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 historic sites, parks, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, visit Odaiba District, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple.

To see reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Tokyo day trip planning website.

San Francisco, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You'll lose 17 hours traveling from San Francisco to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. April in Tokyo sees daily highs of 67°F and lows of 51°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to travel 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, shopping, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the pleasant sights at Arashiyama, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and wander the streets of Gion.

For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto day trip planning site.

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto by train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. In April in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 67°F during the day and 50°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) early enough to catch the 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), take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en and then contemplate the long history of Himeji Castle.

For photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Himeji trip planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Himeji in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 63°F in April, and nighttime lows around 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) to allow time to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, then contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Hiroshima trip planning website.

Take a train from Himeji to Hiroshima in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 67°F in April, and nighttime lows around 52°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.