After 12 hours sandwiched in between fellow passengers on a direct flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo, the consistent hum of in-flight entertainment, quiet chatter and tearing of cellophane wrappers is interrupted by total chaos. Stepping out of the airplane and into the terminal of one of the world’s busiest airports is like a splash of ice-cold water on a sleepy face – abrupt and surprising. Once the shock subsides, the dazzling city lights and scintillating streetscape of the city becomes a welcome spectacle for the senses.  

Japan has 13 cities with more than 1 million people; Tokyo, alone, is home to nearly 10 million residents. But the distance between each of these cities is relatively short, compared to the geography of the United States. On a seven-day trip, a tourist could reasonably visit five different locations, all accessible by train or bus. Here, we share the experience in four different cities in Japan.

Tokyo: Dive into the Heart of the Metropolis

The capital city of Japan, a bustling Tokyo bears similarity to New York City. A skyline of magnificent skyscrapers weave through narrow streets where animated billboards display large house cats at play and the scent of various noodle shops hangs like a curtain. The two biggest neighborhoods of Tokyo – Shinjuku and Shibuya – are both crowded and vibrant, yet distinct.

Just one stop ahead of the Shibuya station, a small accommodation behind a kimono shop in Kitazawa is a comfortable place to rest one’s head, just steps away from dozens of shops and eateries. Here, cafés do serve coffee but typically not until 10 a.m. or later, when most other shops open for business. But most people opt for tea, as is custom in the Japanese culture. Tokyo and the surrounding area operate into the wee hours of the morning with dinner service at 11 p.m. not unusual, so be prepared for a later start. In between slurps of ramen and skewers of braised chicken, take the train about one hour north to Nakacho for a special brewery tour. Home of one of the last remaining soy sauce breweries in the country, the town of Nakacho is quiet but charming. Traditional temples can be found on various corners and a popular street market folded into the community is a stop for tour busses passing through. The Matsumoto Soy Sauce company offers tours of its facility, where visitors can view massive barrels of fermenting soy beans and even taste the paste before it’s strained into the soy sauce we know and love.

Before departing Tokyo, be sure to play a few rounds in one of their arcades and pick up a few souvenirs at the vast array of retail stores.

Fujisan: Conquer Japan’s Iconic Mount Fuji

A three-hour bus ride from Tokyo brings travelers to the base of Mount Fuji, the nation’s iconic active volcano and highest peak. On clear days, the snow cap of this sacred mountain can be viewed from a distance. Every year, about 350,000 people embark on hiking the mountain, which can take between five to 10 hours, depending on weather. Climbers should be prepared to face inclement conditions such as heavy snow fall, rain and wind, which may necessitate staying overnight in a cabin on the mountain. Down below, the community of Fujisan is built around a lake that sparkles from the reflection of Mount Fuji. Numerous hotels, eateries and retail shops dot the arc of the lake. In terms of accommodations, opt for a traditional ryokan like Kasuitei Ooya in Fujikawaguchiko for a cultural experience that includes a tea set up, tatami mat sleeping arrangements, and a hot spring. This quieter town winds down much earlier than its big city counterpart, closing up around 9 p.m. Before the evening ends, enjoy a cocktail at Authors, a themed bar filled with books and film posters.

Kyoto: Uncover History and Tradition

A city known for its eclectic dining options, Kyoto is Japan’s original capital city. A pair of exciting markets less than a mile apart offer everything from ramen to tea cup pig cafes and fish spa pedicures. A short ride on the metro brings visitors to the Bamboo Forest, a sacred place where hushed whispers wind through the tall reeds of bamboo. A small tea shop on the forest perimeter offers fresh egg sandwiches and tea, just feet from a doll studio of a famed Japanese artist who actually works at the café. Purchase five postcards and receive a free tour of her studio by the artist, herself.

Back in the heart of the city, stop for a mid-day masubi at one of the local vendors. Remember that eating while walking is frowned upon, so break for a bite to eat while enjoying the sights and sounds. Trashcans are few and far between, so be prepared to carry trash for a while. The famed Nishiki Market is replete with food, drink, shopping and activities. To visit every shop in the sprawling market could take hours, so hone in on a few of its great offerings, like the Kyoto Engine Ramen shop. Prepare for a long wait to be seated at this small restaurant, where rich broth and savory noodles touch the soul on the way to the stomach. While waiting for a seat, enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many animal cafes – exotic cat, shiba inu, or tea cup pig. Those with a hearty appetite may even consider a Japanese coin styled cheesy bread bite. Karaoke lounges and sake bars offer late night options.

Osaka: Indulge in Culinary Delights and Modern Marvels

This more industrious city is another foodie destination with numerous restaurants and bars across a vast cityscape. Known for its many futuristic elements, like the Team Lab Botanical Garden, and its high up observation decks, Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan.

In Japanese bars, whiskey is king and the preferred drink – aside from sake – is a whiskey highball, which is Japanese whiskey served over sparkling water with ice. Few cocktails as Americans know (ie., lemon drop martinis and negronis) them exist in the country. So, drink like the locals do and try a bartender-recommended whiskey drink. Why not? It’s likely to cost the American equivalent of $4. Pop into one of the many restaurants offering tako-yaki, okonomiyaki, ramen and kushi-katsu for a bite to eat before calling it a night.

Explore Japan Like Never Before

In Japan, the metro and the Shinkansen “bullet” train are the best modes of transportation – they can take you just about anywhere in the country. Accommodations and meals are very affordable outside Tokyo and the many attractions countrywide are also low-cost. Rent a pocket wifi for a low-cost connectivity option and download Google Lens to make translation a breeze. While many people in the country do speak English, those who don’t are often very willing to use a translation app to support your travels. Remember to remove your shoes before entering your accommodations and be mindful, as the locals are, of the mark you leave on where you visit. Japan is a beautiful place with a deep cultural history and traditions that will leave you eager to return – even if just for another bowl of ramen.