Travelers to Japan typically plan a trip for 11 to 15 days when combining Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakone with Osaka and Miyajima Island. If you're only headed to Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakone, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in 10 to 12 days. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in eight or nine days for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakone trips below.

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

Geishas in Kyoto
Take a "Memoirs of a Geisha" tour in Kyoto
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

Plan your trip to Japan
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Extended Itineraries

12-Day Itinerary Including Osaka & Miyajima Island

Stay overnight on Miyajima island, near Hiroshima, to see the Grand Torii Gate
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

Spend your last night of the trip exploring Osaka's impressive dining scene
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

Map

Map of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Hakone: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Hakone: Best Itinerary Ideas