Tokyo, Japan - Kagoshima, Japan 26 days trip

Brimming with undeniable energy, Japan's capital and largest city is a vast metropolis full of museums, parks, and cultural monuments.

Vibrant colors, tastes, smells, and sounds awaits you as you venture into the heart of Tokyo, where streets buzz with energy.

Honoring Emperor Meiji, this Shinto shrine is nestled within a tranquil forest, offering walking paths and amulets stalls.

With interesting architecture and and abundance of bars, this Shinjuku district has become Tokyo's flourishing nightlife hub.

Dating to the 17C, this ornate shrine boasts gold-leaf doors and pillars, fine sculptures and artwork, and ancient relics.

With rides and attractions for all ages, both adults and children will love Japan's exciting Disney theme park.

Providing easy access to the national park surrounding Mt. Fuji, this charming town also offers museums and traditional hot springs.

Japan's oldest national museum is the country's largest art museum and exhibits artwork and archaeology from all over Asia.

Tokyo's oldest temple dates to the 17C and is a favorite of foreign and local travelers, boasting gardens, eateries, and charm stalls.

Dating to the 17C, this garden incorporates motifs of Chinese landscaping, featuring ponds, falls, bridges, and walking paths.

A museum tracing the history of Tokyo throughout the Edo Period, featuring a replica of an iconic bridge, city models, and more.

Enjoy some of Japan's most breathtaking scenery at this park, mostly made up of forest-covered mountains and home to ancient shrines.

Respectfully called Fuji-san by the locals, this volcano is a symbol of Japan and can often be viewed from miles away.

One of the world's most upscale shopping districts, Ginza features many boutiques, department stores, cafes, and chic restaurants.

Leading into Ueno Park, this district is home to some of Tokyo's most iconic cultural landmarks including museums, temples, and more.

Encompassing a variety of styles, visitors enjoy strolling through various types of gardens ranging from Japanese to English and more.

The oldest zoological establishment in Japan dates to the 19C, boasting a wealth of animals, playgrounds, and a theme park nearby.

Though the largest city in Japan, Yokohama retains a laid back atmosphere, boasting jazz clubs, fine restaurants, and more.

Only an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is saturated with history, boasting many fine temples and shrines, as well a lovely popular beach.

Full of shrines and home to Shinto festivals, this popular district boasts historic buildings, shops, stalls, and geisha houses.

A museum of contemporary art, housing temporary and limited solo exhibitions by Asian and international artists.

Tokyo's red-light district may never hosted a Kabuki theater, but it now offers bars, shops, clubs, restaurants, and movie theaters.

Perhaps Tokyo's best site to see the blooming of cherry blossoms, this great park offers walking trails and a lovely boat pier.

While playing a military role throughout its history, the isle is now a marine park, offering camping, fishing, and diving opportunities.

Featuring historic buildings from the Edo Period, this open-air museum offers demonstrations and workshops of traditional crafts.

Offering a superb experience of the traditional Japanese hot spring bath, this theme park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Travel into the past in this district, untouched by modern times - remaining frozen in time - for a glimpse of old-time Tokyo.

Fanning out from the world's busiest railway station, this district is famed for its shopping, eateries, and diverse entertainment.

With temporary and permanent exhibits of Japanese prints and Asian ceramics, this museum is perfect for art lovers.

Home to the iconic Mt. Fuji, this national park is uniquely dispersed among several natural attractions, lakes, hot springs, and islands.

The marvelous lake offers plenty of activities for lovers of native, from paragliding, to boating, to fishing, and camping on its banks.

An authentic Japanese destination visited by few tourists.

Explore the town center and immerse yourself in the small town
feel.

Respectfully called Fuji-san by the locals, this volcano is a symbol of Japan and can often be viewed from miles away.

Providing easy access to the national park surrounding Mt. Fuji, this charming town also offers museums and traditional hot springs.

Brimming with undeniable energy, Japan's capital and largest city is a vast metropolis full of museums, parks, and cultural monuments.

Home to the iconic Mt. Fuji, this national park is uniquely dispersed among several natural attractions, lakes, hot springs, and islands.

A thriving metropolis full of history, Nagoya is best known for its cultural wealth, including theaters, museums, and shrines.

Lined with shops and cafes, Nagoya's historic center offers an interesting insight into the vibrant local culture.

A museum housing over 12,000 items, including historic armor and weapons, traditional theater costumes, ceramics, art, and more.

A museum tracing Toyota's progress from its unexpected origins as a textile factory, towards its current developments in robotics.

This aquarium is home to dolphins, beluga whales, and orcas, and offers fun for all ages with its feeding and training shows.

