Japan has reported 998 confirmed cases of coronaviraus, including 705 cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Yokohama, as of March 4th. Travelers are advised to exercise caution when visiting Japan. There is a level 2 travel alert in place from the CDC and a level 2 advisory from the State Department, both due to coronavirus.
Japan in 1 Week
Safe to say that a country where you travel by bullet train one day and experience the calm of zen the next, is full of fascinating contradictions. With 7-10 days in Japan you can experience all facets that make this country unique.
Day 1, Tokyo: See the largest crosswalk in the world, explore the distinct sections of the city, and partake in some karaoke!
Day 2, Hakone: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this mountain town, famous for hot springs. Take an excursion to Ōwakudani and eat a black egg for good luck. Spend the night in a traditional “ryokan” or inn.
Day 3-4, Kyoto: Walk among the many Buddhist and Zen temples in Kyoto. See Nijo Castle and Kinaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Gion where you can glimpse Geishas through upstairs windows.
Day 5-6, Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and museum dedicated to the atomic bomb attack in 1945. Take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island and see the floating torii gate.
Day 7-8, Koyasan: Stay in a traditional monk residence at Mount Koya Temple, observe ancient rituals and chants, explore expansive Oku-no-in Cemetery.
Day 9, Osaka: Excursion to Himeji Castle, explore the bustling bar and street food scene of Osaka.
Japan in 2 Weeks
With two weeks, you can explore farther reaches of Japan, while also hitting the main highlights.
Day 1, Tokyo: See the largest crosswalk in the world, explore the distinct sections of the city, and partake in some karaoke!
Day 2, Takayama: Explore the beautiful countryside complete with rice paddies and thatch roof homes. Rent bikes or walk and wander through local markets.
Day 3-5, Kanazawa: Take a guided walking tour through this 17th century castle town. See classic Geisha and Samurai districts. Visit Ninja Temple, Kenrokuen Garden, and Omicho Market.
Day 6, Hakone: Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this mountain town, famous for hot springs. Take an excursion to Ōwakudani and eat a black egg for good luck. Spend the night in a traditional “ryokan” or inn.
Day 7-8, Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and museum dedicated to the atomic bomb attack in 1945. Take a ferry ride to Miyajima Island and see the floating torii gate.
Day 9-10, Kyoto: Walk among the many Buddhist and Zen temples in Kyoto. See Nijo Castle and Kinaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Gion where you can glimpse Geishas through upstairs windows.
Day 11-12, Nagasaki: Visit the peace park and museum dedicated to the second atomic bombing in 1945. Admire the views from Mount Inasa.
Day 13-14, Tokyo: Return to Tokyo via train or flight. Take an excursion to Mount Fuji before departing home.
Japan Winter Getaway
Soak in a warm Onsen, as the snow falls outside. Hit the slopes on some of Japan’s beautiful ski mountains, and explore winter villages.
Day 1-3, Sapporo: Visit the incredible snow sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Take in incredible views from the JR Tower Observation Deck. Try your hand at the Olympic ski jump!
Day 4, Otaru: Snow Light Path festival, see the canals lit up with hundreds of floating candles
Day 5-6, Shirakawa: Enjoy two nights in this wintery village that looks straight out of the European Alps.
Day 7-8, Nagano: See the red-faced “snow monkeys” in Yudanaka, visit Zenkoji Temple, explore the Yuzawa Snow Museum
Day 9, Kyoto: End in Kyoto for a chance to visit the cities famous temples and zen gardens.