Begin your trip in Tokyo with a stroll through the Imperial Palace East Gardens. This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city is perfect for a relaxing morning walk. Spend the afternoon at the Odaiba Seaside Park beach to soak up the sun and take in the view of Tokyo Bay.
Indulge in a relaxing traditional Japanese hot spring bath (onsen) at one of Hakone's many luxury ryokans. Take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Hakone for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
Experience traditional Japanese culture with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of torii gates. Take a peaceful stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, then head to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, for a serene and reflective experience amidst the temple's gorgeous gardens.
Relax with a cup of tea at one of Kyoto's many serene tea houses, or take a scenic hike through the nearby Higashiyama mountains. End your day with a sunset view of the city from the Kiyomizu-dera temple's tranquil gardens.
Take a break from sightseeing and indulge in Osaka's famous street food at Dotonbori. Relax with a visit to Spa World, a large hot spring resort where you can spend the day in pools and saunas from around the world.
Visit the tranquil Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, located just off the coast of Hiroshima. Relax with a peaceful walk through the island's forests and beaches, and end your day with a stunning view of the floating torii gate.
Take a break from the cities and relax with a visit to the Adachi Museum of Art's stunning gardens, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Japan. Cap off your day with a scenic sunset view of Lake Shinji from Matsue Castle.
Take a relaxing stroll through Kumamoto's Suizenji Jojuen Garden, offering a stunning landscape of traditional Japanese design. End your day with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, seated atop a hill with a beautiful view of the city.
Relax in Kagoshima's Sengan-en Garden, with its stunning view of Sakurajima volcano. Take a visit to the peaceful and historical Iso-teien garden, famous for its traditional Japanese architecture and design.
Take a break from sightseeing with a relaxing trip to Ohori Park, a peaceful garden with a stunning lake and walking paths throughout. End your day with a gorgeous view of the city from the top of Fukuoka Tower.
Relax with a serene visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb attack. Take a peaceful stroll through the Glover Garden before ending your day with a stunning view of the city from Inasayama Observation Deck.
Relax with a day spent on Okinawa's stunning beaches, like Emerald Beach or Maeda Beach. Take a peaceful stroll through the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or on the paved path of Naminoue Beach, overlooking the city backdrop.
Relax and unwind with an indulgent spa treatment at one of Okinawa's luxury resorts, like the Ritz-Carlton or InterContinental. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic Shuri Castle and its vibrant gardens before heading to the nearby Tamaudun Mausoleum for a peaceful sunset view.
Return to Tokyo for one last relaxing day. Take a early morning stroll through the Happo-en Garden, known for its tranquil ponds and stunning bonsai trees. Spend the afternoon indulging in luxury shopping and dining in Ginza's upscale district, and end your trip with a relaxing night view of the city from Tokyo Tower.
Travel around Japan is convenient with an extensive network of public transportation, including shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, buses, and planes. The Japan Rail Pass, valid for unlimited use on most JR trains, is a cost-effective option for travelers. Local transportation options include subways and buses, as well as Tokyo's iconic streetcars. Taxis and rental cars are also available, but can be expensive.
Estimated transportation costs for this itinerary are about ¥60,000 for travel on bullet trains and planes, plus ¥10,000-20,000 for local transportation.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the ancient capital of Nara, or explore the historic and scenic regions of Kanazawa and Takayama. If you have less time, consider cutting down on destinations or reducing the amount of time spent in each location. Remember to pack light, as Japan's efficient luggage forwarding services can easily transport bags between hotels and destinations.
Japan's major airports include Tokyo's Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), both located about 1 hour from the city center. Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Osaka-Kyoto region, while Fukuoka Airport (FUK) and Kumamoto Airport (KMJ) serve the southwestern region. Okinawa's Naha Airport (OKA) serves the island's capital city.