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Introducing Japan

An ancient way of life fuses with modern society in this bustling and iconic travel destination. Travelers fall in love (or renew their vows) with Japanese food and astonishing scenery of this mountainous archipelago dotted with modern cities.

When is the best time to visit?
Late spring and early autumn have traditionally been considered the best times to visit Japan, but more and more travelers are seeking trips to this mountainous county in the winter to take advantage of its snowy season. Skiers and snowboarders are flocking to Japan in December through March in search of the powdery, light snow the region is increasingly known for. Learn more

Where to go in Japan?
The possibilities are endless. Night owls will love the 24-hour food and drinking scene of bustling city centers like Tokyo and Osaka, older cities that are embracing the new with plenty of flair and energy. Rural travelers will enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko National Park in the mountains of Hokkaidō and the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Since there is so much to do in Japan and travel within the country via the high-speed bullet trains is so easy, visitors can opt for trips of any duration. To do any justice to this amazing country, spend at least a week and ideally up to three. Learn more

Getting Around Japan
Most visitors to Japan fly into one of Tokyo's two airports, Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport (Tokyo International). Trains connect both airports to downtown Tokyo, and from there, extensive and efficient rail networks carry passengers to destinations on Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Japan Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Sunrise in the post town of Narai, Japan
Map of Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days
Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days

Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto's skyline
Map of Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days
Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days

This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.

Tokyo's Shinjuku Park
Map of Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days
Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days

Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.

Explore historic Edo-era post towns along the Nakasendo Trail
Map of Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days

This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo, for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.

Unmanned stone steps of Kumano Nachi Taisha
Map of Hiking Japan's Kumano Kodo - 11 Days
Hiking Japan's Kumano Kodo - 11 Days

Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.

Kyoto's Higashiyama historic district
Map of Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days
Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

Make the Most of Your Time in Japan

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Take a stroll through Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

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...

Blossoming sakura (cherry) trees and iconic Mount Fuji
Map of 1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Japan's efficient trains make it possible to see three regions in one week. First-time visitors will enjoy highlights that include futuristic museums in Odaiba, the temples and...

Take to Tokyo's iconic streets and walk Shibuya's busiest pedestrian crossing
Map of 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Japan, you can choose to tour Japan's major cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Or get away from the bright lights and crowds, choosing a trip through...

Wander the streets of Kyoto on a classic two week trip covering the highlights
Map of 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...

Japan Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Brilliant momiji maple at Nanzenji, Kyoto in late November
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical...

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Essential Japan: Top 10 Things to Do & See

Crescent-shaped islands surrounded by deep blue sea, Japan has everything from Buddhist temples to great beaches. Home to both a robot restaurant and an ancient rainforest, it's...

Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Japan Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Japan Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Coral reefs of Okinawa
Ultimate Guide to Okinawa

Okinawa's attractions have something for everyone. They cater to cocktail-sipping beach bums, history buffs, and active adventurers alike. The island is fairly small, so even a...

Japan Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
Kyoto
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
5.0
(2)
· Comfort
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic, located alongside the Takase River in Kyoto, stands on a site rich in historical significance, as it was once home to Kyoto clan residences during the Edo period and is the location of Japan's first successful movie preview experiment. The hotel coexists...
Photo courtesy Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
Kyoto
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
4.7
(3)
· Mid-range
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi-Sanjo, opened in 2018, is a contemporary hotel with a blend of traditional and modern elements. Though set on a major roadway, the hotel's prime location puts you less than 10 minutes by foot from popular areas like Pontocho and Kawaramachi, both near the Kamo River....
Photo courtesy of Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
4.5
(4)
· Comfort
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel sets itself apart with a vintage-modern aesthetic that merges old and new in an effortlessly stylish way. This hotel exudes a creative vibe, offering a thoughtfully curated interior. You'll be in an ideal location, too, with the Shibuya district's numerous dining,...

Our Latest Japan Content

See Kyoto's famous Fushimi Inari shrine and its fox statues on a 10-day tour of Japan and China
10 Days in Japan & China - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days between Japan and China is an excellent amount of time to discover the wonders of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Beijing on a well-rounded highlights adventure or a culture-focused tour. If you're eager to delve into each country's famed cuisine, opt for a trip featuring the street food delights and tiny restaurants of Osaka and Shanghai. Alternatively, experience the wonders of the Great Wall of China, idyllic bamboo groves, and Mount Fuji on a nature-focused itinerary.

