Start your trip in Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital. Head to Sensoji Temple, the oldest and most-visited temple in Tokyo. Take a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street and try traditional Japanese street food.
Visit Tsukiji Fish Market and witness the famous tuna auctions. Head to Imperial Palace to tour the grounds of the emperor’s official residence. After, explore the Ginza district for luxury shopping and dining.
Spend the day in Hakone, a popular getaway from the city. Take a cable car ride up the volcanic valley for views of Mount Fuji. At the top, enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Owakudani.
Head to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, and visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, with thousands of orange gates. In the afternoon, tour the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its stunning gold leaf finish.
Start your day at Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning gardens and traditional architecture. Walk along Philosopher's Path, a tranquil cherry blossom-lined canal, to the famous Ginkaku-ji Temple (the Silver Pavilion).
Dive into Osaka, Japan’s food capital. Take a stroll through Dotonbori Street, Osaka’s busiest shopping and entertainment district. Head to Osaka Castle, a historic and cultural landmark that tells the city's unique history.
Travel to Hiroshima and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and park, honoring the lives lost during the atomic bombing. Walk to Miyajima Island and visit the famous Torii gate at the Itsukushima Shrine.
Visit the Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens in Japan. Explore the Okayama Castle, also known as the Crow Castle. Stroll through Omotecho Shopping Arcade for local souvenirs and food.
Visit Nara Park, home to friendly deer and several World Heritage Sites, including Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine, a stunning shrine covered in bright vermillion torii gates.
Head back to Hiroshima and visit the Shukkei-en Garden, a historic garden with a teahouse overlooking a large pond. Take a walk around the HIROSHIMA FOOD MARKET, a lively market offering a variety of local food and drinks.
Visit the Glover Garden, a historic hilltop park that showcases the first Western-style house in Japan. Step back into history at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, showcasing the devastating effects of the atomic explosion.
Head to Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido. Visit the Sapporo Clock Tower, a symbol of the city’s early Westernization period. Head to Tanukikoji Shopping Street, where you can find the freshest seafood and unique Hokkaido souvenirs.
Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about Sapporo’s beer history and taste fresh beer. After, head to the top of Mount Moiwa for sweeping views of the city.
End your adventure back in Tokyo. Visit the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan with spectacular views. Head to Akihabara Electric Town, a district filled with shops selling electronics, anime, and gadgets.
Japan’s public transportation is very efficient and reliable. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass prior to your trip, which covers most of Japan’s rail lines for a set price. For domestic travel, budget airlines such as Jetstar and Peach offer low-priced flights to various cities.
If you have an additional few days, consider visiting Kanazawa and Shirakawago, two picturesque small towns famous for their traditional architecture. If you have less time, removing Okayama and Nagasaki could work, but you risk not getting a full and comprehensive taste of Japan.
The main airports in Japan are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita International Airport is located 60 km from Tokyo’s city center, while Haneda International Airport is located 30 km away. Kansai International Airport is located 50 km from Osaka’s city center.