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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.

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.

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.

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
Brilliant momiji maple at Nanzenji, Kyoto in late November
Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Japan is famous for its Spring cherry blossoms and its changing colors in Autumn, but there are beautiful places to see in every season. Japan stretches from subtropical...

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 Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto
Cross Hotel Kyoto
4.8
(16)
· Upscale
Cross Hotel Kyoto, set in Kawaramachi Sanjo, blends tradition and modernity with warm wooden decor showcasing Kyoto-style architecture. You'll be well connected, as the hotel is a 6-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station and even closer to other public transport options, including the Sanjo...
Photo courtesy of Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
Tokyo
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
4.6
(8)
· Upscale
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel sets itself apart with a vintage-modern aesthetic that merges old and new in an effortlessly stylish way. This hotel exudes a creative vibe, offering a thoughtfully curated interior. You'll be in an ideal location, too, with the Shibuya district's numerous dining,...
Photo courtesy of The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
Kyoto
The Gate Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic
5.0
(3)
· 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...

Our Latest Japan Content

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.

See the cultural sights of Japan and South Korea, like Himeji Castle, during this two-week tour
Map of Cultural Experiences & Historic Highlights in Japan & South Korea - 14 Days
Cultural Experiences & Historic Highlights in Japan & South Korea - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in Japan and South Korea's best cultural attractions on this two-week trip. Begin in Tokyo, exploring temples, gardens, and historic alleys, then take a day trip to the iconic Mount Fuji. Watch a geisha show in Kyoto and discover Hiroshima's peace parks and beautiful islands before heading to Osaka for castles and saké. Fly to Seoul, South Korea's capital, for ancient shrines and historic food markets. Then, explore the historic highlights of Andong and Gyeongju to cap off your trip.

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 5 mins 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 Sandy Ren
active 3 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 Shona Zhang
active 13 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 Leny Vergara
active 3 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

Great job on Japan trip
Japan | Mar 28 - Apr 6, 2025

S
Susan P.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
Eleanor did a fantastic job helping us (2 people with some physical constraints for touring) for a trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. She steered us away from trying to do too much (a common problem when visiting Japan). She arranged three days with guides, all good, for Tokyo, Kyoto and day trip to Nara, along with suggestions for things to do and where to see cherry blossoms for our self directed days. Guides were flexible and sensitive to our needs for rest, and even found the colorful toilet... Read more

Eleanor did a fantastic job helping us (2 people with some physical constraints for touring) for a trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. She steered us away from trying to do too much (a common problem when visiting Japan). She arranged three days with guides, all good, for Tokyo, Kyoto and day trip to Nara, along with suggestions for things to do and where to see cherry blossoms for our self directed days. Guides were flexible and sensitive to our needs for rest, and even found the colorful toilet from the movie "Perfect Days" when we requested that detour.
3 hotels were good, with nice varied breakfasts. Drivers were all punctual and safe.
We had used KimKim before to plan a trip to Colombia, and would use them again (but unfortunately not Eleanor) for trips to other countries.

Local specialist: Eleanor Chen

Amazing Japan Honeymoon
Japan | Mar 26 - Apr 9, 2025

R
Reena R.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Greg was amazing from start to finish. He creating our itinerary, checked in on us throughout the trip, and answered any and all questions within a day or two before and during our trip. Everything he planned from the events to sightseeing to hotels and restaurants were all great and we had no problems. He made sure we had everything we needed the first day when we arrived at the hotel in a packet that was well organized and easy to follow. We will definitely use Greg again when we go back to Japan. Thank you Greg for an unforgettable honeymoon trip to Japan.

Local specialist: Greg Varga

Outstanding trip to Japan.While 10 days was...
Japan | Mar 24 - Apr 2, 2025

Owen
Owen B.
Peoria, IL | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025
Outstanding trip to Japan. While 10 days was definitely not enough time, Angel made sure we got the most of it all. She even went out of her way to help us reschedule when we were feeling a bit overwhelmed to make a day a bit easier. All of our guides were excellent and we got the perfect balance of gardens, temples, shrines, and historical sites. Read more

Outstanding trip to Japan.

While 10 days was definitely not enough time, Angel made sure we got the most of it all. She even went out of her way to help us reschedule when we were feeling a bit overwhelmed to make a day a bit easier. All of our guides were excellent and we got the perfect balance of gardens, temples, shrines, and historical sites.

