Tokyo
3 daysJapan's huge capital combines futuristic architecture, traditional temples, shopping districts, food markets, anime culture and world-class public transportation.
Japan5–21 days
Japan Travel Guide
Plan an unforgettable Japan trip with Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, traditional culture, modern cities and unforgettable food.
Recommended stay
5–21 days
Budget
₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000 per person for a shorter budget-conscious trip, excluding international flights.
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Transport
About this destination
Why visit Japan?
Explore Japan with a carefully planned itinerary covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji, Nara and other unforgettable destinations. Discover the best time to visit Japan, recommended trip duration, costs, transportation, accommodation, Japanese food, Indian-friendly travel tips and popular routes.
When to go
Best time to visit
March to May for cherry blossoms and comfortable spring weatherOctober to November for autumn foliage and pleasant temperaturesJune to August for summer festivals and northern JapanDecember to February for winter experiences and skiing
Travel budget
What a trip to Japan can cost
Budget
₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000 per person for a shorter budget-conscious trip, excluding international flights.
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Mid-range
₹1,60,000–₹2,50,000 per person for a comfortable trip with good hotels and intercity travel.
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Premium
₹3,00,000+ per person for premium hotels, private experiences and higher-end dining.
Typical estimated spend excluding international flights.
Places to explore
Where to go
Kyoto
2 daysJapan's cultural capital is known for temples, shrines, traditional neighborhoods, gardens, tea culture and seasonal scenery.
Osaka
2 daysA lively city famous for street food, nightlife, shopping and its friendly atmosphere.
Mount Fuji
1 daysJapan's iconic mountain provides spectacular scenery and can be visited from Tokyo through several surrounding destinations.
Nara
1 daysHistoric Nara is famous for its temples, parks and friendly deer and makes an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Hiroshima
1 daysA historically important city with museums, memorial sites and access to the scenic island of Miyajima.
Hokkaido
4 daysJapan's northern island offers skiing, winter landscapes, seafood, national parks and cooler summer weather.
Okinawa
4 daysA tropical island region known for beaches, coral reefs, distinctive culture and relaxed resort experiences.
Suggested route
A day-by-day way to experience it
1
Tokyo
Tokyo Arrival
Arrive in Tokyo, settle into your hotel and experience one of the city's lively neighborhoods.
Temple visit
City walk
Food experience
2
Tokyo
Modern Tokyo
Discover Tokyo's modern neighborhoods, shopping streets and famous viewpoints.
Shopping
City sightseeing
Food
3
Tokyo
Tokyo Culture & Anime
Experience Tokyo's technology, anime, gaming and traditional culture.
Anime
Shopping
Culture
4
Fuji Five Lakes
Mount Fuji
Travel toward Mount Fuji for scenic views and lakeside landscapes.
Mount Fuji sightseeing
Photography
Onsen
5
Kyoto
Kyoto Arrival
Travel to Kyoto and begin exploring Japan's traditional cultural capital.
Temple visit
Historic district
Food
6
Kyoto
Kyoto Temples
Explore Kyoto's famous temples, gardens and traditional neighborhoods.
Temples
Photography
Culture
7
Kyoto / Nara
Arashiyama & Nara
Explore the famous Arashiyama area and optionally continue to Nara.
Nature
Temples
Wildlife
Getting around
Transportation
Shinkansen
Japan's famous high-speed trains connect major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
Metro & Subway
Extensive urban rail systems make Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto easy to explore.
Local Trains
Regional and local rail services are useful for shorter trips and day excursions.
Buses
Buses provide useful connections in cities and rural areas not directly served by rail.
Taxis
Taxis are clean and reliable but generally more expensive than trains and buses.
Where to stay
Accommodation options
Business Hotels
₹4,000–₹10,000 per night
Compact, practical hotels with convenient locations near stations.
Mid-Range Hotels
₹8,000–₹20,000 per night
Comfortable hotels with larger rooms and convenient amenities.
