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.
Over 900 miles southwest of Tokyo, Okinawa-hontō—Okinawa's main island—anchors the lesser-known string of islands straddling Japan's two southernmost prefectures. For those who fancy a beach holiday on their grand tour of Japan, its tropical climate and unique Ryūkyūan culture are just a two-hour flight from Tokyo.
If you have just five days to spend in Japan, you could focus your energy on the ultra-modern city of Tokyo. Or divide your time between Tokyo and the more traditional Kyoto, visiting the most famous shrine in the country. A more ambitious itinerary takes you to several cities, including Hiroshima and Osaka, while a simpler trip plan focuses solely on the culture and history of Kyoto. Another alternative is to get away from the crowds and hike along the historic Nakasendo Trail, following the footsteps of feudal lords and samurai on the mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo.
You can visit at least two regions of Japan in six days, thanks to efficient transportation that includes high-speed trains. First-time visitors will enjoy a mix of tradition and modernity while experiencing Tokyo's nightlife and Kyoto's historic sites. Those keen on cuisine will try sushi-making in Tokyo and take a tasting tour of Osaka. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse in nature and rural culture while hiking the Kumano Kodo Trail or opt for a winter adventure that includes snowshoeing in Nagano.
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 teahouses of Kyoto, and Hiroshima's memorials. Foodies and aspiring chefs will be delighted to craft noodles at a ramen factory, make (and eat!) sushi at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, and sample street eats in Osaka, while outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Hokkaido's volcanic landscapes or a trek along the Nakasendo Trail.
Japan's trains allow families to experience two destinations in one week. Those keen on animation and theme parks will enjoy mingling with animé aficionados in Harajuku and splashing around at DisneySea. Budding chefs can sample street eats on a family food tour in Shinjuku and learn the art of sushi making at Tsukiji Fish Market. Parents with younger children interested in experiencing Japan's nature and culture can cruise the Sumida River by boat and play samurai at Okochi Mountain Villa.
You can incorporate a cultural highlights tour by seeing geisha and tucking into Japanese cuisine or experience the best of Tokyo and Kyoto in eight days, with additional day trips to Hakone, Nara, and Arashiyama. Alternatively, chase cherry blossoms and spot the iconic Mount Fuji as you travel from Osaka to the capital. Discover the world-famous Senso-ji Shrine and the Yasaka Pagoda in Higashiyama. Or don your winter gear and set off on the Naksendo Trail, sleeping in a different ancient village each night.
With nine days in Japan, you can visit three to six destinations. Foodies and first-timers can hit the highlights and taste their way around Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Nature and culture enthusiasts can visit villages and hike the Nakasendo Trail in Central Japan. The Northern Japan itinerary is suited to travelers interested in Hokkaido and families with little ones that will love kid-friendly activities like Oshino Ninja Village. Active travelers who prefer to venture independently can cycle, kayak, and hike on the self-guided tour.
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.
With 10 days in Japan, you can introduce young travelers to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo's futuristic theme parks and exciting cuisine on a family highlights tour. Or, for a nature-focused excursion, head to Hokkaido Island and enjoy watching the kids' confidence soar while hiking, cruising, and horseback riding. Other options include an animé and theme park-infused adventure and a well-rounded trip that lets children discover their own preferences while hopping between modern, natural, and traditional wonders.
Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Foodies can feast on sushi, sample Osaka's street eats, and try their hand at making gyoza. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto and an art tour of Naoshima island, while those eager to immerse in Japan's natural beauty can trek along the Nakesendo Trail, soak in natural hot springs, and bike Mount Aso.
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.
Thanks to efficient public transportation, you can fit a lot into 11 days in Japan. First-timers and families can take a Japan highlight tour that comprises Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka or opt for the faster-paced itinerary that includes a Hiroshima visit. History enthusiasts and cherry blossom chasers will enjoy scenic heritage sites, such as Takayama, on a history-focused trip, while foodies can sample local flavors in several cities, including Osaka, the "nation's kitchen," on the "Culinary Heritage" tour.
In 12 days, you can explore as few as four destinations, like Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, or over eight on a faster-paced trip, adding in lesser-known locales like Kurashiki, Oda City, and Hagi. Cover the best of Japan and include an island visit to Okinawa, Japan's "Hawaii," indulge in the culinary delights and sake on a food-forward tour, or discover stunning nature from Lake Kawaguchi to peaceful gardens in Kanazawa. Or consider a multiday trek on the historic Nakasendo Trail.
In 13 days, you can experience the highlights of five or six cities, like those of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, on a history-focused tour by train or swap out Hakone and add Nagoya and Kobe to discover modern and traditional Japan. Slow the pace down and eat sushi at Tsukiji Market, see Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, and pay your respects in Hiroshima. Alternatively, follow a pilgrimage trail on Shikoku Island to discover some of Japan's most prestigious temples.
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 Michelin-starred dining. Those seeking traditional Japan should not miss Honshu's historical treasures, while off-the-beaten-path explorers will find solace in Izumo and the Goto Islands. Meanwhile, active travelers can challenge themselves with a trek to Mount Fuji's peak.
With two weeks to explore Japan as a family, you can embark on a fun-filled highlights tour complete with theme park visits in Tokyo and Osaka and cultural interactions in Kyoto. Or, speed things up with an active trip that pairs time in the main cities with visits to the remote villages of Magome and Kiso-Fukushima. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path adventure for families seeking a deep cultural connection and a well-rounded itinerary featuring time on the idyllic island of Okinawa.
With 15 days in Japan, you can delight in a well-rounded introduction to Tokyo and Kyoto's rich history and culture on a highlights tour or include time in Kanazawa, Naoshima, and Hakone to immerse yourself in the country's art scene. Those looking to get off the beaten path can make their way north from Tokyo to Akita and back, while travelers seeking a relaxed trip will enjoy the gentle pace of a Golden Route tour.
Japan's train system makes it possible to visit at least four regions in 16 days. First-timers will enjoy guided tours of the Meiji Jingu Shrine and other landmarks. Foodies can take a culinary journey that includes street food in Osaka and sushi at the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Culture enthusiasts will experience traditional Japan through a Kanazawa crafts workshop and a tea ceremony in Kyoto, while those seeking nature can trek along the Kumano Kodo Trail and unwind in Hakone's hot springs.
