Start your culinary exploration in Tokyo, where you'll find some of the world's best sushi. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market for an early breakfast and witness the auctioning of fresh seafood. For a unique dining experience, try a themed restaurant such as the Kawaii Monster Cafe in Harajuku.
Spend the day exploring Tokyo's food scene further. Visit street food areas such as Shimokitazawa or Yanaka for local snacks like taiyaki or takoyaki. For dinner, try a traditional Japanese izakaya in the lively Shinjuku district.
Travel to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Visit the famous Nishiki Market for a variety of fresh and preserved foods. For lunch, try kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal typically served in ryokans or high-end restaurants.
Explore the traditional streets of Higashiyama and try some wagashi, Japanese confectionery typically served with tea. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and try some street food like yakiimo (roasted sweet potato) or mitarashi dango (grilled rice cake skewered with sweet soy sauce).
Travel to Osaka and try the city's specialty, okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with meats, seafood, and vegetables. Visit the Dontonbori area for street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered food).
Take a day trip to Kobe and try the world-famous Kobe beef. There are many high-end steak restaurants in the city, but for a more casual experience, try a Kobe beef burger or sushi topped with Kobe beef at local spots like Ichiro or Wakkoqu.
Travel to Hiroshima and try the city's signature dish, okonomiyaki with noodles, at Okonomimura, a building with many small okonomiyaki restaurants located in the city's downtown area. Visit the nearby island of Miyajima and try its specialty, the maple leaf-shaped momiji manju (sweet red bean filled pastry).
Travel to Fukuoka and try its famous tonkotsu ramen. Visit the Ramen Stadium in the Canal City Hakata shopping complex for a variety of ramen restaurants. For a unique dessert, try the Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) Ice Cream at the Hakata Mentai! Pirikara Honpo.
Take a day trip to Nagasaki and try the champon, a noodle dish with seafood, pork, and vegetables, at various local restaurants. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city's history.
Visit Nara, known for its deer park and historic temples. Try some kakinoha-zushi, a type of sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, and visit local food spots along the way. For dinner, try some outdoor BBQ-style yakiniku at Gyu-Kaku.
Return to Osaka and try some street food along the long shopping street of Tenjinbashisuji, including the deep-fried skewer Kushi-katsu. For a unique dining experience, visit the Kappo-style restaurant Kanseki, where the dishes are served on unique Japanese antique ceramics.
Return to Kobe and try a unique Japanese fusion food called "Kobekan," which contains roast beef with wasabi and a special sauce, served in a unique Kobe-style burger at small restaurants such as Naniwa Kobe Hamburger.
Return to Tokyo and try some unique food items like "Jiggly pancakes" at locations such as Gram Cafe, or some matcha-flavored desserts at Tsujiri. For a unique themed restaurant experience, visit the Ninja Restaurant in Akasaka.
End your foodie journey in Tokyo with some unique dessert items like mochi-wrapped strawberries or kakigori (shaved ice) at Suzukien Asakusa.
Japan's transportation system is extensive and efficient, with bullet trains and local subways available in major cities. For long-distance travel, consider a Japan Rail Pass. For local travel in cities, it's recommended to purchase a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo for ease of use on trains and buses. Expect to spend approximately $200-$400 on transportation for this itinerary.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the hot spring town of Hakone or the foodie paradise of Kanazawa. For those with less time, consider skipping Nagasaki and Fukuoka and spending an extra day in Osaka or Tokyo.
Japan has many airports, but the most common point of entry for international travelers is Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT), located approximately 37 miles from the city center. Other options include Haneda International Airport (HND) and Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX), located approximately 10 and 30 miles from their respective city centers.