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Japan is an attractive destination for tourists because of its diverse culture, beautiful nature, and abundance of historical sites.
For foreigners visiting Japan for the first time, we introduce recommended route plans for efficient sightseeing.
Here we propose a route that takes in the major cities and tourist attractions, detailing the highlights and activities in each.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive at Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport: Tokyo is the gateway to Japan and home to many international flights. Tokyo is the gateway to Japan, with many international flights arriving and departing from the airport and easy access to the city.
Check into a hotel: Stay in an area such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa for convenient sightseeing.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple: This is the oldest temple in Tokyo and also features the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street. The Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street are also highlights of the temple and offer a taste of traditional Japanese culture.
Tokyo Sky Tree: One of the tallest towers in the world, the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Tokyo.
Akihabara: The center of electronics and otaku culture, Akihabara is a great place for shopping and experiencing maid cafes.
Day 3: Day trip to Mt.
Fuji Fifth Station: Take a bus to the fifth station of Mt.
Kawaguchiko: Enjoy the lakeside scenery with Mt. Fuji in the background, and take a sightseeing boat or a walk along the lakeside.
Onsen (hot springs): Relax in one of the many hot spring resorts around Mt.
Day 4: Kamakura and Yokohama Sightseeing
Kamakura: Stroll around the Great Buddha statue, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and the streets of this ancient city.
Yokohama: There are many sightseeing spots such as Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and the Yokohama Landmark Tower. The night view is especially beautiful, so staying until nighttime is recommended.
Day 5: Enjoy Tokyo’s blend of modern and traditional
Shinjuku Gyoen: A vast garden in the heart of the city where you can enjoy the flowers of the four seasons.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing: One of the most famous crossings in the world, especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Odaiba: A futuristic area with shopping, a Ferris wheel, and a giant Gundam statue.
Day 6: Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea: World-famous theme parks with attractions that will keep you entertained all day long.
Day 7: Final Fun in Tokyo and Return Home
Tsukiji Market or Toyosu Market: The best place to enjoy fresh seafood, especially for breakfast.
Ginza: Enjoy one last shopping and dining experience in this area of luxury brand stores and gourmet food.
Transfer to the airport: Return home from Narita or Haneda Airport.
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka
Arrive at Kansai International Airport: Osaka is the gateway to the Kansai region and offers a wealth of tourist attractions.
Check into your hotel: Stay overnight in the Umeda or Namba area for convenience.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Osaka
Osaka Castle: The symbol of Osaka, this castle has an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Dotonbori: You can enjoy Osaka’s gourmet food such as Glico signs, delicious takoyaki (octopus dumplings) and okonomiyaki (okonomiyaki).
Umeda Sky Building: The Sky Garden Observation Deck offers a panoramic night view of Osaka, especially beautiful at night.
Day 3: Kyoto Transfer and Sightseeing
Arashiyama: Stroll along Wataratsuki Bridge and bamboo grove paths to enjoy the elegant scenery. The autumn foliage is especially beautiful.
Kinkakuji Temple: A golden temple with a beautiful reflection in the pond.
Gion: Enjoy the traditional streets and the sight of maiko (apprentice geisha) walking around.
Day 4: Visit Kyoto’s famous landmarks
Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, and the view from the stage is spectacular. Nearby Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka are also very picturesque.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: Famous for its thousand torii gates, this shrine offers a spectacular view of the city. Visitors can enjoy the mystical atmosphere while walking along the approach to the shrine.
Nijo Castle: Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijo Castle is famous for its interior paintings and gardens.
Day 5: Sightseeing in Nara
Todaiji Temple: The world’s largest wooden structure, the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), is an impressive sight to behold.
Nara Park: You can walk around the park and interact with the deer. You can buy deer crackers and play with the deer.
Kofukuji Temple: The famous statue of Ashura, which is displayed in the National Treasure Hall, is a sight to behold.
Day 6: Kobe Sightseeing
Rokko: Take the cable car to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Kobe city and the Seto Inland Sea. The night view is especially beautiful.
Ijinkan-gai (Foreign Residences District): Located in the Old Foreign Settlement, this area is lined with Western-style buildings and offers an exotic atmosphere.
Kobe Harborland: A beautiful harbor town with great views, shopping, and cruises.
Day 7: Final Fun in Osaka and Return Home
Universal Studios Japan: This world-famous theme park offers a full day of attractions.
Transfer to the airport: Return home via Kansai International Airport.
Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo
Arrive at New Chitose Airport: Sapporo is the central city of Hokkaido and offers a wide range of gastronomic and sightseeing opportunities.
