Begin your trip in Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital city. Explore the colorful streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya, where you will find trendy fashion boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower or venture to the ancient temples of Asakusa. Delight your senses with a sushi meal at Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest seafood market.
Travel to Nikko and visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This shrine is home to amazing buildings with intricate details and carvings. The stunning waterfalls and lakes of Nikko National Park are a picturesque place to hike or relax. Learn about the history and culture of Japan at the Nikko Edomura theme park as you explore life in a traditional village during the Edo period.
Journey to Hakone, a town nestled in the mountains of Japan. Explore the town's outdoor sculpture park and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Take the Hakone Ropeway or cable car and marvel at the stunning Mount Fuji view. Relax and rejuvenate with a dip, bath, or massage in one of the region's many hot springs.
Travel to the ancient capital city of Kyoto, home to over 1,600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Immerse yourself in Japanese history and culture as you explore the breathtaking temples of Kiyomizudera, Fushimi Inari, and Kinkakuji. Take a leisurely stroll through the extraordinary Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Head to Osaka, home to some of Japan's most vibrant street food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Experience the thrills of Universal Studios Japan or visit Osaka Castle, a 16th century castle situated on beautiful parklands. Take a stroll in the trendy Dotonbori district, which is particularly colorful at night.
Travel to the beautiful island of Miyajima, known for the picturesque Itsukushima Shrine and the famous "floating" Torii Gate that appears to float on the water during high tide. Visit the adorable Miyajima aquarium or hike to the summit of Miyajima's Mount Misen for a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Head to Hiroshima, where you will discover the city's tragic history and its revival into a modern, vibrant city. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, paying tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing that occurred during World War II. Take a scenic walk through rural areas along the Rokkaku-do course, where you will see picturesque views of the city’s beautiful streets.
Travel to Takayama, a mountain town that has maintained much of its traditional culture and architecture. Discover the beauty of old Japan as you walk through the charming streets of the ancient district of Sanmachi-suji. Take the opportunity to visit the Hida Folk Village and explore the unique thatched-roof houses. Visit the beautiful Oshin-Machi Market to sample local cuisine.
Visit Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by breathtaking rice fields and mountains. Explore the charming old village, built in the traditional gassho-zukuri architectural style. Visit the Wada House, a traditional house you can explore inside and out to get a firsthand look of how the locals lived during the 18th century.
End your trip where you started, with another day in Tokyo. Take a walk over the Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba, an artificial island district in Tokyo Bay that features many tech museums and shopping malls. Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea to complete your trip with magical memories. Head back home with unforgettable experiences and insights of the beauty and culture of Japan.
When travelling between cities, take the Shinkansen bullet train for a quicker and smoother experience. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for discounted train rides. Public transportation is abundant and efficient throughout each location. Expect to spend approximately £150 on transportation costs for the entire trip, but consider using taxis for shorter destinations or late-night travel, which can be costlier.
For those with more time to spend in Japan, consider adding a trip to Nara to see the wild deer roaming around Nara Park. The vibrant nightlife of Tokyo is worth exploring at least once, so make time for a night out in Shibuya or Roppongi. If time is limited, consider skipping Osaka or Miyajima to allocate more time for other destinations.
Tokyo has two airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), about 66km east of Tokyo, and Haneda Airport (HND), about 30 minutes south of Tokyo by train. Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka is the main international gateway for travelers coming via Southeast Asia. Itami Airport (ITM) in Osaka and Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) are other options.