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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 original paved stones of the old Nakasendo Trail
Map of Walking the Historic Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days
Walking the Historic Nakasendo Trail - 10 Days

Take a walk through time on this 10-day Japan tour. The highlight of this journey is a self-guided walk on the Nakasendo Trail, a historic walking route that's part of feudal Japan's original network of highways. Historically, travelers on the mountain path between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to travel the distance, staying overnight in jukus (post towns or post station villages). You'll retrace their footsteps as you meander through serene forests, dip in thermal springs, and rest in local inns by night, taking time to explore the vibrant cities of Kyoto and Tokyo at the start and end of the trip.

Unmanned stone steps of Kumano Nachi Taisha
Map of Hiking Japan's Kumano Kodo - 11 Days
Hiking Japan's Kumano Kodo - 11 Days

Get off the beaten path and onto the Kumano Kodo, a network of ancient pilgrimage trails in the remote Kii Peninsula. Trek to grand shrines and thermal hot springs on this self-guided trip, great for those looking to challenge themselves with full-day hikes through hilly terrain. You'll be rewarded, however, with unforgettable experiences as you follow in the footsteps of emperors.

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.

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.

The wonderful Nakahechi route
Map of Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Tour - 6 Days
Kumano Kodo Self-Guided Tour - 6 Days

Get ready for an unforgettable village-to-village trek on the Kii Peninsula along sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Perfect for avid hikers, this self-guided tour will take you past thermal hot springs, grand shrines, and waterfalls as you walk in the footsteps of emperors.

Make the Most of Your Time in Japan

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Japan is made up of hundreds of islands that extend for nearly 2,000 miles. How many days should you spend exploring, and where should you focus your time? From an action-packed...

The Osaka skyline and historic landmark, Osaka Castle
Map of 1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With a week to spend in Japan, some travelers focus on Tokyo, adding side trips to Hiroshima and Mount Fuji. If you're eager to experience a more traditional side of Japanese...

Japan's Traditional temples illuminated at night
Map of 10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Japan, you can choose to tour Japan's major cities—Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Or get away from the bright lights and crowds, choosing a trip through...

A quiet street in Kyoto
Map of 2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries

With two weeks to spend in Japan, you can go on a classic tour around the country's highlights—including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima—or opt for an itinerary that focuses...

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...

Our Latest Japan Content

Explore Japan's Fukuoka, and sample Hakata tonkotsu ramen, the region's specialty
Map of Highlights of Japan - 15 Days
Highlights of Japan - 15 Days

This is the ultimate tour for first-time visitors in Japan and includes a mix of classic activities and lesser-known surprises. Kick off the adventure with several days in Tokyo, and then make your way south by bullet train—using your Japan Rail Pass. You'll stay a night with a small-town family in Izumo, explore UNESCO-listed temples in Kyoto, and ferry to remote islands known for caves and beautiful beaches. Fly back to Tokyo for one more night in the exciting capital to end the tour.

Experience the culture and ancient traditions of the Shikoku Pilgrim trail's many temples
Map of Japan's Shikoku Pilgrim Trail - 13 Days
Japan's Shikoku Pilgrim Trail - 13 Days

This 13-day adventure checks off several Buddhist temples along a famous pilgrimage trail on Japan's remote Shikoku Island. Starting in Osaka, you'll transfer to Tokushima for a dose of urban culture. Then set off toward some of the trail's 88 temples as you pass through lush greenery and towering mountains peppered with hot springs. This self-guided tour offers accommodations and side trips for an utterly customizable trip.

Visit Japan's Kiyomizu-dera pagoda in eastern Kyoto
Map of Discover Modern & Traditional Japan - 13 Days
Discover Modern & Traditional Japan - 13 Days

Discover modern and traditional aspects of Japan in 13 days, touching down in skyscraper-studded Tokyo, where ancient temples meet neon shopping districts, and then explore the country by futuristic bullet train. You'll visit sacred shrines in Osaka and grand castles in Kyoto and ride a gondola to the top of Kobe's Mount Rokko. The trip ends with a sailing adventure to Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay, known as the "Island of the Gods" for its mystical forests and shrines.

Japan Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Japan map: Guide to Japan's Main Regions
Guide to Japan's Main Regions
View article
Japan map: How to Spend 3 Days on Okinawa
How to Spend 3 Days on Okinawa
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Japan map: 14 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries
14 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Japan
Travel specialist Bruce Peng
active 19 hours ago

Bruce Peng

Previously I was a crew member working on an international cruise ship. My love for travel led me to join Odynovo Tours. 10 years of working experience have allowed me to visit various countries in...

read more...
Travel specialist Tom Zhou
active 1 day ago

Tom Zhou

My passion for travel has taken me to visit all 11 Southeastern Asia countries. 12 years of experience with Odynovo Travel has given me the opportunity to witness some of the world’s most cherished...

read more...
Travel specialist Irish S.

