Bullet trains link neon cities to quiet mountain temples.
Japan runs on trains that make a wide loop feel effortless, from Tokyo's density to Kyoto's temples and Osaka's food streets.
Sushi
Vinegared rice paired with raw fish or other toppings, ranging from casual conveyor-belt spots to high-end counters.
Ramen
Wheat noodles in a rich broth, with regional styles ranging from Tokyo's soy-based bowls to Hakata's creamy tonkotsu.
Okonomiyaki
A savory grilled pancake mixing cabbage, batter, and toppings of your choice, especially popular in Osaka.
Matcha
Finely ground green tea, whisked into a frothy drink or used to flavor sweets and desserts.
Senso-ji, Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple, approached through Nakamise-dori, a market street selling traditional snacks and souvenirs beneath a giant red lantern gate. Founded in the 7th century, it survived wartime bombing largely through postwar reconstruction and remains an active place of worship. Evening visits, once the crowds thin, offer a quieter view of the illuminated pagoda.
Fushimi Inari, Kyoto
Thousands of vermilion torii gates climb the mountainside behind the shrine, donated over centuries by individuals and businesses seeking good fortune. A full hike to the summit takes two to three hours, though most visitors walk only the first, most densely gated section. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice and prosperity.
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Japan's tallest and most iconic peak, its near-perfect symmetrical cone visible on clear days from Hakone's lake and hot spring resorts. The Hakone Ropeway offers views over volcanic valleys and, weather permitting, Fuji itself without needing to climb. Traditional ryokan inns in the area pair mountain views with onsen hot spring bathing.
Dotonbori, Osaka
A canal-side strip of oversized neon signs, including the famous running Glico Man, and some of the city's densest concentration of street food stalls. Osaka's reputation as Japan's food capital is on full display here, from takoyaki octopus balls to okonomiyaki savory pancakes. It's especially vivid after dark when the signs and crowds are at their peak.
Himeji Castle
Japan's best-preserved original feudal castle, its brilliant white plastered exterior earning it the nickname 'White Heron Castle'. Unlike many Japanese castles rebuilt after wartime destruction, Himeji's main keep survives largely intact from the 17th century. Its labyrinthine defensive layout, designed to confuse attackers, remains apparent to visitors walking through today.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto
A dense grove of towering bamboo stalks creating a naturally filtered green light along a well-worn walking path. It sits within a wider district that includes a monkey park, riverside restaurants, and several notable temples. Early morning visits, before tour groups arrive, offer the closest thing to solitude in what is otherwise a popular stop.
10 days covers the classic Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka route without rushing. 7 works if you drop Hakone; 14+ lets you add Hiroshima or slow the pace down.
1. Days 1–3
Tokyo
Asakusa, Shibuya, and a day trip out to Kamakura or Nikko.
2. Day 4
Hakone
Hot springs and views of Mount Fuji on the way toward Kyoto.
~1.5h by train from Tokyo
3. Days 5–7
Kyoto & Nara
Temples, bamboo groves, and the deer park in Nara as a day trip.
~2h by bullet train from Hakone
4. Days 8–9
Osaka
Dotonbori's food scene and a possible detour to Himeji Castle.
~45min by train from Kyoto
Day 10
Departure
Return to Tokyo or fly out of Osaka's Kansai airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Usually not for a standard Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip. Since a 2023 price hike, a 7-day pass costs ¥50,000, while point-to-point tickets for that same route run around ¥30,000. It only pays off if you're adding long-haul legs like Hiroshima or Fukuoka.
What's the nearest airport?
Tokyo's Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) for most itineraries; Osaka's Kansai (KIX) if you're starting from the west of the country.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes, more than you'd expect. Many smaller restaurants, temples, and rural shops are cash-only, even though IC cards and contactless work well in big cities.
Is Japan expensive to visit?
Less than its reputation suggests, especially with the yen currently weak against the euro and dollar — accommodation and food can be surprisingly reasonable outside peak-season Tokyo.