Japan is famous for its flowering cherry trees. These trees are much sought after around the world. Cherry blossom festivals are held in such diverse regions as Washington, Vancouver, Paris, Stockholm, and Spain’s Jerte Valley. Still, Japan remains the premier location in the world for viewing the cherry blossoms or attending a cherry blossom festival, especially when seeing Japan by train.
Itineraries
Plan ahead with our routes and itineraries, including the best places to discover Japan while traveling by rail, how to get there and getting around with the JR Pass.
How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen Bullet Train and Bus
With your Japan Rail Pass, it’s easy to visit both Tokyo and Kyoto and make the most of your trip. Regular bullet trains connect the 2 cities, with the fastest services completing the journey in about 2 hours 10 minutes.
This guide explains how to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, including bullet train services and journey times, and fares. You’ll also find details on alternative ways to make the trip, including daytime coach services and night buses.
Kumano Kodo pilgrimage: Access and Itineraries
What is the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage? The term kodo means “old ways,” and Kumano Kodo refers to a network of hiking trails laced throughout the southern reaches of the Kansai region, on the Kii Peninsula. The trails have been used for more than 1,000 years and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue reading “%s”
10 days in Japan: Travel itinerary
One of the best ways to get to know what Japan has to offer is to explore the best-of-highlights route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. This itinerary allows you to see most of Japan’s famous landmarks and truly get a taste of the culture.
You will travel from the modern wonders of Tokyo, past the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps, all the way to the traditional and ancient Kyoto. The best thing about it? You can do it all in just 10 days!
Best Places to See Autumn Leaves in Japan in 2026
Japan offers countless places to enjoy autumn foliage, from Tokyo’s city gardens and Kyoto’s temple grounds to mountain valleys, lakes and national parks across the country.
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Japan in 7 days: Travel itinerary
Visiting Japan for the first, second or even third time can be scary. It is not an easy task to get around in Tokyo or figure out what to see from the countless number of giant temples, beautiful parks, large shopping streets and fresh restaurants.
That is why we have prepared our top “7 days in Japan” itinerary and recommendations so that you can travel, see and explore the greatest sights of the country with your Japan Rail Pass.