Japan trip: Tokyo and beyond

Begin your day with a visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively introduction to Tokyo’s food culture. Wander through the market lanes, sample fresh seafood and street snacks, and enjoy small tastings prepared by local chefs.

Continue to Hamarikyu Gardens for a slower pace. Stroll along the Edo period pond, admire seasonal blossoms, and pause at the traditional teahouse for a moment of calm, all while taking in striking modern city views. This contrast is a highlight of Japan travel, where heritage and contemporary life sit side by side.

In the afternoon, head to the TeamLab Borderless Museum. Move through immersive digital art spaces where light, sound, and motion flow around you, creating interactive moments that feel both playful and meditative. End the day inspired by an experience that redefines how art is seen and felt in Tokyo.

Day two of your Japan itinerary begins at Meiji Jingu Shrine, where tranquil forest paths lead you into a calmer, more spiritual side of Tokyo. Watch Shinto rituals, breathe in the cedar-scented air, and enjoy a quiet reset before the city energy returns.

Next, head to Harajuku and Omotesando, where cutting-edge fashion, boutique design houses, and cozy cafes set the scene. Curated shopping and vivid street style create a tailor-made experience that feels personal and effortless.

In the afternoon and evening, make your way to Shibuya. Cross the famous scramble, explore neon-lit streets, and step into the buzz of nightlife. With Shibuya Station at the center, you have an easy connection to even more neighborhoods and highlights across your Japan trip.

Wander the Asakusa Quarter and soak up old Tokyo charm as you browse traditional craft shops and sample street food along Nakamise Street on the way to the timeless Sensō ji Temple. Add a guided experience, such as a hands-on craft workshop or a rickshaw ride, to create an authentic, tailored travel day.

Then head to Tokyo Skytree in Sumida for sweeping views from the observation decks, sunset skyline photos, and time to explore the shops and restaurants at Solamachi.

Hakone Open Air Museum invites you to wander lawns, woodland paths, and landscaped gardens dotted with large-scale sculptures by Japanese and Western masters. Families will love the playful, artist-designed structures for children, while art lovers can spend time in the Picasso Pavilion, especially admired for its expressive ink drawings of bulls. If you are visiting later in the day, check the program for seasonal light displays and rotating exhibitions, which sometimes feature contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama.

For a slower, scenic break, take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise across Lake Ashi. The calm waters and mountain backdrop create classic photo moments that fit beautifully into any Japan trip, especially on clear days when views feel extra dramatic.

Complete the circuit with the Hakone Ropeway. Step into one of the frequent gondolas, each carrying around ten passengers, and glide over the landscape for about 30 minutes end to end. The ride rewards you with wide, cinematic panoramas that make Hakone feel vast and unforgettable.

On this final day of your Japan trip, begin in Gora Park with an easy stroll through manicured gardens, seasonal blooms, and a traditional teahouse. Add a hands-on pottery class or a tea ceremony for a calm, local experience with serene Hakone mountain views, an ideal way to slow the pace before the journey home.

Next, visit Owakudani Volcanic Valley to experience steaming vents, sulfur-scented fields, and dramatic panoramas. Try the famous black shelled eggs, learn about Hakone’s geothermal landscape on short walking trails, and capture striking photos across the valley.

Because this is the last day, you can keep it light and finish after Owakudani, or extend the day with extra time for a café stop, an onsen soak, or a relaxed return, depending on your energy. Many travelers consider Hakone one of the best places to visit in Japan, and this flexible finale lets you end on a high note or linger a little longer.