Start your journey in Japan by visiting the famous Mount Fuji, which has been among Japan's most famous landmarks for over hundreds of years. Its perfect conical shape makes it one of the most recognizable and beloved landmarks in Japan. If you are not up for hiking, consider taking a helicopter tour or relax in a nearby hot spring.
Take a morning train to Tokyo and head straight to Tokyo Tower, an iconic tower that is the second tallest structure in Japan. After that, visit the famous Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world. Don't forget to take a picture with the Hachiko statue while you're there.
Take a day trip to Zao Onsen, a famous hot spring and ski resort town, where you can relax and soak in the natural hot spring surrounded by the beautiful snow-covered mountains. Afterwards, visit the Fox Village, where you can feed and play with various types of foxes.
Head to Osaka to visit Universal Studios Japan, the third most visited theme park in Japan, perfect for getting your adrenaline pumping. After that, take a break and visit the beautiful Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol of Osaka and an important historical monument.
Take a train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park, a sobering reminder of the atomic bombing of the city on 6 August 1945. The park is home to the Peace Memorial Museum and a variety of monuments, including the famous Atomic Bomb Dome. After visiting the park, hop on a ferry to Miyajima Island, which is famous for its stunning views of the Torii Gate and hiking trails in the hills.
Take the train to Kyoto, a city full of history and culture. Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple, which offers amazing views of the city, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, known for its stunning torii gates. Cap off your day by enjoying some green tea at a traditional Japanese tea house.
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene place where the sound of naturally swaying bamboo will transport you to another world. After that, head over to the Golden Pavilion, a truly breathtaking temple with a stunning golden facade surrounded by a peaceful pond.
Take a trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can watch snow monkeys bathing in the famous hot springs while surrounded by a winter wonderland. After visiting the monkey park, head over to the Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful and original castles.
Cap off your adventure-filled trip by visiting Tokyo Disneyland, a magical place where you can meet your favorite Disney characters, ride thrilling roller coasters, and watch spectacular shows.
Japan has an extensive public transportation system, which includes trains, buses, and subways. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on taking long-distance trains, as it will allow you to save money while also providing unlimited travel on most trains. When exploring the cities, consider renting a bicycle, as some of the best attractions are too far to walk to yet too close to justify a subway ride. Budget between $20-$50 a day for transportation costs.
If you have more time, consider adding other cities to your itinerary, such as Sapporo, Nagasaki, or Takayama. If you have less time, consider skipping the snow monkeys, fox village, or Tokyo Disneyland.
There are two main airports in Japan: Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita is 70km away from Tokyo, and Kansai is 50km from Osaka.