11 days in Japan Itinerary

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

Tokyo is known for sightseeing, historic sites, shopping, parks, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, make a trip to Tokyo National Museum, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, and ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Tokyo vacation planner.

San Francisco, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 17 hour difference. In April, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to take a train to Kyoto.

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, sightseeing, parks, outdoors, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get great views at Kiyomizu-dera, steep yourself in history at Sanjusangendo Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Heian Shrine, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip planner.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. In April, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

On the 11th (Wed), make a trip to Shoshazan Engyoji, then take in nature's colorful creations at Kokoen Garden, and then explore the historical opulence of Himeji Castle.

To see reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Himeji vacation trip planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Himeji takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In April, daytime highs in Himeji are 63°F, while nighttime lows are 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can take a train to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

On the 12th (Thu), explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, then appreciate the history behind Atomic Bomb Dome, then make a trip to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and finally see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

For where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by train from Himeji to Hiroshima takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In April, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 67°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.