Irish S.

Greetings, fellow traveler! We focus on crafting tailor-made travel planning for individuals, couples, groups, and families. Depending on what you want – we will provide everything within your...

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Travel specialist Christine Mayol
active 19 hours ago

Christine Mayol

We are a client-focused travel experts in Japan. We specializes in more personalized travel plans for families, groups, couples and individuals. Depends on your preferences, we will help you make...

read more...

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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

Secure & easy booking

Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

100% satisfaction guarantee
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
kimkim trips are 100% climate neutral
A portion of every kimkim trip goes toward the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Learn more
BBB A+ rated

Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Trip Reviews for Japan

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We had another wonderful trip thanks to KimKi...
Japan | Dec 27 - Jan 3, 2023

Danielle
Danielle L.
Collierville, TN | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

We had another wonderful trip thanks to KimKim!
Christine helped organize our Japan adventure. She was kind, patient, and detail-oriented! She made sure to get to know our family and our interests and budget. She arranged for an outstanding itinerary that was perfect for our family!

During the trip, she was available for questions and logistical issues that arose along the way. She was responsive and handled everything gracefully and efficiently. We were so pleased with our experience! We can't wait for our next family vacation with KimKim!

Local specialist: Christine Mayol
Christine
Christine Mayol
Local specialist in Tokyo | Reviewed on Jan 06, 2023

Hi Danielle,
Thank you again and I really appreciate you taking your time to express those kind words. It been a pleasure planning and working with you, it's been a great opportunity to assist you on your trip! Hope you will visit Japan again soon!

Birthday trip to Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto)
Japan | Dec 26 - Jan 2, 2023

Maria
Maria O.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Jan 03, 2023

This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5... read more

This was an amazing trip thanks to Claudia and then Kristy, who made it all possible. My husband turned 50 on 12/31 and to make it a memorable birthday, we spent a week in Japan. We were off to a rough start due to the airline delay of 1 whole day! That made us miss a couple of planned events in Tokyo, but we still tried to make up for it. We are foodies, so we tried absolutely everything - from Japanese street food, to a local Ramen dive, to a preplanned multi course Teppanyaki place at a 5 star hotel in Kyoto. We visited a number of shrines and walked through the busiest shopping areas of Tokyo and Kyoto. Bamboo forest in Kyoto and a couple of parks (like Nara that has deer roaming around) were amazing. We also got the JR and metro systems figured out in both cities and were very comfortable getting around. Cat and mini pig cafes - fun! We will be bringing our sons with us next time and experience a different season in Japan. A day hike at Mount Fuji is in our plans for next time!

Hotel Reviews
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku
Tokyo

Very clean, friendly service. Breakfast was provided.

Authenticity & Character
We loved staying at authentic boutique hotels and this felt like one
Location
Close to everything we needed
Staff
Friendly and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Small (which is to be expected in Japan) but cozy and very clean
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma
Kyoto

Great location, clean, very helpful staff. Breakfast is provided

Authenticity & Character
Small boutique hotel, very authentic
Location
Close to transportation and local dining and shopping
Staff
Helpful and friendly staff. Very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside
Tokyo

Very nice clean place

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful design
Location
Design and character were unique. Larger of the few hotels we previously experienced in Japan
Staff
Helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy
Activity Reviews
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Kyoto

This was one of our favorite experiences. We dressed up into authentic kimonos with the assistance of very nice staff who helped us expertly and expeditiously to look amazing. Then we walked through Kyoto’s cozy winding streets for a bit taking pictures. Then we experienced a very informative and fun tea ceremony with a lovely instructor. She was very friendly and explained all the details of what was involved in the making of a perfect cup of Matcha tea. We would love to bring our sons here next time.

Quality of Experience
Immersive experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very friendly and informative
Explore Arashiyama
Kyoto

We spent about half day at Arashiyama - walking through the bamboo forest and the adjacent park and shopping area. Very pretty, although I am certain it would be even more beautiful in other seasons (we were there at the end of December).

Quality of Experience
Amazing views, lots of photo opportunities
Local specialist: Claudia Martinez Sierra

fabulous time in tokyo!
Japan | Dec 19 - Dec 23, 2022

Brianna
Brianna D.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 27, 2022

We had a wonderful time. Irish was fabulous planning everything and Shegao was just wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone visiting Japan! read more

We had a wonderful time. Irish was fabulous planning everything and Shegao was just wonderful. I would recommend them to anyone visiting Japan!

Hotel Review
Peninsula Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo

luxury hotel with fabulous breakfast and service

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tokyo Full Day Tour
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arrive in Tokyo, Free Day!
Tokyo
Sanrio Puroland
Tokyo
Free Day in Tokyo
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Explore Asakusa
Tokyo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tokyo Departure
Japan
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Irish S.