25 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Kamakura (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hase-dera Temple, &more) and Maihama (Tokyo DisneySea & Tokyo Disneyland). There's still lots to do: 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 admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Skytree.

To find reviews, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip itinerary builder website.

London, UK to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Tokyo is 9 hours. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from London in April; daily highs in Tokyo reach 22°C and lows reach 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to drive to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

On the 24th (Sun), admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, get great views at Hakone Ropeway, then don't miss a visit to Owaku-dani Valley, and finally explore the activities along Lake Ashi (Ashinoko).

For reviews, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Hakone-machi visit planning site.

You can drive from Tokyo to Hakone-machi in 2 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. When traveling from Tokyo in April, plan for little chillier days in Hakone-machi, with highs around 15°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to travel to Kanazawa.

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

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Mon): admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, explore the historical opulence of Kanazawa Castle, stop by Higashichaya Old Town, then make a trip to Omicho Market, and finally steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House.

To find reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Kanazawa itinerary app.

You can do a combination of bus and train from Hakone-machi to Kanazawa in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and train; or drive; or fly. When traveling from Hakone-machi in April, plan for a bit warmer days in Kanazawa, with highs around 20°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, shopping, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sanjusangendo Temple, wander the streets of Gion, and stop by Arashiyama.

For photos, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto trip planner.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Himeji (Koko-en, Himeji Castle, &more), Nara (Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, Nara Park, &more) and Koya-cho (Koyasan Okunoin, Mt. Koya, &more). Next up on the itinerary: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, visit Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, make a trip to Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and take in panoramic vistas at Kuchu Teien Observatory.

For ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Osaka tour planner.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Osaka takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Osaka are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) so you can travel 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 (Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, &more) and Momijidani Park (in Miyajima). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and appreciate the history behind Memorial Tower to the Mobilized Students.

To see ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Hiroshima attractions planner.

Take a train from Osaka to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. In May, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 28°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.