Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
도시 개요
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.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.
Tokyo: Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset
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.
Kanazawa: 21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district
21st Century Museum and Nagamachi samurai district
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.
Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto: Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and the Philosopher's Path
Travel to Hiroshima
Morning transfer to Hiroshima (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Shukkei-en and okonomiyaki.
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.
Travel to Sendai
Morning transfer to Sendai (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Zuihoden mausoleum, Sendai Castle ruins and gyutan.
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.
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.
가는 법 및 대중교통
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.