Japan rewards first-timers like few other places. The trains are on time, the food is excellent at every price point, and you can go from neon-lit city streets to quiet temple gardens in an afternoon. Here's where to go on your first trip, and how to make it easy. For more inspiration, the Japan National Tourism Organization is a great official resource.
Tokyo: start here
Most trips begin in Tokyo, and it's big enough to fill a week on its own. Think of it as a cluster of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality:
- Shibuya and Shinjuku for the famous scramble crossing, rooftop views, and late-night food alleys.
- Asakusa for Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and the snack stalls of Nakamise-dori.
- Harajuku and Omotesando for street fashion, cafés, and the leafy Meiji Shrine next door.
- Akihabara for anime, gaming, and electronics.
Tip: Tokyo's train map looks scary, but Google Maps gives exact platforms and exits. A good data connection makes the whole city easy to get around.
Kyoto: temples, gardens and old streets
Kyoto was Japan's capital for over a thousand years, and it shows. Don't miss:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha and its tunnels of orange torii gates. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Arashiyama, with its bamboo grove and riverside walks.
- Kiyomizu-dera and the sloping lanes of the Higashiyama district.
- Gion in the evening, Kyoto's historic geisha district.
Kyoto is about two and a quarter hours from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train), so you can base yourself there for a few nights.
Osaka: eat everything
Osaka is Japan's food capital and has a more relaxed, playful feel than Tokyo. Head to Dotonbori at night for neon signs and street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, then explore Osaka Castle by day. It's only about 15 minutes from Kyoto on the shinkansen, so many people stay in one city and visit the other.
Nara: a perfect day trip
Under an hour from both Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is famous for the friendly (and very persistent) deer that roam Nara Park, and for Todai-ji, home to a giant bronze Buddha. It's an easy, rewarding day trip.
Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Museum is a moving and important visit. Pair it with a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the "floating" torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Time your visit with high tide for the classic view.
Hakone and Mount Fuji
For hot springs (onsen), lakes and, on clear days, views of Mount Fuji, Hakone makes a great one- or two-night stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. Fuji is often hidden by clouds, so build in some flexibility if seeing it matters to you.
Getting around
- IC cards (such as Suica, PASMO or ICOCA) let you tap on and off local trains, subways and buses in the major cities, and pay at many convenience stores. You can also add them to the wallet on most iPhones and some Android phones.
- The Japan Rail Pass is no longer an automatic win since its price rose in 2023. Add up your planned train journeys and compare before you buy.
- Cash still matters. Card acceptance has grown a lot, but smaller restaurants, temples and rural spots may be cash only. Carry some yen.
Staying connected in Japan
Free Wi-Fi exists, but it's patchy once you leave hotels and stations. A Japan eSIM gives you data from the moment you land for maps, translation apps, train times and messaging. Install it at home before you fly (here's how), then switch it on when you arrive.
When to go
- Spring (late March to early April): cherry blossom season. Beautiful, but busy and pricier, so book early.
- Autumn (October to November): comfortable temperatures and spectacular autumn leaves, especially in Kyoto.
- Summer: hot and humid, with a rainy season in early summer, but also festivals and fireworks.
- Winter: crisp, clear days, fewer crowds, and great skiing in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a first trip to Japan?
Ten days to two weeks (see our travel connectivity checklist before you go) lets you cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and a day trip or two without rushing. With a week, focus on Tokyo plus Kyoto.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. Signs in major cities and on trains are usually in English, and a translation app on your phone handles menus and conversations. A data connection makes this much easier.
Will my phone work in Japan?
Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on Japanese networks. Check your phone on our compatibility page before you buy.