About Japan
Japan moves easily between very old and very new. Shrines stand a short walk from neon streets, and trains run with a precision that makes a long trip feel simple.
A first visit usually follows the Golden Route of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka in ten days or so.
Tokyo
Asakusa's Senso-ji temple is the oldest in the city, while Shibuya Crossing shows how many people Tokyo can move at once. Meiji Shrine sits in a quiet forest in the middle of it all. Pick up a transit card on day one.
Mount Fuji and Hakone
Hakone is the classic place for hot springs, ropeways and views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. Clouds often hide the peak, and clear days are more common in the colder months.
Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Kyoto has Fushimi Inari's red gates and the golden Kinkaku-ji. Nara's deer wander freely around Todai-ji, and Osaka is known for street food. Cherry blossom in spring and autumn colours are peak times, so plan ahead.
