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.

On the 21st (Tue), contemplate the long history of Hase-dera Temple and then take a stroll through Asakusa. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed): get to know the resident critters at Ueno Zoo, then pause for some photo ops at Hachiko, and then don't miss a visit to Takeshita Street.

For other places to visit and more tourist information, read our Tokyo trip planner .

Narita to Tokyo is an approximately 1.5-hour bus ride. You can also drive; or take a train. In April, daytime highs in Tokyo are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) early enough to travel to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

When in Hakone-machi, make a side trip to see Gotemba Premium Outlets in Gotemba, approximately 44 minutes away. The adventure continues: explore the world behind art at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, contemplate the long history of Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu, get engrossed in the history at Hakone Sekisho and Hakone Sekisho Museum, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ashi (Ashinoko).

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Hakone-machi online trip maker .

Getting from Tokyo to Hakone-machi by combination of train and bus takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. While traveling from Tokyo, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Hakone-machi, ranging from highs of 15°C to lows of 13°C. You will leave for Tokyo on the 26th (Sun).

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Sun): enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, then admire the striking features of Tokyo Central Railway Station, and then take some stellar pictures from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. On the 27th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, then admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, then make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, and finally make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo driving holiday site .

Do a combination of bus and train from Hakone-machi to Tokyo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Hakone-machi in April, you will find days in Tokyo are somewhat warmer (22°C), and nights are about the same (12°C). On the 28th (Tue), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Nikko.

A gateway to a sprawling and diverse national park, a center of Shinto spiritualism and place of Buddhist worship, an emblem of the riches and dominance of the Tokugawa shogunate: Nikko means many things to many people.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Tue): take in the spiritual surroundings of Nikko Tosho-gu and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Nikko National Park. Keep things going the next day: explore the activities along Lake Chuzenji, then take in the dramatic scenery at Kegon Falls, and then take in the views from Shinkyo Bridge.

To find other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Nikko trip maker website .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Nikko takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Tokyo in April, plan for a bit cooler days in Nikko, with highs around 19°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train to Tokyo.

Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Kamakura (Kōtoku-in & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine), Ghibli Museum Mitaka (in Mitaka) and Sankeien Gardens (in Naka). See some other sides of Tokyo: ponder the world of politics at Imperial Palace, wander the streets of Akihabara, walk around Ueno Park, and explore the galleries of Tokyo National Museum.

To find other places to visit, ratings, maps, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip maker site .

Getting from Nikko to Tokyo by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive. Traveling from Nikko in April, expect nights in Tokyo to be little chillier, around 12°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) to allow time to take a bus to Narita.

Pilgrims and aviators come to Narita, a town known during the Edo period for its temple, and now known primarily for its airport.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Tue): take in panoramic vistas at Narita International Airport Terminal 1.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Narita day trip planning website .

Traveling by bus from Tokyo to Narita takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Tokyo in May, expect little chillier with lows of 15°C in Narita. You will have some time to spend on the 5th (Tue) before leaving for home.