Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
This route covers a lot of ground but keeps each stop to at least two nights where possible. It includes enough long Shinkansen journeys that a 14-day JR Pass, or a combination of regional passes, is worth pricing out against individual tickets.
Why this route is ranked #3
Ranked #3 because it is one of our original hand-tested routes: efficient base changes, a strong mix of iconic sights and realistic daily transit for first-timers & returning visitors.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing | 29.1 / 30 |
| Iconic & Cultural Depth | 24.3 / 25 |
| First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics | 19.4 / 20 |
| Cost-to-Value Ratio | 14.6 / 15 |
| Seasonal Flexibility | 9.6 / 10 |
| Total | 97 / 100 |
Day-by-day plan
Arrive Tokyo
Check in near a Yamanote Line station.
Tokyo: Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara
Old Tokyo highlights and museums.
Tokyo: Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinjuku
Meiji Jingu, shopping streets, observation deck at sunset.
Day trip to Nikko
Toshogu, Shinkyo Bridge, Kanmangafuchi; Kegon Falls if time allows.
Hakone
Hakone loop and ryokan night.
To Kanazawa
Back via Tokyo (or Odawara) to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Evening in Higashi Chaya.
Kanazawa
Kenroku-en early, 21st Century Museum, Omicho Market, Nagamachi. Or a Shirakawa-go day trip.
To Kyoto · Gion
Shinkansen to Tsuruga, Thunderbird to Kyoto. Higashiyama and Gion at dusk.
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & east
Inari at dawn, Kiyomizu-dera, Philosopher's Path.
Kyoto: Arashiyama & north
Bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji.
Nara day trip
Todai-ji, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park, Naramachi.
To Hiroshima · Peace Park
Shinkansen to Hiroshima; Peace Memorial Park and Museum; okonomiyaki dinner.
Miyajima
Itsukushima Shrine, Mt Misen, Momijidani; evening back to Osaka.
Osaka & depart
Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, depart from Kansai Airport.
Transport & rail pass notes
Add up your long journeys (Tokyo–Nikko, Tokyo–Kanazawa, Kanazawa–Kyoto, Kyoto–Hiroshima, Hiroshima–Osaka) in our JR Pass helper. Nikko via Tobu and Hakone via Odakyu are not covered by the JR Pass.
What to book ahead
- Accommodation everywhere in peak seasons
- Hakone ryokan
- Shirakawa-go buses (if visiting)
- Shinkansen seats with oversized-baggage space if needed
Ways to adapt this route
- Drop Nikko for a slower Tokyo.
- Replace Kanazawa with Takayama via Nagoya.
- Add Fukuoka at the end and fly home from there.
Tokyo Nikkō Kanazawa Kyoto Nara Hiroshima Osaka
Frequently asked questions
Is 14 days enough for this route?
Yes — 14 Days in Japan: The Classic Two-Week Route is paced at "Brisk" with Tokyo (4), Hakone (1), Kanazawa (2), Kyoto (4), Hiroshima (2), Osaka (1).
Do I need a JR Pass?
Run your exact legs through our JR Pass Calculator; for most single-region trips individual tickets are cheaper.
What is the daily budget?
Mid-range travelers should plan around ¥18,000–¥25,000 per person per day including hotel, food and local transport.