one less day

Nationwide from TokyoNationwide from OsakaKanto RegionKansai RegionKyushu 6D5N7D6N8D7N9D8N10D9N11D10N12D11N13D12N14D13N15D14N16D15N17D16N18D17N19D18N20D19N21D20N

one more day

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 12 days and 11 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Tokyo's Narita Airport.

Day 1 - Arrive at Narita Airport

Arrive at Narita Airport and spend the rest of the day in Tokyo.

Day 2-5 - Tokyo with sidetrips

Spend four full days in Tokyo with two of those days spent on daytrips to nearby Kamakura and Nikko. Also consider one of our suggested Tokyo itineraries.

Day 6 - Tokyo to Kyoto

In the morning, travel by shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (3 hours). Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Kyoto.

Day 7-9 - Kyoto with sidetrips

Spend four full days in Kyoto, with one day spent on a daytrip to nearby Nara. Also consider one of our suggested Kyoto itineraries.

Day 10 - Kyoto to Hiroshima

In the early morning, travel from Kyoto to Hiroshima (2 hours) and visit the Hiroshima Peace Park. In the afternoon, continue on to Miyajima (40 minutes) and overnight there.

Day 11 - Miyajima to Tokyo

Get up early and spend a few more hours on Miyajima. Leave the island around eleven for Himeji (2 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring Himeji Castle. Return to Tokyo in the evening (3-4 hours).

Day 12 - Depart from Narita Airport

Depart Japan from Narita Airport.

Regular train tickets will be cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary; however, travelers who do not mind paying extra for the convenience and flexibility of the pass' all-you-can-ride priviledge could consider using a 14-day Japan Rail Pass. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.