While a blooming wonder April to September, the rest of the year sees the gardens covered in a multitude of colorful LED lights.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

Wander around the garden and visit the former factory, where a gallery exhibits traditional ceramics by a famed Japanese company.

A free daily tour from Toyota's Exhibition Hall through its welding and assembly lines. Be sure to book in advance.

Visit Japan's renowned Shinto shrine complex, walking through torii gates, taking in unique cultural elements, and enjoying the calm.

This rugged national park is known for its valleys, gorges, and impressive Alps, some of whose peaks reach over 3,000 meters.

Located at the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a beautiful small town, home to elegant 17C architecture, galleries, and historic temples.

An anthropological open-air museum exploring the architectural and cultural heritage of over 20 countries around the world.

An authentic Japanese destination visited by few tourists.

Explore the town center and immerse yourself in the small town
feel.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

While a blooming wonder April to September, the rest of the year sees the gardens covered in a multitude of colorful LED lights.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

Wander through the quaint winding streets of the center, admiring traditional wooden houses, visiting shops, and sampling local food.

Dating to the 9C, this temple complex houses Kyoto's oldest building and features cultural monuments, murals, a garden, and more.

Walk through a long line of scarlet shrine gates on your visit to this 8C temple, and ask for good fortune from the local fox deity.

A temple complex dating to the 14C, home to several national treasures, 22 sub-temples, renowned murals, and a tranquil garden.

A culturally significant city, Nara is full of Japanese heritage, historic landmarks, as well as a wealth of shrines and temples.

A district renowned for its pleasant nature, featuring a bamboo grove, diverse flora, architectural curios, and quaint villages.

A significant cultural landmark, this palatial complex boasts exquisite examples of traditional Japanese architecture and gardening.

A veritable shrine to the Japanese tea ceremony, this museum houses ceramic works made by 15 generations of the renowned Raku family.

Established in the 14C, this vibrant market offers a wealth of culinary adventures for the visitors, from the common sushi to baby squids.

This 13C historic palace fuses traditional architectures of zen and samurai styles, and boasts an incredible pure gold-leaf facade.

A 7C Buddhist temple with several remarkable architectural elements, including the Main Hall, the covered staircase, and the gate.

While a blooming wonder April to September, the rest of the year sees the gardens covered in a multitude of colorful LED lights.

Famous for its picturesque moss garden, this incredible temple offers a unique meditative experience. Be sure to book in advance.

Known as the "Silver Pavilion" due to original plans to silver plate the building, this 15C villa is surrounded by a fine garden.

Exhibiting over 6,000 items, this museum boasts rich collections of fine art, traditional craftsmanship, and archaeological findings.

Surrounded by tranquil gardens, this 13C zen temple is home to a wealth of decorative elements and several exquisite works of art.

A small city with a rich maritime history, Kobe boasts a cosmopolitan charm, cultural landmarks, and several museums.

Visit Japan's renowned Shinto shrine complex, walking through torii gates, taking in unique cultural elements, and enjoying the calm.

A bustling urban center, Osaka blends Japanese innovation with ancient traditions, and offers superb culinary experiences.

Mostly destroyed during WWII, Osaka features a distinctly cosmopolitan vibe, with fine dining, skyscrapers, and 3 million inhabitants.

Most of the buildings of Japan's first Buddhist temple were destroyed over the years, but meticulously rebuilt.

Visit Japan's tallest skyscraper for amazing views from its observation deck. The building also features a museum, restaurants, and shops.

Ride up 112m on this 17 minute long Ferris wheel ride, which offers spectacular views of Osaka Bay and the surrounding area.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

A culturally significant city, Nara is full of Japanese heritage, historic landmarks, as well as a wealth of shrines and temples.

One of Japan's most iconic landmarks, this famous castle's grounds span over 15 acres, encompassing 13 important structures.

Home to the Mint Museum where visitors can learn about Japanese currency, the Mint also boasts over 300 stunning cherry blossom trees.

Similar to the Universal Studios theme parks in the United States, the rides in this exciting park are based on TV and films.

An impressive spa complex that draws water from natural geothermal springs, featuring pools, Jacuzzis, and more.

A district renowned for its pleasant nature, featuring a bamboo grove, diverse flora, architectural curios, and quaint villages.

A 7C Buddhist temple with several remarkable architectural elements, including the Main Hall, the covered staircase, and the gate.

Enjoy 360 degree views of the city, all the way out to Awaji Island from this impressive 170m high observation deck.

Predating Buddhism in Japan, this famous 3C shrine is one of the world's only examples of Sumiyoshi-zukuri shrine architecture.

Visit at night for the full experience, this bustling street is known for excellent shopping, fine dining, theater, and more.

