In Japan, there are so many incredible places to visit and experiences to enjoy, so it can be difficult to decide where to go and what to do. In this article, we will use our experience from planning unforgettable vacations to Japan and tell you the best cities to visit and things to do in those locations.
Begin your unforgettable Japanese adventure by visiting the majestic Himeji Castle, before traveling on to Kyoto to experience traditional geisha culture and gain valuable insight into Japan's past.
Cities like Nagoya and Takayama make for ideal stops for those guests interested in understanding samurai culture and staying in ryokans, while the modern wonders of Tokyo provide for the perfect base from which to visit Mt. Fuji.
Since Japan is a large island with regions that vary from each other in terms of geographic splendor, cultural significance, and variety of food, it takes about 15 days to explore the country and really take in all that it has to offer.
1. Walk in the footsteps of Japan's past at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Recommended visiting time: half-day
Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine is an absolute gem for first-time or returning visitors. Dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in all of Japan. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.
Walking uphill to the mountaintop, you pass under more than 2,000 bright red torii gates. Walking under a torii, which is a Japanese religious symbol, signifies entering a sacred space. After walking for only a few minutes, you completely forget that you are in one of the largest cities in Japan, as all you can hear is the chirping of birds.
At the shrine itself, you can discover numerous large statues of kitsune, sacred foxes, known to be messengers of the gods. You are also treated to some amazing views of the Kyoto metropolitan area and the surrounding mountains. There is plenty of time for visitors to take pictures (the best time being 10 in the morning, when the sun casts a gentle light without being overly bright), enjoy the scenery, and meditate.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
|
Sharon has been very helpful since the…
Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her
More
May,
Jul 2023
|
When I first book I was scared of what…
When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent
More
Saul Velez,
Jul 2023
|
Albee was very helpful and responsive…
Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour.
More
Bhavini Patel,
Jul 2023
|
Alisa was a perfect tour consultant
Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable
More
Matha Goram,
Jul 2023
|
I highly Recommend Asia Highlights
For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time.
For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us!
If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!!
More
Jessalynn Flores,
Jul 2023
|
Working to put together a custom trip…
Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience
More
Marc,
Jul 2023
|
Wonderful Service from Sharon!
Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!!
More
Ali Tahir,
Jul 2023
|
Wonderful trip
We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip!
More
Happy Customer,
Jun 2023
|
Just got to say
Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica!
More
Teri,
Jun 2023
|
Monica is fantastic
Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend.
More
Philip Sheldon,
Jun 2023
|
Me and my son are traveling to Japan
Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip.
More
Ana Letícia Urbanin,
Jun 2023
|
A great way to plan a dream vacation
Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim.
More
KC,
May 2023
|
Yeliz - Asia Highlights
Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka!
More
Cyndie,
May 2023
|
Sharon’s was very patient and helpful…
Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip.
More
Jonny Abad,
May 2023
|
Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices.
More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
|
11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip!
More
LE,
May 2023
|
Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene
More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
|
Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it
Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary
More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
|
Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets.
The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs.
More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
|
I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa.
More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
|
2. Learn about geisha culture by taking a walk in Kyoto's Gion District
Recommended visiting time: 2-3 hours in the evening
Gion in Kyoto is still a working geisha district and, while geishas aren't as prevalent as they used to be, these icons of a highly ritualized and complex social structure are still alive today in Kyoto's Gion district. Young women enter one of many geisha schools as apprentices (maiko). They take classes in dance, song, music, and tea ceremony performance, before emerging as a fully-fledged geisha (geiko).
While it's possible to meet a geisha by booking a private performance, the high demand for geishas by wealthy families and big businesses to entertain at important occasions has made this a very exclusive affair. Alternatively, you could take a leisurely walk around the district.
During your walk, you will notice geisha schools which have programs of study posted on the wall outside. One can even spot geishas running to and from their appointments, dressed exactly as seen on photographs.
3. Make tea in Uji, the birthplace of Japanese macha tea
Recommended visiting time: half-day
As the tea industry in Japan — and other parts of the world, for that matter — becomes increasingly mechanized, local tea masters try hard to keep old tea-making traditions alive. Uji, the birthplace of Japanese macha, offers the most authentic touch for tea- related experiences for visitors.
Not only can you learn how to make tea, but also learn about the history of tea-making in Uji. You can then stroll along the lovely streets of Uji before stopping for a simple lunch.
Visitors can learn about the different kinds of tools that are used for making tea and the different processes involved in tea ceremonies by entering local workshops that have been in the industry for over a century. Local tea masters share the secret practices with guests, after which guests can make their own cups.
4. Walk over the Shibuya Crossing
Recommended visiting time: half-day
Nothing will make you feel like you've arrived in Tokyo more than seeing the Shibuya Crossing. Right outside Tokyo's Shibuya Station, a network of pedestrian crossings bridge the street corners, each as wide as a road. At the change of the traffic lights, thousands of people pour across the street in a minute of seemingly choreographed chaos, moving to the tune of wacky computer-game-style music, which the surrounding shops play 24 hours a day.
