Japan

Japan offers a rare combination of experiences: futuristic city districts, centuries-old temples, traditional villages, mountain landscapes, beaches, remarkable food and an exceptionally well-connected rail network. The secret to a rewarding Japan holiday is not trying to see everything—it is choosing the right combination for your travel style.

Start with the classic Golden Route

Tokyo → Mount Fuji/Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka

For a first visit, this route creates a balanced introduction to modern Japan, traditional culture, nature and food.

How many days should you plan?

Around 7–10 days can cover many of Japan's main highlights. With 10–14 days, you can slow the pace and consider Hiroshima, Takayama, Kanazawa or another regional destination.

Choose places around your interests

• History: Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima
• Food: Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto
• Nature: Mount Fuji, Hakone, Hokkaido
• Traditional Japan: Kyoto, Takayama, Shirakawa-go
• Winter: Hokkaido, Nagano, Tohoku
• Beaches: Okinawa

Include at least one traditional experience

• Tea ceremony
• Ryokan stay
• Onsen
• Kimono experience
• Japanese cooking class
• Temple stay
• Traditional craft workshop

A Japan itinerary becomes much more memorable when sightseeing is balanced with experiences that let you participate in local traditions.

Use Japan's railway network intelligently

Trains are an important part of travelling around Japan. Plan your inter-city route before purchasing rail tickets or passes so that your transportation choices fit the itinerary.

Japan experiences four distinct seasons, so your packing list should follow your destination and travel dates. Comfortable footwear deserves special attention: many Japan itineraries involve substantial walking and frequent railway-station transfers.

Essential items

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight clothing
• Seasonal layers
• Compact umbrella
• Light rain jacket
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal medicines
• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank
• Small day backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Travel documents

Spring

Pack layers because temperatures can change during the day.

Summer

Choose breathable clothing and carry sunscreen, a hat and rain protection.

Autumn

Light jackets and layers are useful for changing temperatures.

Winter

Warm clothing, thermal layers, gloves and appropriate footwear may be needed, particularly in northern Japan.

For temples and traditional experiences

Wear comfortable and respectful clothing. Some traditional establishments may also require shoes to be removed.

For an onsen

A small toiletry bag and quick-drying items are practical.

Compare Tokyo airports

Check both Haneda and Narita according to your airline, fare and overall itinerary.

Consider Osaka for arrival or departure

If your journey finishes in Kyoto or Osaka, flying out of Osaka can sometimes avoid an unnecessary return to Tokyo.

Look at open-jaw flights

For example, India → Tokyo and Osaka → India can work naturally with a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka itinerary.

Compare different departure dates

Airfares can vary around cherry-blossom season, Golden Week, summer holidays and New Year.

Compare domestic flights with Shinkansen

For longer journeys, consider both domestic flights and bullet trains. The better option depends on the route, timing and final fare.

Compare the complete fare

• Checked baggage
• Seat selection
• Meals
• Cancellation rules
• Airport transfers
• Connecting-flight requirements

• Japan has 27 UNESCO World Heritage properties.
• Kyoto was Japan's imperial capital for more than 1,000 years.
• Mount Fuji is 3,776 metres high and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural property.
• Nara was Japan's capital from 710 to 784.
• Japan brings ancient and modern worlds together, often within the same itinerary.

Tokyo

Japan's enormous modern capital combines shopping, food, entertainment, history and neighbourhoods with very different personalities. Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, food and nightlife.

Kyoto

The cultural heart of Japan, with temples, shrines, gardens, traditional streets and historic neighbourhoods. Best for: Culture, couples and heritage.

Osaka

A lively city known for food, entertainment and an energetic urban atmosphere. Best for: Food lovers, families and nightlife.

Hakone

A popular escape from Tokyo known for hot springs, mountain scenery and Mount Fuji views. Best for: Couples, relaxation and luxury.

Hiroshima

An important historical destination with access to Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine. Best for: History and cultural travel.

Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto

Famous for its seemingly endless rows of vermilion torii gates.

Kinkaku-ji – Kyoto

The Golden Pavilion is one of Kyoto's most recognisable landmarks.

Todai-ji – Nara

Famous for its enormous Great Buddha and historic temple complex.

Himeji Castle

One of Japan's most celebrated surviving castles and a UNESCO World Heritage property.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Genbaku Dome is preserved as a reminder of the atomic bombing and forms part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial UNESCO property.

Itsukushima Shrine – Miyajima

Famous for its celebrated torii gate and island setting.

Explore Tokyo

Visit Shibuya, Asakusa, Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Ginza and Tokyo Skytree.

Walk through Kyoto's historic districts

Explore Gion, Higashiyama and the city's famous temples and gardens.