A sprawling public park, home to several of Osaka's most important buildings, including City Hall, museums, a library, and more.

There is tons to see on this picturesque island, including pristine beaches, ancient burial mounds, hot springs, and an amusement park.

A national park most popular during the cherry blossom season, but also featuring shores, mountains, forests, and native flora.

Originally a castle town, this city is home to historic landmarks including its iconic castle, temples, and a botanical garden.

A superb example of Japanese castle architecture, this 14C complex is finely preserved, boasting a web of over 80 historic buildings.

These garden grounds are the home to nine reconstructed samurai houses from the Edo period, offering a lovely afternoon stroll.

Explore the streets of this city center, where modernity and historic architecture merge, and a lively atmosphere prevails.

The capital of Imperial Japan for a whole millennium, the charming Kyoto is full of museums, cultural monuments, castles, and parks.

There is tons to see on this picturesque island, including pristine beaches, ancient burial mounds, hot springs, and an amusement park.

An authentic Japanese destination visited by few tourists.

Explore the town center and immerse yourself in the small town
feel.

This island on the Inland Sea is famed for its eponymous Shinto shrine dating to the 6C, as well as the Buddhist Daiganji Temple.

Climb up the 1368 steps to this famous temple, stopping in shrines and pagodas on your way up.

Although the island is best known as home to a large population of wild rabbits, it also features several historic landmarks.

Located in the Inland Sea, this small island is known for its lush nature and a picturesque lighthouse which features a small museum.

An authentic Japanese destination visited by few tourists.

Explore the town center and immerse yourself in the small town
feel.

This island on the Inland Sea is famed for its eponymous Shinto shrine dating to the 6C, as well as the Buddhist Daiganji Temple.

Although the island is best known as home to a large population of wild rabbits, it also features several historic landmarks.

Climb up the 1368 steps to this famous temple, stopping in shrines and pagodas on your way up.

With breathtaking landscape full of mountains, gorges, winding rivers, and more, this valley is a heaven for nature lovers.

Famed for its historic castle, this city boasts historic and cultural landmarks, as well as a great culinary scene.

A hilltop castle dating to the 17C, featuring an elaborate fortification system, adjacent gardens, and great views over the city.

Trail through the lovely streets lined with colorful shops and full of friendly locals, or drop by a cafe and enjoy local sweets.

One of Japan's oldest hot springs flows into this bath house, where visitors come to enjoy the stunning architecture and warm pools.

Part of the Shikoku Pilgrimage route, the temple features relics of national significance, fine decorations, and elaborate statues.

This island on the Inland Sea is famed for its eponymous Shinto shrine dating to the 6C, as well as the Buddhist Daiganji Temple.

Although the island is best known as home to a large population of wild rabbits, it also features several historic landmarks.

Though you can't swim here, the beach offers a lush scenery, a nearby aquarium and a museum, as well as many walking trails.

Known as the world's first city in history to be hit by a nuclear weapon, this city features memorial museums, shrines, and castles.

Climb up the 1368 steps to this famous temple, stopping in shrines and pagodas on your way up.

With breathtaking landscape full of mountains, gorges, winding rivers, and more, this valley is a heaven for nature lovers.

Known as the world's first city in history to be hit by a nuclear weapon, this city features memorial museums, shrines, and castles.

Exhibiting personal items, photos, and relics of the Japanese WWII victims, the museum traces the horrors of the nuclear bombings.

Discover a city center buzzing with energy and laden with somber memories, full of a unique modern charm.

A memorial featuring the Genbaku Dome, preserved in its ruined state to commemorate the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing.

Replicating the original 16C castle, this compound is a great example of the traditional Japanese flatland castle.

This island on the Inland Sea is famed for its eponymous Shinto shrine dating to the 6C, as well as the Buddhist Daiganji Temple.

Although the island is best known as home to a large population of wild rabbits, it also features several historic landmarks.

A museum housing an impressive collection of Impressionist, Romanticist, and modern artworks by Western and Japanese artists.

Erected in the 17C, this marvelous bridge leads to a historic castle and is surrounded with a lovely parkland.

Famed for its historic castle, this city boasts historic and cultural landmarks, as well as a great culinary scene.

Situated on the Yamato Wharf, this lovely maritime museum exhibits artillery remnants, ship models, shipbuilding history, and much more.

Known for its historical places of worship, this city attracts visitors to its shrines, temples, pagoda, and church.

A large port city known for its old castle and museums for all tastes.

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of this city by wandering along the river and browsing the shops in the center.

This quirky museum tells the history of the Toto toilet, and also features displays of porcelain tableware and the Toto motorcycle.

A museum dedicated to evolution and human history, with exhibits including fossils, ancient texts, and historical artifacts.

