Upon arrival at Narita International Airport, take the Narita Express to Ikebukuro Station. From there, take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Yokohama Station. Begin your day at the Gundam Base Yokohama where you can explore a wide range of Gundam-related exhibits and displays. Next, head towards the Unicorn Gundam statue at Diver City, considered as one of Tokyo's newest landmarks. Finally, you can visit the Bayside Area and enjoy some local cuisine at the nearby Chinatown.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto Station, and start your day exploring the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. After a quick lunch, spend the afternoon walking through the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and trails of the Torii Gates. To round out the day, visit the Gion District to see traditional Japanese architecture and zen gardens.
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka and explore the Otaku street, also known as DenDen Town. Here, you can find shops and items dedicated to comic books, anime, games, and electronics. Afterwards, visit the Osaka Castle, which has played a significant role in Japanese history, before strolling through Dotonbori to enjoy the local street food.
Take a morning train out of Osaka towards Kyoto and visit the Nijo Castle, known for its well-preserved architecture and interiors. After lunch, head to Nara's Deer Park where you can interact with the friendly deer and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty. Finally, end the day with a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is well-renowned for its stunning views of Kyoto.
Take a break from sightseeing and plan a leisurely day taking cooking classes and exploring the local food scene at Osaka Takoyaki Museum, where you can taste some of the city's signature dishes, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki. After spending an afternoon indulging in traditional flavors, visit the Shitenno-ji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, and experience the spiritual side of Osaka.
End your trip with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, known for its fresh seafood and energetic atmosphere. Sample some local sushi before making your way to the airport.
Japan has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, which includes trains, buses, and subways. However, it can be quite crowded during peak hours, and it's best to avoid driving in major cities due to the high traffic density. Plan accordingly and budget for transportation costs as needed.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip out to Hiroshima to explore the historic sites associated with the atomic bombing. Or for an alternative scenery, explore the nature side of Japan in Hokkaido. For those with less time, limit your time in between attractions and attractions you are less interested in exploring.
Narita International Airport (NRT) is located 60 km east of Tokyo and serves as a main hub for international flights. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is located near Osaka and serves as the main international gateway to the Kansai region. Both airports are well-connected to Japan's transportation system and offer convenient choices of public transportation.