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Introducing Japan

An ancient way of life fuses with modern society in this bustling and iconic travel destination. Travelers fall in love (or renew their vows) with Japanese food and astonishing scenery of this mountainous archipelago dotted with modern cities.

When is the best time to visit?
Late spring and early autumn have traditionally been considered the best times to visit Japan, but more and more travelers are seeking trips to this mountainous county in the winter to take advantage of its snowy season. Skiers and snowboarders are flocking to Japan in December through March in search of the powdery, light snow the region is increasingly known for. Learn more

Where to go in Japan?
The possibilities are endless. Night owls will love the 24-hour food and drinking scene of bustling city centers like Tokyo and Osaka, older cities that are embracing the new with plenty of flair and energy. Rural travelers will enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko National Park in the mountains of Hokkaidō and the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. Learn more

How many days do I need?
Since there is so much to do in Japan and travel within the country via the high-speed bullet trains is so easy, visitors can opt for trips of any duration. To do any justice to this amazing country, spend at least a week and ideally up to three. Learn more

Getting Around Japan
Most visitors to Japan fly into one of Tokyo's two airports, Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport (Tokyo International). Trains connect both airports to downtown Tokyo, and from there, extensive and efficient rail networks carry passengers to destinations on Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Learn more

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Japan Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Sunrise in the post town of Narai, Japan
Map of Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days
Hike Japan's Nakasendo Trail - 5 Days

Step back in time and immerse yourself in nature on this five-day hiking trip along the historic Nakasendo Trail. Feudal lords and samurai once walked this mountain path connecting Kyoto and Tokyo, stopping to rest in historic jukus, or Edo-era post towns, each night. You'll follow in their footsteps as you trek through picturesque valleys, explore idyllic villages, sleep in traditional inns, and relax in the thermal waters of hot springs along the hike.

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple overlooking Kyoto's skyline
Map of Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days
Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima - 10 Days

This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey.

Tokyo's Shinjuku Park
Map of Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days
Classic Highlights of Japan - 14 Days

Welcome to Japan! On this two-week journey around the main island, Honshu, you'll enjoy a mix of cultural sightseeing and active adventures. Visit sacred temples and shrines, cycle through the countryside, and wander around Tokyo's most fashionable neighborhoods. From the history of Hiroshima and the wonders of ancient Kyoto to the historic farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the quiet island of Miyajima, there's so much to see and do.

Boating in Arashiyama
Map of Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days
Natural Wonders of Japan - 10 Days

Just as fascinating as Japan's ultra-modern urban culture is its spectacular natural scenery. On this 10-day adventure, you'll venture beyond the glittering cities to explore Japan's stunning natural wonders and learn about the country's ancient cultural traditions. Visit ancient shrines, climb mountain peaks, wander through lush bamboo forests, learn about geisha culture and fine arts customs, and marvel at the country's most prized landscape garden. You'll end the journey in quiet Kyoto, enjoying a boat cruise on the Hozugawa River past vibrant cherry blossoms.

Explore historic Edo-era post towns along the Nakasendo Trail
Map of Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
Highlights & Hiking in Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo & the Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days

This active tour of Japan combines modern cities with outdoor adventures, including five days of hiking along the famous Nakasendo Trail. You'll start in Kyoto, visiting the famed red torii gates of Fushimi Inari and watching a live geisha performance. Then, set out on foot along one of the major traveling routes of the Edo period—traversing bamboo forests in Nojiri, the peaks of Torii Pass, and the plateaus of Usui-toge. End in Tokyo for city views from the Tokyo Skytree and a tranquil visit to Asakusa Shrine.

Kyoto's Higashiyama historic district
Map of Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days
Best of Tokyo & Kyoto - 7 Days

This weeklong adventure splits its time between two of Japan's most important cities with a mix of customizable tours and free time to explore on your own. Start off in Tokyo for a taste of modern Japan with top-notch architecture, animé, modern art, high fashion, and cuisine. Then head to traditional Kyoto for beautiful temples and shrines, ancient gardens, and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

Make the Most of Your Time in Japan

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Discover Japan's Golden Pavillion or Kinkaku-ji temple in Kyoto
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles (3,210 km). How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an...

