No country tests your itinerary-making skills quite like Japan because there is simply too much to see. I've created this first-time Japan itinerary, all in one place, to help you see the best of Japan without feeling overwhelmed. As a first-time traveller to Japan, you should ideally stick to the Golden Triangle, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. In this blog, I'll share our firsthand travel stories and detailed information in separate links for each destination.

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming since there is a lot to do and see. We spent 15 days travelling through Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo. This blog will provide you with the 15 most important first-hand tips to help you plan the perfect Japan itinerary, and if you're planning to visit Japan now or in the near future, these tips are just what you might need!

Osaka can be a great starting point for your trip to Japan. It's lively but not as crowded as Tokyo; it has many shrines but not as many as in Kyoto; it's a friendly city, making it an ideal option to ease into your Japanese vacation. This blog will give you all the tips you need to plan your perfect trip to Osaka.

This is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the 3rd century, before the advent of Buddhism. There are over 2000 Sumiyoshi shrines across Japan, and they worship Kami, the gods who protect fishermen and sailors. You'll get all the important tips if you're planning to visit this beautiful shrine in Osaka.

Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks. It was built in the 16th century, and it has played a very significant role in the unification and history of Japan. You will find all the relevant details about this castle, what to do and see there and the best time to visit.

A whole lot of interesting sights make the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan a must-see attraction on your Osaka itinerary. The aquarium is home to almost 30,000 creatures spanning over 620 species, from the mighty whale sharks and sting rays of the ocean, to the most minuscule creatures like the jellyfish, spotted garden eels, mushroom corals and anemones.

While in Osaka, you must visit the Shinsekai District to experience the retro charm of the city. Find out more about this colourful part of Osaka, filled with neon signs, street food vendors, shooting galleries and more, with the Tsutenkaku Tower serving as the backdrop.

Himeji Castle is the first monument to be recognised in Japan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This blog will give you all the relevant information that you will need to plan the perfect day trip to Himeji Castle.

Hiroshima needs no introduction. This was the first city to bear the brunt of the atomic bomb in WWII. Today, what you see is a thriving metropolis, which has healed itself over time. This blog will give you all the practical details about visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and seeing the museum.

Miyajima Island is part of the famous '3 Most Scenic Views' of Japan. If you're wondering what makes this small island so special, you will have to get on a ferry across the Seto Inland Sea and see this heavenly sight for yourself. In this blog, you will find all the relevant information you will need to plan this day trip from Hiroshima.

Established as early as 806 CE, Daishō-in is Miyajima's oldest temple and one of the 3 great temples in Japan. This small temple is an attraction that you should not miss. In this blog, you will learn everything about what makes this temple special and things to do and see here.

Planning your first trip to Kyoto? This 4-day Kyoto itinerary is designed to help you explore the city's most iconic temples, cultural districts, and nearby day trips. From walking through the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha to visiting the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, seeing the thousands of statues at Sanjūsangendō Temple, exploring the historic streets of Gion, and planning a day trip to Nara, this itinerary covers the best of Kyoto in a practical, day-

One of the most riveting experiences of our Japan trip was a visit to the beautiful Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine. In this blog, you will find all the relevant information for first-time travellers to this beautiful shrine.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also known for its stunning architecture, dating back almost 1200 years. 3 streams of sacred water flow into the temple Kiyomizu-dera, thus rendering it the moniker that translates to 'Pure water temple'. The special feature of this temple is the large veranda, popularly known as the Kiyomizu Stage, that juts out from the main hall. The Kiyomizu Stage, built in 1633, is an architectural marvel in its own right.

The Sanjūsangendō Temple in Kyoto is a cherished national treasure of Japan. If you're looking for an unspoiled spiritual experience right in the city centre, then Sanjūsangendō is a temple you must visit. The relics that you see here are unparalleled in their beauty.

Watching a Geisha show in Japan is one of the most sought-after activities on all Japan itineraries. Add to that the old-world charm of the Gion District in Kyoto, the hub for watching a geisha show, which draws visitors in droves from all over the world. So, is it really worth all the hype that surrounds this coveted show?

The historic city of Nara in Japan is a popular day-trip destination from both Osaka and Kyoto, as it is easily accessible from both. A day trip to Nara will give you access to 8 stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, since all these 8 locations fall under the aegis of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nar

This blog will give you all the info you need to plan a day trip to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which will take you to the beautiful Tenryu-ji Temple, the stunning Sogenchi Garden, the scenic locales of Katsura River and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Monkey Forest.

This blog will give you valuable tips about visiting the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, and about watching the riveting Gear non-verbal show and spending time in the Nishiki Marketplace in the heart of Kyoto's Downtown district.

If you are also planning to visit Japan and see Mount Fuji, then you've come to the right place. In this blog, you'll get all the tips that could help you plan your Mount Fuji trip seamlessly. From buying the Hakone Loop Pass to the entire journey up the Owakudani valley, you will get all the information you need to plan your trip.