In Japan, there are many tourist destinations that embody ancient history and culture. For visiting tourists, traveling to numerous tourist spots is likely to be a very attractive activity. However, with limited time and budget, it may be difficult to figure out what route to take. Therefore, in this article, we propose a model case for visiting Japan and hope it can be a useful reference when planning your trip.
Day 1: Tokyo After arriving in Tokyo, start your sightseeing tour. It’s recommended to visit famous tourist spots such as Tokyo Tower, Asakusa Temple, and Meiji Shrine.
Day 2: Kamakura and Shonan To access Kamakura from Tokyo, it’s convenient to use the JR Yokosuka Line. Kamakura is home to Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and the beautiful Kannon-do Hall at the Kencho-ji Temple, among other attractions. You can also take a stroll through the Shonan area, which boasts a beautiful coastline.
Day 3: Kyoto Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. Kyoto is a representative tourist destination in Japan, where ancient history and culture thrive. Be sure to take enough time to see the many attractions, such as Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and Arashiyama.
Day 4: Nara To access Nara from Kyoto, it’s convenient to use the JR Nara Line. In Nara, there is the world heritage site of Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant Buddha statue, and Nara Park, where cute deer roam free. You can also enjoy the traditional and nostalgic atmosphere of the town around Kintetsu Nara Station.
Day 5: Hiroshima Take an early morning Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (about 2 hours), and drop your luggage off at your hotel. Take the ferry to Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine with the famous torii gate in the water. Then take the cable car up to the top of Mt. Misen for a panoramic view of the area. Return to Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park, including the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the tragic history of the city.
Day 6: Himeji Castle and Osaka Take a train from Hiroshima to Himeji (about 1 hour) to visit Himeji Castle, the largest and most beautiful castle in Japan. Then take a train to Osaka (about 1 hour), the third largest city in Japan. Spend the afternoon exploring the Dotonbori area and trying some of the city’s famous street food. At night, head to the Umeda Sky Building for a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop observatory.
Day 7: Osaka Start the day with a visit to Osaka Castle, a magnificent castle surrounded by a large park. Then head to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to see a variety of marine life, including a huge whale shark. In the afternoon, explore the Shinsekai area and visit Tsutenkaku Tower for another great view of the city. Finally, enjoy your last evening in Japan by trying some of Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Departure Take a train to Kansai International Airport for your flight home.
Of course, there are many other great places to visit in Japan, but this itinerary provides a good balance of historic and cultural sites, natural beauty, and modern urban experiences. Remember to book hotels and transportation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes as there will be a lot of exploring on foot. Enjoy your trip to Japan!