See Mount Fuji

Consider the Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone or another viewpoint around the mountain.

Ride a Shinkansen

The bullet train is both an efficient transport option and an iconic part of modern Japanese travel.

Experience an onsen

Relax in a traditional Japanese hot spring.

Try Japanese food

Explore sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, okonomiyaki, wagyu and regional cuisine.

Visit Nara

See the famous free-roaming deer around Nara Park and explore ancient temples.

Japan works beautifully for couples who want a honeymoon combining luxury, culture, food, scenery and experiences that feel genuinely different from a conventional beach holiday.

Classic romantic itinerary

Tokyo + Hakone + Kyoto

Major highlights for couples

Tokyo + Mount Fuji + Kyoto + Osaka

Culture and food

Kyoto + Nara + Osaka

City and beach

Tokyo + Kyoto + Okinawa

Honeymoon tips

• Stay in a traditional ryokan for at least one night.
• Add a private onsen experience.
• Enjoy a Japanese kaiseki dinner.
• Include a Mount Fuji excursion.
• Reserve a romantic restaurant.
• Allow free time in Kyoto.
• Consider a scenic train journey.

• Plan your railway route before travelling.
• Allow plenty of walking time.
• Respect local etiquette in temples, shrines, public transport and residential areas.
• Keep noise low on public transport.
• Carry a small bag for rubbish because public bins can be limited in some areas.
• Remove shoes when required.
• Carry some cash; it remains useful in smaller establishments.
• Do not over-schedule. Free time can make the experience more enjoyable.

Japan ranges from traditional handicrafts and tea to fashion, electronics, stationery and specialist food products.

• Japanese tea
• Matcha products
• Ceramics
• Chopsticks
• Traditional crafts
• Kimono-inspired products
• Stationery
• Cosmetics
• Electronics
• Anime merchandise
• Kitchen knives
• Japanese snacks

Tokyo shopping

• Ginza
• Shibuya
• Shinjuku
• Akihabara
• Asakusa

Kyoto shopping

• Ceramics
• Tea
• Traditional crafts
• Fans
• Textiles
• Sweets

Osaka shopping

• Dotonbori
• Shinsaibashi
• Namba

• Travel during shoulder seasons where practical.
• Stay near railway stations to reduce local transportation time and costs.
• Consider business hotels for clean, compact and practical accommodation.
• Eat at local restaurants and explore different price points.
• Use convenience stores strategically for breakfast, snacks and travel meals.
• Compare rail and domestic-flight options according to route, timing and fare.
• Avoid unnecessary hotel changes; staying 2–3 nights in each city can reduce transport and luggage-handling costs.

• Japan has thousands of islands.
• Japanese cuisine differs significantly between regions.
• Osaka is strongly associated with street food and casual dining.
• Kyoto is internationally known for temples, gardens and traditional culture.
• Hokkaido is famous for winter scenery and skiing.
• Okinawa has a subtropical climate and distinctive island culture.
• Traditional Japanese gardens have influenced landscape design internationally.
• Japan combines traditional architecture with highly advanced modern cities.

Tokyo

• City sightseeing
• Asakusa
• Meiji Shrine
• Shibuya
• Harajuku
• Tokyo Skytree
• Ginza
• Tokyo Bay
• Shopping

Mount Fuji / Hakone

• Mount Fuji viewpoints
• Hakone Ropeway
• Lake Ashi
• Onsen
• Ryokan stay
• Scenic countryside

Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari
• Kinkaku-ji
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Arashiyama
• Gion
• Tea ceremony
• Kimono experience

Nara

• Nara Park
• Todai-ji
• Kasuga Taisha
• Traditional streets

Osaka

• Osaka Castle
• Dotonbori
• Shinsaibashi
• Umeda
• Local food tour

Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park
• Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Miyajima
• Itsukushima Shrine

Other experiences

• Bullet train journey
• Sushi-making class
• Japanese cooking class
• Onsen
• Traditional craft workshops
• Samurai experiences
• Sake brewery visits

Gion Matsuri – Kyoto

One of Japan's best-known traditional festivals, held during July.

Awa Odori – Tokushima

A famous summer dance festival held in August.

Sapporo Snow Festival

A major winter event famous for enormous snow and ice sculptures.

Nebuta Festival – Aomori

Known for spectacular illuminated floats.

Takayama Festival

A historic festival celebrated in spring and autumn.

Tenjin Matsuri – Osaka

A major traditional festival featuring processions and boat ceremonies.

Kanda Matsuri – Tokyo

A major traditional festival associated with Tokyo's Kanda Shrine.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa – Fukuoka

A historic festival famous for elaborate floats and energetic races.

