A snow covered mountain with a blue sky above.

Japan

Neon Tokyo and quiet Kyoto get the photos. The trip worth taking happens on the trains between them.

Best time to visit: Mar–May and Oct–Nov
Getting around: Bullet trains and local lines
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Ideal length: 10–12 days

Japan rewards fewer bases and slower days

Most first trips try to squeeze Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fuji and Hiroshima into a week, and spend it on platforms. Three bases with a bullet train between them works better: Tokyo for the city, Kyoto and Osaka for temples and food, and one night by Mount Fuji or in a hot-spring town.

Timing matters more here than almost anywhere. Cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn colour (mid to late November) are spectacular and book out months ahead; winter brings Hokkaido's snow and the clearest views of Fuji. Travelling vegetarian or Jain takes planning in Japan, and we plan it.

The country, base by base

Map of Japan — Approximate Map & Locations

Neon, quiet shrines and the best food city on earth. Give it four nights, not two.
Kyoto's temples and wooden lanes, with Osaka's street food half an hour away. Nara is an easy day: friendly deer roam Nara Park and Todai-ji houses one of the world's largest bronze Buddhas. For something different, try ninja training in Iga, retro arcades in Osaka or the Shimanami Kaido cycling route.
One night by Lake Kawaguchi or in a Hakone ryokan. Clear winter mornings show Fuji best.
A sobering morning at the Peace Memorial, then the floating torii gate at high tide.
Powder snow in winter, lavender fields in July: a different Japan, a short flight north of Tokyo.
Far south, Okinawa shows a subtropical side of Japan shaped by Ryukyu heritage. Naha has lively markets, Churaumi Aquarium is a highlight, and the Kerama Islands are known for snorkelling and diving.

Things worth actually doing

Tap the ones you would like on your trip.

Pick a few and we will build the trip around them.

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Good to know before you go

Apply for the eVISA early
Indian passport holders need a visa. Japan's online eVISA is open to them; apply three to four weeks before flying.
Vegetarian? Watch for dashi
Fish stock hides in most soups and sauces. We plan meals around temple cooking, Indian and vegetarian restaurants.
Do the maths on the JR Pass
Since its 2023 price rise it only pays off for long, back-to-back train days. We check it for your route.
Send your bags ahead
Takkyubin couriers move suitcases hotel to hotel overnight, so you ride the trains light.
Carry cash and an IC card
Smaller places still take cash only. A Suica or Pasmo card covers trains, buses and convenience stores.