Japan 24 Days - Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hakone, Tokyo, Aomori & Sapporo - September 2026

Den Den Town

Osaka's otaku district. Anime, manga, retro games, figures.

Dotonbori

Iconic food and neon strip. Glico sign, takoyaki, okonomiyaki.

Himeji Castle

Japan's finest original castle. The real deal, not a concrete reconstruction. Worth the morning trip from Osaka.

Umeda Sky Building

Floating Garden Observatory with 360-degree views of Osaka.

Pokemon Center Osaka DX

Huge Pokemon store in Shinsaibashi.

Universal Studios Japan

One day is plenty unless you want to see absolutely everything.

Nara Park

Deer park with hundreds of friendly deer. Great stop on the way to Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Thousands of vermilion torii gates up the mountainside. Go early to avoid crowds.

Kiyomizu-dera

Iconic wooden terrace with views over Kyoto. The hillside streets leading up are fun to explore.

Yasaka Shrine

Gion's main shrine. Great jumping-off point for exploring Gion's geisha district.

Nanzen-ji

Massive Zen temple complex. The aqueduct is a great photo spot.

Eikando

Beautiful temple especially famous for autumn foliage.

Ginkaku-ji

Silver Pavilion. Stunning moss garden and sand garden.

Philosopher's Path

Scenic canal-side walk between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. Cherry trees and small cafes along the way.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden

Spacious imperial park. Good for a peaceful break between temples.

Nishiki Market

Kyoto's kitchen. Narrow covered market with food stalls and local specialties.

Garden Museum Hiei

Hilltop garden on Mt. Hiei with panoramic views. Take the cable car up.

Inuyama Castle

One of Japan's 12 original castles. Small but authentic, with a charming castle town below.

Owakudani

Volcanic valley on the Hakone Loop. Try the black eggs! Great views of Fuji on clear days.

Mishima Skywalk

Japan's longest pedestrian suspension bridge with Fuji views. Check that hiking trails from Hakone are accessible before planning the hike.

Akihabara

Otaku paradise. Anime shops, arcades, maid cafes, retro games.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Lavishly decorated shrine of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The carvings are incredible.

Futarasan Shrine

Adjacent to Toshogu, quieter and more serene.

Shinkyo Bridge

Sacred red bridge at the entrance to the shrine area.

Kegon Falls

97m waterfall. Take the elevator down for the best view.

Lake Chuzenji

Scenic lake above Nikko. Perfect afternoon addition after the shrines and falls.

Tokyo Dome City

Entertainment complex with rides and shops.

Tokyo Tower

Classic Tokyo landmark. Great views, especially at night.

Zojoji Temple

Major temple right next to Tokyo Tower. The jizo statues are moving.

Meiji Jingu

Serene Shinto shrine in a forest right in the middle of Tokyo.

Imperial Palace

Walk the outer gardens and enjoy the moat views. East Gardens are free to enter.

teamLab Planets

Immersive digital art museum. Book tickets in advance, it sells out.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Street food paradise. Fresh sushi, tamagoyaki, and snacks.

Tokyo Disneyland

Classic Disney park.

Tokyo DisneySea

Unique to Japan. Widely considered one of the best theme parks in the world.

Shinjuku Gyoen

Beautiful national garden. Perfect for a slow, relaxing day.

Shibuya Crossing

The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Best seen from the Starbucks above.

Shibuya Sky

Rooftop observatory on Shibuya Scramble Square. Book sunset tickets.

Sawara Historic District

Edo-period merchant town along the Ono River. Quiet and atmospheric. Bus from Tokyo Station is faster than the train.

Gappo Park

Seaside park with views of Mutsu Bay.

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

See the massive illuminated Nebuta festival floats up close, even outside festival season.

Sapporo Beer Museum

Free to visit, paid tasting sets available. Beautiful red brick building.

Odori Park

Central green belt running through Sapporo. Roasted corn vendors in summer.

Sapporo TV Tower

City views from the observation deck. Nice at sunset.

Tanukikoji

Covered shopping arcade. Good for souvenirs and local snacks.

Nakajima Park

Peaceful park south of downtown. Historic Hasso-an teahouse inside.

Mt. Moiwa

Night view from the top is one of Japan's best. Take the ropeway up.

Noboribetsu Onsen

Famous hot spring town with Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Day trip from Sapporo, about 1.5h by train.

Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho

Original ramen alley. Tiny stalls serving Sapporo's famous miso ramen.

Kitte Mall Rooftop

Nambayasaka Shrine

Pontocho Area

Kōdaiji Temple

Hill of the Buddha

#drone

Gion Shirakawa

祇園白川 It's an area with a nostalgic atmosphere where traditional townhouses with lattice-patterned red shutters line the cobblestone streets of Gion. More info: https://souda-kyoto.jp/guide/spot/gionshirakawa.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIV__hrih1/ #architecture

Hakone Shrine

箱根神社 It's the most famous shrine in Hakone, and there can be long queues to take photos of this torii gate during the daytime. More info: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/spot/523 IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5BG6Obykpz/?img_index=1 #shrine #torii

Tsutenkaku

Coordinates: 34.6525,135.5063

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

札幌伏見稲荷神社 In winter, snow accumulates, creating a beautiful contrast of red and white. More info: https://en.visit-hokkaido.jp/destinations/power-mystique-the-sapporo-fushimi-inari-shrine IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwNLtE0yjn0/ #torii #shrine