19 days, 18 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 19 days and 18 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 Takayama
In the morning, travel from Tokyo to Takayama (4.5 hours) and spend the afternoon and evening exploring Takayama.
Day 7 - Takayama to Kanazawa
Spend most of the day in Takayama. Leave the city in the afternoon for Kanazawa (2.5 hours) and spend the evening and night in Kanazawa.
Day 8 - Kanazawa
Spend a full day in Kanazawa.
Day 9 - Kanazawa to Kyoto
Leave Kanazawa in the morning for Kyoto. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Kyoto.
Day 10-12 - Kyoto with sidetrip
Spend three full days in Kyoto, with one day spent on a daytrip to nearby Nara. Also consider one of our suggested Kyoto itineraries.
Day 13 - Kyoto to Mount Koya
In the morning, travel from Kyoto to Mount Koya (3 hours) and overnight there at a temple.
Day 14 - 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 15 - 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 16 - Miyajima to Nagasaki
Get up early and spend the morning on Miyajima. Then continue to Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu (4.5 hours) and spend the evening and night there.
Day 17 - Nagasaki
Spend a full day in Nagasaki.
Day 18 - Nagasaki to Himeji
Leave Nagasaki in the morning for Himeji (4-5 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring Himeji Castle. Return to Tokyo in the evening (3-4 hours).
Day 19 - 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 from day 6 to 19 or even a 21-day 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.

	Single Traveler	Two Travelers
Low Budget	190,000 - 294,000 yen	379,000 - 552,000 yen
Medium Budget	294,000 - 501,000 yen	552,000 - 822,000 yen
High Budget	over 501,000 yen	over 822,000 yen

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