Start your Japan trip in Tokyo. Explore the city's incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi. Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower and the historic Sensō-ji Temple for an amazing view of the city and learn about Tokyo's rich cultural history.
Hike the famous Mount Fuji, one of Japan's three sacred mountains, for a breathtaking view of the sunrise. Remember to bring warm clothing as it can get very cold at the summit. If you're not up for the hike, you can still enjoy the view of the iconic mountain from the Fuji Five Lakes area or from the Shinkansen bullet train.
Experience Japan's traditional culture in Kyoto. Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, and the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine with its thousands of torii gates. Get a taste of local cuisine with a kaiseki meal in Gion and explore the streets lined with traditional wooden houses.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to learn about the devastating effects of the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city during World War II. Take a day trip to the nearby Miyajima Island and see the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate.
Indulge in Osaka's famous street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and explore the lively Dotonbori area at night with its iconic Glico Man sign. Visit Osaka Castle, which played a major role in Japan's history, and the nearby Osaka Museum of History.
Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, and experience its rich history and culture. See the Todai-ji Temple and the world's largest bronze statue of the Buddha. Feed the friendly sika deer in Nara Park and stroll through the Kasugataisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns.
Head to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, to experience its natural beauty. Visit Asahiyama Zoo to see the famous penguins and other animals, and take the scenic Furano Biei Norokko train ride through the lavender fields and rolling hills. Take a dip in the hot springs at Jozankei Onsen and try the fresh seafood in Sapporo's famous seafood market.
Visit Kanazawa to see its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts. See the famous Kenroku-en Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, and visit the nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Explore the Nagamachi Samurai District and the Higashi Chaya District with its traditional teahouses.
End your Japan trip in Tokyo for some last-minute shopping and dining. Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, the largest wholesale seafood market in the world, and the trendy Harajuku district. See the incredible exhibits at the Tokyo National Museum and the Mori Art Museum. Take a stroll through the beautiful Yoyogi Park and enjoy the view of the city from the Tokyo Skytree.
Transportation in Japan is efficient and reliable. The Japan Rail Pass is a great option for travelers as it provides unlimited access to JR trains for a set number of days. However, it is recommended to book seats in advance during peak travel seasons. For local travel, purchasing a prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is recommended. Travel costs between major cities by bullet train range from $70 to $180, and local trains and buses cost around $2 to $5 per trip.
If you have more time, consider visiting the ancient cities of Kamakura and Nikko, or the beautiful island of Okinawa. If you have less time, consider skipping Hiroshima or Hokkaido. It is also recommended to learn some basic Japanese phrases and customs to make your travel experience smoother.
The main airports in Japan are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) in Nagoya. Narita International Airport is located 60 km east of Tokyo and is easily accessible by train or bus. Haneda Airport is located within Tokyo and is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi.