Plan a Japan & Hong Kong Vacation | Travel Idea

With numerous flights between Hong Kong and Japan, Hong Kong is a popular destination to visit after your Japan tour, offering another taste of Oriental culture and sightseeing. From ancient temples to lively streets, you can explore bustling markets and hike through tranquil mountain trails. Make the most of these flight connections and choose the perfect time to begin your Asia exploration of both Japan and China.

Best Time for Your Japan & Hong Kong Tour

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to December) are usually the best times to visit both Japan and Hong Kong, with milder temperatures and sunny days suitable for all kinds of activities to capture the perfect sides of both destinations.

In terms of flowering season, spring is the time to catch the breathtaking view of Hong Kong's bauhinia flowers, as well as pinky Japan, which is dotted with the fancy hues of cherry blossoms, especially between March and April, the best time to enjoy sakura viewing with vibrant cherry blossom festivals in central Japan. However, Hong Kong's spring days are likely to be a little foggy along the harbor.

An autumn visit allows you to take advantage of the much cooler and drier weather to explore every detail of Japan and Hong Kong, accompanied by the breathtaking fall foliage that covers gardens, hills, and streets.

If you are looking for a special New Year experience, a winter holiday between January and February is also recommended for the various celebrations and festivals. For the best weather, skip the summer monsoon season from June to September, when typhoons can bring heavy rainfall to coastal areas.

Top Places to Visit in Japan & Hong Kong

Where to Visit in Japan

For your first trip to Japan, it is a good idea to travel around Hongshu, the central island where most of the major cities and the iconic Mount Fuji are located. From modern Tokyo with a bit of cyberpunk flavor, to ancient Kyoto for authentic Japanese culture, from cozy Osaka with food and entertainment to hiking the fearsome mountains to feel the charm of nature.

If you have extra time on your vacation or want to find some off-the-beaten tracks, consider exploring northern Honshu, where you can hike through the forested landscapes of Nagano, and delve into the history of Kanazawa, known as "Little Kyoto". Alternatively, fly to northern Hokkaido for peace and tranquility, or head to southern Okinawa to relax on its beautiful beaches and enjoy the sea.

Okinawa Beach

Where to Visit in Hong Kong

As a popular destination, a Hong Kong tour also offers a range of sightseeing options. From Victoria Peak, where you can capture stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong, to Victoria Harbor, where it is worth lingering at night to witness the bustling city with its neo-colors, lively music, and gentle breezes. Explore the mix of ancient temples and skyscrapers in the Central area for a taste of classic Hong Kong, and enjoy the tranquility of Repulse Bay with its pristine white sand and crystal clear waters.

How Many Days to Spend in Hong Kong

With its convenient transport links, Hong Kong is a popular destination for a day out or a weekend getaway. Although not a huge destination, a 3-day stay in Hong Kong is recommended, as there is always plenty to see and do in this vibrant coastal city, enough to soak up its authentic charm at a leisurely pace and also allow you to add Macau to your itinerary.

How to Get to Hong Kong From Japan

A direct flight between Japan and Hong Kong is often the most convenient option for a multi-country trip. There are numerous airports to choose from, including in Hokkaido, where the flight time is around 7 hours. Flights from central cities like Tokyo and Osaka offer more options and typically take 4 to 5 hours. Okinawa, much closer to Hong Kong, takes only 3 hours.

Sample Japan & Hong Kong Itinerary

Starting in Japan, this is a journey south through the Golden Route of Japan, taking in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as the highlights of Hong Kong. Filled with cultural experiences, ancient history, and stunning nature, this 11-day itinerary is the perfect way to experience the charm of the Orient.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Japan Golden Route Tour With Hong Kong 11 DAYS Explore This Tour

Day 1-2 Sightseeing in Tokyo

Arriving in Tokyo for your first glimpse of Japan, the bustling metropolis blends with modern skyscrapers, ancient shrines, temples, and rocky gardens, and is an ideal base for your following day trip to Mt. Fuji.

