Start your trip by exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo. Visit the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander through the bustling streets of Asakusa. Have lunch at Ichiran Ramen, a popular spot for Japanese noodle soup. Spend the afternoon at Ueno Park, the city's largest park, and enjoy the beautiful scenery during cherry blossom season. End the day by going up to the Tokyo Skytree and witness the stunning cityscape of Tokyo at night.
Take a day trip to Nikko National Park, located in the Tochigi Prefecture. The park is home to several beautiful shrines and temples, including the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Kegon Falls, one of the park's most famous waterfalls, and stop by Lake Chuzenji for some stunning views. Don't forget to try the local delicacy, yuba (tofu skin) at one of the restaurants.
Visit Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Fuji Five Lakes, a group of five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji. Take a cable car ride to the Owakudani Valley and try some kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in sulfur water), said to add seven years to your life. End the day by visiting the Chureito Pagoda and admiring the stunning sunset with Mount Fuji in the background.
Travel to the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto. Begin your day by visiting the Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. Next, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. In the evening, explore the Gion district, famous for its geisha, traditional tea houses, and local shops. Try some delicious Kyoto-style sushi or Matcha sweets.
Spend the day in Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto filled with natural beauty. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene forest of bamboo that looks like something out of a storybook. Take a serene boat ride along the Hozu River and enjoy the scenic views. Later in the day, visit Tenryuji Temple, one of the city's oldest temples, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day at Monkey Park Iwatayama, where you can observe native Japanese monkeys up close.
Take a day trip to Hiroshima, a city known for its tragic history and stunning scenery. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of the atomic bomb that devastated the city in 1945. Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its massive torii gate that appears to be floating on water.
Visit Osaka, Japan's third-largest city known for its food and nightlife. Shop and eat at Dotonbori Street, Osaka's most famous food and shopping district. Visit Osaka Castle, a beautiful castle set in a large park. Try some delicious Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake filled with various meats and vegetables. End the day by visiting Umeda Sky Building, a popular observation deck in the city.
Visit Nara, Japan's first permanent capital and home to some of Japan's oldest and largest temples. Begin your day by visiting the Todaiji Temple, one of the world's largest wooden buildings and home to the famous Great Buddha. Take a stroll through Nara Park and admire the many roaming deer. In the afternoon, visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a beautiful shrine with hundreds of stone lanterns. Try some delicious Yamato udon, a local specialty.
Visit Hakone, a town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Take a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi and witness stunning views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Take a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan's oldest mountain railway. Visit the Owakudani Valley, a volcanic valley with hot springs and sulfur vents. Try some delicious Black Eggs, boiled in the natural hot springs. End the day at Yunessun, a hot spring amusement park with various themed hot spring baths.
Spend the day at Tokyo Disney Resort, one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan. Enjoy rides, attractions, and meet your favorite Disney characters. Be sure to catch the Disneyland Electrical Parade and the World Bazaar Candlelight Concert. End the day with the Nighttime Spectacular Fireworks Show.
Take the final day to explore Tokyo once more. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest fish market, and try some fresh sushi. Take a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. Visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. End your trip by visiting the Tokyo Tower, a symbol of Tokyo and the perfect place to end your journey.
Japan has a well-developed transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways. The best way to get around Japan is by using the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on JR trains for a specific period. The pass is purchased before entering Japan and is activated upon arrival. It is recommended to reserve seats on bullet trains in advance, especially during peak travel periods. Another option is to use buses, which are cheaper but take longer. Taxis are also widely available but are more expensive.
Estimated total travel time: Approximately 30 hours
Estimated total travel costs: Approximately 60,000 yen
If you have more time, consider visiting other destinations such as Sapporo, Okinawa, or Kanazawa. If you have less time, consider skipping some of the day trips and focusing on one or two cities. Be sure to try the local food and visit local markets. Remember to carry cash as many places don't accept credit cards. Plan your trip around the cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons for stunning views.
Japan has several airports, but the main international airports are the Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and the Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita Airport is located approximately 60 km from central Tokyo and can be reached by train or bus. Kansai Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay and can be accessed by train or bus. Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Itami Airport in Osaka are primarily used for domestic flights.