Hotel Reviews
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
kyoto

Great place, cool feel.

Authenticity & Character
Cool restaurant, beautiful lobby area
Location
Close to downtown, easy to get around, shuttle to train station.
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza PREMIER
Tokyo

Good hotel. Delicious breakfast. Good location. Laundry machine that was easy to use.

Authenticity & Character
Okay but not very special
Location
Ginza, near good shopping
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nice bathtub and overall spotless
Hakone Kowakien hotel
Hakone

Amazing place with onsen on the roof. Restaurant was good. Only thing that could potentially be a problem is that there are lots of families with kids.

Authenticity & Character
Amazing feel, very authentic
Location
Beautiful in valley with great views
Staff
Outstanding, went out of their way to help.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean, exceptionally comfortable.
the b asakusa
Tokyo

Great place but not quite as special

Authenticity & Character
Standard hotel
Location
Near downtown Asakusa which has a cool if a bit touristy vibe. May have been a bit harder to make it to other parts of the city.
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Breakfast buffet was a bit less impressive than some others
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu
Osaka

Really cool overlooking the city.

Authenticity & Character
Great rooftop bar and restaurant
Location
walking distance to downtown
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless
Activity Reviews
Sky tree  and  Sumida River Cruise
Sky tree and Sumida River Cruise
Tokyo

Neither of these were outstanding experiences. both felt very touristy without having the payoff. Tokyo in March was quite hazy so there were no views to Mt. Fuji etc. Long wait and very expensive for the sky tree. We actually liked seeing the view from the metropolitan building just as much and it was free.

Quality of Experience
Poor views, long lines, not very spectacular.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sam was amazing. kept us on track.
Transport
Convenient with metro and train.
Full Day Kinkaku-ji, Tea Ceremony and Gion District Tour (Private Guide+Public Transportation)
Full Day Kinkaku-ji, Tea Ceremony and Gion District Tour (Private Guide+Public Transportation)
Kyoto

Absolutely amazing from top to bottom. Tea ceremony was the coolest thing we have ever done. The Zen garden was beautiful. The gion district was cool to see. The golden temple was beautiful and Noriko gave us the best tour of the Nijo castle with tons of history and culture.

Quality of Experience
Amazing tea ceremony and perfect timing with Sakura
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Noriko was the best guide we had. She was knowledgeable, personable and kept us on time despite our desire to stop and shop.
Transport
Good bus system.
Osaka Foodie Walking Tour
Osaka Foodie Walking Tour
Osaka

Mediocre food tour. Only three stops and all with fried foods. Would have liked some more variety.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Enjoyed our guide
Transport
Convenient metro
Spot Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Spot Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo
Tokyo

I really enjoyed working with Sam but it sometimes felt like we were just wandering without a specific goal. I think if we had taken opportunities to see the blooms on the way to other places, it may have worked a little better. Overall Sam was a great guide.

Quality of Experience
Needed a bit more direction
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Sam was kind, funny and always respectful. It might have been helpful to have some restaurants in mind so that choosing lunch places went a bit more smoothly.
Transport
Fast and efficient metro. No real hiccups.
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour
Full Day Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi Tour
Hakone

A good day although we were quite tired from the days before. Mt Fuji was not visible unfortunately and it was quite windy on the mountain. The visit to the shrine was one of the coolest parts of the day. We also enjoyed the cruise across the full lake. It would have been better to do the ropeway at the end but that was our mistake.

Quality of Experience
It was a good day overall, just very hazy and windy.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mako was kind and told good stories.
Transport
Great driver. Very convenient.
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Full Day Nara City Tour, Overnight in Osaka
Kyoto

Another outstanding trip! Nara was worth taking a whole day. We loved meeting the deer, seeing the temples, and shopping in the downtown. Again, Noriko was an outstanding guide who gave us the historical and cultural background to understand what we were doing.

Quality of Experience
Amazing to see the deer and to learn some history. Sakura also made it special
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Noriko was the best guide we worked with!
Transport
Could have just gone Kyoto to Nara to Osaka rather than going back to Kyoto first.
Local specialist: Angel Tang

Why travelers love kimkim

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