Tokyo
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Skytree | Japan's tallest tower at 634 metres, with views over the city and of Mount Fuji on clear days. | Sumida, east Tokyo |
| Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky | The world's most famous pedestrian crossing, and an open-air rooftop above it with stunning sunset views. | Shibuya |
| The teamLab museums | Digital art worlds of light and water that respond to you, at teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. | Toyosu and Azabudai Hills; book ahead |
| Shinjuku Gyoen | A vast park with Japanese, French and English gardens, loveliest in cherry blossom season. | Shinjuku |
Mount Fuji and Hakone
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Kawaguchi | One of the finest views of Mount Fuji, clearest in autumn and winter. | About 2 hours from Tokyo |
| Hakone | A ropeway over a volcanic valley, a boat across Lake Ashi, and hot springs. | About 1.5 hours from Tokyo |
Kyoto and Nara
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Arashiyama bamboo grove | A path between towering bamboo stalks filtering the light, best early in the morning before the crowds. | West Kyoto |
| Nijo Castle | The shogun's castle, with floors that sing as you walk on them, on the World Heritage list. | Central Kyoto |
| Gion | Old wooden lanes that keep the spirit of old Kyoto. | East Kyoto |
| Nara Park | A wide park where deer roam freely and come up to visitors. | Nara, about an hour from Kyoto |
Osaka
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Studios Japan | A theme park of movie worlds, including Super Nintendo World. | Osaka Bay |
| Osaka Castle | A historic castle in a wide park, with a museum and views from the top. | Central Osaka |
| Dotonbori | The street of lights and restaurants along the canal, Osaka's beating heart. | Namba |
Tips before you go
- The best times are spring for the cherry blossom (late March and early April) and autumn for the colours of the leaves.
- The bullet train (Shinkansen) links Tokyo with Kyoto and Osaka in about two and a half hours.
- You need the Japan eVISA before you travel.
Hotels in Tokyo
Flights to Tokyo
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Japan?
Skytree, Shibuya Crossing and teamLab in Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone, the bamboo grove and Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Nara Park and Universal Studios in Osaka.
When is cherry blossom season in Japan?
Usually from late March to early April in Tokyo and Kyoto, varying a little each year.
How long is the train from Tokyo to Kyoto?
About two hours and a quarter by bullet train (Shinkansen).
Planning your trip to Japan? Read Travel to Japan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.