From the neon pulse of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan weaves ancient traditions with cutting-edge innovation.

Whether chasing cherry blossoms, snow monkeys, or art islands, these itineraries unlock the Land of the Rising Sun’s secrets.

Golden Route Highlights

Tokyo’s Energy

Begin in Tokyo, where Shibuya Crossing thrums with 3,000 pedestrians per light cycle. Visit Sensō-ji Temple (free entry) and teamLab Planets (¥3,800/~€24) for digital art immersion. Stay at Nine Hours Shinjuku (¥5,000/~€31 pod hotel) or splurge on Park Hotel Tokyo (¥30,000/~€190/night).

Kyoto’s Culture

Ride the Shinkansen (¥13,080/~€83 with JR Pass) to Kyoto. Explore Fushimi Inari’s 10,000 torii gates (free) and Kinkaku-ji’s gold-leaf pavilion (¥500/~€3.20). Dine on kaiseki at Kikunoi (¥15,000/~€95).

Nara & Osaka

Day-trip to Nara (¥710/~€4.50 train) to feed sacred deer (¥200/~€1.30 crackers). In Osaka, devour takoyaki at Dōtonbori (¥600/~€3.80) and ascend Umeda Sky Building (¥1,500/~€9.50).

Hiroshima’s History

Pay respects at the Atomic Bomb Dome (free) and Peace Memorial Museum (¥200/~€1.30). Stay at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima (¥12,000/~€76/night). Ferry to Miyajima (¥2,000/~€13 round-trip) for floating Itsukushima Shrine (¥300/~€1.90).

Alpine Adventures

Nagano’s Treasures

From Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (¥8,500/~€54) to Nagano. Visit Zenkō-ji Temple (free) and meet snow monkeys at Jigokudani Park (¥800/~€5).

Matsumoto’s Castle

Train to Matsumoto (¥2,540/~€16) to explore Matsumoto-jō (¥700/~€4.50), Japan’s oldest wooden castle. Stay at Nunoya ryokan (¥15,000/~€95) with onsen baths.

Kamikōchi Hikes

Bus into Kamikōchi (¥4,700/~€30 round-trip) for trails like Kappa Bridge to Taishō Pond (2 hours). Lodges like Kamikōchi Lemeiesta (¥10,000/~€63) book early.

Takayama & Shirakawa-gō

Wander Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji (free), sampling Hida food (¥2,500/~€16). Bus to Shirakawa-gō (¥2,600/~€16) for gasshō-zukuri farmhouses (¥600/~€3.80 entry).

Kanazawa’s Gardens

Conclude in Kanazawa, where Kenroku-en Garden (¥320/~€2) rivals Kyoto’s best. Savor gold-leaf ice cream (¥1,000/~€6.30) in the Higashi Chaya District.

Shikoku Road Trip

Naoshima Art Island

Ferry from Okayama to Naoshima (¥520/~€3.30) to see Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins. Stay at Benesse House (¥40,000/~€253/night), a art-integrated hotel.

Takamatsu’s Udon

Drive to Takamatsu, home of sanuki udon (¥500/~€3.20 at Kamatensho). Stroll Ritsurin Garden (¥410/~€2.60), a 17th-century masterpiece.

Iya Valley Mystique

Navigate Iya Valley’s vine bridges (¥550/~€3.50 entry). Stay at Iya Onsen (¥20,000/~€127), a cliffside hot spring retreat.

Kōchi’s Castle

Explore Kōchi-jō (¥420/~€2.70), one of Japan’s 12 original castles. Feast at Hirome Market on katsuo no tataki (¥1,200/~€7.60).

Matsuyama’s Onsen

Soak in Dōgo Onsen (¥1,500/~€9.50), a 3,000-year-old bathhouse. Stay at Dōgo Kan (¥25,000/~€158), a historic ryokan.

Budget Breakdown

- Accommodation: ¥5,000–40,000/day (~€31–253)

- Transport: 7-day JR Pass ¥29,650 (~€188); rental cars ¥8,000/day (~€51)

- Food: ¥1,000–15,000/day (~€6.30–95)

- Attractions: ¥300–3,800/entry (~€1.90–24)

Essential Tips

- Book Shinkansen seats early via SmartEX app.

- Visit Miyajima at high tide for iconic shrine photos.

- Rent an EcoCute car charger for Shikoku’s remote routes.

Conclusion

Japan’s magic lies in its contrasts—skyscrapers shadowing shinto shrines, onsen steam rising in alpine valleys. Whether tracing the Golden Route or winding through Shikoku’s heart, each journey etches memories deeper than cherry blossoms in spring.