A region-by-region shortlist of temples, gardens, history, food, and nature — enough to fill the days without rushing.
Old and new side by side. Three days is enough for a satisfying first taste.
Tokyo's oldest temple, approached through the lantern-lit Nakamise shopping street. Best early in the morning.
The famous scramble crossing, neon streets, izakaya alleys, and the calm of the Meiji Shrine forest nearby.
Outer market street food, sushi breakfasts, and some of the best casual dining in the world.
The cultural core: more than a thousand temples, plus an easy day trip to Nara.
Thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up a forested hillside. Go at dawn to beat the crowds.
The bamboo grove, riverside temples, and a monkey park with views over the city.
The Golden Pavilion by day; lantern-lit geisha streets in Gion by night.
Bowing deer in the park and the colossal bronze Buddha of Todai-ji, ~45 minutes from Kyoto.
"Kyoto's kitchen" — a covered lane of food stalls, pickles, sweets, and local specialities.
A grand wooden temple on stilts with sweeping views, set among atmospheric old streets.
Mountains, lake views, open-air hot springs, and the Super Formula race weekend.
Cruise the lake and ride the ropeway over volcanic valleys, with Mt. Fuji on the horizon when skies are clear.
Sculpture set against mountain scenery, including a dedicated Picasso pavilion.
Soak in mineral hot springs — the classic way to unwind between Kyoto and Osaka.
Japan's most cheerful food city.
Neon canals and street food — takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and the famous Glico running man.
A reconstructed keep ringed by parkland and moats, with a history museum inside.
Himeji Castle and the temples of Koyasan are both within easy reach for a change of pace.
History and island scenery in equal measure.
The A-Bomb Dome, museum, and memorials — a moving and essential visit.
The "floating" torii gate on Miyajima island, best at high tide. Friendly deer roam the shore.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters are the regional must-tries.
Gardens, preserved old districts, and storybook mountain villages.
One of Japan's three great landscape gardens — especially lovely as autumn colour arrives.
Preserved teahouse streets, gold-leaf craft, and samurai-era lanes.
UNESCO-listed thatched farmhouses and a charming old town in the mountains.
Foliage peaks earliest in the higher mountains — the Alps and Hakone may already be turning while the cities stay green. A great month for landscape photos.