A few weeks ago, a family of four from West Delhi sat across from us in our Pitampura office. The parents had a printed list of cities, the teenager had a folder of anime screenshots, and the grandmother had one quiet question: “Will I find food I can eat?”

The parents asked what most first-timers ask: “Is Japan too complicated for us?” We smiled, because the honest answer is no. Japan is organised, safe and surprisingly easy once we know the order to see things in. This Japan travel guide covers the top 21 tourist places in Japan, with the practical details we share at our desk: what each place is, how long to give it, and what to watch out for.

Why So Many of Us Are Choosing Japan

Japan welcomed 315,100 Indian visitors last year, a rise of 35.2 per cent and nearly 80 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. Improved flight connectivity and growing interest beyond the classic routes drove that jump. Daily Mumbai to Narita flights from ANA and a new Narita route from JAL add more choice.

What does this mean for us? Japan is no longer a once-in-a-lifetime stretch. It is a mainstream holiday, and demand is spreading across seasons. Japan’s tourism body noted strong autumn growth too, with arrivals from India up 22 per cent in November and 37 per cent in December. That tells us to book earlier for those months.

First-time Indian visitors mostly follow the “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. We have built this list around it, then added a few places for second trips.

Best Time to Visit Japan

Late March to April: Cherry blossom season. Gorgeous, but expensive and crowded, and exact bloom dates shift each year.
May: Comfortable weather and a popular month for Indian summer holidays.
June to July: Rainy and humid. Fewer crowds, but pack for showers.
October to November: Cool, clear days and autumn colours, especially in Kyoto. Our personal favourite for first-timers.
December to February: Cold, with snow in Hokkaido and mountain regions. Good for skiing and clear Mount Fuji views.

Tokyo Tourist Places

1. Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa

Senso-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple. We walk in through the giant red Kaminarimon gate and along Nakamise Street, which sells snacks, fans and souvenirs. The temple feels lively and welcoming, a good first stop to settle into Japan.

Best for: First-timers, families, culture lovers
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Our tip: Go early morning or late evening for fewer crowds. Try freshly made rice crackers, but check ingredients if we are vegetarian.

2. Shibuya Crossing

Hundreds of people cross in every direction at once whenever the lights change. It is organised chaos and one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo. Surrounding malls and fashion stores make it a great place for shopping too.

Best for: Friends, couples, shoppers
Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Our tip: For the best view, go to an elevated deck or a window café overlooking the crossing, and visit after dark when the lights are on.

3. Meiji Shrine

Just a short walk from the busy streets of Harajuku, this Shinto shrine sits inside a quiet forest. Wide gravel paths, giant wooden gates and calm surroundings make it a peaceful reset in the middle of a huge city.

Best for: Seniors, couples, anyone wanting calm
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
Our tip: Walk slowly and observe how visitors bow at the gate and wash hands before the main hall. Entry to the grounds is generally free.

4. Tokyo Skytree

At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan. Observation decks give us wide views across the Tokyo skyline and, on clear days, towards Mount Fuji.

Best for: Families, couples, photographers
Time needed: 2 hours
Our tip: Pick a clear day, as cloud can hide the view completely. Sunset visits are lovely but busier.

5. Odaiba

This waterfront district on Tokyo Bay has malls, a replica of the Statue of Liberty, bay views and a skyline backdrop with the Rainbow Bridge. It is relaxed, modern and especially pretty in the evening.

Best for: Families, couples, evening plans
Time needed: Half a day
Our tip: Visit around sunset and stay for the lights. It is easy to combine with shopping.

6. Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo has two parks, Tokyo Disneyland and the sea-themed Tokyo DisneySea. Many travellers say DisneySea is unlike any other Disney park because of its detailed harbour-style settings.

Best for: Families, honeymooners who love theme parks
Time needed: Full day
Our tip: Arrive at opening, plan rides in advance and check the official app for wait times. Weekdays are quieter.

Mount Fuji Travel Guide

7. Mount Fuji and the 5th Station

Mount Fuji stands at 3,776 metres and is Japan’s highest mountain. Most visitors reach the 5th Station by road for sweeping views over the countryside. The official climbing season is short, generally July to early September, so a visit at other times means viewing, not climbing.

