Ten to 12 days is a great length for a Japan trip, with stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as few as six to nine days. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Keep reading for more inspiring Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone itineraries.

How many days do you need in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone?

  • Most travelers spend 10-12 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone combined
  • Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone in 6 to 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 Hiroshima and Miyajima Island

How Many Days to Spend in Japan

Recommended Itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone

Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days

On this 11-day tour discover Japan's rich cultural heritage with views of Mount Fuji
Snag memorable views of Mount Fuji while staying in Hakone
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo, Visit Tokyo Tower & Kawaii Monster Café Tokyo
Day 2 Full-Day Tokyo City Tour Tokyo
Day 3 Sumo Demonstration & Sushi Cooking Class Tokyo
Day 4 Transfer to Hakone, Free Afternoon Hakone
Day 5 Visit Mount Fuji & Lake Ashi, Whiskey Tasting Hakone
Day 6 Train to Kyoto, Visit the Gion District, Tea Ceremony Kyoto
Day 7 Visit Fushimi Inari & the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Kyoto
Day 8 Kameoka Katana Sword Workshop, Train to Osaka Osaka
Day 9 Visit Osaka Castle & the Umeda Sky Building, Explore Shinsaibashi Osaka
Day 10 Visit Himeji Castle, Kobe & Mount Nunobiki Osaka
Day 11 Depart Osaka  


Experience Japan's culture through its food, architecture, sports, and art on this 11-day tour from Tokyo to Osaka. Start by learning about sushi-making and sumo in Tokyo, and then join locals in their daily shopping at Tsukiji Outer Fish Market. Next, soak in the hot springs of Hakone and sail across Lake Kawaguchi for Mount Fuji views. From here, walk among geishas and stroll through Fushimi Inari's red torii gates in Kyoto. Finish the adventure by sampling street food in the culinary hotspot of Osaka. Read more

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Extended Itineraries

12-Day Itinerary Including Hiroshima & Miyajima Island

Take a day trip to Nara while staying in Kyoto
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo, Explore Tokyo
Day 2 Tokyo Tour with a Private Local Guide Tokyo
Day 3 Explore Tokyo on Your Own  Tokyo
Day 4 Train to Hakone, Hot Springs Retreat Hakone
Day 5 Train to Hiroshima, Museum & Site Tours Hiroshima
Day 6 Train & Ferry to Miyajima Island, Explore Miyajima
Day 7 Train to Kyoto, Culture & Gardens Tour Kyoto
Day 8 Kyoto Tour with a Private Local Guide Kyoto
Day 9 Day Trip to Nara Kyoto
Day 10 Train to Osaka, Explore the Local Food Scene 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'll explore the high-energy tech and fashion trends of Tokyo, enjoy the 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 Hiroshima

Look for monuments like the Tahota Pagoda while in the Hiroshima area
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 Train to Hakone, Explore Hakone
Day 6 Train to Kyoto, Hiking at Fushimi Inari Shrine Kyoto
Day 7 Day Trip to Nara & Uji Kyoto
Day 8 Explore the Beautiful Landscapes in Arashiyama Kyoto
Day 9 Train to Hiroshima, Explore Hiroshima
Day 10 Visit the Hiroshima Gardens Hiroshima
Day 11 Day Trip to Miyajima island Hiroshima
Day 12 Train to Osaka, Visit the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, Evening Food Tour 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 gates 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, Osaka & Hakone

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

How to get from Kyoto to Osaka
Kyoto and Osaka are just 35 miles (56 km) apart, so traveling between these iconic Japanese cities doesn't take very long. You can even cycle from Kyoto to Osaka, thanks to a network of bike paths connecting the two cities. While most visitors get from Kyoto to Osaka by train, you can also drive or hire a taxi or private driver. Bus travel isn't recommended because it's less efficient than train travel. Read more

Map

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