Visit the Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto on a 10-day adventure through Japan and South Korea
10 Days in Japan & South Korea - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Ten days between Japan and South Korea is an excellent amount of time to immerse yourself in the wonders of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Seoul on a highlights tour or a culinary excursion. Or, if you're eager to discover time-tested traditions and intricate temples, opt for a culture-focused trip featuring a geisha performance, Hiroshima, and Seoul's palaces. Alternatively, active travelers can embark on a peaceful four-day hike along Japan's Nakasendo Trail and explore South Korea's Bukhansan National Park.

Explore Japan's incredible cuisine on this week long luxury tour
Map of Luxury Foodie's Tour of Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days
Luxury Foodie's Tour of Japan: Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days

Immerse yourself in Japan's delectable cuisine and its world-class dining scene with this weeklong luxury tour spread across stays at Tokyo and Kyoto's top hotels. Your journey begins in the capital with a kaiseki cooking class, Michelin-starred fine dining, and a tour of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Then, it's off to Japan's cultural heartland for a geisha performance and traditional kimono tea ceremony in Kyoto before sampling Kobe's renowned beef and visiting a saké distillery.

Japan Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to Japan's Main Regions
Guide to Japan's Main Regions
View article
Map 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Japan
Travel specialist Ana Bicanic
active 5 hours ago

Ana Bicanic

Hi there! My name is Ana, I am 26 years old and I come from Belgrade, Serbia. Growing up I would travel a lot with my parents who love to dive. I knew from very early on that I want to be in...

read more...
Travel specialist Angel Tang
active 1 min ago

Angel Tang

I love exploring and have been traveling in Asian countries for more than fifteen years. As a Japan specialist, I have a deep affection for this country and I will use my knowledge and expertise to...

read more...
Travel specialist Sandy Ren
active 10 mins ago

Sandy Ren

I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...

read more...
Travel specialist Christine Mayol
active 6 hours ago

Christine Mayol

We are a client-focused travel experts in Japan. We specializes in more personalized travel plans for families, groups, couples and individuals. Depends on your preferences, we will help you make...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Japan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Sandy organized some amazing local things for seeing a lot of sights in a short amount of time
Japan | Feb 28 - Mar 10, 2024

Shelby
Shelby S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
Sandy organized some amazing local things for us. We especially loved the Tea ceremony and Fushimi Inari hike in Kyoto and our half day tour in Nara. Todai-Ji is an absolute must see in Nara. Read more

Sandy organized some amazing local things for us. We especially loved the Tea ceremony and Fushimi Inari hike in Kyoto and our half day tour in Nara.

Todai-Ji is an absolute must see in Nara.

Hotel Reviews
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
Tokyo

Great location, large room, and excellent breakfast. A bit dated in the look but had everything we needed and we could walk to Shibuya Crossing for some shopping.

Authenticity & Character
Standard hotel that's a little dated, but was clean and had everything we needed.
Location
Right next to Shibuya crossing, but not in the thick of traffic.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring
Osaka

This place was great! Very clean, the staff was super healthy, great breakfast and a great onsen. The location was right near the Dotonbori, so no shortage of food and entertainment options. If you have an outside room, you might hear some noise from the street, but it was never enough to cause any problems. In fact we slept great both nights we were there.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Sandy Ren
Sandy
Sandy Ren
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 12, 2024
Dear Shelby, Hope you are doing fantastic. Thank you for your positive feedback.We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the experiences I organized for you, especially the Tea ceremony, Fushimi Inari hike in Kyoto, and the half-day tour in Nara. We all love Todai-Ji and it's our great honor to recommend it for you. We are so delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay at Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring in Osaka. I'm glad the cleanliness, friendly staff, and relaxing onsen contributed... Read more

Dear Shelby,

Hope you are doing fantastic.

Thank you for your positive feedback.We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the experiences I organized for you, especially the Tea ceremony, Fushimi Inari hike in Kyoto, and the half-day tour in Nara. We all love Todai-Ji and it's our great honor to recommend it for you.