Catch the skyline with Tokyo Tower illuminated by its vibrant neon lights, and stop by a local izakaya to feel the beat of the city. After a restful sleep, begin your morning with a visit to Meiji Jingu, nestled in a forest and surrounded by fresh air. Take a break at Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the best places to see cherry blossoms, before strolling through Harajuku to take in the unique fashion scene. Also, head to Senso-ji to pick up an omikuji (fortune-telling paper) and discover your fortune beneath the massive lantern.

Day 3 MT. Fuji Day Tour

A 1.5-hour drive away, round off your Tokyo sightseeing with a day trip around Mt. Fuji, with a hike to Arakurayama Sengen Park to photograph the iconic temple, flowers, and snow-capped Mount Fuji, a leisurely boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi floating with petals and leaves, or a panoramic ropeway to find another angle to frame the stunning nature.

Lake Kawaguchi

Day 4-5 Culture Experience in Kyoto

Continue your journey along Japan's Golden Route with a Shinkansen bullet train ride to Kyoto, the ancient capital city known for its historic temples, shrines, and charming wooden streets, perfect for a rich cultural experience.

Don a kimono for an authentic tea ceremony, or complete with traditional white makeup to transform into a geisha or maiko. For a more thrilling adventure, visit the Samurai & Ninja Museum for a hands-on experience with katanas (Japanese swords) and shurikens (hand-hidden blades).

Set aside a day for temples and shrines to relive glorious history. Capture the lakeside Kinkaku-ji and its golden reflection and discover the vibrant garden hidden inside Nijo Castle. Cross the thousands of torii to visit the fox messengers at Fushimi-Inari Taisha and find some ingredients to fill your stomach in Nishiki, the kitchen of Kyoto.

Day 6 Nara Day Tour

Follow your Kyoto visit with a day trip to Nara, a forested city renowned for its freely roaming deer. Begin at Nara Park, where friendly deer eagerly await some crackers. Continue exploring Nara's rich history with a visit to the thousand-year-old Todai-ji Temple. You can also follow the deer past moss-covered rocks, stone lanterns, and ancient steles to the Vermilion Kasuga Shrine. Don't forget to bow to these sacred messengers - they might also appreciate a bow in return.

Nara Park

Day 7 Free Day in Osaka

Wrap up your Japan trip in Osaka with a free day to explore, whether you want to immerse yourself in its cozy atmosphere or prepare for your upcoming escape to Hong Kong.

Find that special spot to take a picture of the branch-framed Osaka Castle during your visit to Osaka Park, or dive into the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street with a cup of coffee to catch a glimpse of local fashion. Stroll along the Dotonbori riverside, accompanied by neon lights and mouth-watering smells for an extreme food adventure.

Day 8-9 Hong Kong Exploration

Board your flight to begin the next episode in Hong Kong, a magical city with so much to discover. Enjoy an after-dinner stroll along Victoria Harbor or around Kowloon Park for a breathtaking sunset, and linger at the opening night street markets for another taste of local flavor, culture, and pace of life.

Take a relaxing cable car ride to catch the morning sun and awakening harbor at Victoria Peak, and down to Tai Kwun for a visionary feast of modern and traditional art. Relax on a special sampan ride around Aberdeen with local fishing families, and follow the tranquil coastline to Repulse Bay to greet the toe-kissing beach and waves. If you still have time to explore, don't miss a trip through the winding streets of Stanley Market to pick up some souvenirs.

Victoria Peak

Day 10 Macau Day Tour

Before the last day of the farewell departure, after a 1-hour turbo-jet ferry from Hong Kong, another commercial hub adventure began in Macau, with a new page of fascinating fusion with Portuguese architecture, sweet flavors, and casinos.

From the ruins of St Paul's, showcasing the well-blended architecture, to the A-Ma Temple, uncovering a part of Macau's history, from Coloane Village with its positive seaside to Taipa Village to sample those delicious street food, you will find your reason to extend your stay.

Plan Your Japan & Hong Kong Vacation With Odynovo

Thanks to convenient transport, there is no shortage of itinerary options for a Japan and Hong Kong journey, whether Hokkaido or Okinawa. For more multi-country travel ideas, just contact Odynovo at [email protected] to plan your ideal itinerary.