Morning: Arrive at Narita/Haneda Airport, clear customs, and take the Narita Express or limousine bus to your hotel in central Tokyo. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a quick bite of sushi at a nearby Tsukiji Outer Market stall.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through the historic Asakusa district, visiting Senso‑ji Temple and browsing the traditional stalls of Nakamise‑dōri. Grab a matcha‑flavored snack while soaking in the old‑town atmosphere.
Evening: Experience the neon brilliance of Shibuya Crossing and dine at a izakaya in the bustling Shibuya area, sampling yakitori and sake.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the tranquil Meiji Shrine set within a forested walkway, then stroll through Harajuku’s Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and crepes.
Afternoon: Head to the upscale district of Ginza for high‑end shopping and a visit to the art‑filled Mitsukoshi department store. Enjoy a sushi lunch at a reputable conveyor‑belt restaurant.
Evening: Ascend the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic city views at sunset, followed by dinner in the Sumida River area, trying tempura specialties.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the Romancecar train to Hakone, checking into a traditional ryokan with private onsen. Drop luggage and prepare for scenic exploration.
Afternoon: Ride the iconic Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley, tasting the famous black eggs and admiring volcanic landscapes with distant views of Mount Fuji.
Evening: Cruise on Lake Ashi aboard a pirate‑styled ship, watching the sunset reflect off the water before returning to the ryokan for a kaiseki dinner and onsen soak.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto, enjoying the speed and comfort of the bullet train. Arrive and check into a centrally located hotel near Kyoto Station.
Afternoon: Visit the golden splendor of Kinkaku‑ji (Golden Pavilion), strolling through its meticulously manicured gardens. Continue to the nearby Ryoan‑ji Zen rock garden for a moment of contemplation.
Evening: Wander the historic Gion district, spotting geisha on lantern‑lit streets and savoring Kyoto‑style kaiseki at a traditional restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Early visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha to walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates before crowds arrive. Enjoy a light snack at a local tea house.
Afternoon: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu‑dera, taking in sweeping city views and strolling through the historic Higashiyama streets lined with craft shops.
Evening: Relax at the scenic Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, and dine on yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a nearby temple restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to Nara Park, feeding friendly deer and visiting the massive bronze Buddha inside Tōdai‑ji Temple.
Afternoon: Continue to Osaka, checking into a hotel in the lively Namba area. Dive into the bustling atmosphere of Dotonbori, snapping photos of the iconic Glico sign.
Evening: Indulge in Osaka’s street food fame—try takoyaki and okonomiyaki at a popular eatery, then enjoy a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the canal.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, then visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, reflecting on history.
Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Hike or ride the ropeway up to Mount Misen for panoramic sea views.
Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner, sampling local okonomiyaki, before boarding the evening Shinkansen back to Tokyo (or Osaka) for departure the next day.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day in the Japanese Alps (Takayama & Shirakawa‑go) for stunning mountain scenery, or a night in the tropical oasis of Okinawa for beaches. To shorten the trip, you could combine Osaka and Kyoto into a single day by focusing on the highlights, or skip the day trip to Miyajima and explore more of Hiroshima’s local cuisine instead.