15 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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Zojo-ji Temple and Nezu Shrine. Bring the kids along to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meguro River. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Chidorigafuchi, take in nature's colorful creations at Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden, contemplate the long history of Hozomon, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Kokyo Gaien National Garden.

To see maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Tokyo day trip planner.

Toronto, Canada to Tokyo is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 14 hour difference. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Toronto in April: high temperatures in Tokyo hover around 22°C and lows are around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) to allow time to travel 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.

Get some cultural insight at Nijo Castle and Eikando Zenrinji Temple. Bring the kids along to Tenryuji Temple and Heian Shrine. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamigamo Shrine, contemplate the long history of Daikaku-ji, admire the striking features of Chishaku-in, and don't miss a visit to Daigo-ji Temple.

For ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Kyoto online tour planner.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

On the 12th (Mon), contemplate the long history of Osaka Castle, ponder the world of politics at Mint Museum, and then walk around Kemasakuranomiya Park.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Osaka trip maker site.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Osaka takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) 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.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Tue): admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, then don't miss a visit to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. On the 14th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mitaki Temple, then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, and finally contemplate the long history of Peace Flame.

To see more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by train from Osaka to Hiroshima takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. April in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): contemplate the long history of Hokkaido Jingu, hit the slopes at Okurayama Lookout, and then get great views at Mt. Moiwa.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Sapporo trip builder.

Traveling by flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect much colder weather when traveling from Hiroshima in April: highs in Sapporo hover around 9°C, while lows dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.