Start your journey in Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan. Head to Tsukiji Outer Market where you can experience the freshest sushi in Tokyo. It's a famous spot for tourists in the city, and you will be amazed by a variety of seafood. Then wander down to the imperial palace and catch a glimpse of the emperor's residence. End your day in Shinjuku, and visit Omoide Yokocho or Piss Alley, known for tiny bars and yakitori stalls.
Travel by train to Nikko, a sacred city in Japan, surrounded by serene mountains, temples, and shrines. The must-visit place in Nikko is the UNESCO World Heritage Site - Toshogu Shrine. Its impressive architecture will take your breath away. After that, visit Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, which was once the imperial family villa. The last visit of the day should be the Kagen Falls, which is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Nikko.
Take a bullet train and head to Kyoto, which will transport you back in time to Japan's past. Kyoto is Japan's culinary capital, and the first stop should be Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." The street food stall offers many delectable street snacks. The next day, visit the temples and shrines of Kyoto via Arashiyama, and find yourself surrounded by majestic bamboo forests. Visit the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of torii gates. End the visit with Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. On the last day, immerse in Japanese tea culture with a visit to Uji, the birthplace of Japanese tea. The place offers multiple tea shops and a picturesque tea plantation.
Osaka is known as the nation's kitchen with an abundance of street food and traditional Japanese specialties. Start your visit by trying Takoyaki, Osaka's must-try street food. Then visit Osaka Castle, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. On the next day, visit Universal Studios Japan, the go-to amusement park in Osaka.
Take a short train ride to Nara, the ancient capital city that offers an abundance of historical treasures. Visit Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. After the visit, head off to Nara Park, where you can see hundreds of wild sika deer roaming around.
Visit Hiroshima to experience the city's tumultuous past. First, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the devastation caused by the atomic bombing. Next, visit Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle. The castle offers a superb view of the city. Lastly, visit Miyajima Island, where the Itsukushima Shrine is located. It's an iconic shrine that's partially submerged by water during high tide.
Take a flight to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. Start your journey by visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum, and taste the different types of beer available. On the next day, visit the Shiroi Koibito Park, where you can find a chocolate factory, rose garden, and many shops. The final day in Sapporo should be spent visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can enjoy ice sculpture exhibitions and try various winter activities.
Head back to Tokyo on the second last day of the trip. Spend the day exploring the lovely town of Shibuya and known for its dazzling crossroads. On the final day, enjoy Japanese tea time and sweets at Sukiyabashi Jiro and try Jiro's world-famous sushi.
The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel extensively in Japan is by purchasing a Japan Rail pass. The pass will allow for unlimited train travel throughout the country and will save time and money compared to purchasing individual tickets. Japan's train network is highly efficient and punctual, which will satisfy any traveler.
If you are traveling for a shorter period, consider spending fewer days in Sapporo or traveling only to Tokyo and Kyoto. Alternatively, you can plan to visit Japan during the cherry blossom season in April, where you can experience additional seasonal festivals.
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the largest airport in Japan and serves the greater Tokyo area. It is located 60 kilometers east of central Tokyo, which takes around 45 minutes by train. Other airports include Haneda International Airport (HND), which serves the Tokyo metropolitan area and Sapporo's New Chitose Airport (CTS) that buses around 30 minutes to Sapporo City Centre.