By Tina
June 1, 2026
Japan has been one of the most popular destinations for French travellers in recent years! Why? Its diversity, unique history, blend of modernity and tradition, and varied landscapes... From ancient temples and futuristic skyscrapers to traditional ryokans and massive theme parks, not to mention its incredible street food and breathtaking nature, Japan truly has it all! Want to know more? You've come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, Trip.com reveals all its secrets for the perfect trip to Japan! From must-visit cities and unmissable activities to our savvy budget tips and advice on how to make the most of your travel, here is everything you need to know about the Land of the Rising Sun!
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💡Did you know? Japan is home to over 6,800 islands, but only 430 are inhabited! The archipelago stretches 3,000 km from north to south, which explains why it can be snowing in Sapporo while it’s already mild in Tokyo.
Japan is… big. As with any major trip, what you’ll be able to do and see depends hugely on how much time you have there.
To help you make the most of your trip, here are our detailed recommendations for every type of traveller. And don't worry: even with just 4-5 days on the ground, you can still visit some must-see cities with a little bit of planning!
Length of stay | As a couple | Family-friendly | With friends | Solo |
4-5 days | Tokyo + Kyoto (1 night): temples + narrow streets + geishas + ryokan | Tokyo (parks) + Hakone/Fuji: nature, fun, and family-friendly onsens | Tokyo + Osaka: USJ + street food + nightlife | Tokyo + Kyoto: culture + strolls + temple meditation |
1 week | Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka: the classic "Golden Triangle" | Tokyo (2 days in parks) + Kyoto (gentle temple visits) + Osaka (USJ) | Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka + USJ + Mount Fuji excursion | Tokyo + Kyoto + Nara + Osaka (easy with a JR Pass) |
2 weeks | Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka + Hiroshima + Hakone + ryokan | A mix of parks, culture, nature, and beaches or onsens, depending on the season. | Add Sapporo (north) or Fukuoka (south) + islands | Complete multi-region itinerary + classes + experiences |
Japan is best discovered through its major cities and their surrounding regions, each with a truly distinct atmosphere! From the ultra-modern chaos of Tokyo to the historic alleyways of Kyoto, via the gourmet buzz of Osaka and the wide-open spaces of Hokkaido, here are our top picks to help you plan your itinerary.
Tokyo is, of course, the heart of Japan! Like any capital city, it’s the perfect cultural clash: ancient shrines nestled among skyscrapers, lantern-lit alleyways, and a unique energy in every neighbourhood.
Among them, you simply can't miss visiting Shibuya (the famous crossing), Shinjuku (skyscrapers and nightlife), Harajuku (fashion and kawaii culture), Asakusa (traditional temples), or Akihabara (manga and video game culture). The city is huge, but incredibly well-organised with its modern metro system!
📌 The Trip.com tip: stay near a major JR station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station) to make getting around the city and travelling to other regions a breeze.
Kyoto is THE city of temples, Zen gardens, geishas, and historic alleyways, offering a much calmer and more contemplative atmosphere than Tokyo.
The former imperial capital for over 1,000 years, the city boasts more than 2,000 temples and shrines, including the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of red torii gates winding up the mountain, and the golden Kinkaku-ji temple, which is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset! It’s an unmissable stop if you want to experience traditional Japan!
The third city you simply can't miss on your trip: Osaka! Nicknamed "Japan's kitchen", the city is famous for street food that will have you drooling: takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (a type of savoury, loaded pancake), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)...
This is also where you'll find Universal Studios Japan, an absolute must for families and thrill-seekers alike, with its Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter zones, which are among the best in the world (more on that below)! Osaka perfectly complements Kyoto (just 30 minutes away by train), making it easy to combine culture and leisure.
Nara is Japan’s first permanent capital and one of the country's most charming cultural destinations. The city is famous for Nara Park, where hundreds of friendly deer roam freely among historic temples, gardens, and shrines.
Don't miss the impressive Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues, or the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of lanterns. Just a short trip from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara offers a peaceful atmosphere and a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s ancient heritage.
Sapporo, the capital of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, is the perfect city if you love winter, snow, and that unique Japanese Nordic vibe! Famous for its ice festivals in February (featuring some truly impressive giant sculptures), world-class ski resorts, and legendary local beer, Sapporo offers a very different side to "classic" Japan.
It’s also a fantastic spot in summer for hiking, with cooler air and nature on a grand scale (national parks, lakes, flowers). Hokkaido is also renowned for its fresh seafood (crab, sea urchin, salmon) and high-quality dairy products. A perfect destination for an off-the-beaten-path adventure!
Nagoya is often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a super convenient stop on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route, perfect for a 1-2 day break. The city is home to the magnificent Nagoya Castle, fascinating museums (like the railway museum and the Toyota museum), and a unique culinary scene featuring delicious local specialities (miso katsu, hitsumabushi, and tebasaki).
When it comes to family activities, Legoland Japan Resort in Nagoya is a huge hit for families with young children looking to mix theme park fun with cultural sightseeing. The city is also much less touristy than Tokyo or Kyoto, giving you the chance to experience a more authentic side of Japan!
After covering the must-visit cities, it's time for the top activities you can't miss in Japan! From massive theme parks to spectacular urban viewpoints, here are our top 4 essential experiences.
Seeing Mount Fuji in person is a "must-do" in your lifetime, especially if you're planning a trip to Japan. This iconic volcano, standing at 3,776 metres, is THE symbol of the country and features in millions of postcard photos.
