Start your city experience in Japan with an exploration of Tokyo's famous landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Tokyo Tower, a communications tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Next, head to the Palace of the Emperor, a symbol of the country's rich history and culture, and stroll around the beautiful gardens. End the day with a trip to the Ginza district, known as Tokyo's most prestigious shopping and entertainment area, filled with high-end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Take a day trip to the ancient city of Kyoto, known for its traditional temples, shrines, and gardens. Visit the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan. Then, head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright vermillion torii gates winding up the mountain. Finish the day with a stroll through the Gion district, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, with traditional tea houses and restaurants.
Explore Osaka, one of Japan's major cities known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and food scene. Start at the Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol of the city, and learn about its history at the museum inside. Then, head to the Dotonbori area, a lively entertainment district filled with shops, restaurants, and neon lights. Don't miss a taste of Osaka's famous street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).
Visit Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, located on the coast south of Tokyo. Start with a visit to the Cup Noodles Museum, a fun and interactive museum featuring the history of instant noodles and hands-on workshops. Next, head to Yamashita Park, a scenic waterfront park with views of the Yokohama Bay and the iconic Marine Tower. End the day in Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan and famous for its street food and souvenir shopping.
Discover Nagoya, the fourth-largest city in Japan known for its modern architecture, traditional cuisine, and rich history. Start at the Nagoya Castle, an impressive castle built in the 17th century, and explore its samurai and ninja exhibitions. Next, visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, showcasing the history of the Toyota Motor Corporation and its technological innovations. End the day at the Osu Shopping District, a bustling shopping and entertainment area with traditional and modern shops.
Take a day trip to Hiroshima, a city famous for its tragic history and peace activism, but also known for its delicious cuisine and scenic views. Start at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a poignant reminder of the atomic bombing that destroyed much of the city in 1945, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to promoting peace and nuclear disarmament. Then, head to Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful torii gate floating on the water and friendly deer roaming around.
End your city experience in Japan with some free time in Tokyo to explore more of the city's neighbourhoods and attractions. Depending on your interests, you can visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, Harajuku, a colourful and trendy shopping district popular for its fashion and culture, or Akihabara, a mecca for anime and manga enthusiasts with many electronics and gaming shops.
Japan's public transportation network is one of the best in the world, with a comprehensive system of trains, subways, and buses. The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective way to travel around the country, allowing unlimited travel on designated JR trains for a set number of days. It is a good idea to book seats in advance during peak travel season. Taxis can be expensive, but are convenient for shorter distances or late-night travel.
Estimated total travel costs: 80,000 yen
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities like Nara, Kobe, or Sapporo. If you have less time, prioritize the must-see attractions and skip the optional ones. Avoid traveling during peak travel season (April, May, August, and December) to save money and avoid crowds. Learn some basic Japanese phrases and customs to help you navigate and communicate better.
Japan has many airports, but the two major international airports are Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita is located about 60km east of Tokyo and is served by many international airlines. Kansai is located about 50km south of Osaka and is a hub for many domestic and regional flights. Both airports are connected to the cities by various modes of transportation, including train, bus, and taxi.