Introduction guide to Japan: Tips for your first trip

Have you been dreaming for years about visiting Japan? We’ve got you covered. At long last, prepare to see the places you probably already have on your Japan bucket list - from iconic temples and shrines to towering torii gates and hidden vegetarian ramen shops. Read this article to discover our tips!

Japan in 10 Days: From the Seto Islands to Kyoto & Tokyo

When you have just 10 days to experience Japan for the first time, planning your itinerary can feel overwhelming. However, consider this route: spend a couple of days exploring the unique art islands of Naoshima and Teshima in the Seto Inland Sea. Very different from big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, these islands offer a glimpse into rural Japanese culture alongside world-class contemporary art.

From there, spend 3-4 days in historic Kyoto. Wander through iconic temples, gardens, and shrines untouched by time. Soak in onsen and sample kaiseki multicourse meals. Then take the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo for your final 4-5 days. navigate futuristic skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and parks filled with Hanami flower viewers.

This 10-day route maximizes your time between Japan's must-see cities while adding an off-the-beaten-path detour to the Seto Islands. You'll experience both traditional and modern sides of the country at a pace that's relaxed yet action-packed. Trust us, it's the perfect introduction to the wonders of Japan.

If you have additional time during your visit to Japan, there are some other diverse destinations worth exploring to further immerse yourself in the country's beauty and culture.

Spending 2-3 nights at a ryokan near Mount Fuji gives you a better chance to view its perfect conical shape piercing the clouds. In the Kansai region, Osaka is renowned as Japan's kitchen and offers incredible cuisine like okonomiyaki. Nearby, the serene Nara Park allows you to commune with friendly deer.

Off the beaten path, Mount Koya in Wakayama is a sacred place of pilgrimage dotted with colorful temples. Or soak your cares away in the luxurious onsen ryokan of the quaint preserved town of Ginzan. There is also plenty more to discover in Hokkaido, Okinawa, and other regions. Situated in western Japan is the Seto Inland Sea, known for its numerous islands. Twelve islands in particular have grown into renowned art destinations, hosting celebrated art festivals and exhibiting impressive installations, museums, and cultural attractions.

The most convenient way to reach these Seto Islands from Tokyo is to take a short flight into the city of Takamatsu, located on the northwest coast of Shikoku island. From there, ferries provide transportation to the various islands. You can spend two nights on the island of Naoshima, one of the prime art islands. Naoshima features many prestigious art museums and unique outdoor installations, making it an ideal place to immerse oneself in creative works during a short visit to the region. The natural scenery combined with integrations of art truly set these Seto Islands apart as extraordinary and inspiring destinations.

After two nights on Naoshima, your next adventure awaits a short ferry ride to the nearby island of Teshima. There you will visit the serene Teshima Art Museum, an organically shaped structure made of whitewashed concrete nestled among the trees.

As with many art installations in the Seto Islands, photography is not permitted inside this unique museum. But the immersive experience is what makes it memorable. You'll sit on the floor and watch as tiny water bubbles slowly emerge from small holes in the ground, floating across to a central pan as sunlight filters through a large circular opening above.

Surrendering your phone allows you to fully appreciate the simplicity and tranquility of the space. The integration of art and natural elements is subtly soothing - you can see why this region has embraced modern creativity alongside its inherent scenic beauty. Some places are best experienced directly with your senses rather than through a screen.

After your time on Naoshima, take the ferry from Uno and ride two trains for about four hours to arrive in magnificent Kyoto. For travel between major cities like this, we highly recommend purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. It provides access to most local and bullet trains across Japan, like the speedy Shinkansen that zips you around with ease. Upon arrival in Kyoto, check into the wonderful "Old Kyoto Machiya" guesthouse located right next to the famed Gion district. This is where geisha still live and entertain guests each evening. You can even stay in true traditional Japanese style with tatami mats and a private zen garden. Staying here immerses you in old Kyoto's enchanting atmosphere right in the heart of the geisha quarter. The staff can also provide insider dining and experience recommendations to plunge you fully into local culture!