The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Japan, displaying over 100,000 art pieces and archaeological objects of great historical importance. The museum has various exhibitions divided into chronological and thematic displays.
The Tsukiji Fish Market is the world's largest fish and seafood market. Visitors can see live auctions and try fresh sushi or other seafood dishes. After exploring the market, visit the Asakusa district, known for its ancient Buddhist temple and souvenir shops that sell traditional Japanese items such as kimonos and handmade crafts.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the imperial family until 1868. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and gardens, and learn about Japanese imperial history. Afterward, explore Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street with over 100 shops and restaurants that sell fresh seafood, sweets, and Kyoto's traditional specialties such as pickles and tsukemono.
Gion District is the historic geisha district of Kyoto. Visitors can wander the streets to see traditional Japanese architecture, teahouses, and take pictures with geishas. Afterward, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine known for its thousands of torii gates that line the hiking trails up the mountain.
The Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum commemorate the tragic events of August 6, 1945, when the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Visitors can walk around the park to see the memorials and visit the museum to learn about the impact of the bombing.
Miyajima Island is a small island near Hiroshima. The most famous attraction is Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto shrine built on the water, known for its "floating" torii gate. Visitors can also take a cable car up to Mount Misen to see the panoramic views of the islands and the sea.
Harajuku District is a trendy area known for its fashion boutiques and street foods. Visitors can explore the shops and try various snacks such as crepes and croquettes. Afterward, visit a cat cafe to experience the popular Japanese coffee culture and spend time with cute cats.
The best way to travel between these cities is by Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The 7-day pass costs around $280 and covers unlimited rides on all JR trains, buses and ferries. In addition, each ride on JR trains includes free seat reservations. Alternatively, visitors can purchase single tickets for shinkansen bullet trains or express buses, but they can be more expensive and do not include seat reservations.
If you have more time, consider visiting Osaka for its famous food scene and Universal Studios Japan theme park. Another alternative is a trip to the Japanese Alps for hiking and hot springs. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can skip one or two cities and spend more time in the remaining ones. Also, be aware that some attractions may have long lines, so arrive early in the morning or consider advanced reservation if possible.
The main airports in Japan are Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Narita Airport is located about 40 miles east of Tokyo, while Haneda Airport is closer to the city center. Kansai Airport is located on an artificial island near Osaka and serves as a gateway to Western Japan. All three airports have various options for ground transportation to the city center, including JR trains, buses, taxis, and car rentals.