Japan · Asia

Japan

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima form the core of a first visit, with the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage as a slower, walking-based way to extend the trip.

7-14 daysIdeal first visit
Food · Culture · RailGreat for
Tokyo, Kyoto, OsakaPopular bases
Hiroshima, Kumano KodoExtend the trip
Plan your trip

Deciding where to go

Start here to understand what each base city offers before building an itinerary.

Tokyo

Why Visit Tokyo, Japan?

What makes Tokyo worth building a trip around.

Osaka

Why Visit Osaka, Japan?

Food culture, atmosphere and how Osaka fits alongside Tokyo and Kyoto.

Hiroshima

Why Visit Hiroshima, Japan?

History, Miyajima and why Hiroshima earns a spot on the itinerary.

Things to do & getting around

Build the days

Practical articles for filling itinerary days and moving between cities without a car.

Itinerary

2-Day Itinerary in Hiroshima

A compact plan covering the Peace Memorial, Miyajima and key history sites.

Tokyo

How to Unlock Tokyo Activity Tickets

Booking tickets for major Tokyo attractions and experiences ahead of time.

Getting around

Japan Travel Tips: No Car Needed

Why rail and local transit cover nearly everything a first-time visitor needs.

A slower way to see Japan

The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage

A multi-day walking route through the Kii Peninsula, with its own stamp-collecting tradition and logistics to plan around.

Kumano Kodo

Top Things to Do in Hongu, Japan

Hongu Taisha and the surrounding area along the pilgrimage route.

Kumano Kodo

Collect Stamps on the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage

How the trail’s stamp-collecting tradition works, stage by stage.

Kumano Kodo vs Camino

Kumano Kodo vs Camino de Santiago

How Japan’s pilgrimage trail compares to the Camino de Santiago.