Start your trip with a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a large and beautiful park full of cherry trees and different types of gardens. After that, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for an amazing view of Tokyo's skyline at the observation deck. In the evening, go to Omoide Yokocho, an alleyway full of tiny restaurants and bars serving delicious Japanese food.
Start the day with a visit to Ueno Park, which houses various museums, temples, and the famous Ueno Zoo. Then, head to Asakusa to see Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. After that, take a boat trip on the Sumida River to see Tokyo's skyline from the water. End your day by visiting the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world.
This day trip takes you to Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Start your day by visiting the Fuji Visitor Center, where you can learn about Mt. Fuji's history and geology. Then, take a bus to the Fifth Station, where you can start hiking and enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. After that, go to Hakone, a famous hot spring resort, to relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring.
Start your visit to Kyoto, Japan's former capital, with a visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Then, go to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a shrine famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates. In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which offers a stunning view of Kyoto's cityscape. End the day by walking along Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
Start your day by visiting Arashiyama, a district located in the western part of Kyoto famous for its bamboo groves and scenic beauty. Here, you can rent a bike and cycle along the riverside. After that, go to Nishiki Market, a food lover's paradise where you can taste Kyoto's local delicacies. In the afternoon, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, a Zen temple famous for its garden and its golden pavilion.
Take a day trip to Hiroshima, a city that was destroyed by an atomic bomb in 1945 but has since rebuilt and become a symbol of peace. Start your day by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb. Then, go to Miyajima Island, a beautiful island famous for its floating torii gate and the Itsukushima Shrine. In the evening, head back to Hiroshima to try the local specialty, okonomiyaki, savory pancakes filled with vegetables and meat.
Start your visit to Osaka by going to Osaka Castle, a famous castle that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. Then, go to Dōtonbori, a vibrant area full of shops, restaurants, and neon lights. In the evening, head to Shinsekai, a retro district where you can try kushikatsu, a local delicacy of skewered and deep-fried meat and vegetables.
Take a day trip to Nara, Japan's first capital and famous for its park full of tame deer. Start your visit with a stop at the Todai-ji Temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to a giant bronze Buddha statue. Then, go visit the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. End the day with a visit to Nara Park, where you can feed and pet the friendly deer.
Explore Harajuku, a district known for its fashion and youth culture. Start your visit with a walk along Takeshita Street, a colorful and crowded street full of shops selling trendy clothes, snacks, and accessories. Then, go visit the Meiji Shrine, a large and peaceful shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shōken. In the evening, go to Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo's most famous pedestrian crossing.
Start your last day with a visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively fish and seafood market where you can try fresh sushi and sashimi. Then, head to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which showcases Tokyo's history and culture during the Edo period. End your trip with a visit to Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, two theme parks full of attractions, parades, and entertainment for all ages.
During your trip, you can use Japan's extensive train and subway network to get around easily and quickly. For longer distances or day trips, you can use the shinkansen, Japan's high-speed train system, which is fast, comfortable, and efficient. If you plan to use public transportation a lot, consider buying a Japan Rail Pass, which allows you to use most JR trains and some buses for a fixed amount of time at a discounted price. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. Uber is not available in Japan.
Estimated Transportation Costs (per person): ¥15,000 - ¥20,000 ($140 - $190)
If you have more time, consider visiting other cities like Nagoya or Sapporo, or explore the countryside to see Japan's natural beauty. If you have less time, skip some of the sights or combine them to maximize your time. For example, instead of going to both Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto, choose one of them. Also, try to avoid peak travel seasons like Golden Week (late April - early May) or Obon (mid-August) when the crowds and prices can be higher.
Narita International Airport (NRT) is Tokyo's main airport and is located about 60 km (37 mi) east of Tokyo's city center. It serves most international flights and some domestic flights. Haneda Airport (HND) is Tokyo's second airport and is located about 14 km (8.7 mi) south of Tokyo's city center. It serves most domestic flights and some international flights. Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves Osaka, Kyoto, and the Kansai region and is located about 50 km (31 mi) southwest of Osaka's city center.