Ryokan
₹12,000–₹40,000+ per night
Traditional Japanese accommodation often featuring tatami rooms, futons and sometimes onsen facilities.
Hostels
₹2,000–₹5,000 per night
Affordable accommodation suitable for backpackers and solo travelers.
Luxury Hotels
₹25,000–₹75,000+ per night
High-end hotels with premium rooms, restaurants, spas and exceptional service.
Local food
What to eat
Sushi
One of Japan's most famous foods featuring vinegared rice with seafood or other toppings.
Ramen
Japanese noodle soup available in many regional styles and broths.
Tempura
Lightly battered and fried vegetables or seafood.
Okonomiyaki
Savory Japanese pancake with regional variations, especially popular in Osaka and Hiroshima.
Udon
Thick wheat noodles served hot or cold with different broths and toppings.
Soba
Buckwheat noodles commonly served hot in broth or cold with dipping sauce.
Onigiri
Rice balls commonly filled with savory ingredients and wrapped in seaweed.
Mochi
Soft Japanese rice cakes available in many sweet varieties.
Before you go
Practical travel tips
Book popular accommodation early during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Avoid changing hotels every night because moving luggage between cities can be tiring.
Stay near major railway stations for easier transportation.
Use an IC transportation card where supported.
Reserve popular attractions and experiences ahead of time when required.
Keep a physical or digital copy of important travel documents.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases.
Carry some cash even when primarily using cards.
Allow extra time for train transfers in large stations.
Travel light because Japanese trains and stations can become difficult with large luggage.
Frequently asked questions
Japan travel FAQ
How many days are enough for Japan?
For a first trip, 10 days is a good balance. Seven days can cover Tokyo and Kyoto, while 14 days or more allows you to add Osaka, Hiroshima, Hokkaido or other regions.
What is the best time to visit Japan?
Spring and autumn are popular because of comfortable weather and seasonal scenery. Winter is excellent for skiing, while summer is ideal for festivals and northern Japan.
How much does a Japan trip cost from India?
A Japan trip from India can vary significantly depending on flights, season, accommodation and transportation. A comfortable 10-day trip can commonly fall around ₹2–₹3.5 lakh per person including flights.
Is Japan good for Indian tourists?
Yes. Japan has excellent infrastructure, efficient transportation, major international airports and Indian restaurants in large cities. Vegetarian travelers should pay particular attention to hidden fish-based ingredients.
Is Japan vegetarian friendly?
Vegetarian food is available, particularly in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, but travelers should check ingredients carefully because fish-based dashi and bonito flakes are common.
What are the best places to visit in Japan?
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Mount Fuji and Nara are among the most popular destinations for first-time visitors. Longer trips can include Hiroshima, Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Is Japan expensive?
Japan can be expensive compared with some Asian destinations, but travelers can control costs through business hotels, hostels, local restaurants, public transportation and advance planning.
Is Japan good for a honeymoon?
Japan can work very well for a honeymoon, combining luxury hotels, ryokans, scenic destinations, food experiences, onsens and romantic cities such as Kyoto.
Can I travel around Japan without a car?
Yes. Japan has an extensive rail and public transportation network, making a car unnecessary for most first-time itineraries covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and major tourist destinations.
Should I visit Tokyo or Kyoto first?
For a first trip, many travelers combine both. Tokyo provides modern Japanese city life, while Kyoto offers traditional temples, gardens and historic neighborhoods.
How many days do I need in Tokyo?
Three days is a useful starting point for first-time visitors, although Tokyo can easily fill five or more days because of its size and number of neighborhoods.
How many days do I need in Kyoto?
Two to three full days is a good starting point for Kyoto, with additional time useful if you want to explore more temples, gardens and nearby destinations.
Continue exploring
Nearby destinations
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ExploreTaiwan
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A popular stopover destination when combining Japan with Southeast Asia.
ExploreThailand
Combine Japan with Bangkok, Phuket or other Thai destinations.
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