Japan places to see: Mount Fuji to Tokyo and Kyoto
tour of Japan's main destinations, from Tokyo and its historic temples such as Senso-ji to Mount Fuji, Kyoto and its ancient districts, including also Hokkaido, the Japanese Alps in Nagano, Kyushu with Mount Aso and the subtropical islands of Ishigaki and Yaeyama.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Área del Monte Fuji
- End
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Stops
- 13
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Área del Monte Fuji — Sacred volcano of 3,776 meters that dominates the Japanese landscape and has been a cultural symbol of the country for centuries.
- Bosque de Bambú — Dense grove of centuries-old bamboo where the light filters between stems creating a mystical and hypnotizing atmosphere.
- Sapporo y Hokkaido — Modern city on the northern island, famous for abundant snow in winter and nearby geothermal thermal resorts.
- Nagano y los Alpes Japoneses — 3,000-meter mountain range offering world-class skiing, alpine valleys, and traditional villages.
- Kyushu y el Monte Aso — Active volcano with the largest crater in the world, which generates geothermal fumaroles and unique lunar landscapes.
- Senso-ji Temple — Ancient Buddhist temple, oldest in Tokyo, with iconic red lantern gate (Kaminarimon)
- Shibuya Crossing — Famous pedestrian crossing revealing the city's vibrant energy
- Meiji Shrine — Sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, surrounded by extensive forest
- Aokigahara Forest — Dense forest formed by ancient volcanic eruptions, with tranquil and powerful landscape
- Mount Fuji & Yoshida Trail — Japan's iconic peak with Yoshida climbing route; hot springs and cedar forests offer framed views
- Kyoto Historic Districts — Former imperial capital for 1000+ years; cultural heart of Japan
- Gion District — Narrow stone streets with traditional machiya houses and artisan shops selling pottery, sweets, and calligraphy
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple — 8th-century temple with wooden terrace overlooking valley of maple and cherry trees
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Bamboo Forest early morning or late afternoon for the most peaceful experience with minimal crowds.
- Timing
- Lake Kawaguchi offers the clearest views of Mount Fuji, especially at sunrise when mist rises from the hills.
- Timing
- In summer, follow the Yoshida Trail to climb Mount Fuji; shelters along the route offer brief rest stops during the demanding ascent above clouds.
- Tip
- Pagoda Chureito frames one of Japan's most famous views: red pagoda, cherry blossoms in spring, and Mount Fuji. In autumn, the same spot shows red and orange foliage.
- Avoid
- In Gion district, respect signs requesting silence and prohibiting photography in certain areas where geiko and maiko still practice traditional arts.
- Tip
- In Nara Park, over 1,000 sacred deer roam freely. Feed them special crackers, not other foods. Handle them with care and respect.
- Food
- In Osaka's Namba and Dotonbori, try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), prepared fresh in front of customers by vendors.
- Transport
- Bullet trains from Tokyo Station connect the vast metropolis to all corners of the country efficiently.
- Tip
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple's wooden terrace is constructed without a single nail in its main structure and is one of Kyoto's most photographed locations.
- Tip
- Fushimi Inari Taisha features thousands of vermillion torii gates ascending Mount Inari in an endless tunnel of color and shadow, honoring the deity of rice and prosperity.
- Where to stay
- In Kyoto, traditional tea houses hide behind wooden facades in Gion. Geiko and Maiko continue practicing refined arts like dance, music, and tea ceremony.
- Tip
- Tenryu-ji Temple's garden uses background mountains as 'borrowed landscape' (Shakkei), a key principle of traditional Japanese landscape design.
Video on this route
Wonders of Japan | The Secret Places Nobody Talks About | 4K travel video