Blossoming sakura (cherry) trees and iconic Mount Fuji
Map of 1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Japan's efficient trains make it possible to see three regions in one week. First-time visitors will enjoy highlights that include futuristic museums in Odaiba, the temples and...

Take to Tokyo's iconic streets and walk Shibuya's busiest pedestrian crossing
Map of 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Thanks to Japan's efficient transportation, you can visit at least four regions in 10 days. First-timers will enjoy touring iconic sites in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima....

Wander the streets of Kyoto on a classic two week trip covering the highlights
Map of 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In a two-week Japan trip, divide your days among Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okinawa for a highlights tour, or indulge in culinary delights with street food, tea ceremonies, and...

Japan Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Taiyu-in Temple in Nikko, just north of Tokyo, is beautiful during the fall season
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

The best times to visit Japan are spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms and fall (September to November) for vibrant fall foliage, both offering pleasant weather and...

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto
Essential Japan: Top 10 Things to Do & See

Crescent-shaped islands surrounded by deep blue sea, Japan has everything from Buddhist temples to great beaches. Home to both a robot restaurant and an ancient rainforest, it's...

Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Japan Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Japan Destination Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Iriomote Island, Okinawa (© Yuri Awanohara)
Guide to Japan's Main Regions

Japan is roughly the size of California, with thousands of islands offering a huge variety of things to see and do. You can experience some of the world's best powder skiing in...

Coral reefs of Okinawa
Ultimate Guide to Okinawa

Okinawa's attractions have something for everyone. They cater to cocktail-sipping beach bums, history buffs, and active adventurers alike. The island is fairly small, so even a...

Japan Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
Kyoto
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
5.0
(5)
· Upscale
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic, located alongside the Takase River in Kyoto, stands on a site rich in historical significance, as it was once home to Kyoto clan residences during the Edo period and is the location of Japan's first successful movie preview experiment. The hotel coexists...
Photo courtesy of The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji, Osaka
Osaka
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji
5.0
(5)
· Luxury
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Osaka Midosuji is a luxurious property in the bustling Chuo Ward district, placing you right among the city's most intriguing attractions and a 20-minute walk from the city center. You'll also be just a 3-minute stroll from the tranquil Hongan-ji Temple Tsumura Betsuin...
Photo courtesy of Onyado Nono Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring
Kanazawa
Onyado Nono Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring
4.8
(6)
· Mid-Range
Onyado Nono Kanazawa Natural Hot Spring is a hotel that offers a taste of traditional Japanese culture, as it's designed as a modernized hatago—a nod to the classic Japanese inns of the past. As you step in from the busy street, you'll appreciate the calming tatami mats covering most hotel...

Best Experiences in Japan

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Kyoto
Kyoto Cooking Class
5.0
(6)
3 hours
·
Small group
Experience traditional Japanese cooking firsthand with our cooking classes in Kyoto. Begin your day with our Morning Bento Class from 9:30-12:30, where you'll learn how to prepare several Japanese dishes, including sushi, tempura, and miso soup. In the afternoon, join our Izakaya Class from...
(photo courtesy of Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya)
Kyoto
Samurai Ninja Museum & Tea Ceremony Experience
5.0
(1)
4 hours
·
Small group
Step back in time to Edo-era Kyoto with this half-day, hands-on experience that's ideal for families and groups. Start at the Samurai Ninja Museum, where your guide will lead you through fascinating exhibits dedicated to these iconic medieval warriors. You'll have the chance to don your own...
Okinawa
Mangrove Kayaking Experience
2 hours
·
Small group
Discover the natural beauty of Okinawa's subtropical Hija River on a relaxing paddle among its mangroves. After a brief introduction and a little practice, you'll set off in an open kayak with your guide to explore a landscape where the calm river and mangrove forest blend into one tranquil...

Our Latest Japan Content

Join the 19th running of the Tokyo Marathon
Map of Race Abroad in Japan: Run the 2026 Tokyo Marathon - 12 Days
Race Abroad in Japan: Run the 2026 Tokyo Marathon - 12 Days

Turn your run in the 2026 Tokyo Marathon into an adventure across Japan with this 12-day itinerary built around recovery and exploration. Ease into the trip with time to prepare and get to know Tokyo, then celebrate your race day accomplishment with immersive food and cultural experiences in the capital. Ride the bullet train to Kyoto for temples, tea, and bamboo forests, then wrap up in Osaka with street food, neon nights, and a day trip to historic Nara.

