Start your first day by exploring Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. Visit the Tokyo Tower to get a panoramic view of the city or the Imperial Palace to explore the beautiful gardens and learn about Japan's history. For lunch, try some fresh sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market, and then head to the Sensō-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Finish your day with some shopping in Shinjuku, home of the world's busiest railway station.
Take a day trip to the beautiful Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. Start your day at the Fuji Visitor Center to learn about the mountain and its history, and then head to the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding areas. If you're feeling adventurous, take a hike on one of the many trails. End your day with a relaxing soak in one of the hot springs near the mountain.
Take a trip to Kyoto, a city known for its beautiful temples and historic sites. Start your day with a visit to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Next, visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868. Enjoy some traditional Japanese food for lunch, and then head to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates. End your day with a relaxing stroll through the Gion district, famous for its traditional geisha houses.
Visit Hiroshima, a city that was destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Start your day by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the victims of the bombing. Next, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which tells the story of the bombing and its aftermath. For lunch, try some of Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with meat and vegetables. End your day with a visit to Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate.
Visit Osaka, the culinary capital of Japan. Start your day by visiting the Osaka Castle, a beautiful landmark that played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. Next, visit the Dotonbori district, known for its vibrant street scenes and delicious food. For lunch, try some of Osaka's famous takoyaki, balls of fried batter filled with octopus. End your day with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, which offers stunning views of the city.
Take a day trip to Nara, a city known for its historic temples and friendly deer. Start your day at the Todai-ji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Next, visit the Nara Park to interact with the friendly deer that roam freely in the area. For lunch, try some of Nara's famous kakinoha-zushi, sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. End your day with a visit to the Kasuga-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns.
Transportation in Japan is reliable and efficient, with the bullet train being one of the best ways to get around the country quickly. Each destination on this itinerary is accessible by train or bus, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at train stations. The cost of transportation depends on the distance travelled, but a 7-day Japan Rail Pass is a cost-effective option for travelers planning to visit multiple destinations. Japan also has an extensive transportation network of buses, subways, and taxis which are easily accessible.
If you have more time, consider adding an extra day to explore Hakone, a beautiful town situated near Mount Fuji that is famous for its hot springs and stunning views. Alternatively, you could spend an extra day in Kyoto to explore more of the city's historic sites. If you have less time, consider skipping Nara and spending more time in Tokyo or Osaka, two cities with plenty of attractions to keep you busy.
The main airport in Japan is the Narita International Airport (NRT), located about 60 km from Tokyo. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi, and offers a variety of international and domestic flights. Some low-cost airlines use the Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX), located about 50 km from Osaka, as their main hub. The airport is also easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi.