13-Day Tokyo Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 starts at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore the gardens. Travel to Meiji Jingu next at 11 AM, a 10-minute walk (free). Spend an hour here before heading to Tokyo Tower at 12:30 PM. Take the Tokyo Metro from Harajuku Station to Onarimon Station (15 minutes, ~¥200). Enjoy Tokyo Tower for 2 hours, wrapping up your day by 3 PM.

Attractions

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Experience stunning landscapes in this expansive garden featuring traditional Japanese, English, and French styles, perfect for a peaceful retreat in the city.

Meiji Jingu

A serene Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage and a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Tokyo Tower

This iconic symbol of Tokyo offers breathtaking panoramic views from its observation decks, showcasing the city skyline and Mount Fuji on clear days.

Day 2 starts at National Museum of Nature and Science at 9 AM - allow 2.5 hours for exploration. Travel to Ueno Park at 11:30 AM with a 5-minute walk to enjoy the park until 1:30 PM. Head to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center at 2 PM via a 20-minute subway ride (~¥200). Spend an hour there until 3 PM, exploring the area before a leisurely afternoon.

Attractions

National Museum of Nature and Science

Explore Japan’s natural history through interactive exhibits showcasing everything from dinosaurs to space exploration, perfect for all ages.

Ueno Park

This historic park is home to beautiful cherry blossom trees, tranquil ponds, and several museums for a perfect blend of nature and culture.

Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center

Offering stunning views of Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, this center is a perfect starting point to explore Asakusa and learn about the area.

Day 3 begins at Sensō-ji at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore this iconic temple. Take a 20-minute subway ride (~¥200) to Tokyo Skytree, starting at 11 AM for 2 hours of stunning views. Finally, head to Shibuya Crossing by train at 1:30 PM - a 30-minute ride (~¥300) to experience the city's famous scramble crossing.

Attractions

Sensō-ji

Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding Nakamise shopping street.

Tokyo Skytree

Standing at 634 meters, this broadcasting tower features observation decks that offer unparalleled views of Tokyo and even Mount Fuji on clear days.

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the buzz of one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings and take in the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya with its endless shops and restaurants.

Day 4 starts at Yoyogi Park at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to stroll and relax. Take a 15-minute walk to The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, arriving at 11 AM for a 2-hour visit. Next, catch a 10-minute taxi (~$10 USD) to the Imperial Palace East National Gardens at 1:30 PM - allow 90 minutes to explore the serene landscapes.

Attractions

Yoyogi Park

This large urban park near Harajuku is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls, offering a peaceful escape amid seasonal flowers and lush greenery.

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Explore Japan's rich artistic heritage with a stunning collection of modern art, including works by renowned Japanese and international artists.

Imperial Palace East National Gardens

Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Imperial Palace, a tranquil space that reflects Japan's rich history and artistic landscape design.

Day 5 starts at Mori Art Museum at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exhibits. Travel 30 minutes by train (¥500) to Sumida Aquarium, arriving at 11:30 AM for 1.5 hours of sea life exploration. Finally, take a 20-minute train ride (¥300) to Towers at 1:30 PM, where you can enjoy breathtaking views for 1.5 hours before winding down your day.

Attractions

Mori Art Museum

Located in the heart of Roppongi, this contemporary art museum features innovative exhibitions and stunning views from the observation deck.

Sumida Aquarium

Experience an incredible aquatic wonderland featuring stunning displays, including a breathtaking jellyfish exhibit and a mesmerizing Coral Reef Tank.

Towers タワーズ

Enjoy fine dining with spectacular views of Tokyo City from the restaurant located within Tokyo Tower, a unique culinary experience.

Day 6 starts at Yanaka Cemetery at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore. Next, travel by taxi (15 mins, ~$15 USD) to 東京高円寺阿波おどり踊り始めの場所 for a 2-hour cultural experience from 10:30 AM. At 1 PM, take a 20-minute train (¥300) to Tokyo Sea Life Park, spending 2 hours here till 3 PM.

Attractions

Yanaka Cemetery

Explore one of Tokyo's oldest and most picturesque cemeteries, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms and peaceful atmosphere.

東京高円寺阿波おどり踊り始めの場所

Participate in this lively traditional dance festival held every August, celebrating Japanese culture through music and dance in a vibrant community atmosphere.

Tokyo Sea Life Park

A fascinating aquarium known for its massive tuna tank and diverse marine life, offering educational programs and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Day 7 starts at Yasukuni-jinja Shrine at 9 AM - allow 1 hour for exploration. Travel 15 minutes by subway to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building | North Observation Deck for stunning views at 10:30 AM (1 hour). Afterward, head to 2 Chome, a 10-minute taxi ride (~¥1,500), arriving by 12 PM - enjoy 2 hours relaxing and dining.

Attractions

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine

Visit this historic shrine commemorating Japan's war dead, featuring beautiful gardens and a rich history intertwined with post-war Japan.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building | North Observation Deck

Offers stunning panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days, and it's free to enter.

2 Chome

Known as Tokyo's LGBTQ+ district, it also features beautiful parks and vibrant nightlife.

Day 1 starts at Peace Memorial Park at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore. Walk 5 minutes to the Atomic Bomb Dome by 11:30 AM, spend 30 minutes learning about its history. Next, take a 15-minute tram ride (¥200) to Hiroshima Castle at 12:30 PM for a 90-minute visit. Attractions are ordered by proximity to city center for convenience.

Attractions

Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

This serene park memorializes the victims of the atomic bomb and promotes a message of peace, making it a deeply moving experience for visitors.

Atomic Bomb Dome

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic building remains as a haunting symbol of the city's resilience and commitment to peace.

Hiroshima Castle

Known as the 'Carp Castle,' it offers stunning views and rich history, reflecting Hiroshima's past before the atomic bomb.

Start Day 2 at Shukkeien Garden (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Take a 20-minute tram ride to reach Itsukushima by 11 AM (ticket ~¥200). Enjoy the famous shrine and scenic views for 4 hours. Finally, take a 30-minute ferry back to Hiroshima and an additional 15-minute tram ride to the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, arriving by 3:30 PM; allow 2 hours for your visit.

Attractions

Shukkeien Garden

A beautiful Japanese garden featuring ponds, walking paths, and traditional tea houses, providing a peaceful retreat from the city bustle.

Itsukushima

Famous for the iconic 'floating' torii gate, this island offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and a chance to see wild deer up close.

Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art

This museum showcases a wide array of modern art, both Japanese and international, housed in a stunning architectural space.

Day 3 starts at Hiroshima Botanical Garden at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the beautiful flora. Take a 15-minute taxi ride (~¥1,500) to Okonomimura, arriving by 11:30 AM for a tasty lunch (1 hour). Afterward, head to Hiroshima Orizuru Tower with a 10-minute taxi ride (~¥1,000), arriving by 1 PM for a panoramic view of the city (1.5 hours).

Attractions

Hiroshima Botanical Garden

Explore diverse plant species and themed gardens in a serene environment, perfect for nature lovers looking for tranquility.

Okonomimura

A food lover's paradise with numerous stalls serving Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, this spot is a must-visit for gastronomy enthusiasts.

Hiroshima Orizuru Tower

Offering a panoramic view of Hiroshima, this tower also highlights local culture and post-war advancements through interactive exhibits.

Day 1 starts at Osaka Castle at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore its rich history. Travel by subway from Tanimachi 4-chome (15 mins, ¥230) to Shitennō-ji, arriving around 11:30 AM for a 90-minute visit to Japan's oldest temple. After that, take a 20-minute walk to Nakanoshima Park for a relaxing hour, concluding around 3 PM.

Attractions

Osaka Castle

A symbol of Osaka, this historic castle offers stunning views and beautiful gardens that are especially enchanting during cherry blossom season.

Shitennō-ji

One of Japan's oldest temples, Shitennoji showcases beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.

Nakanoshima Park

Located on an island, this picturesque park features beautiful flower gardens, scenic river views, and the iconic Nakanoshima Museum of Art.

Start Day 2 at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan at 9 AM - allow 3 hours for exploration. Travel to Dotonbori at 12:30 PM via a 20-minute subway ride (¥260). Enjoy local street food and sights for 2 hours. Wrap up your day at Umeda Sky Building at 3 PM, reachable by a 15-minute subway ride (¥230) - allow 2 hours for the observation deck experience.

Attractions

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Dive into the wonders of the ocean at this world-renowned aquarium featuring diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.

Dotonbori

Famous for its vibrant nightlife and street food scene, Dotonbori offers delicious local delicacies and iconic neon signs.

Umeda Sky Building

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city from this unique architectural marvel, especially stunning during sunset.

Start Day 3 at Minoh Park at 9 AM - allow 3 hours for hiking and enjoying the waterfall. Travel 30 minutes by train (¥230) to Sumiyoshi Taisha, arriving around 12:30 PM for a 1-hour visit. Afterward, take another 30-minute train ride (¥220) to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, starting at 2 PM for an hour. Enjoy a balanced mix of nature and culture!

Attractions

Minoh Park

A beautiful nature reserve known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic walking trails, perfect for a peaceful escape from urban life.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

One of Japan's oldest shrines, Sumiyoshi Taisha offers a unique atmosphere with its ancient architecture and scenic gardens.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

One of the most important shrines in Osaka, known for its beautiful architecture and surrounding gardens, especially popular during the plum blossom season.

Tokyo & Hiroshima & Osaka, Japan 13-day travel plan covering Top attractions and Nature and outdoor

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Meiji Jingu

Tokyo Tower

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Day 13