Cherry blossom season

Cherry blossom is not technically a festival, but it is one of Japan's defining seasonal travel experiences. Exact flowering dates vary by location and year.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha – Kyoto
• Kiyomizu-dera – Kyoto
• Kinkaku-ji – Kyoto
• Todai-ji – Nara
• Himeji Castle
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial
• Itsukushima Shrine – Miyajima
• Nijo Castle – Kyoto
• Nikko Toshogu Shrine
• Shirakawa-go

These places offer a window into Japan's religious, political, architectural and cultural history, from Kyoto's temples to the historic village landscapes of Shirakawa-go.

Japan has a well-established Indian dining scene, particularly in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama and other major cities. Restaurant operations, branches and menus can change, so current details should be checked before a trip.

Tokyo

• Nataraj – Tokyo
• Dhaba India – Tokyo
• Priya Indian Restaurant – Tokyo
• Sitaara – Tokyo
• Moti – Tokyo

Osaka

• Shama – Osaka
• Ali's Kitchen – Osaka

Kyoto

• Kerela – Kyoto
• Indian Restaurant Namaste – Kyoto

Hiroshima

Gandhi – Hiroshima

Japan's culinary culture is exceptionally broad. The following is a destination dining shortlist, not a ranking.

• Sushi Saito – Tokyo
• Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo
• Den – Tokyo
• Narisawa – Tokyo
• Kikunoi – Kyoto
• Hyotei – Kyoto
• Hajime – Osaka
• Mizai – Kyoto
• Harijyu – Osaka
• Ichiran – Tokyo / Osaka and other cities

Essential Japanese foods

• Sushi
• Sashimi
• Ramen
• Tempura
• Yakitori
• Okonomiyaki
• Takoyaki
• Wagyu
• Kaiseki
• Udon
• Soba
• Matcha desserts

Tokyo

• Tokyo Skytree
• Senso-ji Temple
• Asakusa
• Shibuya Crossing
• Meiji Shrine
• Harajuku
• Ginza
• Tokyo Tower
• Imperial Palace area

Kyoto

• Fushimi Inari
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Kinkaku-ji
• Arashiyama
• Gion
• Nishiki Market
• Nijo Castle
• Philosopher's Path

Osaka

• Osaka Castle
• Dotonbori
• Shinsaibashi
• Umeda
• Kuromon Market
• Shinsekai

Nara

• Nara Park
• Todai-ji
• Kasuga Taisha
• Naramachi

Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park
• Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Miyajima
• Itsukushima Shrine

Hakone

• Lake Ashi
• Hakone Shrine
• Owakudani
• Hakone Ropeway
• Onsen resorts

Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Seasonal clothing
• Light layers
• Rain jacket
• Compact umbrella
• Sunscreen
• Travel adapter
• Power bank
• Small backpack
• Personal medicines
• Travel documents
• Reusable water bottle

Avoid overpacking

• Excessive heavy clothing
• Too many formal outfits
• Multiple bulky shoes
• Oversized luggage
• Excessive toiletries
• Unnecessary valuables

Adjust for the season

Winter

add thermal layers, gloves, warm socks and suitable footwear.

Summer

pack breathable clothing, sunscreen and rain protection.

Cherry-blossom season

carry layers because mornings and evenings can be cooler.

Hiking

use suitable footwear and weather-appropriate outdoor equipment.

Before travelling

• Passport validity checked
• Visa requirements confirmed
• Flights confirmed
• Hotels confirmed
• Travel insurance arranged
• Airport transfers confirmed
• Rail arrangements checked

Transportation

Understand your route before arrival. A classic journey can be Tokyo → Hakone/Mount Fuji → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka. A longer journey can extend to Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka.

Reserve appropriate train tickets where necessary and allow enough time for station transfers.

Weather

Japan's weather varies considerably by region and season. Spring is associated with cherry blossoms, summer with festivals and outdoor activities, autumn with foliage and comfortable sightseeing conditions in many regions, while winter offers snow destinations and winter sports.

Etiquette to remember

• Remove shoes where requested.
• Avoid loud conversations on trains.
• Follow temple and shrine etiquette.
• Queue properly.
• Avoid eating while walking where it is discouraged.
• Respect photography restrictions.

Food

Try regional specialities rather than eating only familiar international cuisine. Food is one of the easiest ways to discover the differences between Japanese regions.

Technology

Download essential travel information and keep hotel addresses and transport details available offline.

Japan is a remarkable blend of ancient temples, futuristic cities, breathtaking landscapes, world-famous cuisine, efficient rail journeys and deeply rooted traditions—offering a travel experience that can feel completely different from one region to the next.