From Tokyo to Kyoto, with Hakone landscapes and Hiroshima: a practical 14-day route for a first trip to Japan without changing hotels constantly.
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Two weeks allow time for cities, temples, food and a few iconic landscapes. This route combines Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka, plus day trips to Nara and Miyajima. Adjust the plan to your arrival time, train connections and preferred pace.
Balanced days with sensible travel blocks.
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima and Osaka.
Helpful pointers for transport, hotels and sights.
Adapt dates, interests, pace and budget.
The route runs from east to west. Flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka can save a return train journey when flights allow.
Day 1 · Asakusa
Keep arrival day deliberately light.
Check in and walk around Sensō-ji temple.
Explore Asakusa lanes and the Sumida riverside.
Easy local dinner and rest.
Main stops : Asakusa → Sensō-ji → Sumida → Tokyo
Day 2 · Shibuya and Harajuku
Major avenues and tranquil shrines.
Walk through Meiji-jingū and Yoyogi.
Explore Harajuku, Omotesandō and Shibuya Crossing.
Dinner around Shibuya or head back to the hotel.
Main stops : Meiji-jingū → Harajuku → Omotesandō → Shibuya
Day 3 · Shinjuku
Culture, cityscapes and lively streets.
Choose a park or museum that appeals to you.
Explore Shinjuku and visit a suitable observation deck.
Wander Shinjuku shopping streets.
Main stops : Park → Shinjuku → Observation deck → Tokyo
Day 4 · Kamakura
Temples and a coastal change of pace.
Travel to Kamakura and visit a temple.
See the Great Buddha and walk nearby if weather permits.
Return to Tokyo for the night.
Main stops : Tokyo → Kamakura → Great Buddha → Tokyo
Day 5 · Hakone
A scenic stop; Fuji views are never guaranteed.
Travel to Hakone and drop your bags.
Choose a local scenic route if conditions are clear.
Stay in a ryokan or lodging with a hot spring bath.
Main stops : Tokyo → Hakone → Volcanic scenery → Onsen
Day 6 · Higashiyama
Travel day with an atmospheric first walk.
Reach Kyoto by train using the connection best suited to your itinerary.
Stroll Higashiyama’s historic lanes.
Spend the evening around Gion or the Kamo River.
Main stops : Hakone → Kyoto → Higashiyama → Gion
Day 7 · Eastern Kyoto
Explore a manageable area of eastern Kyoto.
Start early around Kiyomizu-dera.
Choose temples and gardens nearby.
Dinner in central Kyoto.
Main stops : Kiyomizu-dera → Sannenzaka → Temples → Central Kyoto
Day 8 · Arashiyama
Nature and history west of Kyoto.
Walk Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early.
Visit a garden or temple, then enjoy the riverside.
Return to central Kyoto.
Main stops : Kyoto → Arashiyama → Gardens → Kyoto
Day 9 · Fushimi Inari
Flexible sightseeing without long transfers.
Walk part of the trails at Fushimi Inari-taisha.
Explore a central market or shopping area.
Enjoy Kyoto specialties for dinner.
Main stops : Fushimi Inari → Kyoto → Market → Kamo River
Day 10 · Nara
Ancient temples and a famous deer park.
Train to Nara and visit Tōdai-ji.
Walk around Nara Park and nearby streets.
Return to Kyoto to sleep.
Main stops : Kyoto → Tōdai-ji → Nara Park → Kyoto
Day 11 · Hiroshima
Head west by rail.
Take the train to Hiroshima and check in.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum at your own pace.
Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Main stops : Kyoto → Hiroshima → Peace Memorial → City center
Day 12 · Miyajima
Shrine architecture and coastal scenery.
Train and ferry to Miyajima.
Explore Itsukushima and nearby walks depending on weather.
Return to Hiroshima for the night.
Main stops : Hiroshima → Miyajima → Itsukushima → Hiroshima
Day 13 · Osaka
Your final major city stop.
Train to Osaka and settle in.
Explore Dōtonbori and Namba.
Sample Osaka specialties for dinner.
Main stops : Hiroshima → Osaka → Namba → Dōtonbori
Day 14 · Osaka
Match the final day to your flight.
Choose a short walk or nearby attraction.
Allow plenty of time for the airport transfer.
Depart if flying out today.
Main stops : Osaka → Final sights → Airport → Departure
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Approximate per-person costs excluding international flights. Season, exchange rates and comfort levels affect actual prices.
Budget travel · excluding flights
¥140,000–210,000
Budget stays, casual food and selective attractions.
Mid-range · excluding flights
¥230,000–360,000
Mid-range hotels, varied dining, attractions and trains.
Intercity transport
Compare options
Add up individual journeys before buying a Japan Rail Pass.
Editorial estimates for 14 days, not guaranteed quotes. International flights and shopping excluded. Check current costs.
Compare point-to-point fares with rail passes. The JR Pass is not automatically the cheapest choice; check train eligibility.
Avoid changing hotels every day. A small overnight bag is handy for Hakone; check oversized luggage rules on certain bullet trains.
Spring and fall are popular and can be busy. Summers are often hot and humid; scenery and events change with the season.
Prepare a suitable payment method, transport card and mobile connection. Follow local rules in temples, trains and residential streets.
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