We are so delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay at Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring in Osaka. I'm glad the cleanliness, friendly staff, and relaxing onsen contributed to a fantastic experience for you.I'm pleased that despite some street noise, you were able to enjoy restful nights during your stay.Thanks a lot for your understanding.

Thank you once again for your kind words and for choosing kimkim to organize your Japan trip. If you ever need assistance with travel arrangements in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,
Sandy

I can't remember the names of the guides bu...
Japan | Feb 26 - Mar 6, 2024

J
Jim C.
Wilmette, IL | Reviewed on Mar 07, 2024
I can't remember the names of the guides but they all were fantastic. If you want to know the high points of the trip just look back at our itinerary. The whole damn thing was exceptional. Read more

I can't remember the names of the guides but they all were fantastic. If you want to know the high points of the trip just look back at our itinerary. The whole damn thing was exceptional.

Hotel Reviews
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
kyoto
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Hakone
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
 Osaka Walking Tour (JTB join-in tour)
Osaka Walking Tour (JTB join-in tour)
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Osaka Foodie Walking Tour at dark
Osaka Foodie Walking Tour at dark
Osaka
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sword smith factory visit and knife making class
Sword smith factory visit and knife making class
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour (Join-in)
Half Day Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour (Join-in)
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Join-in)
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Join-in)
Kyoto
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour(join-in )
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour(join-in )
Hakone
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Hamarikyu Gardens &Tokyo Tower Tour (Join-in)
Full Day Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji, Hamarikyu Gardens &Tokyo Tower Tour (Join-in)
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Angel Tang
Angel
Angel Tang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 08, 2024

Hi Jim,

Hope you are doing fantastic.Thank you for sharing your incredible experience in Japan with us. We truly appreciate your review and are thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic time. It was a pleasure working and planning with you. We hope to welcome you back to Japan again.

Take care and keep exploring.

Warm regards,
Angel

Fei was awesome and very helpfull with everyt...
Japan | Feb 11 - Feb 18, 2024

Khosiyat
Khosiyat M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024
Fei was awesome and very helpfull with everything throughout this vacation! She helped me to make plan and changed everything if I needed something different. While I was in Japan, she was very helpful when I had any questions. It was very convenient for people like me who isn’t great at planning trips, she planned everything and all the hotel and tour guides were great! I had blast while I was in Japan!
Thank you Fei for everything! I can’t wait to go back to Japan again and plan...
Read more

Fei was awesome and very helpfull with everything throughout this vacation! She helped me to make plan and changed everything if I needed something different. While I was in Japan, she was very helpful when I had any questions. It was very convenient for people like me who isn’t great at planning trips, she planned everything and all the hotel and tour guides were great! I had blast while I was in Japan!
Thank you Fei for everything! I can’t wait to go back to Japan again and plan everything with you again!

Hotel Reviews
HifumiRyokan Kyoto station

Location was great, right by the Kyoto station and great places near by! Super clean hotel and also I had the best breakfast there!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Keio Presso Inn Tokyo Station Yaesu

Staff was very helpful! Great location for everything. Good restaurants around the hotel. Staff was very helpful with sending my luggage too.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Join-in)
Full Day Kyoto City Tour with Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Join-in)
Kyoto

Great thing to do if you want to see historical sites in one day when you are in Kyoto for short time! Guide was awesome, he was very helpful with everyone! He checked in if everyone is doing okay! It was great tour and loved our tour guide!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full Day Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji Tour(join-in)
Full Day Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls & Lake Chuzenji Tour(join-in)
Tokyo

I got super lucky on being the only person on the tour so whole day was awesome! My tour guide was great! She showed me great historical sites and great lunch together!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Fei He
Fei
Fei He
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Mar 05, 2024

Hi Khosiya,

Hope you have a great day.Thank you so much for your kind words and feedback. I'm glad to hear that you had a blast in Japan and enjoyed all aspects of your trip, including the accommodations and tours.

I'll be sure to pass on your appreciation to our guides and the rest of the team. We can't wait to welcome you back to Japan for another amazing adventure. If you ever need assistance with planning your next trip, my team and I will be more than happy to help.

Warm regards,
Fei