This small port has undergone a transformation to become a modern hotspot for unique architecture and specialty foods.

A popular garden famous for its tunnels of colorful wisteria trees that create a magical canopy of falling flowers.

While the island itself offers wonderful views of Fukuoka and other isles, this park is best known for its wealth of colorful blooms.

Enjoy the panoramic city views from the top of this rebuilt castle, then explore the beautiful grounds covered in cherry blossoms.

A must for railway fans, this museum includes exhibits of historical trains, as well as an interactive park where visitors can drive a mini train.

Explore the history of manga in this museum, which spotlights artists from Kitakyushu City.

Visit this historic train station to admire the distinct Neo-Renaissance architecture and the beautiful outdoor fountain.

Have a picnic overlooking the sea surrounded by cherry blossoms in this quiet garden, also featuring maple trees and water lilies.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this onsen town features museums, boutiques, and scenic views by the calm Lake Kinrinko.

This unique lake has hot springs flowing at its bottom, which keep the water warm and create an enchanting morning mist.

Learn about the Yayoi period in this large archaeological site, featuring excavated tombs, dwellings, and store houses.

With the largest population on the Kyushu Island, this port city offers cultural attractions, museums, fine cuisine, and more.

An interactive museum home to over 2,000 items of modern art by contemporary Asian artists, reflective of local culture and history.

Explore the shops, museums, and landmarks of this center, getting to know the local culture, and sample the traditional Hakata ramen.

Spend a day on fine white sand in the warm Japanese sun, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere.

A large family-friendly park, featuring an aquapark, a zoo, playgrounds, walking paths, bicycle rentals, flower gardens, and more.

A popular garden famous for its tunnels of colorful wisteria trees that create a magical canopy of falling flowers.

While the island itself offers wonderful views of Fukuoka and other isles, this park is best known for its wealth of colorful blooms.

Take a relaxing stroll through this scenic park home to walking trails, lovely ponds, and great picnics spots.

Located within three adjacent traditional buildings, the museum documents life and handcrafts of the 19C-20C period.

Japan's only seaside skyscraper boasts a lounge cafe and three observatory decks, all offering spectacular views of the city.

Dating to the 8C, this Shinto shrine is home to annual festivals and events, as well as several notable decorative items.

Feel like you're in another country at this unique amusement park, home to authentic copies of famous Dutch buildings.

Have a picnic overlooking the sea surrounded by cherry blossoms in this quiet garden, also featuring maple trees and water lilies.

Learn about the Yayoi period in this large archaeological site, featuring excavated tombs, dwellings, and store houses.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this onsen town features museums, boutiques, and scenic views by the calm Lake Kinrinko.

A city on the Kyushu island, known for its castle and an array of cultural landmarks, as well as beautiful surroundings.

A 15C traditional castle featuring an elaborate fortification system, recognized as one of Japan's most remarkable castles.

Featuring a pond and a tea-house, this 17C traditional Japanese garden offers the perfect getaway from the city bustle.

Take a walk around the city center, visit one of the traditional shrines, or simply enjoy an afternoon in one of the gardens.

A tourist complex near the castle, offering information, historical exhibits, souvenir shops, and restaurants with local cuisine.

Boasting rich history and a coastal charm, this port city has been revived after WWII with its many shrines, gardens, and museums.

The perfect destination for a day trip, this onsen town features museums, boutiques, and scenic views by the calm Lake Kinrinko.

Rebuilt in the 20C, this 17C samurai mansion exemplifies traditional architecture and household decor of Japan's historic upper class.

Feel like you're in another country at this unique amusement park, home to authentic copies of famous Dutch buildings.

While the island itself offers wonderful views of Fukuoka and other isles, this park is best known for its wealth of colorful blooms.

Learn about the Yayoi period in this large archaeological site, featuring excavated tombs, dwellings, and store houses.

This unique lake has hot springs flowing at its bottom, which keep the water warm and create an enchanting morning mist.

Overlooking a bay and an active volcano, this city boasts several cultural monuments and nice parks.

Stroll through the streets, visiting local shops, or head to the bay to enjoy the view over the majestic Sakurajima volcano.

An active volcano, Sakurajima's fine island is strewn with viewing decks and offers hiking paths, hot springs, and other activities.

A traditional Japanese garden dating to the 17C, featuring cherry trees and a bamboo grove, architectural curios, ponds and shrines.

With Japan's most advanced space center, this island is also home to an exhibit about the history of guns in Japan.

Miyazaki is a relaxed coastal resort city, offering beaches, lovely scenery, and cultural monuments.

The perfect destination for cat lovers, this unique island is so heavily populated by cats that the cat to human ratio is 6:1.