You can then make your way to the pedestrian shopping street of Takeshita, the colorful neighborhood of Harajuku, or the quiet backstreet of Cat Street and feel the passion for fashion and anime that is synonymous with Tokyo.
Snapping up tons of pictures before taking a break at a Cat Cafe (Maid Cafe) for dinner makes for a well-spent day! Cat Cafes are particularly popular, with patrons paying to spend time playing with the animals.
5. Visiting Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market
Recommended visiting time: entire morning
The Tsukiji Fish Market is not just the largest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, but also the largest wholesale food market of any kind. The market supplies some of the highest quality fish to some of the best restaurants in Japan and is, as a result, a major tourist attraction at home and abroad.
High-quality tuna are auctioned off to top restaurants in a dramatic bidding war at 5 in the morning, so you'll have to get there with time to spare if you plan on catching the show. You should note, though, that it can be a little tricky to get into the market that early since it's so busy during the auction.
The freshest possible fish, the quality of which has attracted highly skilled chefs to set up sushi stalls in the market, surrounds you. Visit for breakfast and you can sit alongside locals who have stopped in before work. Ootoro, a fatty cut of tuna that melts in your mouth, is especially popular.
Recommended Itinerary
6. Discover the beauty of Mt. Fuji
Recommended visiting time: 1 day
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Mt. Fuji. Fuji-san, as the locals lovingly call it, is a powerful symbol of national identity that features throughout Japanese lore. It is not surprising that the nearly perfect shaped volcano has been worshipped as a sacred mountain and has experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries.
At Mt. Fuji National Park, you can take one of many forms of transport available to visitors. You can make your way up to Mt. Owakudani by taking the world's second longest cable car, passing over sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers in this volcanic area.
You can cross Lake Ashinoko, a lake formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago, by taking a cruise in a replica pirate ship. We also suggest taking the Hakone Tozan 'switchback train' which zigzags its way through the mountains, giving visitors glorious views of the surrounding valleys.
7. Understand samurai culture in Nagoya
Recommended visiting time: 1 day
If you find yourself in Nagoya, do take the time to visit Kiyosu Castle. Being the birthplace of Oda Nobunaga, Kiyosu Castle was at the heart of the late daimyō's (feudal lord) unification of Japan and boasts an unadulterated samurai life philosophy.
During your visit, it's best to spend the day with a samurai armor maker and learn about his daily life.
You will be given the opportunity to have all your questions about samurais answered by the armor maker, before trying on a samurai outfit yourself.
Recommended Itinerary
8. Stay at a ryokan in Takayama
Recommended visiting time: 1 night
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers the highest quality of Japanese service. Ryokans are usually family enterprises, and as such they are usually really simple, but that's part of the charm.
You could spend the day in Takayama learning about and enjoying a variety of local foods and sake before you decide to call it a day and head to your ryokan.
Most ryokans usually provide visitors with a sumptuous in-house feast, yukata robes, and simple-yet-elegant tatami-mat rooms. You can take a hot spring bath by using the public onsen bath or charter one of your own. Spending the night at a ryokan is the perfect experience to let your troubles drift away!
9. Climb up the majestic Himeji Castle
Recommended visiting time: half-day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle is a must-visit for all travelers to Japan. There are countless castles in Japan, but Himeji Castle is unique due to its military significance centuries ago. Unlike many other castles in Japan (like the Osaka Castle in Osaka), Himeji Castle retains its original magnificence, having not undergone as many renovations. It was also featured in the film, The Last Samurai.
Guests can climb up this five-storied castle and then take a leisurely walk in the attached Kokoen Garden before taking a break for lunch. A cable car ride up to Mt. Shosha to take in the splendid views of a mountaintop temple is also recommended.
As you make your way up the castle, you will see weapon storage chambers, hidden closets used by samurai guards, and suicide quarters used by nobles on the verge of defeat during a battle. Himeji Castle is also a good place for kids to discover secret chambers and closets while also learning something.
It is important to note, that the sheer amount of stairs may make it hard for children under the age of 4 or for people with mobility restrictions to enjoy this site.
Recommended Itinerary
10. Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Recommended visiting time: half-day
Miyajima Island is renowned for its picturesque torii gate that seems to be floating on the lake surface, and for the Itsukushima Shrine which has many buildings built over water. Guests will also be given the opportunity to pay their respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
A boat trip will be needed to get to Miyajima Island. A huge red torii gate, nicknamed ‘the floating gate’ since its base is surrounded by water when the tide comes in, marks this island. This view of the gate is perhaps one of the most photographed images in Japan. If you take a cable car up to the highest peak on the island, however, you will get an even better view of the gate.
A visit to the many museums in Hiroshima is not only important in order to pay your respects. It’s also essential in acquiring an insight into how war-time events have changed the country, and, more encouragingly, how Hiroshima is leading the way in the fight against nuclear weapons.
Experience Japan's unique culture with Asia Highlights
No one knows Japan quite like we do here at Asia Highlights! There's much to see and explore, and our team of specialists will go above and beyond in planning the perfect Japan itinerary for you and your loved ones.