Chureito Pagoda above autumn maples, with snow-capped Mount Fuji beyond the town of Fujiyoshida

Japan, planned from Australia

Plan a first trip to Japan, from Australia

Seven city guides, a 14-day first-timer route and prices in Australian dollars or your own currency.

Explore the Japan guides Find your starting city

Tripnook is a travel planning companion for Australian travellers, and this first phase is about Japan. Start with the Japan hub, the First-Time Japan guide, or a short Discover quiz that recommends one of our seven city guides for your trip. Prices are estimates shown in your currency, with Australian dollars as the default.

By Tripnook editorial. Researched from official tourism and transport sources; prices checked 14 November 2026 (Australia/Sydney). Other costs are approximate estimates, not a booking quote.

Explore Japan Find a Japan starting point

Where should I start in Japan?

Most first trips from Australia begin in Tokyo, then move west. We have also written Hakone and Mount Fuji as a mountain leg, and Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima beyond Kyoto. The route we recommend, when you have about two weeks, looks like this.

TokyoHakoneMount FujiKyotoNaraOsakaHiroshima

Read the Complete First-Time Japan guide for budgets, packing and the questions people ask before they book.

Turn this route into a day-by-day plan in the Trip Planner, with nights per city and rough costs in your currency.

Japan city guides

Shinjuku skyscrapers seen beyond a belt of trees under a blue sky

Tokyo

Neighbourhoods, transport and a clear first few days in the capital.

 A path of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto

Kyoto

Temples, craft and a slower pace, with honest notes on crowds.

 Osaka Castle keep above stone walls, a moat and park trees, with city towers behind

Osaka

Street food, a warm welcome, and a practical Kansai base.

 Sika deer walking across the lawns of Nara Park, with trees and a historic building behind

Nara

The first capital, the Great Buddha, and a walkable park.

 Lake Ashi in Hakone, with forested shores and still water

Hakone

Onsen towns and a classic overnight between Tokyo and the west.

 Mount Fuji reflected across Lake Kawaguchi with cherry blossom in the foreground

Mount Fuji

Kawaguchiko views and mountain stays, when the weather is clear.

 Open lawns and paths in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima

The Peace Memorial Park, the city around it, and Miyajima.

Guides and Discover will grow as we publish more Japan coverage. This phase is Japan only.

How do I search flights from Australia or elsewhere?

Direct and one-stop flights run from Australia’s east coast to Tokyo, with Kansai (Osaka) another common arrival. Flying times are not quoted here; use the search below and compare current schedules on the airline sites.

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Search flights from Sydney to Tokyo (Aviasales) Compare hotels (Trip.com)

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