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one more day

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 16 days and 15 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Tokyo's Narita Airport. (Click here if you use Kansai Airport). For this itinerary, we suggest that you purchase a 14-day Japan Rail Pass.

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 Takayama

In the morning, travel from Tokyo to Takayama (4.5 hours) and spend the afternoon and evening exploring Takayama.

Day 7 - Takayama to Kyoto

Leave Takayama in the afternoon for Kyoto (3.5 hours) and spend the evening exploring Kyoto.

Day 8-11 - Kyoto with sidetrip

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 12 - Kyoto to Mount Koya

In the morning, travel from Kyoto to Mount Koya (3 hours) and overnight there at a temple.

Day 13 - Mount Koya to Osaka

Spend the morning at Mount Koya. Around noon, take the train to Osaka (2 hours) and spend the afternoon, evening and night there.

Day 14 - Osaka to Hiroshima

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

Day 15 - 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 16 - Depart from Narita Airport

Depart Japan from Narita Airport.

For the above itinerary, we suggest that you purchase a 14-day Japan Rail Pass and use it from day 3 to 16. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Click here for more details on the sample budgets.

Click here for the current yen exchange rates.