Upon arriving in Tokyo, you can begin your exploration of the city's many attractions. Begin by visiting the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world. You can also visit the historic Sensoji Temple, or take a stroll in the picturesque Ueno Park.
Begin the day by experiencing the bustling energy of Shibuya Crossing. You can then visit the Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can try some of the freshest sushi in Japan. End the day in the vibrant and bohemian neighborhood of Shimokitazawa.
Travel to Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic and tallest mountain. You can then take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. End the day at the Owakudani Valley, where you can try the famous black eggs boiled in natural sulfuric hot springs.
Travel to Kyoto and immerse yourself in its rich culture and history. Begin by visiting the impressive Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its stunning views of the city. You can also explore the historic Arashiyama district, known for its beautiful bamboo groves and traditional architecture.
Explore more of Kyoto's historic landmarks, including the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of orange torii gates, and the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. End the day by experiencing a traditional tea ceremony.
Visit the city of Hiroshima, where you will find the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its stunning views of the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate.
In Osaka, visit the Osaka Castle, a majestic structure located right in the heart of the city. You can then visit the Dotonbori district, famous for its street food and lively atmosphere. End the day by enjoying a drink in Umeda Sky Building, one of the most iconic high-rise buildings in Japan.
Take a day trip to Nara, where you will find the Todaiji Temple, home to Japan's largest bronze statue of Buddha. You can also visit the Nara Park, known for its friendly deer that freely roam the area.
Visit the charming city of Kanazawa, where you can explore the historic Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. You can also visit the Nagamachi Samurai District, where you can get a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle of Japan's samurai warriors.
Visit the picturesque village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. You can take a stroll through the village and learn about the traditional lifestyle of its residents.
Return to Tokyo and spend the day exploring any remaining attractions you missed during your first stay. You can also visit the Ghibli Museum, dedicated to the works of famed Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli.
Head home or continue your travels to another destination.
Japan has an extensive and efficient transportation system consisting of trains, buses, and subways. The Japan Rail Pass is a great option for travelers as it allows unlimited travel on most JR trains and buses for a set period of time. In addition, Japan's cities are pedestrian-friendly and bike rentals are widely available. It is important to note that Japan's transportation system can be complex, so it is recommended to plan your routes in advance.
Travel costs are estimated to range from $450 to $550 USD depending on travel options chosen.
If you have more time, consider visiting other destinations such as Sapporo, Okinawa, or Nagasaki. Alternatively, you can remove some locations to fit your desired length of the trip.
It is recommended to learn some basic Japanese phrases as not all locals may be familiar with English. Bring comfortable walking shoes as you will be walking a lot throughout the trip.
There are two major airports in Tokyo: Narita International Airport (NRT) located 60km east of Tokyo in Narita, and Haneda Airport (HND) located 15km south of Tokyo in Ota. The travel time from both airports to the city center ranges from 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic and transportation method. It is important to take note of your arrival and departure airports in advance and plan your transportation accordingly.