11-Day Hiroshima Trip: Copy This Itinerary

Day 1 starts at Peace Memorial Park at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the serene grounds. Walk 5 minutes to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum by 11:30 AM and spend another 2 hours delving into the city's history. Afterward, take a 20-minute taxi ride (~¥1,500) to Shukkeien Garden, arriving by 2 PM for a leisurely 90-minute stroll through the beautiful landscapes.

Attractions

Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

A poignant tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing, this park offers a serene environment to reflect on peace and resilience.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Explore powerful exhibits that tell the story of Hiroshima's tragic past and promote a message of global peace.

Shukkeien Garden

Experience traditional Japanese landscaping at this serene garden featuring ponds, tea houses, and seasonal flowers, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Day 2 starts at the Atomic Bomb Dome at 9 AM - allow 30 minutes for exploration. Take a 10-minute walk to Hijiyama Park for a leisurely 90-minute stroll and beautiful views. Afterward, a 10-minute walk will lead you to Okonomimura at 12 PM, where you should enjoy a 60-minute lunch of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. All locations are close to the city center, ensuring a balanced mix of culture and leisure.

Attractions

Atomic Bomb Dome

This UNESCO World Heritage site is an iconic reminder of the past, standing as a symbol of hope and reconciliation.

Hijiyama Park

Dotted with cherry blossoms and trails, this scenic park offers an excellent viewpoint over Hiroshima and is ideal for nature lovers and picnics.

Okonomimura

A must-visit for food lovers, this building features multiple stalls serving Hiroshima's famous okonomiyaki, a delicious savory pancake.

Day 1 begins at Tokyo Tower at 9 AM - allow 90 mins for exploration. Travel 20 mins via subway (¥200) to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, arriving at 11 AM for 2-hour leisure stroll. Next, take a 15-min bus (¥300) to Meiji Jingu, starting at 1:30 PM for 1 hour. This route efficiently follows a central path, enhancing your Tokyo experience.

Attractions

Tokyo Tower

Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo from this iconic landmark, a symbol of the city that lights up beautifully at night.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

A serene oasis amidst the bustling city featuring traditional Japanese gardens, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

Meiji Jingu

Visit this tranquil Shinto shrine surrounded by a lush forest, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

Day 2 starts at Tsukiji Outer Market at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the seafood and local snacks. Take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$10 USD) to Ueno Park, arriving by 11:30 AM for another 2 hours of relaxation and culture. Then, travel by subway (approx. 20 minutes, ~$2 USD) to The National Art Center, Tokyo, for a 2 PM visit lasting 90 minutes.

Attractions

Fish Market Tsukiji Outer Market

Explore this famous market for fresh seafood, diverse street food options, and a vibrant atmosphere that reflects Tokyo's culinary scene.

Ueno Park

A sprawling park filled with museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms, ideal for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

The National Art Center, Tokyo

An innovative museum without a permanent collection, showcasing rotating contemporary art exhibitions that challenge and inspire.

Day 3 starts at Yanaka Cemetery at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to explore this serene spot. Travel via taxi for about 10 minutes (~¥1,500) to reach Tokyo Skytree by 10:30 AM, and spend 2 hours enjoying the views and shopping. Afterward, take the subway from Oshiage Station to Akihabara (15 minutes, ~¥200) for a 1 PM visit, allowing 2 hours to browse the electric town's shops and cafés.

Attractions

Yanaka Cemetery

Explore this tranquil and historic cemetery, known for its beautiful cherry trees and serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse of old Tokyo.

Tokyo Skytree

The tallest structure in Japan offers unparalleled views and a shopping haven at its base, combining engineering marvel with modern entertainment.

Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into the heart of otaku culture, bustling with electronics shops, themed cafes, and gaming zones, offering a unique glimpse into Japanese pop culture.

Day 1 starts at Kinkaku-ji at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore the Golden Pavilion. Travel by bus (30 minutes, ~$3) to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for an 11 AM visit (1 hour). After, take a 40-minute train ride to Fushimi Inari Taisha, arriving for a 12:30 PM experience (2 hours). These attractions are ordered by proximity to the city center.

Attractions

Kinkaku-ji

This stunning Zen Buddhist temple, covered in gold leaf, is surrounded by serene gardens and reflects beautifully in the pond it overlooks.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Walk through towering bamboo stalks that sway gently in the breeze, creating an ethereal atmosphere only found in this stunning grove.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, this sacred shrine offers a stunning hike up Mt. Inari with breathtaking views.

Day 2 starts at Kiyomizu-dera at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore. Travel 10 minutes via bus (~¥230) to Gion by 11:30 AM; enjoy this historic district for 1.5 hours. Afterwards, take a 20-minute stroll along Shijo Street to Tetsugaku No Michi by 1:30 PM for 1 hour of serene walking amidst nature.

Attractions

Kiyomizu-dera

Renowned for its wooden stage that juts out over the hills, Kiyomizu-dera offers stunning views, particularly during cherry blossom season.

Gion

Step into the historic streets of Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and vibrant Geisha culture. It's a glimpse into Kyoto's past.

Tetsugaku No Michi

This charming walkway lined with cherry trees is perfect for contemplative strolls and immersing in nature while viewing seasonal blossoms.

Day 3 starts at Nijō Castle (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes for exploring. Travel 20 minutes by bus ($3) to reach Nanzen-ji by 11 AM for another 90-minute visit. Enjoy lunch nearby before heading to Tōfuku-ji Temple at 1 PM - allow 60 minutes. From Nanzen-ji, a 15-minute walk takes you to Tōfuku-ji, concluding your day comfortably.

Attractions

Nijō Castle

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful gardens and nightingale floors, which chirp when walked upon.

Nanzen-ji

A large and complex Zen temple with serene gardens and a grand aqueduct, offering a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle.

Tōfuku-ji Temple

Renowned for its stunning Zen gardens, particularly mesmerizing during the autumn foliage season, making it a must-see for nature lovers.

Day 4 starts at Ryōan-ji at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the famous rock garden. Then, take a 15-minute bus ride (~¥230) to Tenryu-ji, arriving around 10:30 AM; spend 1.5 hours exploring the Zen temple and its beautiful gardens. At 12:30 PM, take a 20-minute bus ride (~¥230) to Kyoto Imperial Palace; allow 2 hours for the self-guided tour of the grounds.

Attractions

Ryōan-ji

Famous for its rock garden, Ryoan-ji invites visitors to reflect and contemplate in a serene, minimalist environment.

Tenryu-ji

A UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful landscape garden and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for a peaceful visit.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Once the residence of the Imperial family, this beautiful palace is surrounded by a vast garden that showcases traditional Japanese landscape design.

Start Day 5 at Kamo River at 9 AM - allow 1 hour to enjoy the scenic views. Walk 15 minutes to Sanjūsangendō Temple, arriving by 10:30 AM; spend 1 hour here. Next, take a 25-minute bus ride (~¥230) to Eikan-dō Temple, arriving at 12 PM and allowing 1.5 hours to explore. Enjoy a balanced mix of nature and culture while traveling within Kyoto's city center.

Attractions

Kamo River

Enjoy a leisurely walk or bicycle ride along the scenic banks of Kamo River, where cherry blossoms bloom in spring and locals gather.

Sanjūsangendō Temple

Home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this temple showcases stunning craftsmanship and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection.

Eikan-dō Temple

Famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of Kyoto, especially during autumn when leaves change color.

Start Day 6 at Tetsugaku No Michi at 9 AM (allow 1 hour). Walk 10 minutes to Nanzen-ji, arriving around 10:30 AM (allow 1.5 hours). Afterward, take a 20-minute bus ride (~$3) to Daigo-ji, arriving by 12:30 PM (allow 2 hours). Enjoy a balanced day mixing culture and leisure!

Attractions

Tetsugaku No Michi

This scenic walkway lined with cherry trees offers a peaceful stroll, highlighted by seasonal blooms and the tranquil atmosphere of the nearby canal.

Nanzen-ji

A serene temple known for its beautiful gardens and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Daigo-ji

This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning gardens and ancient structures, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.

11 days in Hiroshima & Tokyo & Kyoto, Japan: itinerary with Top attractions and Nature and outdoor and Hidden Gems

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Shukkeien Garden

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11