Start your trip in the bustling capital of Japan. After arriving at Narita International Airport, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. Check-in to your accommodation and walk around the neighbourhood to get a taste of the Tokyo lifestyle. Shinjuku is a lively area with plenty of shopping and dining options to explore.
Begin your day by heading to Tokyo Tower, an iconic landmark that offers panoramic views of the city. From there, make your way to Meiji Shrine, a serene and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. End your day with a unique experience at the Robot Restaurant, where robots and dancers put on a show while you enjoy a meal.
Start your day with a seafood breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest seafood market in the world. After that, visit the historical district of Asakusa, famous for its Sensoji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. Take a stroll around the neighbourhood and enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere.
Take a day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, a scenic area known for its hot springs and natural beauty. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi and take the ropeway to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its hot springs and sulphur vents. End your day by soaking in the hot springs and relaxing at your accommodation in Hakone.
Travel from Hakone to Kyoto, a city with a rich cultural heritage and numerous temples and shrines to explore. Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stroll through the streets of Gion, and experience a traditional tea ceremony at a nearby tea house.
Start your day at the Fushimi Inari-taisha, a famous shrine known for its thousands of torii gates. After that, head to Arashiyama to see the beautiful bamboo groves and visit the Tenryu-ji Temple. End your day with a relaxing soak in the traditional hot springs of an onsen.
Take a day trip to Nara, a city known for its friendly deer and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, which houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue, and stroll through Nara Park to feed and interact with the local deer.
Take the bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which commemorates the atomic bomb dropped on the city during World War II. Then, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate.
Travel to Osaka, a vibrant city known for its delicious food and lively nightlife. Visit the historic Osaka Castle, stroll through the colourful Dotonbori district, and try local specialties such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Visit the popular Universal Studios Japan, an amusement park with attractions and shows based on popular TV shows and movies. Enjoy thrilling rides such as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Jurassic Park ride, and watch live performances featuring your favourite characters.
Take a day trip to Kobe and Himeji to see two of Japan's most beautiful cities. Visit the Kobe Nunobiki Herb Garden, a scenic garden filled with colourful flowers and plants, and then head to Himeji to see the stunning Himeji Castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan.
End your trip with a visit to Kansai International Airport. Take the Kansai Airport Express to the airport and depart from Japan with memories to last a lifetime.
Japan has a well-developed transportation system that includes bullet trains, local trains, and buses. Travellers can purchase a Japan Rail Pass in advance to save money on transportation costs. The pass allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, buses, and ferries for a set number of days. Taxis are also available, but can be expensive. Walking and biking are good options for exploring city neighbourhoods and scenic areas. Domestic flights are available for longer trips between cities, with airports conveniently located near major destinations. Estimated transportation costs for this itinerary are approximately 17,000 yen (~£117).
If you have more time, consider adding a trip to Sapporo to experience the Sapporo Snow Festival, or exploring the ancient city of Kamakura. For travellers with less time, consider cutting down the itinerary to focus on one or two regions of Japan, such as Tokyo and Hiroshima, or Kyoto and Osaka. Be sure to try local specialties such as sushi, ramen, and matcha tea, and take advantage of the vending machines that sell everything from snacks to electronics. Always carry cash, as many places do not accept credit cards.
The two main airports in Japan are Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND), both located in Tokyo. Kansai International Airport (KIX) serves the Kansai region, including Kyoto and Osaka. Narita International Airport is located approximately 60 kilometres from Tokyo, while Haneda Airport is closer to the city centre. Kansai International Airport is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, approximately 50 kilometres from Kyoto. All airports offer a variety of transportation options, including trains, buses, and taxis.