’s streets, Nara’s deer. Capsule hotel, conveyor sushi, bamboo forest and 90 days visa-free.
In short
I spent about 40 days in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara. First impression: order and safety. Bikes have no locks, no one crosses on red, there are designated smoking areas, vending machines on every street. People do not stare at tourists; English is very weak. In summer holiday season hotel and transport prices can double or triple.
Tokyo is open and rule-bound; Kyoto is classic Japan with temples and bamboo forest; Osaka feels more scattered; Nara is unforgettable with bowing deer and a giant wooden temple. At entry they may ask for a return ticket and plan on a Turkish passport — saying a short stay reduces the questioning.
Turkish citizens get 90 days visa-free (machine-readable passport). Capsule hotel 8 $ · weekend 15 $, Tokyo–Kyoto bus ≈ $15.
Route
Main stops from the videos.
Passport, ticket, plan
Have a return ticket and hotel plan ready. At the desk they may ask “how many days, which hotel”. Tip: say 7–10 days; they usually grant up to 90.
Order, vending machines, conveyor sushi
Capsule hostels are common. Conveyor sushi: price by plate colour (≈ $0.60–1.55). Golden Gai, Shibuya. Vending machines and luggage lockers on every corner.
Temples, bamboo, river
Higashi Hongan-ji is free. Arashiyama bamboo forest is very crowded — go early in the morning. Ramen set ≈ $4.75. The Kamo River runs through the city centre.
Street food, more relaxed
Hostel ≈ $11. Onigiri ≈ $0.95, takoyaki ≈ $3.15. Sumiyoshi Taisha is an old Shinto shrine. Shinsekai is lively.
Deer and Todai-ji
Deer roam freely in Nara Park. Todai-ji: giant Buddha, entry ≈ $5–6.50. Lake, picnic areas.
Transport, stay and food
Bus is cheap
Tokyo–Kyoto bus ≈ $15. Shinkansen ≈ $100. Bus is preferable.
Capsule hotel
8 $ · weekend 15 $ / night. Shared bathroom can feel unusual. Osaka hostel ≈ $11.
Food
Conveyor sushi plate ≈ $0.60–1.55. Ramen ≈ $4.75. Onigiri ≈ $0.95. Convenience stores are expensive; prefer a normal supermarket.
Visa
Turkish citizens: 90 days visa-free (machine-readable passport). Keep return ticket and plan ready.
English is weak
A translation app is essential. People do not look at tourists; asking questions can be hard.
Summer holiday
Hotel and transport can get 2–3 times more expensive. Weekend prices rise too.
Places to see
Arashiyama bamboo
Extremely crowded during the day. Go early in the morning.
Nara Park
Deer roam free; some bow. Droppings and smell are normal.
Todai-ji
One of the world’s largest wooden Buddhist temples. Giant Buddha statue. Entry ≈ $5–6.50.
Shibuya / Golden Gai
Tokyo’s iconic crossing and narrow bar alley.
Sumiyoshi Taisha
Old Shinto shrine in Osaka, hundreds of lanterns.
Higashi Hongan-ji
Free in Kyoto, on the UNESCO list. Shoes come off.
Photos
Practical warnings
Say a short stay at entry
Saying 7–10 days reduces questioning. Have return ticket and hotel plan ready.
Avoid the summer holiday
Hotel and transport can get 2–3 times more expensive. Weekend prices rise too.
Convenience stores are expensive
Prefer a normal supermarket over 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Ready meals may be discounted at night.
Follow the rules
Do not cross on red. Queues and silence matter.
Bamboo forestna erken
Extremely crowded during the day. Morning is more pleasant.
Care in Nara
Deer are cute but can be pushy; park smell and droppings are normal.
Videos
The complete Japan series (6 videos).
Orderly, expensive, unforgettable
Tokyo stands out for order, Kyoto for history, Nara for the deer. Osaka is more relaxed and scattered. Watch summer and weekend prices; keeping the stated stay short reduces questioning.
A country that follows rules, stays quiet and cares about detail; those who plan win.
Other countries are waiting for you on the map
Spin the globe, tap a yellow country, read its story.