Start your trip with a panoramic view of Tokyo from the observation decks of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The building has two towers, both offering breathtaking views of the city's skyline for free.
Take a break from Tokyo's cityscape and hike Mount Takao. The mountain offers various trails that cater to different levels of hikers. The highlight of the hike is the panoramic view of the Japanese Alps from the summit.
For a thrill-seeking adventure, visit Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park that boasts some of the world's fastest and tallest roller coasters. The park also offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.
Explore the stunning black and white Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle". The castle is one of Japan's oldest, with a five-story keep that offers a panoramic view of the city.
Visit Zenkō-ji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built in the 7th century. The temple houses a hidden Buddha statue that is only revealed every six years to the public.
Experience the beauty of nature at the Takachiho Gorge, a mystical gorge that is said to be the spot where the god Susanoo slayed the serpent. Visitors can rent rowboats to explore the gorge's emerald-green water and stunning waterfalls.
Take a day trip to Yakushima Island, one of Japan's Natural World Heritage sites. The island is home to ancient cedar forests that are over 1,000 years old, the oldest being Jōmon Sugi.
Visit Miyajima Island, known for its "floating" torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The island is also home to friendly sika deer that roam freely, and visitors can hike Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Explore the Akiyoshidai Plateau, known for its expansive karst landscape. The plateau is also home to the Akiyoshi Cave, one of the largest limestone caves in Japan.
End your trip with a visit to Fukuoka Castle, a reconstructed castle that offers 360-degree views of the city. The castle also houses a museum that displays artifacts from the castle's history.
Japan's train system is one of the most efficient and convenient ways to travel between cities. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before your trip to save on transportation costs. Taxis are also readily available, but can be expensive. Budget airlines such as Peach and Vanilla Air offer cheap flights between cities, but may have limited schedules.
If you have more time, consider visiting other destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima. If you have less time, consider shortening your trip by skipping some destinations or taking a flight instead of the train. Be mindful of the weather and seasonal changes when planning your itinerary. Lastly, bring comfortable shoes for all the walking and hiking.
Japan is home to many airports, but the most popular international airports are Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita International Airport is located about 60 km from central Tokyo and offers various transportation options to the city, such as the Narita Express train and buses. Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island about 50 km from Osaka and offers transportation options such as the Kansai Airport Express train and buses.