16 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Chidorigafuchi and Arakurayama Sengen Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Saitama Prefecture Omiya Park (in Saitama), Gongendo Sakura Tsutsumi (in Satte) and Ashikaga Flower Park (in Ashikaga). There's lots more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Meguro River, indulge in some personalized pampering at ARONA SPA, make a trip to Chureito Pagoda, and get your bearings at Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo tour itinerary maker site.

Sacramento, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 17-hour flight. You'll lose 17 hours traveling from Sacramento to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Sacramento in April, plan for a bit cooler days in Tokyo, with highs around 67°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can travel to Kanazawa.

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

Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): stroll around Kanazawa Castle Park, walk around Kenrokuen Garden, take in nature's colorful creations at Gyokusen-Immaru Garden, don't miss a visit to Seisonkaku Villa, then step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Gyokusen-immaru Garden.

To see traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Kanazawa trip itinerary maker tool.

Take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Tokyo in April since evenings lows in Kanazawa dip to 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Ninna-ji Temple and Beer Tastings & Tours. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate the long history of Daigo-ji Temple, take in nature's colorful creations at Kyoto Botanical Garden, and admire the landmark architecture of Chishaku-in.

To find reviews, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Kyoto tour itinerary planner.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Tue) so you can 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Mt. Yoshino and Kongobu-ji Temple. Get out of town with these interesting Osaka side-trips: Nara (Walking tours & Nigatsu-do Temple), Shukugawa Park (in Nishinomiya) and Koya-cho (Koyasan Reihokan Museum, Mt. Koya, &more). There's lots more to do: ponder the world of politics at Mint Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, admire the striking features of Umeda Sky Building, and stroll around Kemasakuranomiya Park.

To see photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Osaka trip itinerary builder tool.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In April in Osaka, expect temperatures between 68°F during the day and 51°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sat): appreciate the history behind Memorial Tower to the Mobilized Students, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mitaki Temple, examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, then steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, then appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, and finally steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some photo ops at Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senjokaku, then contemplate the long history of Itsukushima Shrine, and finally take a peaceful walk through Misen Wild Woods.

To see photos, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read Hiroshima trip tool.

You can take a train from Osaka to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. April in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 67°F and lows of 52°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.