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First-Time Travel to Japan - The Must-See Sites

Updated: Feb 5

Location: Japan

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons

 

See our group trips here and scroll to the trip you like.



Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto from the front.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

Kon'nichiwa, fellow bucket list travelers! If you're planning to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, you're in for a very special treat. Japan is a blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, where historic temples stand in the midst of neon-lit skyscrapers. The juxtaposition of the ancient and modern will make your journey unforgettable!


If you are going for the first time, take it easy with this high-level itinerary to must-see cities and sites and cities. you'll find it there. This should be an easy-paced trip so don't feel compelled to see everything because you will surely want to return to Japan. For your first trip soak up the culture of the amazing destination.


A crowd of people in the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

Tokyo: The Electric Metropolis

Welcome to Tokyo, where the past and future stand side by side! Hang on tight and start your adventure with a stroll through the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Don't forget to explore Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, a stunning testament to Japan's rich history. And for some modern vibes, the quirky Harajuku district is a must-visit, with its trendy fashion and vibrant street art.


Vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto
Vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

Kyoto: The Cultural Gem

Stepping into Kyoto is like stepping back in time. If you have read "Memoirs of a Geisha", this is a must-see. The city is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines! Start with Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf. Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, is another highlight. Just type in Fushimi and you'll see the bright orange gates! And for an amazing cultural experience, don't miss the traditional tea ceremonies and geisha performances in the Gion district. Book a meal with a Geisha in training, well in advance, you won't be sorry.



Osaka Castle with people standing around it
Osaka Castle

Osaka: The Foodie Paradise

Osaka is a food lover's dream come true. Dotonbori Street is a sensory overload of street food stalls, where you can try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and more delicious food to your heart's content. History buff? Visit Osaka Castle, a stunning symbol of the city's samurai past. And if you're a fan of marine life, the Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world.


Hiroshima Memorial
Hiroshima Memorial

Hiroshima: A Message of Peace

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is a somber place but an essential visit. The Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a haunting reminder of the tragic events of 1945. Take a moment to reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Peace Flame. To lift your spirits, the Shukkeien Garden is a serene oasis within the city.



Tea and Wagashi
Tea and Wagashi

Nara: Deer and Serenity

Nara is a small city with a big charm. The Nara Park is home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer. You can feed them deer crackers (shika senbei) and make this an instagrammable moment by taking selfies with them. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, where you'll find the Great Buddha Hall housing Japan's largest bronze statue of Buddha. And don't forget to explore Nara's charming streets filled with traditional tea houses and sweet shops. Learn about Macha Tea or try some tea and Wagashi in this lovely place.



Mt Fuji
Mt Fuji

Mount Fuji: Iconic Beauty

Japan's most famous mountain, Mount Fuji, is a must-see even if you don't plan to climb it. The best time to view this majestic mountain is during the cherry blossom season in spring or the fiery autumn foliage. Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region for the most breathtaking views.


Hokkaido in the Spring with a tractor tour
Hokkaido in the Spring

Hokkaido: Nature Lover's Paradise

If you're a nature enthusiast, Hokkaido is a treasure trove. Visit the stunning Blue Pond in Biei, where the water appears otherworldly. In Furano, you can see endless lavender fields in full bloom during the summer. And in winter, Hokkaido becomes a snow sports haven with world-class skiing in places like Niseko.



Okinawa beach scene
Okinawa

Okinawa: Tropical Escape

For a taste of Japan's tropical side, Okinawa is the place to be. Explore the clear waters and vibrant coral reefs while scuba diving or snorkeling. Don't miss the chance to try the local cuisine, like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and soki soba (Okinawan noodle dish).



There are so many wonderful places to see in Japan and this itinerary will give you just a taste. Japan is a land of contrasts and endless discoveries. Whether you're fascinated by history, food, nature, or a bit of everything, Japan has something to offer every traveler. So, pack your bags, grab your Japan Rail Pass, jump on a cruise, or take a tour, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.


Sayonara and happy travels!


If you want to travel to Japan and Korea with Vibrant Travel, keep an eye on our groups page for the next adventure! Better yet, sign up for our newsletter and be one of the first to know!



At Vibrant Travel, we research, plan, and book vacations for busy travelers, couples, and groups looking for authentic experiences in Europe and beyond. We take the confusion of travel planning, the overwhelm of group organization, and hours of searching online off your plate and use our knowledge of the locations, vendors, and experiences to create a vacation you will love without the hassles, time, and stress of planning it yourself. Best of all we only work with vetted vendors who provide the highest quality services.

We specialize in select destinations that you might find on your bucket list; Ireland, Iceland, and Italy. But each year we create a group trip to bucket list destinations like Japan, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa to name a few.


The vacations we plan are the vacations we love to take ourselves so we can offer you experiences and places you may not have even considered but ones that will create memories that last forever.


Call today at 407-517-4744 to end the frustration of doing it all yourself.

 

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