Destinations

Tokyo

Neon, shrines, food halls and the world's best-run metro — the obvious start.

Days: 3–5Best for: first-timers, food

Kyoto

Temples, gardens and wooden lanes. Beautiful, busy — go early or go deep.

Days: 3–4Best for: temples, gardens

Osaka & Nara

Street food and nightlife, with Nara's bowing deer and giant Buddha a short hop away.

Days: 2–3Best for: food, families

Hiroshima & Miyajima

The Peace Memorial and the island shrine whose gate stands in the sea.

Days: 1–2Best for: history

Mt Fuji & Hakone

Lakes, hot springs and the mountain itself — if the clouds allow.

Days: 1–2Best for: onsen, views

Japanese Alps & Kanazawa

Old merchant towns, thatched villages and one of Japan's great gardens.

Days: 3–4Best for: traditional Japan

Hokkaido

Powder snow in winter, lavender and big skies in summer, seafood all year.

Days: 4–7Best for: skiing, nature

Okinawa

Subtropical islands with coral reefs and a culture all of their own.

Days: 4–6Best for: beaches, diving

How to choose

• First trip, 7–10 days: Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka (with a day in Nara) is the classic "Golden Route" for good reason — it's all on one fast train line.
• Add a day or two: Hiroshima and Miyajima slot in west of Osaka; Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes slot in between Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Second trip, or two weeks: the Japanese Alps and Kanazawa show a quieter, more traditional Japan.
• Seasonal trips: Hokkaido for skiing (December–March) or summer flowers; Okinawa for beaches (April–October, outside typhoon spells).

Not sure how to put them together? Our 7, 10 and 14-day itineraries do the routing for you.