How many days do you need in Toyko, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima?
- Most travelers spend 10-11 days in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima combined
- Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima in 7 to 9 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 12 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Hakone and Miyajima Island
How Many Days to Spend in Japan
Recommended Itineraries for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| 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 in Kyoto Tour | Kyoto |
| Day 5 | Bamboo Groves & Temples at Arashiyama | Kyoto |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Nara | Kyoto |
| Days 7-8 | Kansai Cuisine in Osaka | Osaka |
| Day 9 | Reborn Hiroshima Tour | Hiroshima |
| Day 10 | Depart Hiroshima |
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
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
12-Day Itinerary Including Miyajima Island & Hakone
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Tokyo, Explore | Tokyo |
| Day 2 | Tokyo Tour with a Private Local Guide | Tokyo |
| Day 3 | Free Day in Tokyo | 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 scene of Osaka. Read more
13-Day Itinerary Including Hakone
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival 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, Explore Osaka & 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, Osaka & Hiroshima
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
How to get from Kyoto to Osaka
Kyoto and Osaka are just 35 miles (56 km) apart, so it does not take very long to travel between these iconic Japanese cities. In fact, you can even bicycle from Kyoto to Osaka, perhaps after taking a 7-day bicycle tour of Kyoto and the surrounding area, 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 is not recommended because it is less efficient than traveling by train. Read more
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