Trip Ideas
16 days in Japan: itinerary
A realistic 16-day route through Japan with sensible stop lengths, travel days and costs.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-01
Golden-route cities with day trips.
The route
- Days 1–4: Tokyo
- Days 5–8: Hakone
- Days 9–12: Kyoto
- Days 13–16: Osaka
Why this order works
It keeps transfers short and ends near a major airport. High-speed rail links the main cities along the Honshu corridor
What it costs
At mid-range pace, an estimated $3,040 per person on the ground, excluding flights.
When to run it
Best months: March, April, May, October, November.
Recommended destinations
Where to go in Japan
Tokyo
City
Endless neighbourhoods, food and late-night energy.
Explore Tokyo
Kyoto
City
Temples, machiya streets and refined seasonal food.
Explore Kyoto
Osaka
City
Street food capital with a loud, friendly nightlife.
Explore Osaka
Hiroshima
City
Peace Memorial sites plus the nearby island of Miyajima.
Explore HiroshimaRelated guides
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