If you're planning a honeymoon in Japan, it's tempting to see as many cities as you can. But changing hotels every day or two wears you out faster than you'd expect.

With one or two weeks, we recommend a few days in Tokyo, two or three nights in an onsen area, then on to Kyoto or Osaka. Hakone, Mishima and the Izu area are good places to break the journey between Tokyo and Kansai: hot springs, Mt Fuji, good food and a bit of local culture.

The best 7-day Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto itinerary covers Japan’s three most iconic cities without feeling rushed. This golden route includes each city’s major highlights, while leaving room for lesser-known stops and locations.

Sample transportation itineraries at common ports-of-call for passenger cruise ships in Japan.