Best for: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers
Time needed: Half to full day
Our tip: Fuji hides behind cloud often, so we keep a flexible plan and never promise a perfect view. Carry a jacket, as it is much colder at altitude.

8. Hakone and Lake Ashi

Hakone is a hot-spring town near Fuji with a calm lake, pirate-style sightseeing boats, forest trails and traditional inns. A Lake Ashi cruise often gives a lovely view of Fuji when the weather is kind.

Best for: Honeymooners, couples, families
Time needed: 1 to 2 days
Our tip: Stay one night in a ryokan with an onsen if we can. Volcanic activity sometimes closes ropeways, so we always keep a backup plan.

Kyoto Tourist Attractions

If we are looking for a kyoto tour package or want Kyoto inside a wider trip, this city usually becomes the emotional centre of the journey.

9. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen temple whose upper floors are covered in gold leaf, shining over a quiet pond. It is one of the most iconic Kyoto tourist attractions and looks beautiful in every season.

Best for: Everyone, especially photographers
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
Our tip: Visit in the morning for softer light and fewer crowds.

10. Fushimi Inari Taisha

Thousands of bright orange torii gates form tunnels up the slope of Mount Inari. The lower part is easy to walk, while the full climb takes a couple of hours.

Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, photographers
Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours
Our tip: Go early or late for fewer crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.

11. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A path winds through tall bamboo stalks that sway in the wind. Nearby are Tenryu-ji temple and the river with the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Best for: Couples, nature lovers
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Our tip: This place is crowded by mid-morning. Go at opening time to enjoy the quiet.

12. Kiyomizu-dera

A UNESCO-listed temple with a large wooden terrace that stands out over the hillside. The lanes below, such as Sannenzaka, are full of small shops and tea houses.

Best for: Culture lovers, couples, families
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Our tip: Visit towards evening for gentle light, and try local sweets on the way down.

13. Gion District

Gion is Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, with wooden teahouses and the chance of spotting a geiko or maiko. It is atmospheric, especially at dusk.

Best for: Couples, culture lovers
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours
Our tip: Please be respectful. Do not chase or block anyone for photos, and follow signs about private lanes.

Nara and Osaka Tourist Places

14. Todai-ji and Nara Park

Todai-ji houses a giant bronze Buddha inside one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Outside, Nara Park’s friendly deer roam freely and bow for crackers sold at small stalls.

Best for: Families with children, seniors
Time needed: Half a day
Our tip: Deer can nip, so keep paper, maps and food hidden, and feed them only with the official crackers.

15. Osaka Castle

A historic castle surrounded by moats, stone walls and gardens. The main tower has a museum that tells the story of the city and its famous ruler. In spring, the grounds are full of cherry blossoms.

Best for: Families, history lovers, photographers
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Our tip: Walk around the moat and gardens first, then go inside. Lines are shorter in the morning.

16. Dotonbori

Dotonbori is Osaka’s food and neon heart along a lively canal. It is known for its giant signs and street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Best for: Friends, couples, food lovers
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
Our tip: Many Japanese dishes use fish-based stock, so vegetarians should ask carefully. Our packages include Indian meals at many stops, which many of our travellers find helpful.

17. Universal Studios Japan

A large theme park in Osaka with themed lands, rides and shows. It is a big draw for families and teenagers.

Best for: Families, teens, friends
Time needed: Full day
Our tip: Popular areas often run on timed entry, so we check rules and tickets before the trip.

Hiroshima

18. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome

The park, museum and preserved dome stand as a powerful reminder of what happened here. It is quiet, reflective and deeply moving, and one of the most meaningful Japan tourist attractions.

Best for: Teens and adults, history lovers
Time needed: 3 to 4 hours
Our tip: Please treat the site with respect. We plan this visit calmly, not between busy stops.

19. Itsukushima Shrine and Miyajima

A short ferry ride from Hiroshima takes us to Miyajima, home to the famous “floating” torii gate. At high tide the gate seems to rise from the water. The island also has deer, small shops and temple paths.

Best for: Couples, families, photographers
Time needed: Half a day
Our tip: Check tide tables, since the gate looks very different at high and low tide. Local specialties include grilled oysters, so vegetarians should confirm options.

