Japan, with its rich culture and varied geography, has much to offer the curious visitor, not only in and around the major cities but in many of the outlying regions as well. If you want to see everything, you should plan on spending at least a year in Japan. More likely, your time will be limited to a week or two, so you'll have to be selective; this section will help you decide on an itinerary.
If you're in Japan for several weeks, you can fashion a personalized itinerary by combining several of these suggested itineraries, along with recommended routes provided in the chapters for the Japan Alps and Kyushu. But regardless of what itinerary you plan, I am adamant about one thing: Kyoto is a must. In addition to having served as the nation's capital for more than 1,000 years, it has more temples, shrines, and historic sights than any other Japanese city.
