Ideal duration: 2 weeks
Japan is a top contender for graduation trips due to all that it offers, for all sorts of travelers. According to Bell, more graduates are seeking Japan for its cultural immersion, geographic diversity (with mountains, beaches, and cities) as well as favorable exchange rate from the US. “This has become a top choice for grads looking to explore something completely different from ‘western’ life,” Bell says. To really milk the experience, book a two week journey with stops at Toyko, Osaka, and Kyoto.
Stroll iconic, native, and traditional Japanese garden Shinjuku Gyoen, worth the modest entrance fee. Harmonica Yokocho is a clutch of narrow alleys, a short walk from the north exit of Tokyo’s JR Kichijoji station, is stuffed with hole-in-the wall eateries. A visit to Osaka is fresh—and just might be what new graduates need after completing their final semester. As the spirited heart of the western Kansai region also known as the “kitchen of Japan,” take advantage of their food scene which offers all types of dining spots, from street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants. Also an entertainment capital, travelers can meet Mario and Luigi at Super Nintendo World, see part of Universal Studios Japan, and even catch a baseball game at the Osaka Dome.
Head to World Heritage Sites in serene Kyoto, home to traditions and customs, cuisine, and craftsmanship that have touched all corners of the country. In fact, to know Kyoto is to get crafty—with a mix of umpteenth-generation artisans and ambitious young makers who have opened studios of their own. For a fresh introduction to the city, head to the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, Remember to carry a thick wad of yen (rather than relying on your credit or debit card) at all times. Japan is a cash country—where in Tokyo, for example, even five-star ryokans and some top-tier sushi restaurants will refuse to take credit cards or e-money.
Where to stay: For your stay in buzzy Tokyo, Toggle, A big design swing, and it’s a hit—bold pastels, compelling branding, and lofted furniture enliven Tokyo’s famously small budget hotel rooms (guests can customize their experience, moving between the hotel’s different moods and room setups). In Kyoto, Ace Hotel Kyoto; a more expensive option The Hoshinoya, Kyoto, a hybrid ryokan-hotel.