Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world because it combines two realities that seem opposite: thousand-year-old tradition and extreme modernity.
In a single day you can have breakfast in a futuristic café in Tokyo, visit a temple that's over 1,000 years old, and end up relaxing in an onsen surrounded by nature.
Everything here runs flawlessly, but at the same time everything is different: the language, the social norms, the transport, the way you move around cities.
It's a destination that can be incredible... or overwhelming if you're not well prepared.
This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of the country, optimizing routes, timing and experiences, avoiding common mistakes and discovering both the essentials and some special hidden spots.
Philosophy of this itinerary
This trip is designed to be:
- Balanced → a mix of city, culture and nature
- Optimized → without wasting time on unnecessary travel
- Flexible → with free moments built in to explore
It's not a trip planned down to the minute — it's a structured guide so you have everything under control without losing your freedom.
Must-dos in Japan
Fushimi Inari, early
Arrive between 7:00 and 8:00 and climb part of the mountain: higher up there are fewer people and the atmosphere is much more special.
Shibuya Sky at sunset
Probably the best view of Tokyo, outdoors and with no glass. Book ahead: sunset tickets sell out fast.
A night on Miyajima
When the day-trippers leave, the island is left almost empty and you see the torii without crowds.
An onsen
If there's one thing you must try, it's a Japanese hot spring bath. Around Fuji you have several options.
Nara and its deer
A day trip from Kyoto, one hour by train. The deer bow back and the bronze Buddha at Todai-ji is striking.
Tea ceremony and omakase
A tea ceremony lasts 30 to 45 minutes. For omakase, the €150-250 range is the best balance; book 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
Getting around
In Japan everything works impeccably: the shinkansen connects the big cities, and inside them the subway and local trains work well. Before buying it, check whether the Japan Rail Pass pays off.
Who is it for?
It's a balanced trip of city, culture and nature, optimized so you don't lose time on transfers and with free moments built in. There's a 14-day and a 17-day version: we help you choose which suits you.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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Prepare your trip to Japan
Best time to visit Japan: season by season
Japan can be visited all year round. What each season offers, when it's most crowded and when prices are best.
Where to stay in Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ginza
In Tokyo, location matters more than the hotel itself. How to choose between Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, with real hotels for every budget.
Is the JR Pass worth it? The maths on my Japan route
I didn't buy it and I recommend skipping it. Here's the maths on my 17-day route: what the individual journeys cost, what the pass costs and why it doesn't pay off.
Best things to do in Japan: our favorite experiences
The experiences we recommend most in Japan: an early start at Fushimi Inari, Shibuya Sky at sunset, a night on Miyajima, an onsen, a tea ceremony and an omakase.
Japan entry requirements: visa, Visit Japan Web, forms
What you need to enter Japan: when you don't need a visa, which documents to carry and how to save time at immigration with Visit Japan Web.
Where to stay in Kyoto and Osaka: hotels by budget
Gion or Higashiyama in Kyoto, Namba or Shinsaibashi in Osaka. Real hotels by budget in both cities.