16 days, 15 nights

The following is a suggested itinerary for first time travelers to Japan who spend 16 days and 15 nights in Japan, and arrive/depart from Tokyo's Narita Airport.

Day 1 - Arrive at Narita Airport
Arrive at Narita Airport and spend the rest of the day in Tokyo.
Day 2-5 - Tokyo with sidetrips
Spend four full days in Tokyo with two of those days spent on daytrips to nearby Kamakura and Nikko. Also consider one of our suggested Tokyo itineraries.
Day 6 - Tokyo to Takayama
In the morning, travel from Tokyo to Takayama (4.5 hours) and spend the afternoon and evening exploring Takayama.
Day 7 - Takayama to Kyoto
Leave Takayama in the afternoon for Kyoto (3.5 hours) and spend the evening exploring Kyoto.
Day 8-11 - Kyoto with sidetrip
Spend four full days in Kyoto, with one day spent on a daytrip to nearby Nara. Also consider one of our suggested Kyoto itineraries.
Day 12 - Kyoto to Mount Koya
In the morning, travel from Kyoto to Mount Koya (3 hours) and overnight there at a temple.
Day 13 - Mount Koya to Osaka
Spend the morning at Mount Koya. Around noon, take the train to Osaka (2 hours) and spend the afternoon, evening and night there.
Day 14 - Osaka to Hiroshima
In the early morning, travel from Osaka to Hiroshima (2 hours) and visit the Hiroshima Peace Park. In the afternoon, continue on to Miyajima (40 minutes) and overnight there.
Day 15 - Miyajima to Tokyo
Get up early and spend a few more hours on Miyajima. Leave the island around eleven for Himeji (2 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring Himeji Castle. Return to Tokyo in the evening (3-4 hours).
Day 16 - Depart from Narita Airport
Depart Japan from Narita Airport.

Regular train tickets will be cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass for this itinerary; however, travelers who do not mind paying extra for the convenience and flexibility of the pass' all-you-can-ride priviledge could consider using a 14-day Japan Rail Pass from day 3 to 16. Below are some sample budgets for the itinerary, excluding airfare. Find out more about the sample budgets and about the current yen exchange rates.

	Single Traveler	Two Travelers
Low Budget	151,000 - 238,000 yen	301,000 - 445,000 yen
Medium Budget	238,000 - 410,000 yen	445,000 - 670,000 yen
High Budget	over 410,000 yen	over 670,000 yen

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