Where to go in Japan

Eleven places across Japan, from Tokyo and the Fuji lakes to Kyoto, the Japan Alps, Hiroshima and Hokkaido, with things to do, stay areas by budget and how to get between them.

Tokyo & Fuji · Tokyo, Hakone, Kawaguchiko, Nikko

• Nikko: Ornate shrines in cedar forest (Day trip or 1 night)
• Tokyo: Neon districts, old temples, food and day trips (3–5 nights)
• Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji): Mt Fuji across the lake and the Chureito Pagoda (1–2 nights)
• Hakone: Onsen ryokan, lake cruises and Fuji views (1–2 nights)

Kansai · Kyoto, Osaka, Nara

• Kyoto: Temples, shrines, gardens and Gion (2–4 nights)
• Nara: Deer park and the giant Buddha (Day trip or 1 night)
• Osaka: Street food, castle and Universal Studios (2–3 nights)

Japan Alps · Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

• Kanazawa: Kenroku-en garden, teahouse district and seafood (2–3 nights)
• Takayama: Edo-era old town, Hida beef and Shirakawa-go (2–3 nights)

Hiroshima · Peace Park and Miyajima

• Hiroshima: Peace Memorial and Miyajima's floating torii (2–3 nights)

Hokkaido · Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Niseko

• Sapporo: Snow Festival, ramen and Hokkaido nature (2–4 nights)