Welcome to Japan! Start your trip in Tokyo, the country's bustling capital city. Stroll around Asakusa for its traditional atmosphere and visit the Sensoji Temple. Don't miss an opportunity to see Japan's rich culture and traditional architecture.
Explore the Meiji Shrine and the Harajuku district, well-known for its street fashion. Take a walk through the Yoyogi Park, then go to Shibuya for one of the more iconic attractions, Hachiko's statue and the Shibuya crossing.
Take a day trip to Kamakura and see the Big Buddha statue at the Kotoku-in Temple. Get a fascinating view of Sagami Bay and Enoshima Island while riding the Enoden train. In the evening, take a stroll around Minato Mirai in Yokohama and visit the Landmark Tower.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Centre and see Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic symbol. Climb to the fifth level of the mountain at the Fujinomiya Trail entrance, where you'll find stunning views of the surrounding area. Visit nearby Oshino Hakkai, home to eight crystal-clear springs originating from Mount Fuji.
Travel to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Kyoto has numerous world heritage sites like the Kinkakuji Temple and the Nijo Castle. Stroll around Gion, the city's entertainment district, and experience Japanese tea ceremonies in the nearby tea houses.
Visit Arashiyama, where you can go out for a pleasant stroll near three famous landmarks: the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo grove, and the Sogenji Temple. Then, head to Higashiyama to see the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, well-known for its spectacular views and intricate architecture.
Visit Hiroshima and see the Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Park to comprehend and learn about the impact of the atomic bombing in 1945. Cross the lively street of Gion for a visit to Miyajima Island and its famous Shinto shrine, one of Japan's most scenic spots.
Travel to Kobe - take a cable car ride to the top of Kobe's namesake mountain, Mount Rokko. Explore Nankinmachi, a neighborhood that's home to Kobe's largest Chinatown. Spend the evening in Osaka and take a stroll through the Dotonbori canal, known for its bright lights and entertainment districts.
Begin the day in the lively Shinsekai district and try some of the famous Osaka street food. Visit Osaka Castle and then head to Umeda, a district well-known for its shopping and lively nightlife.
Take a day trip to Nagoya and see the Nagoya Castle and the Osu Kannon Temple. Get a glimpse of Japanese life during the Edo period at the Meiji-mura Museum.
Visit the charming city of Takayama, located in the heart of the Hida Mountains. Walk around the Sanmachi Suji district and visit the Takayama Jinya, a former government outpost. Get a taste of Hida beef in one of Takayama's restaurants.
Take a short trip to Shirakawa-go, a historic site known for its thatched-roof houses. Explore the Wada house, the Myozen-ji Temple, and the Shirakawa Hachiman-gu Shrine.
Travel to Kanazawa and admire the Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. Visit the Nomura Samurai House and see the Nagamachi Samurai District. Go to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for an experience with modern art.
Go back to Tokyo before your trip ends. Head to the Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic view of the city. Explore the trendy district of Daikanyama and take some Instagram-worthy shots with colourful walls and cute cafes.
End your stay by walking around the Odaiba district and going to the brand-new TeamLab Borderless museum. Take a dip in Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a Japanese style bath. Say goodbye to Japan with a heavy heart and depart from the Tokyo International Airport.
Total Estimated Costs: ¥44,860 (~£293)
During your trip around Japan, the best way to travel in the cities is primarily through a public transportation system that is both fast, reliable, and economical. Take note of your transportation costs along the way to ensure that you don't run out of budget during your trip. There are different types of travel passes that you can use for trains and buses such as the Japan Rail Pass, JR Kansai Area Pass, and Tokyo Subway Ticket. You can get a better value for money by opting for the appropriate pass depending on your itinerary.
The average total cost of transportation for this trip is ¥30,000 - ¥50,000 (~£195 - £327), depending on your travel preferences and passes used. The travel time varies depending on your destination.
If you have a few more days, additional destinations that you might want to include are the Beppu Onsen, Sapporo, and Tohoku regions. Visiting in spring or autumn can be an excellent idea if you'd like to view the beautiful landscapes and experience Japan's stellar climate. However, keep in mind that the tourist sites will be relatively crowded during peak seasons such as around Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th).
Japan has several international airports, including Tokyo International Airport (HND), Narita International Airport (NRT), Osaka's Kansai International Airport (KIX), and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) located outside of Nagoya. The Tokyo International Airport is the most commonly used, located about 30km from Tokyo's downtown area. You can take the Tokyo Monorail, Keikyu line, or a limousine bus to get to the city center. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes and costs ¥500-¥1800 (~£7-12).