Begin your trip with a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, an important Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading to Mount Inari. Take a walk around Gion District in the evening, a historic district known for its traditional wooden houses, geisha culture, and charming shops and restaurants.
Visit the magnificent Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, known for its stunning gold leaf exterior beautifully reflecting on a tranquil pond. Take a stroll through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto, a magical pathway surrounded by towering bamboo trees. Cap off the day with a visit to the Kyoto Tower, for a panoramic bird's eye view of the city and the western mountains.
Discover the energetic vibe of Osaka, starting with a visit to Osaka Castle, a historic landmark featuring an impressive museum and beautiful gardens. Walk through the famous street of Dotonbori, known for its vibrant neon billboards, delicious street food, and lively entertainment. End the day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, for a breathtaking view of the city from the observatory deck.
Discover the poignant history and resilience of Hiroshima with a visit to the Atomic Bomb Dome, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that remains from the atomic bomb blast during World War II. Learn about Hiroshima's recovery at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, a serene and picturesque island with breathtaking views of the iconic Floating Torii Gate and cute wild deer roaming around.
Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a stroll through Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and most famous intersections in the world. Take a visit to Tokyo Tower, an iconic landmark resembling the Eiffel Tower with a fantastic view of the city. End the evening with some street food and shopping at Harajuku Takeshita Street, known for its fun and funky street fashion, cosplay, and trendy shops.
Visit the serene and stunning Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest and most famous temple dating back to the 7th century. Take a stroll through the scenic Ueno Park, filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, calm ponds, museums, and cultural attractions. End the day with a visit to Akihabara Electric Town, a fantastically bizarre and colorful district known for its anime, manga, and electronic gadgets.
Visit the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, an enormous and bustling market filled with fresh seafood and delicious sushi restaurants. Visit the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor of Japan with beautiful gardens and historic structures. End the day with some upscale shopping and fine dining at Ginza District, Tokyo's premier luxury shopping district with high-end boutiques and posh department stores.
Visit the fascinating Robot Restaurant, an unforgettable neon and techno performance featuring robots, lasers, and dancers. Take a visit to Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, located in a lush forest cover in the heart of Tokyo. End the day with some entertainment and nightlife at Kabukicho, Tokyo's most vibrant and eclectic entertainment and red-light district in the heart of Shinjuku.
Visit the fantastic TeamLab Borderless Museum, a dazzling digital art museum featuring immersive and interactive installations. Visit Tokyo Station, a historic and iconic station with a beautiful architecture and fantastic shopping and dining options. End the day with some entertainment and drinks at Roppongi District, known for its nightlife, clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Visit the beautiful and serene Asakusa Shrine, a peaceful and traditional Shinto shrine with lovely gardens and ponds. Take a morning stroll through Nakamise Shopping Street, a traditional and charming shopping street lined with souvenir shops and street food vendors. Visit Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest tower, with a fantastic view of Tokyo and the surrounding mountains.
Take a second visit in Kyoto and visit the serene and stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a historic and beautiful wooden temple nestled in the hills with breathtaking views of Kyoto. Visit Philosopher's Path, a peaceful and scenic path lined with cherry blossoms and charming neighborhoods. End the day with some local food and drinks at Pontocho Alley, a dramatic and atmospheric alley with traditional restaurants and bars.
Take a second visit in Osaka and visit the impressive Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest and most beautiful aquariums in the world with a wide range of marine creatures from around the world. Visit the historic and charming America-Mura, a hip and trendy neighborhood famous for its street fashion, graffiti, and music scene. End the day with some local food and drinks at Shinsekai District, a lively and colorful district with a nostalgic atmosphere and delectable street food.
Take a second full day in Kyoto and visit the historic and beautiful Nijo Castle, a classic example of Japanese castle architecture with lovely parks and gardens. Visit Togetsukyo Bridge, a stunning and scenic bridge connecting the two sides of the serene and beautiful Arashiyama district. End the day with some local food and souvenir shopping at Nishiki Market, a bustling and colorful market featuring a wide variety of traditional and modern foods and goods.
Say goodbye to Kyoto and head to Kansai International Airport for your flight home. Take time to relax and unwind with some last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport's extensive duty-free shops and restaurants.
To travel between cities in Japan, the best way is by bullet train or Shinkansen. The Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective way for foreign visitors to travel within Japan by train. Rental cars and taxis are also available in major cities, but be aware of high costs for tolls and parking. Within cities, the public transit system is reliable and affordable, featuring buses, subways, and trains. Taxis are also available, but may be more expensive.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to Nikko, a nearby mountainous area known for its temples and natural beauty, or a trip to Nara, home to some of Japan's oldest and most historic temples and shrines. If you have less time, consider skipping Hiroshima, Roppongi, or Asakusa, depending on your interests. Be sure to plan ahead and research opening hours, admission fees, and travel options to make the most of your trip.
Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the primary international airport serving Japan's Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area, located approximately 50 km southwest of central Osaka. The airport code