See the lights and sights of South Korea and Japan on this two-week trip
Map of Best of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Seoul & Jeju Island - 14 Days
Best of Japan & South Korea: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Seoul & Jeju Island - 14 Days

Spend two glorious weeks exploring the iconic sights of Japan and South Korea, starting with the bright lights of Tokyo. Boat across a picturesque lake in the shadow of Mount Fuji, then transfer to Kyoto for tea, samurai, temples, and markets. Spend a day meeting the friendly deer in Nara before tasting the delights of Osaka. Fly to South Korea to explore the capital, Seoul, and the nearby DMZ. Then, end your trip on the scenic island of Jeju for beaches, tea plantations, sea caves, tangerines, and waterfalls.

Visit hot springs and hidden gems in Japan and South Korea during this two-week tour
Map of Off the Beaten Path in Japan & South Korea with Hot Springs - 14 Days
Off the Beaten Path in Japan & South Korea with Hot Springs - 14 Days

Discover hidden gems, historical sights, and hot springs during this 14-day adventure in Japan and South Korea. Try Fukuoka's famous pork ramen, boat on Yanagawa's canals, see Nagasaki's Peace Park, and explore the picturesque Takachiho Gorge. Spend several days in the hot springs town of Beppu, then fly to South Korea to explore palaces and murals in Seoul. Learn to make traditional Korean pottery, get a medicinal foot bath in Daegu, and end your trip in a traditional Korean bathhouse.

Japan Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Guide to Japan's Main Regions
Guide to Japan's Main Regions
View article
Map 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Japan
Travel specialist Angel Tang
active 1 min ago

Angel Tang

I love exploring and have been traveling in Asian countries for more than fifteen years. As a Japan specialist, I have a deep affection for this country and I will use my knowledge and expertise to...

read more...
Travel specialist Shona Zhang
active 7 mins ago

Shona Zhang

With strong passion for traveling,I worked as an English-speaking guide for 10 years with travel agent.I love to travel and communicate with different tourists from all corners of the...

read more...
Travel specialist Sandy Ren
active 12 mins ago

Sandy Ren

I have been working as a travel specialist since graduating from college twenty years ago. Travel is my lifelong passion. It was such a thrilling thing to venture into a new world full of unknown...

read more...
Travel specialist Leny Vergara
active 6 mins ago

Leny Vergara

Hello! I'm Leny. Travel is my passion, and if you're anything like me, you believe the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Japan is the first country I lived in, and I fell in love with it....

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Japan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Lenny was amazing. Otherworldly experience 3 ...
Japan | Jun 10 - Jun 27, 2026

Woodrow
Woodrow J.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2026

Lenny was amazing. Otherworldly experience 3 weeks in Japan. Strongly recommend.

Local specialist: Leny Vergara

Our 9-day trip to Japan was a whirlwind
Japan | Jun 25 - Jul 2, 2026

Courtney
Courtney C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2026
Our 9-day trip to Japan was a whirlwind of last-minute planning, an ambitious schedule and special requests from our teens and we wouldn’t have made it without Ada and KimKim. They were our itinerary’s guiding light, wizards at scheduling and key factors in crafting the amazing adventure we just completed. In mid-June, I started looking into Japan travel options, planning to leave the last week of June. I put together a rough itinerary and sent it to some travel groups to get thoughts on... Read more

Our 9-day trip to Japan was a whirlwind of last-minute planning, an ambitious schedule and special requests from our teens and we wouldn’t have made it without Ada and KimKim. They were our itinerary’s guiding light, wizards at scheduling and key factors in crafting the amazing adventure we just completed.

In mid-June, I started looking into Japan travel options, planning to leave the last week of June. I put together a rough itinerary and sent it to some travel groups to get thoughts on feasibility, additional options, and if they could help us coordinate things on the ground. Our family didn’t want a group tour and Ada, first to reply with a response that was professional and friendly, seemed to get that right away. She was always available for late-night or early-morning itinerary reviews, answered every question we had, made changes on the spot and never once mentioned how last-minute everything was.

