Start your trip by visiting Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, two theme parks located next to each other. Tokyo Disneyland offers classic Disney attractions, while DisneySea has unique rides and shows. Both parks offer parades and fireworks in the evening that are truly magical.
Visit Meiji Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine located in a peaceful forest. Then head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, where crowds of people criss-cross the streets. Take a family photo in front of the famous Hachiko statue.
Take a shinkansen bullet train to Osaka and visit Universal Studios Japan. With attractions based on popular movies and TV shows, such as Harry Potter, Minions, and Jurassic Park, the park has something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the amazing stage shows.
Visit Osaka Castle, a historic fortress surrounded by moats and gardens. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Then wander around Dotonbori, a lively street known for its neon lights, food stalls, and souvenir shops. Try local specialities, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take a day trip to Nara, a former capital city filled with historic treasures. Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of tame deer that bow for food. Then see Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Don't miss the Nara National Museum.
Visit Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Start by touring the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the emperors of Japan. Then see Kiyomizu-dera, a temple perched on a cliff that offers stunning views of the city. Explore the Higashiyama district for its traditional atmosphere and souvenir shops.
Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine, the iconic red gate tunnel that leads to sacred mount Inari. Walk up the mountain for amazing scenery and photo opportunities. Then visit Gion, the famous geisha district that is well-preserved and filled with traditional Japanese architecture. Look for geiko and maiko on the streets.
Take a shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima, a city that symbolizes peace and resilience. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bomb and its aftermath. Then take a ferry to Miyajima Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its giant torii gate and friendly deer.
Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is considered the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture. Climb to the top for amazing views of the surrounding area. Then head to Kobe, a city known for its high-quality beef. Try a juicy steak at a local restaurant.
Return to Tokyo and visit Tokyo Tower, an iconic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city. Take a family photo in front of the tower and then head to Odaiba, a futuristic entertainment district that is filled with malls, museums, and theme parks. Visit the Gundam statue and the Miraikan science museum.
To travel around Japan, consider using a Japan Rail Pass, which allows you to ride on most trains, buses, and ferries operated by JR. The pass is valid for 7, 14, or 21 days and can save you a lot of money compared to buying individual tickets. For local transportation, get a rechargeable IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo, which can be used for trains, buses, and vending machines.
The estimated cost for transportation on this itinerary is 30000 yen per person, including the Japan Rail Pass and local IC cards. The travel time for each leg varies, depending on the mode of transportation and the distance.
If you have less time, you can skip some of the places or combine them into one day. Osaka and Kyoto can be done in one day, but it will be busy. If you have more time, you can add other destinations, such as Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone. Consider staying in a mix of hotels and ryokans, traditional Japanese inns, for a cultural experience. Try different types of food, as Japanese cuisine offers a wide range of specialties.
Japan has several international airports, but the main ones are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo, and Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka. Narita is located 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Tokyo city center and can be accessed by train or bus. Haneda is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Tokyo city center and can be accessed by train, monorail, or bus. Kansai is located 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Osaka city center and can be accessed by train or bus.