01/06/2026
The BEST Itinerary for your first trip to Japan👇
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✨This Itinerary can be done completely in reverse! We found best flights into Osaka, so that’s why we started there.
📍Osaka - 3-5 days
Visit Universal Studios, see Osaka Castle, explore Dotonbori. There’s lots of great food here!
I suggest 2-3 days to see Osaka, and an extra 1-2 days for day trips.
📍Kyoto - 3-5 days
You will want a minimum of 3 full days dedicated to Kyoto, buut there is so much to do that 5 would be ideal!
Spots to see: Nishiki Market, Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Temple Hopping, Sannenzaka & Ninnenzaka, Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion District. The list goes on and on!
You can also consider visiting Kifune and Mount Hieizan!
📍Nara & Kobe - day trips
Visit both cities as a day trip from either Osaka or Kyoto. I suggest day tripping from Osaka because it’s cheaper to stay there!
Nara - feed the deer in Nara park, visit Todaiji Temple, see the mochi pounding!
Kobe - take Kobe ropeway to the mountains, visit Meriken Park, eat at Kobe’ Chinatown. And try Kobe beef!
📍Lake Kawaguchiko - 2 nights
Staying near Mt. Fuji is always my number suggestion to really enjoy the area and help improve chances of seeing Fuji!
I highly suggest staying in Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato (ryokan with Fuji views) and renting bikes to ride around the lake!
📍Tokyo - 4 nights
Visit Teamlabs, Tsukiji Fish Market, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, Imperial Palace, Senso-Ji Temple.
👋Hi, I’m Rick! I post adventure travel destinations, epic itineraries, and travel tips! Follow .travels for more travel content!📲🥾✈️
Have you been to Japan yet? 👇