The ideal option is a day trip from Tokyo (about a 2-hour journey), or an overnight stay in a ryokan around Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Yamanakako to soak up the view at sunrise (it's magical!).
Depending on the season, you can head to iconic viewpoints (like the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background), cycle around the Five Lakes, or combine your trip with an onsen in the Hakone region for the ultimate experience.
📌 Trip.com tip: Visibility of Mount Fuji depends heavily on the weather (it's best in winter/early spring), so try to keep your schedule a little flexible if you can!
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of the most popular theme parks in Asia, featuring immersive zones that are loved the world over! You'll find the incredible Super Nintendo World, a zone dedicated to the Mario universe complete with Peach's Castle, interactive attractions, and Power-Up Bands that turn the park into a real-life video game.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area is also world-renowned, featuring a faithful recreation of Hogwarts and the breathtaking Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride!
📌Trip.com tip: set aside a full day and arrive as soon as it opens to make the most of your time. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to secure your date (especially at weekends and during Japanese school holidays). Some attractions can have queues of over 2 hours during peak season!
SHIBUYA SKY is Tokyo's most popular rooftop observatory, perched 230 metres high atop the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper.
What makes this spot truly unique is the completely open-air observation deck, which offers 360° views of the entire Tokyo skyline, Mount Fuji on a clear day, and, of course, the famous Shibuya Crossing below (the busiest intersection in the world, with up to 3,000 people crossing at the same time!).
Tokyo Disneyland, located in Urayasu in the Tokyo suburbs (just a 20-minute train ride away), is also one of the most famous attractions in the world!
The park features the iconic zones found in other Disneylands (Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Adventureland...), but with a unique Japanese twist that blends tradition and modernity within the world of Disney. Don't worry, little ones—all your favourite Disney characters will be there to welcome you, just as they are in parks around the world.
Staying on the theme of Disney and theme parks, Tokyo DisneySea is widely considered one of the best parks in the world, and for good reason: its "ocean and exploration" theme is unique (it's the only DisneySea in existence!), its scenery is absolutely spectacular, and its attractions perfectly blend immersive storytelling with thrills.
If you only have time for one Disney park and you're travelling without toddlers, many people prefer DisneySea for its more cinematic feel and mature atmosphere.
Japan is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically depending on the season and the regions you choose to explore.
For a "classic" first trip (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka), spring and autumn are often considered the most pleasant times to visit, while winter is magical in Hokkaido and summer is perfect for festivals (though it is hotter and more humid).
Season | Weather | Reviews | Things to Do & Festivals |
🌸Spring (Mar–May) | Mild and often sunny (10-20°C) | THE peak season! Cherry blossom time (late March to April) – highly sought after. | Hanami (picnics under the cherry blossoms), strolls through Kyoto, views of Mount Fuji, flower festivals |
☀️Summer (June–August) | Hot and humid (25-35°C), monsoon season in June | Matsuri festival season, but expect intense heat and the possibility of typhoons. | Fireworks, traditional festivals, beaches, cool mountains, Gion Matsuri Kyoto |
🍁Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Pleasant and dry (15-25°C) | A wonderful "cosy" time of year with spectacular red foliage (Nov) | Momiji (red maple leaves), hiking, cultural cities, perfect weather |
❄️Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold in the north (snow), mild in Tokyo (5-10°C) | Perfect for skiing, onsens, and illuminations, with fewer tourists. | Skiing in Hokkaido, relaxing in onsens, winter illuminations, Japanese New Year, and clear views of Mount Fuji |
💡 The Trip.com recommendation: if it's your first trip and you want to see the cherry blossoms, aim for late March to early April (but book 6 months in advance as it's incredibly popular!). If you're looking for the best balance of weather and crowds, aim for October-November to see the autumn leaves with beautiful weather and fewer people.
Even if you're based in a major city, Japan is perfect for day trips, thanks to its ultra-efficient train network (especially the Shinkansen) and express buses. Here are 3 classic excursions that are easy to fit into any itinerary, especially if you're staying in Tokyo or Osaka.
As mentioned above, Mount Fuji is easily doable as a day trip from Tokyo if you set off early in the morning and return in the late afternoon. Organised tours typically take you to Lake Kawaguchiko (the most popular of the five lakes), the Chureito Pagoda for that quintessential postcard shot, and sometimes to a local onsen.
Essential information:
Nara is the easiest and most popular day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, perfect for a day of "temples, nature, and tame deer". Japan's ancient capital (710-794) is home to UNESCO-listed treasures, including the Todai-ji temple with its absolutely impressive 15-metre-tall giant bronze Buddha!
Essential information:
Hakone is a renowned onsen destination just an hour and a half from Tokyo, perfect for combining hot springs, mountain and lake scenery, fascinating museums, and (on a clear day) stunning views of Mount Fuji. The Hakone Free Pass lets you complete the full loop by combining trains, cable cars, a pirate ship on Lake Ashi, and buses.
Essential information:
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What makes Japan truly addictive is that you can return time and time again without ever experiencing the same trip twice: the country completely transforms with every season! From the cherry blossoms (sakura) in spring that paint everything in shades of pink, to the vibrant matsuri festivals in summer, the spectacular red maples (momiji) in autumn, and the magical, snow-covered landscapes in winter, every time of year has its own unique charm and special activities.
Beyond the classic tourist spots, here are some authentic experiences that will truly make your trip to Japan unforgettable:
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