Planning a first visit to Japan raises a few big questions: when to go, how long to stay and where to stop. A successful journey balances your interests, the time you have and the pace of the route. Tokyo, Kyoto’s gardens, a ryokan night, dinner at a counter… Our team in Japan helps you choose. Tell us what draws you here and we will create an itinerary with room for an unplanned walk, a chance encounter or the pleasure of lingering somewhere you love.
We generally recommend 12 to 15 days in Japan to explore Tokyo and Kyoto with another stop along the way. Ten days can also offer a rewarding introduction if you focus on a few places. We consider your travel style alongside flight times, transfers and the time you will actually have in each destination. An unhurried arrival and several nights in the main cities let you settle in without packing every morning.
These cities make an excellent basis for a shorter stay. Spend time in the neighbourhoods that appeal to you, balance visits with walks and perhaps add an excursion. Your First Taste of Japan offers a starting point around Tokyo and Kyoto, tailored to your way of travelling and what you most want to explore.
A few extra days allow time in Hakone between the cities. It is a chance to enjoy your accommodation and make a ryokan night a meaningful part of the journey. A Journey Through Japan combines Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto: a starting point for balancing exploration with quieter moments.
A longer stay gives you room for another region or more time for nature, craft or food. We help choose stops that add something to your journey, taking distances and priorities into account. Another day in a place you love can be more rewarding than a hurried extra stop.
The best time depends on the regions and experiences you have in mind. Blossom, autumn colours, summer festivals and winter scenery each give a journey a different mood. Spring and autumn are often considered for a first Tokyo to Kyoto itinerary. If sakura is your dream, we create a journey with plenty to enjoy beyond flowering itself. Dates vary by region and year, so gardens, encounters and chosen experiences bring depth to the trip. In summer, we plan around the heat, spacing visits and pauses accordingly. In winter, your interests in cities, landscapes or hot springs guide the route. If annual leave or school holidays determine your dates, we work from those to create a suitable journey. To compare the seasons, see our When to visit Japan guide.
Caramage creates bespoke journeys in Japan: personal itineraries, local experiences, less familiar places and carefully selected accommodation. Each suggested journey is a starting point, shaped around your interests.
5/5
We felt in safe hands from the start
The Caramage team, and Anne in particular, were wonderfully responsive. Their professionalism, warmth and willingness to listen put us at ease straight away. Everything felt effortless. We are from Canada and have recommended Caramage to two friends, who also loved their trips. We would recommend this agency without hesitation.
The Tremblay family, Canada
Skip to content
