11 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.

Tokyo is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, wander the streets of Odaiba District, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, and admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum.

To find photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo holiday builder.

Houston, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 17-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 15 hours traveling from Houston to Tokyo. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Houston in May: high temperatures in Tokyo hover around 76°F and lows are around 61°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight to Hiroshima.

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

On the 19th (Fri), admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and finally contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Hiroshima trip simple and quick.

Fly from Tokyo to Hiroshima in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In May in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 75°F during the day and 60°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) so you can catch the train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

On the 20th (Sat), explore the historical opulence of Himeji Castle, then admire the natural beauty at Koko-en, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Takamikura.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, use the Himeji visit website.

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Himeji takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In May, daytime highs in Himeji are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) so you can take a train 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, sightseeing, and shopping. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Heian Shrine, make a trip to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip planner.

Traveling by train from Himeji to Kyoto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Himeji in May, plan for somewhat warmer days in Kyoto, with highs around 77°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 59°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Tue) so you can go by car to Kanazawa.

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

On the 24th (Wed), steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, take in panoramic vistas at Kenrokuen Yamazakiyama, take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, then contemplate the long history of Kanazawa Castle, and finally take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Kanazawa trip itinerary builder site.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Kanazawa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. When traveling from Kyoto in May, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Kanazawa: temperatures range from 72°F by day to 55°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) to allow time to fly back home.