Japan’s Big Three: Tokyo, Kyoto & Mount Fuji

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Shinjuku, Tokyo
Ueno Park Hanami, Tokyo
Fushimi Inari Shrine Senbon Torii, Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji Temple of The Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
Mount Fuji, Japan

Intro

Where do you start a trip when the whole country is like an unknown territory? As a visitor of Japan myself for over 20 years, I would always recommend starting with the Big Three: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji. With this selection, you can easily combine an exciting modern world metropolis with the most beautiful temples and shrines in Kyoto and the symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji. You can dive deeply into this unique culture and history of Japan. I guarantee you experiences and memories which last a lifetime. Best Places to Stay in Tokyo >

Tokyo

The biggest city in the world, with a population of nearly 38 million, was my home for one year, and I have returned countless times since. It is a city that never sleeps and changes faster than you can imagine. The mix of exciting nightlife, beautiful parks, amazing temples and shrines, and so much more never gets boring. You can easily follow my recommendations with my Tokyo itineraries for 1–5 days.

Don’t miss these Tokyo highlights:

Sensoji Temple

is the oldest and most frequently visited Buddhist temple in Tokyo.

Rainbow Bridge

It is a 798-meter-long two-story suspension bridge in Tokyo.

Meiji Shrine

was created to honor Emperor Meiji and his wife.

Ueno Park

It is Tokyo's oldest public park.

Hamarikyu Garden

a beautiful landscape garden in Chuo-ku, central Tokyo.

Imperial Palace

is the residence of the Emperor's family.

Tokyo Itineraries

See the best of Tokyo in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days – no planning needed. Handpicked routes, unforgettable stops. >

Best Experiences in Tokyo

Shrines, temples & more – Tokyo’s best moments start here. Powered by GetYourGuide. >

Best Day Trips from Tokyo

Escape the city with handpicked day trips to magical towns, temples, and nature spots. >

Mount Fuji

No matter from which angle you approach Mount Fuji, it will always be one of the most impressive sights in Japan. The world-renowned symbol of the country is, with its 3776.24m, the highest mountain or better volcano in Japan. Sometimes you need a bit of luck to have a clear sight, and my first time to see Mount Fuji up close was during my trip to Hakone. I can only recommend you to have a one- or two-day stop here on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Don’t miss these highlights near Mount Fuji:

Lake Kawaguchi

is part of the Fuji Five Lakes system.

Lake Motosu

is with a water depth of 138m the deepest of the Fuji Five Lakes

Lake Yamanaka

is the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes by surface area.

Lake Shojiko

is the smallest of the Fuji Five Lakes by surface area.

Lake Saiko

is the perfect place for outdoor lovers.

Hakone Round Trip

It is a great day trip from Tokyo to the Hakone area.

Kyoto

I had the chance to spend many weeks in Kyoto, and it is to this day my favorite city in Japan. The high density of beautiful shrines and temples is mind-boggling. The most beautiful but also the most crowded time is the cherry blossom season at the end of March and the beginning of April. To make your life easier, I created this Kyoto itinerary list for 1-5 days.

Don’t miss these Kyoto highlights:

Location

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji are all located on Honshu, Japan’s main island.

How to get around?

2hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Lake Ashi by Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus or
2hrs from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station by Odakyu Train
15min from Hakone Yumoto Station to Odawara Station by Hakone Tozan/Odakyu train
1.5hrs from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station by Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari)

Where to stay in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone (near Mount Fuji)?

Japan’s Big Three: Tokyo, Kyoto & Mount Fuji