Begin your trip in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, by exploring the Shibuya district. Stroll along the famous Shibuya Crossing and witness the massive crowds of people crossing the intersection. You can also visit the Hachiko Statue to learn about the touching story of a loyal dog. Then, head to the Meiji Shrine, a serene shrine located in the middle of a dense forest.
Experience the colorful and lively districts of Tokyo by visiting Asakusa, known for the Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. After that, head to the hip and eccentric district of Harajuku, where you can witness the latest trends and vibrant fashion. Finally, visit Akihabara, the center of otaku culture and electronics.
Explore the traditional side of Japan in Kyoto. Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, and the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Then roam around the streets of the beautiful Gion District, known for its traditional wooden houses and geishas.
Escape to the beautiful nature of Arashiyama and explore the Bamboo Grove, a serene and stunning pathway surrounded by tall green bamboo. After that, go to Arashiyama Monkey Park and witness monkeys playing in their natural habitat while enjoying the stunning views of Arashiyama from above.
Visit the ancient capital of Japan, Nara, and witness the Todai-ji Temple, housing one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, and Nara Park, where you can find hundreds of sika deer roaming freely around the city.
Explore Osaka, a vibrant and modern city full of bright lights and delicious food. Visit the vibrant Dotonbori street, where you can find various local foods and souvenirs, and the Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s grandeur and power in ancient times.
Visit Hiroshima, a city with a painful history but rebuilt beautifully after the devastation of World War II. Visit Peace Memorial Park and learn about the tragic history of the atomic bombing, and then head to the Miyajima Island and enjoy the stunning views and the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
Explore Nagasaki, known as the gateway to the West in Japan. Visit the historic Glover Garden, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea, then learn about the sad history of the atomic bomb at the Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
Travel to Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, and visit the Sapporo Clock Tower, a historic building that symbolizes the development of the city. Then, head to the Odori Park, a beautiful park spanning over 1.5 kilometers in the center of the city.
Visit the famous Ishiya Chocolate Factory and learn how chocolate is made while indulging in various chocolate treats. After that, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum and learn about the history and brewing process of Japanese beer while enjoying some local brews.
The best way to travel around Japan is by train, specifically the Japan Rail Pass, which allows visitors to travel on most trains throughout Japan for a fixed price. For flights, ANA and JAL are the major carriers in Japan, offering domestic and international flights. Taxis and buses are also available, but can be more expensive and less convenient.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities in Japan such as Takayama, Kanazawa, or Fukuoka. If you have less time, consider cutting a city or two from the itinerary. Keep in mind Japan's peak travel seasons, which are spring (late March to early April) and autumn (late September to early November), when the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are in full bloom, respectively. Also, get familiar with basic Japanese phrases and customs to facilitate your travel and the interactions with the locals.
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the main international airport serving Tokyo, located about 60km east of central Tokyo, while Haneda Airport (HND) is the other airport in Tokyo, located about 20km south of central Tokyo, primarily serving domestic and short-haul international flights. Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, while Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) serves the Chubu region, including Nagoya and Takayama. The New Chitose Airport (CTS) serves the Hokkaido region, including Sapporo, located about 45km southeast of the city.