Beyond the Golden Route

20. Takayama

An old merchant town in the Japan Alps with preserved wooden houses, sake breweries and morning markets. It is slower and quieter than the big cities.

Best for: Seniors, second-time visitors, slow travellers
Time needed: 1 to 2 days
Our tip: Visit in the morning, when markets are open and the old streets are calm.

21. Hokkaido

Japan’s northern island has snowfields, ski resorts, lavender fields in summer and fresh seafood. Japan’s tourism body is actively promoting Hokkaido, along with other regions, to encourage visitors to look beyond the Golden Route.

Best for: Adventure seekers, skiers, families
Time needed: 4 to 6 days
Our tip: Ski season runs roughly from December to March. We book winter gear and transfers early.

Japan Travel Itinerary for First-Timers

Here is how an 8-day Japan trip from India often flows, based on our Splendours of Japan package:

Day 1 to 2: Arrive in Tokyo, see Asakusa, Odaiba and shopping areas.
Day 3: Hakone, Mount Fuji 5th Station (weather permitting) and a Lake Ashi cruise.
Day 4: Travel to Osaka by road and stop at Osaka Castle.
Day 5: Hiroshima Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, then a bullet train back to Osaka.
Day 6: Kyoto and Nara, including Kinkaku-ji and Todai-ji.
Day 7: Free day in Osaka, Dotonbori and shopping.
Day 8: Departure.

Japan Tour Packages from India: Prices and Options

These are our current starting prices per person from travelpaa.com:

Package	Duration	Starting Price
Explore Japan	6 Days	Rs. 1,29,999
Simply Japan	7 Days	Rs. 1,34,999
Discover Japan	8 Days	Rs. 1,35,999
Best of Japan	8 Days	Rs. 1,60,000
Splendours of Japan	8 Days / 7 Nights	Rs. 1,79,999

On Splendours of Japan, the price includes return economy flights from Delhi, 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, Indian meals as per the itinerary, an English-speaking chauffeur guide and a bullet train ticket from Hiroshima to Osaka. Visa fees and travel insurance are not included.

Browse all our japan tour packages from india to compare. For a Kyoto-focused trip, our kyoto tour package style itinerary covers Kyoto and Nara, and we can customise more nights there.

Which Japan Trip Fits Which Traveller?

Family tours: Tokyo Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan, Nara deer and Osaka food. Choose a 7 to 8 day plan with fewer hotel changes.
Honeymoon tours: Hakone ryokan, Kyoto evenings in Gion, Miyajima and a slow-paced itinerary. We usually customise these.
Adventure tours: Mount Fuji, Fushimi Inari trails, Hokkaido skiing and mountain regions.
Seniors and parents: Fewer cities, comfortable transport and Indian meals. Takayama and Kyoto work well.
Friends’ groups: Shibuya, Dotonbori nightlife and day trips.
Luxury seekers: Premium ryokans, private transfers and special dining.

Practical Tips Before We Fly

Visa: Indian passport holders need a visa, and there is no visa on arrival. Japan introduced an e-visa for Indian travellers entering by air, for single-entry tourist stays of up to 90 days. Requirements and fees change, so we check the latest rules for every booking. Our visa requirements page is a good start.
Luggage: Trains and hotel rooms are compact. We use luggage forwarding between cities and carry only a small bag on bullet trains.
Etiquette: Keep voices low on trains, remove shoes where asked, and tipping is not expected.
Money: Many places accept cards, but small shops and temples often prefer cash.
Food: Vegetarian and Jain travellers should plan ahead, since stock and sauces often contain fish. Our packages include Indian meals at many stops.

Why We Are the Best Travel Agency in Delhi for Japan

When families ask us for the best travel agency in delhi, we point to over four decades of planning trips, fixing problems quickly and staying reachable when plans change. Every traveller gets a dedicated travel counsellor from enquiry to return.

On-ground team support
Customisable, flexible packages
Quality with safety at every step
Visa and air ticketing help under one roof
24/7 customer support

Ready to Plan Our Japan Story?

Tell us who is travelling, how many days we have and what a perfect Japan day looks like. We will turn the list into a plan.

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