A Travel Guide to Honshu, Japan

Japan is a charming country with rich natural landscapes, historical and cultural relics, and delicious cuisine. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you better plan your trip. Transportation Guide: External Transportation: Airplane: Japan has multiple international airports, including Tokyo Narita Airport, Tokyo Haneda Airport, and Osaka Kansai Airport. You can choose the appropriate airport for entry based on your itinerary. Cruise: If you are departing from a coastal city in China, you can also choose to travel to Japan by cruise and enjoy the pleasure of a sea voyage. Internal Transportation: Subway: Major Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have well-developed subway networks, making it convenient to travel to various attractions. Train: Japan's train system is very convenient, including the Shinkansen, express trains, and regular trains, which can take you all over the country. Bus: Buses are an important means of transportation connecting cities and rural areas, suitable for traveling to places that are not accessible by train. Taxi: Taking a taxi in the city is also an option, but the price is relatively high. Accommodation Recommendations: Tokyo: It is recommended to stay near Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza, as these areas have convenient transportation, shopping, and dining facilities. Osaka: The areas near Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are good choices, making it easy to experience Osaka's food and nightlife. Kyoto: You can choose to stay near Gion or Shijo Kawaramachi, close to many historical sites. Nara: Accommodation near Nara Park allows you to interact with deer more easily. Food Recommendations: Traditional Japanese Cuisine: Sushi: Fresh sashimi with vinegared rice is one of the representative dishes of Japanese cuisine. Sashimi: Various types of sashimi, such as salmon, tuna, and surf clams, are usually served with soy sauce and wasabi. Tempura: Deep-fried vegetables and seafood, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Ramen: Traditional Japanese noodles with a variety of flavors and broths. Wagashi: Exquisite traditional Japanese sweets, usually served with matcha. Specialty Dishes: Okonomiyaki: A mixture of flour, vegetables, and meat is pan-fried and topped with a special sauce. Kyoto Matcha Cuisine: Such as matcha ice cream and matcha cake. Hokkaido Seafood: Such as crab, scallops, and salmon. Kyushu Tonkotsu Ramen: Featuring a rich broth made from pork bones. Street Food: Takoyaki: Ball-shaped snacks filled with octopus pieces and a special sauce. Crepes: Thin pancakes filled with various fruits, cream, or chocolate. Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers, usually served with beer, are a common street food in Japan. Attraction Recommendations: Tokyo: Tokyo Tower: A landmark building in Japan, offering panoramic views of Tokyo. Ueno Park: Home to many museums and cultural facilities, such as the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo. Senso-ji Temple: One of the oldest temples in Tokyo, dedicated to Kannon Bodhisattva. Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest intersections in the world, experience the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo. Akihabara: A paradise for anime and electronics enthusiasts. Osaka: Osaka Castle Park: A park centered around Osaka Castle, a landmark of Osaka. Dotonbori: A food street with various Osaka specialties and neon signs. Shinsaibashi: A shopping district with many large shopping malls and fashion brand stores. Universal Studios Japan: A theme park suitable for the whole family, with various exciting shows and rides. Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji: A golden temple, one of Kyoto's representative attractions. Kiyomizu-dera Temple: An ancient temple known for its unique architectural style and beautiful courtyard. Gion: A traditional geisha district where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cultural performances. Arashiyama: Known for its beautiful natural scenery and hot springs, it is a good place to relax. Nara: Nara Park: Home to many cute deer that you can interact with. Todai-ji Temple: One of the largest wooden buildings in the world, housing a giant Buddha statue. Hokkaido: Sapporo: The capital of Hokkaido, with many historical buildings and delicious food. Hakodate: Known for its beautiful night view and seafood. Furano: Known for its beautiful lavender fields and natural scenery. Kyushu: Fukuoka: The largest city in Kyushu, with many historical sites and delicious food. Nagasaki: Known for its rich history and culture, it is an important window for Japan's exchanges with the West. Kumamoto: Known for its cute Kumamon bear and rich cuisine. Itinerary Arrangements: 7-Day Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto - Nara - Mount Fuji Tour: Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, check in to a hotel near Shinjuku, and rest. Day 2: Visit Tokyo Tower, Ueno Park, and Senso-ji Temple. Day 3: Visit Akihabara and go shopping in Ginza. Day 4: Take the Shinkansen to Osaka, check in to a hotel near Shinsaibashi, and visit Dotonbori in the evening. Day 5: Visit Osaka Castle Park and Universal Studios Japan. Day 6: Visit Kyoto and see Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Gion. Day 7: Visit Nara, see Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, and then return to Tokyo. 7-Day Hokkaido Winter Tour: Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, check in to the hotel, and explore Sapporo city. Day 2: Visit Otaru, admire the canal scenery, and taste Otaru's cuisine. Day 3: Visit Furano and enjoy the beautiful snow scenery and lavender fields. Day 4: Visit Hakodate and enjoy the beautiful night view. Day 5: Visit Noboribetsu and experience the hot springs. Day 6: Visit Asahikawa and visit Asahikawa Zoo. Day 7: Return to Sapporo, shop, and return home. Shopping Recommendations: Tokyo: Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya have many large shopping malls and fashion brand stores. Osaka: Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are good places for shopping. Kyoto: There are many traditional handicraft shops near Gion. Hokkaido: Sapporo's Tanukikoji is a popular shopping spot. Things to Note: The voltage in Japan is 110V, and the sockets are two-pronged flat sockets, so you need to bring a converter plug. When taking public transportation in Japan, pay attention to order and do not talk loudly. When dining in restaurants in Japan, pay attention to etiquette and do not waste food. When visiting temples and shrines in Japan, pay attention to the rules and do not dress revealingly. When shopping in Japan, pay attention to the duty-free policy and arrange your shopping time reasonably. I hope this guide will help you have a pleasant trip in Japan!