Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an action-packed four days in Japan to a leisurely three-week itinerary, here are some suggestions for making the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Where to Go in Japan?

Japan is a massive archipelago, but it only has four main islands: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. If you only have a few days in the country, you'll probably want to head to Honshu and one or two of the three biggest cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka. But if you have more time, then the sky's the limit. The Shinkansen bullet train reaches 200 mph (322 kph) speeds, meaning you can cover major distances across the main islands.

If you're lucky enough to have a couple of weeks in Japan, you could tack on a trip to Honshu's Nihon Arupusu, known as the Japanese Alps, and target postcard-perfect villages like Shirakawago. You might also want to understand Japan's tragic war history in Hiroshima

Within three weeks, you could travel farther north to the island of Hokkaido, home to hot springs and rugged mountain ranges. In winter, even the most experienced skiers will be impressed by the quality of the fresh powder on the slopes. You could also take a ferry to peaceful Shikoku, the smallest and quietest of the four main islands, or head farther south to the white sand beaches of subtropical Okinawa.

Japan in 4 Days

Nakamise shopping street in Asakusa, Tokyo
Pick up traditional souvenirs in Tokyo's Asakusa district

Japan's two biggest cities are 280 miles (451 km) apart, but when you take the Shinkansen, you can travel between them in only two hours. If you have four days in the country, hop on the bullet train to maximize your time and hit up Tokyo and Kyoto.

Example 4-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Base yourself in Asakusa, Tokyo, to visit Sensō-ji. Dating back to the 7th century, this Buddhist temple is the oldest in the capital. Head to Ueno Park in the afternoon and visit major museums like Tokyo National Museum. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 2: Head to Shinjuku, the pulsating commercial heart of Tokyo. Check out the wild teen fashions in Harajuku, then walk to Yoyogi kōenShintō Meiji Shrine, and the oasis of Meiji Shrine Inner Garden. Take the bullet train to Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 3: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of brightly-colored torii gates lead visitors up Inari Mountain. Many visitors turn around after a few hundred steps, so keep going if you want to experience a more secluded walk. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 4: Visit Arashiyama to the west of the city. Tick off classic Japanese sights like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the "borrowed scenery" Zen garden at Tenryu-ji Temple. Walk alongside the Katsura River to Senkoji Temple. The uphill climb may be steep, but the peaceful ambience and panorama of the city are worth the effort.

Plan your trip to Japan
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Japan in 1 Week

Sample street food during a nighttime stroll in Dōtonbori, the entertainment district of Osaka

lIf you have a few more days in the country, then you can divide your time between Japan's two biggest cities, visiting "only in Japan" Tokyo hotspots like Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a funky theme park that's devoted entirely to the art of bathing in natural hot springs, or onsen. From Kyoto, you could take a day trip to Nara for its Buddhist temples and famous, free-roaming deer.

Only a 15-minute ride from Kyoto by Shinkansen, Osaka is the favorite city of Japan specialist Alex Kerr. According to him, it has "the best entertainment districts in Japan [and] the most lively youth neighborhoods." Visit the Dōtonbori nightlife area, where you can find excellent street food, endless neon lights, hip karaoke joints, and a picturesque canal. You'll quickly understand why so many people fall for this lively city. 

Example 1-Week Itinerary:

Day 1: Visit Sensō-ji in Asakusa, Tokyo. In the afternoon, visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 2: Visit Tokyo's Shinjuku area, including Harajuku and Yoyogi kōen Park. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 3: Spend the morning at Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Tokyo. Take the bullet train to Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 4: Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 5: Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Senkoji Temple. Overnight in Kyoto. 

Day 6: Day trip to Nara and Nara Park. Overnight in Kyoto. 

Day 7: Take the bullet train to Osaka to see Dōtonbori by night. Overnight in Osaka.

For more tips on under-the-radar sites in Nara Park, read about destinations in Japan that most people miss—but shouldn't.

Japan in 10 Days

Take a self-guided tour of the historic Nakasendo Trail

With 10 days, you could go on a self-guided tour of the historic Nakasendo Trail, which was part of feudal Japan's original network of highways. You'll trek this mountain path passing through the forests of Central Honshu and staying in local inns each night. The basic itinerary starts in Kyoto and ends in Tokyo. 

Example 10-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kyoto with a private guide. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kyoto. Overnight in Kyoto.

Day 4: Hike from Magome to Tsumago. Overnight in Tsumago.

Day 5: Hike from Tsumago to Nojiri. Overnight in Kiso-Fukushima.

Day 6: Hike from Yabuhara to Narai. Overnight in Narai.

Day 7: Hike from Narai to Hirasawa. Overnight in Karuizawa or Koromo.

Day 8: Hike from Karuizawa to Yokokawa and transfer to Tokyo. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 9: Tokyo. Overnight in Tokyo.

Day 10: Tour ends in Tokyo.

Japan in 2 Weeks

Culinary Japan
Have more time to dig into Japan's culinary scene

With 14 days, you can start by eating and drinking your way through the country on a 10-day guided tour. House-brewed saké, fresh sushi, and multicourse kaiseki feasts will all be on the menu. Then, head to Honshu

First 10 Days - Guided Culinary Tour:

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo.

Day 2: Browse the stalls at Kanawaza's Omicho Market.

Day 3: Foraging in Gokayama, doburoku tasting.

Day 4: Shirakawa-go and Takayama.

Day 5: Traditional earth oven cooking in Hida Furukawa.

Day 6: Osaka and saké tasting.

Day 7: Outdoor farm-to-table cooking in Asuka.

Day 8: Awaji Island foodscape.

Day 9: Kyoto's Nishiki Market and geisha district.

Day 10: Kyoto sightseeing and kaiseki farewell dinner.

Day 11: Depart Kyoto.

With the few days that you'll have left, you'll have time to squeeze in another short trip on Honshu. Consider a trek to Nihon Arupusu or a few days in the city of Hiroshima. 

Japan in 3 Weeks or More

Okinawa
With more time, you can hit the beaches of Okinawa

Start by following the 14-day itinerary above, and once you've taken in the sites of Honshu, hop on a flight to the southern islands of Okinawa. Discover a world of mangrove jungles, beaches, and psychedelic coral. Get inspired with these Okinawa itineraries and this Ultimate Guide to Okinawa