18 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, get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, walk around Ueno Park, and don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Tokyo trip itinerary website.

London, UK to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 9 hours traveling from London to Tokyo. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from London in April, with highs in Tokyo at °C and lows at °C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Explore Kanazawa's surroundings by going to Ishikawa Jumoku Park (in Hakusan) and Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Wada House, &more). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, and examine the collection at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts.

To see maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Kanazawa journey planning tool.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Tokyo in April, expect slightly colder with lows of °C in Kanazawa. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Himeji (Koko-en & Himeji Castle) and Universal Studios Japan (in Osaka). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Gion, take an in-depth tour of Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, and make a trip to Heian Shrine.

For reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Kyoto day trip planner.

Getting from Kanazawa to Kyoto by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In April in Kyoto, expect temperatures between °C during the day and °C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Hiroshima side-trips: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima), Okayama Korakuen Garden (in Okayama) and Ohara Museum of Art (in Kurashiki). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden, and pause for some photo ops at The Cenotaph.

For reviews and other tourist information, read Hiroshima online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to °C, and evening lows to °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can travel back home.