#41 · 12 日間 · 日本語

12-Day JR Pass Loop: Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sendai

A 12-day Nationwide route for rail fans covering Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sendai. Budget about ¥18,000 per person per day.

Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

概要・特徴

This active-paced 12-day itinerary uses 6 bases — Tokyo (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (3 nights), Hiroshima (2 nights), Sendai (2 nights), Tokyo (1 night) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Sendai. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥18,000 per person including accommodation.

推奨滞在日数12
StyleRail fans
BasesTokyo (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (3 nights), Hiroshima (2 nights), Sendai (2 nights), Tokyo (1 night)

Day-by-day

Day 1

Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.

Day 2

Tokyo: Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset

Day 3

Travel to Kanazawa

Morning transfer to Kanazawa (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya geisha district and Omicho Market.

Day 4

Kanazawa: 21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district

21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district

Day 5

Travel to Kyoto

Morning transfer to Kyoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.

Day 6

Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove

Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji

Day 7

Kyoto: Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and the Philosopher's Path

Day 8

Travel to Hiroshima

Morning transfer to Hiroshima (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Shukkei-en and okonomiyaki.

Day 9

Flexible day in Hiroshima

Free day in Hiroshima: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Shukkei-en and okonomiyaki.

Day 10

Travel to Sendai

Morning transfer to Sendai (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Zuihoden mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins and gyutan.

Day 11

Flexible day in Sendai

Free day in Sendai: revisit favourites, shop, or rest at an onsen/sento. Ideas: Zuihoden mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins and gyutan.

Day 12

Travel to Tokyo · depart

Morning transfer to Tokyo (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara. Head to the airport in the afternoon.

アクセス・交通機関

Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is 12 days enough for Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto?

Yes — this plan gives Tokyo (2 nights), Kanazawa (2 nights), Kyoto (3 nights), Hiroshima (2 nights), Sendai (2 nights), Tokyo (1 night), which is enough for the main highlights at a active pace.

How much does this 12-day Japan trip cost?

Roughly ¥216,000 per person for 12 days (≈¥18,000/day) excluding international flights.

Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?

Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.

When is the best time to do this route?

Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.