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.

When in Tokyo, make a side trip to see Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, approximately 30 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: take some stellar pictures from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, discover the magic at Tokyo Disneyland, wander the streets of Odaiba, and ponder the world of politics at Imperial Palace.

To see maps, photos, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip itinerary planner .

London, UK to Tokyo is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time to Japan Standard Time is 9 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from London in April; daily highs in Tokyo reach 22°C and lows reach 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) to allow enough time 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Kanazawa side-trips: Ishikawa Jumoku Park (in Hakusan) and Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Wada House, & more). There's lots more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, and steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kanazawa day trip planner.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Tokyo in April, expect slightly colder with lows of 8°C in Kanazawa. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) to allow enough 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Himeji (Koko-en Garden & Himeji Castle), Osaka Castle (in Osaka) and Universal Studios Japan (in Konohana). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Gion, steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and make a trip to Heian Shrine.

Discover how to plan a Kyoto trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. 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.

Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Okayama Korakuen Garden (in Okayama), Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima) and Ohara Museum of Art (in Kurashiki). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, appreciate the history behind The Cenotaph, and contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome.

To see ratings, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Hiroshima driving holiday website .

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel back home.