The trip starts in a typical manner, with Tokyo's neon-lit metropolitan vibes, then Kyoto's temple-filled calm and finally Osaka's vibrant food scene and energy. The southern twist is then a trip down south through Kyushu. Through Fukuoka's chic harbor vibe, Kumamoto's castle-ready history, and Kagoshima's volcanic scenery leads back toward a final night in Tokyo. The southern arc contrasts bustling streets with serene corners, a loop that feels like a complete variety of all the flavors Japan has to offer.
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Start with Tokyo’s most iconic “traditional” district, with lantern gates, temple streets, and riverside views. Then finish with a big-city skyline moment at Tokyo Skytree at dusk/night. This day is classic, photogenic, and a great way to ease into Tokyo.
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Tokyo
Sumida River, Tokyo, Japan
1 Chome-1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan
1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Tokyo
Today is “Tokyo in layers”. The morning in museums/green spaces, a busy market street for lunch, then neon-lit Akihabara for electronics/anime/arcades. It’s one of the best days for variety without long transit times.
4 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan
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9-83 Uenokōen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan
6-chōme-10-7 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo
This is Tokyo’s famous contrast day: you’ll walk through a huge forested shrine precinct, then straight into the city’s youth-fashion and shopping heart, ending with that “I’m really in Tokyo” moment at Shibuya Crossing and an observation deck view
1-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
1-chōme-16-6 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Omote-Sando Ave, Tokyo, Japan
3 Chome-13 Minamiaoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
Cat St, 3-chōme-18 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Japan, 〒150-6145 Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-chōme−24−１２ スクランブルスクエア 14階・45階 46階・屋上
Shinjuku is Tokyo at full intensity. Big towers, bright signs, and endless food options—balanced by a beautiful garden break. Finish with night views and a classic alleyway dinner scene
11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
Japan, 〒160-8001 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 2-chōme−8−１ Tochomae Station, 45階
1-chōme-29-1 Kabukichō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021, Japan
1 Chome-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Tokyo
A good mix of culture and fun. Start the day by visiting the half of the must see sights, The Golden Temple and the Stone Temple. Then move downtown, check out Nishiki Market and end with a night out.
1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
13 Ryōanji Goryōnoshitachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8001, Japan
Higashiuoyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan
Kyoto
Now for the rest of the must see sights in Kyoto, Fushimi-Inari Taisha and Kyomizu-dera. Open all day, so it's okay to sleep in a bit if you stayed out long the day before. End the day by walking from Kyomizu-dera to the legendary Gion district to get a taste of old Kyoto and pick up some souvenirs you can only get in Kyoto.
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Kyoto
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka (only about an hour) and get a taste of all the things that make Osaka stand out. Start with a walk around Umeda station, see the sights and get a great view of our surroundings from the Hep Five ferris wheel, a ferris wheel on top of a building! Then head to the Time Out market which has a variety dizzying variety of amazing food. After that head to Osaka Castle and take a stroll around the castle grounds. In the afternoon check out "Ame-Mura" or the American village, Osaka's most hipster neighborhood. With numerous vintage clothing shops, bars and more. End the day in Dotonbori and taste all the unique food Osakans love.
1 Chome-1 Shibata, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0012, Japan
Japan, 〒530-0017 Osaka, Kita Ward, Kakudachō, 5−１５ HEP FIVE 7F
Japan, 〒530-0011 Osaka, Kita Ward, Ōfukachō, 5−５４ Grand Green Osaka South Building B1F
1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
America-mura, 1 Chome Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Osaka
1-chōme-2-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
1-chōme-2-22 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
1-1 Jōnai, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0043, Japan
Japan, 〒810-0051 Fukuoka, Chuo Ward, Ōhorikōen, 1 公園管理事務所
Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0001, Japan
Japan, 〒810-0801 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Nakasu, 1-chōme−8, 那珂川 通り
Kujukushima translates to The 99 Islands. The breathtaking azure bay is covered in little green islands that is a must see in person to fully grasp its beauty. Once, there, take a old pirate ship for a cruise around the bay. Follow that by visiting the Umikirara aquarium and then a visit to Tenkaiho Observatory for a spectacular view of the area.
1008 Kashimaechō, Sasebo, Nagasaki 858-0922, Japan
Kujūku Islands, Nagasaki, Japan
1008 Kashimaechō, Sasebo, Nagasaki 858-0922, Japan
399-403 Shimofunakoshichō, Sasebo, Nagasaki 857-1232, Japan
Back to Fukuoka it's time to explore the outskirts a bit more. Start with Fukuoka's oldest and most famous temple, Dazaifu and then move to Yanagawa and take a river cruise along it's beautiful canals
4-chōme-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu, Fukuoka 818-0117, Japan
Yanagawa, Fukuoka, Japan
On the way to Kumamoto stop by the legendary Mt. Aso. With a Stop at the Daikanbo viewpoint for great views of the mountain and the beautiful Kusasenrigahama plains. Once in Kumamoto, visit Kumamoto Castle, the cities most iconic landmark. Engulf yourself in the history of one of Japan's last standing historical castles. End the day with a stroll around Kumamoto's cozy downtown area.
Daikanbo Lookout, Yamada, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2313, Japan
Mount Aso, Takawara, Aso, Kumamoto 869-2223, Japan
Japan, 〒869-1505 熊本県阿蘇郡阿蘇市草千里ヶ浜
1-1 Honmaru, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 860-0002, Japan
Japan, 〒860-0808 Kumamoto, Chuo Ward, Tetorihonchō, 8−２ テトリアくまもとビル 1階
Start the day by taking the ferry over to Sakurajima and bask in it's nature. After exploring the island, spend the rest of the day in Kagoshima by visiting the enchanting Sengan-en garden, going to an onsen or just strolling around the city.
Rainbow Beach, Sakurajimayokoyamacho, Kagoshima, 891-1419, Japan
Sakurajima, Sakurajimaakamizucho, Kagoshima, 891-1420, Japan
5-chōme-25-18 Yunohama, Ibusuki, Kagoshima 891-0406, Japan
9700-1 Yoshinochō, Kagoshima, 892-0871, Japan
17-4 Higashisengokuchō, Kagoshima, 892-0842, Japan
This is your “Tokyo greatest hits” finale: breakfast at a legendary food district, a classy stroll through Ginza, a history-and-gardens pause at the Imperial Palace area, then a modern immersive-art blowout—capped with Tokyo Tower glowing at night
Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4-chōme−16 および６丁目一部
Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
6-chōme-10-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Japan, 〒106-0041 Tokyo, Minato City, Toranomon, 5-chōme−9−９ Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza B, B1
Tokyo
1 Chome-3 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan
Your last day in Japan. That probably went by way to quick, right? Use this day if there's anything you missed, to shop for anything you haven't bought yet, or just to relax and eat good food. One activity that's always relaxing, a Japanese bath.
5-chōme-4-17 Higashiueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0015, Japan
1-chōme-15-17 Ōkubo, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan