How many days do you need in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Hakone?
- Most travelers spend 10-12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakone combined
- Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakone in 8 or 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Osaka and Miyajima Island
How Many Days to Spend in Japan
Recommended Itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Hakone
Recommended Itinerary for 12 Days
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
Day 2 | Futuristic Odaiba Tour | Tokyo |
Day 3 | Travel to Nikko | Tokyo |
Day 4 | Free Day in Tokyo | Tokyo |
Day 5 | Tokyo Food Tour | Tokyo |
Day 6 | Tokyo to Hakone, Mountains & Hot Springs Tour | Hakone |
Day 7 | Hakone to Kyoto, Memoirs of a Geisha Tour | Kyoto |
Day 8 | Visit Bamboo Groves & Temples at Arashiyama | Kyoto |
Day 9 | Free day in Kansai | Kyoto |
Day 10 | Kyoto to Hiroshima, Reborn Hiroshima Tour | Hiroshima |
Day 11 | Day Trip to Miyajima Island | Hiroshima |
Day 12 | Depart Hiroshima |
This 12-day trip combines the best of Japan's major cities, historic places, and natural areas. You'll explore Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, as well as the beautiful mountainside town of Nikko and the relaxing hot springs of Hakone. Enjoy everything Japan has to offer, including its culture, art, temples and shrines, and tasty, traditional cuisine. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
12-Day Itinerary Including Osaka & Miyajima Island
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
Day 2 | Tokyo Tour with a Private Local Guide | Tokyo |
Day 3 | Tokyo Free Day | Tokyo |
Day 4 | Tokyo to Hakone, Hot Spring Ryokan Inn with Dinner | Hakone |
Day 5 | Hakone to Hiroshima, Explore | Hiroshima |
Day 6 | Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, Explore | Miyajima |
Day 7 | Miyajima to Kyoto, Explore | Kyoto |
Day 8 | Kyoto Tour with a Private Local Guide | Kyoto |
Day 9 | Day Trip to Nara | Kyoto |
Day 10 | Kyoto to Osaka, Explore | Osaka |
Day 11 | Osaka Tour with a Private Local Guide | Osaka |
Day 12 | Depart Osaka |
Equally known for its vibrant city life and mountainous beauty, Japan offers a well-rounded visit filled with liveliness, adventure, and variety. On your 12-day journey, you will explore the high-energy tech and fashion trends of Tokyo, enjoy the breathtaking views and temples of Kyoto, and relax at a hot springs retreat in Hakone. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, complete with the exceptional, authentic dining of Osaka. Read more
13-Day Itinerary Including Osaka
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
Day 2 | Tokyo City Tour: Traditional to Modern | Tokyo |
Day 3 | Day Trip to Nikko | Tokyo |
Day 4 | Day Trip to Kamakura | Tokyo |
Day 5 | Tokyo to Hakone, Explore | Hakone |
Day 6 | Hakone to Kyoto, Hiking at Fushimi Inari Shrine | Kyoto |
Day 7 | Day Trip to Nara & Uji | Kyoto |
Day 8 | Arashiyama & Kyoto Landscape Views | Kyoto |
Day 9 | Kyoto to Hiroshima, Explore | Hiroshima |
Day 10 | Visit the Hiroshima Gardens | Hiroshima |
Day 11 | Day Trip to Miyajima Island | Hiroshima |
Day 12 | Hiroshima to Osaka, Visit the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine | Osaka |
Day 13 | Depart Osaka |
See some of Japan's most famous sites while exploring the country by bullet train on this 13-day tour. After learning about Tokyo's history and culture, visit Nikko for a rejuvenating hike, Kamakura to explore its shrines and temples, and Hakone, where you can relax in its thermal waters. Then it's on to Kyoto to admire the beautiful shrines of Fushimi Inari and Hiroshima to reflect on the tragic events there before ending your adventure in Osaka to look around its famous castle. Read more
How to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Hakone
How to get to Hiroshima
Hiroshima, known as "The Reborn City," has risen from the ashes of atomic destruction and rebuilt itself into a beautiful place to visit with a powerful message of peace. While history is an important part of a trip to Hiroshima, there are also many stunning sights and culinary experiences to look forward to. Depending on what city you're arriving from, it may be best to fly or take the train. Read more
How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto
Kyoto is 283 miles (445 km) from Tokyo, but you can get from Tokyo to Kyoto in just over two hours if you travel on a high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train). By air, the journey will take about three hours, including ground transportation. Read more