Check in to your hotel: Stay overnight near Sapporo Station or in the Susukino area.
Day 2: Sapporo Sightseeing
Odori Park: The Odori Park is famous for its seasonal events, especially the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter.
Clock Tower: A historical landmark and symbol of Sapporo.
Susukino: Hokkaido’s gourmet district, where you can enjoy Jingisukan (Japanese mutton barbecue) and seafood dishes.
Day 3: Otaru Day Trip
Otaru Canal: The retro townscape and scenery along the canal are attractive, and you can also enjoy a canal cruise.
Otaru Music Box Museum: Beautiful music boxes are on display, and you can even try your hand at making one yourself.
Otaru Sushi Town: Enjoy sushi made with fresh seafood.
Day 4: Nature tour in Furano and Biei
Furano: Beautiful scenery of lavender fields and flower fields can be enjoyed here, especially in summer. The best time to visit is in summer.
Biei: Picturesque scenery such as blue ponds and hills of patchwork can be seen. Driving with a rental car is recommended.
Day 5: Relax at Noboribetsu Onsen
Noboribetsu Onsen: You can stroll around Jigokudani (Hell Valley) and the hot spring resort area, and enjoy a wide variety of hot spring water qualities. Stay overnight at an onsen ryokan for a moment of relaxation.
Day 6: Hakodate Sightseeing
Goryokaku: A star-shaped fortress with a beautiful view from the observatory. The view from the observatory is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season and the season of autumn leaves.
Mount Hakodate: Take the ropeway to the top of Mount Hakodate and enjoy the night view of Hakodate. Hakodate is famous as one of the three most beautiful night views in the world.
Asaichi (morning market): A market where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a bowl of seafood for breakfast.
Day 7: Final fun in Sapporo and return home
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill: Enjoy the expansive view of Hokkaido and the bronze statue of Dr. Clark.
Shiroi Koibito Park: You can take a factory tour of the famous “Shiroi Koibito” confectionery and visit the souvenir store.
Transfer to the airport: You will depart from New Chitose Airport for your flight home.
Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka
Arrive at Fukuoka Airport: Fukuoka is the gateway to Kyushu and offers a wide variety of sightseeing spots and gourmet food.
Check in to your hotel: Stay overnight near Hakata Station or in the Tenjin area.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Fukuoka
Ohori Park: A beautiful garden with a large pond where you can stroll or go boating.
Canal City Hakata: A large shopping mall where you can enjoy shopping and dining.
Nakasu: Enjoy Fukuoka’s famous ramen and yakitori at night at one of the yatai stalls.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Nagasaki
Glover Garden: Enjoy the exotic atmosphere of this garden lined with Western-style buildings from the old settlement.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum: Learn about the importance of peace and gain an in-depth understanding of history at this facility.
Mt. Inasa: Take the ropeway to the top of the mountain and enjoy the night view of Nagasaki.
Day 4: Kumamoto and Aso Sightseeing
Kumamoto Castle: One of the three most famous castles in Japan, Kumamoto Castle features beautiful stone walls and a magnificent castle tower.
Aso: An active volcano with one of the world’s largest calderas, Aso is a great place to see the crater and enjoy the scenery of the grasslands.
There are also hot spring resorts scattered around Mt.
Day 5: Tour of Oita Hot Springs
Beppu Onsen: Visitors can enjoy a hell tour, sand baths, and the scenery of rising hot spring water. The variety of hot spring facilities will help you relax.
Yufuin: A hot springs, art, and gourmet destination with beautiful views of Lake Kinrin and Mount Yufudake.
Day 6: Kagoshima Sightseeing
Sakurajima: An active volcano and symbol of Kagoshima, visitors can experience the power of the volcano up close by taking a ferry across the island.
Sengan-en: The villa of the Shimazu family, Sengan-en Garden is a beautiful garden and historic building. The garden commands a panoramic view of Sakurajima.
Kagoshima Chuo Station area: A collection of restaurants serving Kagoshima specialties such as shochu and Kurobuta (black pork) dishes.
Day 7: Final Fun in Fukuoka and Return Home
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Known as the god of learning, this shrine features a beautiful garden and historic buildings.
Tenjin Underground Shopping Center: A great place for last minute shopping and cafes.
Transfer to the airport: Return to Fukuoka Airport for your flight home.
Each region of Japan offers different attractions for your sightseeing route plan. The Tokyo and Surrounding Area, Kyoto and Kansai, Hokkaido, and Kyushu routes are perfect for enjoying the culture, history, and nature of each region. Please use these plans as a guide to fully enjoy Japan’s rich tourist resources. You are sure to create wonderful travel memories.