Ada’s experience was clear, and I felt completely confident with her scheduling and suggestions throughout.

We left New York with a packed itinerary, tickets downloaded and easy access to everything we needed for the trip. Every part of the trip went exactly as planned, with drivers (and mini-vans), guides and all our bookings all uniformly excellent. The guides and drivers were always early, friendly, flexible and organized. On our first day in Tokyo, our guide patiently explained the city’s huge subway system—from buying tickets to reading the map and picking our seats - our kids felt confident enough to travel the subway solo the next afternoon.
One of our favorite guides was Yuki in Kyoto who maintained group calm and orchestrated a wonderful day despite heat, crowds and drooping family members. All guides spoke great English and were informative and hands-on without being overbearing.

Throughout the trip, Ada and her team were available and we felt supported every step of the way.

Now back in Brooklyn, our family of four gives Ada and KimKim 5 stars and would recommend them to anyone wherever they are in their planning journey.

Local specialist: Ada Huang

Great Trip to Japan
Japan | Jun 9 - Jun 20, 2026

Mary
Mary M.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Jul 03, 2026
We had a great time in Japan. I love the Kimkim app. Everything is well organized and it was very easy to get the day-by-day details. It is convenient that you can add attachments like the Shinkansen tickets. I wasn’t sure how that was going to work, especially since it was our first time taking the bullet train. Eleanor did a great job putting our itinerary together. It was very easy to communicate through kimkim to work on the itinerary. It was easy to communicate with... Read more

We had a great time in Japan. I love the Kimkim app. Everything is well organized and it was very easy to get the day-by-day details. It is convenient that you can add attachments like the Shinkansen tickets. I wasn’t sure how that was going to work, especially since it was our first time taking the bullet train.

Eleanor did a great job putting our itinerary together. It was very easy to communicate through kimkim to work on the itinerary. It was easy to communicate with Eleanor during our trip.

The tour guides were fantastic. Yumi, Asuka and Yukiko were all very knowledgeable and communicated well. They each had notebooks with more details during our tours.

I researched about how much the hotels and tours would cost before I connected with kimkim. So when Eleanor asked about the budget, I was able to give her the budget. She stayed within our budget.

The only thing that I would do differently is to add a couple of days to our itinerary. I would add at least one day of “rest” after three days of touring or maybe even after each day of touring. But the itinerary was built on what our planned stay already was.

Overall, I am very pleased with how this trip worked out. Our itinerary went as planned. It was a great trip and experience. I will definitely use Kimkim again.

Hotel Reviews
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza gochome
Tokyo

Nice hotel in the middle if Ginza. Very nice breakfast. The hotel has three washer and dryers for the entire hotel, This hotel was the last one we stayed in on our trip. So I wanted to do some laundry, but the washer/dryers were in continuous usage late at night and even early in the morning. I gave up in doing the laundry! Fortunately, we had enough clean clothes to finish out our trip. If we really need to do laundry, I would have/ could have used the hotel’s laundry service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Very close to the train stations, site seeing , restaurants and stores
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori

This kind of an unusual location in the middle of the Dotonburi. We didn’t realize that we couldn’t take a car right up to the hotel. Our driver dropped us off on a street as close to the hotel ad possible. The hotel is a bit obscure. The lobby is on the third floor. We quickly figured it all out.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It is a great location for exploring the Dotonburi.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA
Kyoto

Very nice location. It is close to the Shinkansen station so we were able easily walk to the hotel. The cafe had great breakfast with lots of selections.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the train station, restaurants and department stores
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Tsukiji
Tokyo

The rooms were comfortable. It was great having a washer/dryer in the room. I didn’t have to pack as much since I knew that we coul wash our clothes. The breakfast was very good with lots of selection. I was disappointed that the restaurant was booked out for a private event our first two nights there. Usually we like to eat at the hotel on our first day if arrivals.

Authenticity & Character
Location
It was close to everything - train stations, restaurants, 🏬
Staff
Everyone at the front desk were very helpful,
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Eleanor Chen

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.