How many days do you need in Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima?
- Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima combined
- Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima in 6 or 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Osaka and Hakone
How Many Days to Spend in Japan
Recommended Itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Free Time | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Explore Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Mount Fuji | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Tokyo to Kyoto, Explore | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Kyoto to Hiroshima via Nara | Hiroshima |
| Day 6 | Explore Hiroshima & Miyajima Island | Hiroshima |
| Day 7 | Hiroshima to Tokyo, Visit Akihabara | Tokyo |
| Day 8 | Depart Tokyo |
This weeklong journey focuses on Japan's busy cities, including ultra-modern Tokyo and historic Hiroshima. You'll explore the contemporary art scene, dine in a character café, walk around streets lit up with neon at night, and tour temples and historic sites. But the itinerary also features quieter experiences, featuring day trips to the shrines of Nara and a lookout point where you'll get the best photo ops of snowcapped Mount Fuji. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
10-Day Itinerary Including Osaka
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Sumo & Sake Tour in Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Futuristic Odaiba Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Memoirs of a Geisha Tour in Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Visit Bamboo Groves & Temples at Arashiyama | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Nara | Kyoto |
| Days 7-8 | Experience Kansai Cuisine in Osaka | Osaka |
| Day 9 | Reborn Hiroshima Tour | Hiroshima |
| Day 10 | Visit Miyajima Island, Depart |
This diverse 10-day itinerary leads you through Japan's four major cities. Start in Tokyo, exploring the city's ultra-modern technology and ancient monuments. Then head to the quiet shrines of traditional Kyoto, the buzzing food scene of trendy Osaka, and the historic landmarks and lively downtown of Hiroshima. Along the way, you'll visit beautiful islands and bamboo forests, sample regional delicacies on a food tour, see sumo wrestlers in action, and try locally produced sake and whiskey. Read more
13-Day Itinerary Including Osaka & Hakone
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Tokyo City Tour From 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
2-Week Itinerary Including Hakone
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Futuristic Odaiba Tour | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Nikko | Tokyo |
| Day 4 | Free Day in Tokyo | Tokyo |
| Day 5 | Tokyo Food Tour | Tokyo |
| Days 6-7 | Explore Mountains & Hot Springs in Hakone | Hakone |
| Day 8 | Memoirs of a Geisha Tour in Kyoto | Kyoto |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Kansai | Kyoto |
| Day 10 | Bamboo Groves & Temples at Arashiyama | Kyoto |
| Day 11 | Day Trip to Nara | Kyoto |
| Day 12 | Reborn Hiroshima Tour | Hiroshima |
| Day 13 | Day Trip to Miyajima Island | Hiroshima |
| Day 14 | Depart Hiroshima |
This 14-day trip takes you to the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, where you'll experience a mix of modern culture and timeworn traditions. You'll also venture to the temples and shrines in Nikko and a hot springs retreat in Hakone. The last leg takes you to Nara, known for its free-roaming deer, and Hiroshima, where you'll witness the flourishing rebuild of one of Japan's most historically significant towns. Read more
How to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto & Hiroshima
How to get to Hiroshima
Known as "The Reborn City," Hiroshima rose 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
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