A week in Japan will make you want to come back and see all the things you missed.Isn't that the sign of a good holiday?Ultra-fast trains make it easy to see several cities in a short trip to Japan.You can fit in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and get many of the top tourist highlights, take a more relaxed trip to one region, or tailor your experience with one of Japan's further-flung nature destinations.
Step 1: It's possible to fit several cities into a week.
You can be ambitious in your planning because Japan has great infrastructure.Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka is a popular train route with international airports at each end.It's hard to go wrong with staying in Tokyo for three days and in Osaka for four days, with day trips to other cities.If you prefer traditional Japanese culture, you can make Kyoto your hub for the whole four days in the Kansai region, but only for two or three days on day trip excursions.If you like nightlife and excitement, you can spend just one day in Kyoto and then move on to Osaka for the rest of the week.If you're not staying in Osaka, then look into Hiroshima, Kurashiki, and Nara.You might consider winter festivals in Hokkaido or summer snorkeling in the Okinawa Islands instead of the more typical tourist route.You can fly into and out of Tokyo and spend a day there at each end.
Step 2: Domestic flights and train trips are the fastest ways to travel around Japan.
The 7-day JR Pass gives you unlimited rides on most trains and some transit.This is a great option for the Tokyo to Osaka itinerary.If you order online in advance, you should have enough time to get the voucher in the mail.The rail pass doesn't cover the fastest bullet trains.Buying individual tickets on the platform for each leg of the trip could shave off an hour or two of travel time.If you want to travel to the more remote regions of the country, look into domestic air travel.
Step 3: When traveling to the sights, you don't want to waste time.
You can save time on your tour if you stay in a hotel near the center of the city.Tokyo has excellent transportation.Stay on the JR Yamanote line for easy access to all the tourist destinations.You can use the JR Rail Pass on this line if you have one.Umeda is in the north of Osaka.You can take the bullet train from Shin-Osaka to Osaka Station, which is the main hub to the rest of the city.Higashiyama is Kyoto's biggest sightseeing district.You might want a hotel near Kyoto Station if you're making Kyoto your travel hub.You can find a traditional ryokan if you're looking for a unique experience.
Step 4: There is a lot of sightseeing to be had in this area.
The Asakusa neighborhood has many attractions a short distance from each other.For one of your Tokyo days, this is a great place to focus on.The city's oldest temple is Senso-ji.Nakamise-dori has Japanese food and crafts.Mount Fuji can be seen from the top of the Tokyo Skytree.You can take a river cruise or walk along the river.You can see the center of Japanese pop culture by walking to Akihabara.
Step 5: You could spend the entire week in Tokyo.
You won't run out of things to do in one of the largest cities on the globe if you enjoy urban sightseeing.It's not possible to list them all, but here is the beginning of a list to spark your interest: Roppongi is a major nightlife center, and also home to the "Art Triangle" of major museums.The busiest crossing in the world is in Shibuya.Huge crowds come here for the nightclubs, megastores, and theaters.You can check out the wild teen fashions.The Hello Kitty amusement park is one of the many unique attractions in Tokyo.
Step 6: One of Tokyo's more peaceful attractions is worth a visit.
It's more than just lights and bustle.You might be surprised how many natural places you can fit into one of your "Tokyo days," if that's what floats your boat: Inside the city, visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, or its inner grounds.You can take a day trip to Mount Fuji.You can book a ferry trip in advance.Some islands are farther away than others.
Step 7: The ancient capital is popular for its temples.
Kyoto is a great location for day trips because of its history and architecture.Take a day trip to this beautiful city if you're staying in Osaka.You can visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove or walk around the parks and palace complexes of Kyoto Gyoen.Experience old traditions of Japan at one of Kyoto's many temples, including a Ryokan inn, an onsen hot spring bath, or a kaiseki dinner.
Step 8: There is a lot of nightlife in this city.
Although Osaka is an ancient city with its own historical sights, it is better known today for its neon shopping districts, nightlife, and food.It's easy to choose Osaka as the first or last city on your Japan travel route from its major international airport.The Dotonobori neighborhood has shopping arcades and eateries.Universal Studios Japan has Harry Potter and Spiderman rides.The Ebisu Tower is a great place to take a quick Ferris wheel ride.There is a kabuki show at the Shochikuza Theater.
Step 9: It is a short trip from Osaka or Kyoto to this city.
The people who fed the deer by hand in Japan probably went to Nara.It's easy to fit into an afternoon in this small city because it has its share of temples and is a short trip from either of the larger cities.
Step 10: It's well known for its peace memorial and floating shrines.
For a day trip, this is about three hours round trip by bullet train.If you can find a flight home from Hiroshima's small international airport, you might be able to skip the trip back.
Step 11: The city can be reached by train from Osaka.
If you want to see the trees without being compared to other foreigners, take a boat down its canals.Some of the world's most famous paintings can be seen in the museums here.
Step 12: You can see a different side of Japan on the southernmost islands.
Hike the legendary forests of Yakushima Island, then go further south to the Okinawa Islands for their snorkelling, diving, and distinct culture and history.If you like beaches more than skyscrapers, you can easily fit in Tokyo and fly domestically from there.
Step 13: The ice festivals are here all winter.
The remoteness of Japan makes it hard to fit in, but it is a great winter holiday destination.You can find out which cities have ice festivals by flying domestically from Tokyo.
Step 14: Locals are happy to help tourists.
People in Japan are more reserved in public than most places.If you keep your voice down on public transit and stay aware of your surroundings, most people are happy to break that rule for foreign visitors.It's important to know a few tips in advance, such as spoken English being rare.The average person doesn't speak good English even if they are in a tourist area with English signs.You can memorize a few Japanese phrases by using a translation app.It's a good first step to learn "Thank you".It's more likely to confuse someone than please them in Japan.Before entering a room, take your shoes off if you see shoe cubbies.Traditional ryokan inns and bath houses have a stricter code of conduct.If you're not sure of the proper way to behave, ask a staff member for instructions.