Japan itinerary 9 days. Japan is an incredible country to visit. Ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology coexist in a way I haven’t seen anywhere else. Some sights will leave you feeling as though you have stepped back in time. Others will make you will feel as though you have travelled into the future.
Exploring Japan was a dream come true for me. Japan had been on my bucket list for years, but I never had both the time and the money to visit. After travel restrictions eased, with our toddler in tow and 5 months pregnant, we packed as much as we could into two carry-on suitcases to explore a country that had long captured my heart.
An island nation with over 125 million people, Japan is also a country that truly has something for everyone. History enthusiasts, nature lovers, urban explorers, foodies, shopaholics, and manga fans can all have a fantastic experience visiting Japan.
This Japan itinerary 9 days puts together my top recommendations for visiting Japan for the first time. It includes city recommendations, daily plans, travel times, practical tips, and some fantastic accommodation options – including families.
I’ve included helpful tips that would have helped me as a first time visitor, including whether the JR Pass is worth it, attractions you need to pre book, and the best time to visit the main sights.
This is a relatively full Japan itinerary 9 days: with 3 days in both Tokyo and Kyoto, and 1 day each in Osaka, Hakone, and Nara. You can see all these places in 9 days, or adapt it to your travel style. You can stay overnight in each city, or take day trips from Tokyo (to Hakone) and Kyoto (to Nara and Osaka).
This can also be your Japan family trip itinerary: this itinerary works for those who are travelling with kids. I’ve included travel times between cities, and the longest journey is 2.5 hours. I’ve included extra recommendations for families and family-friendly accommodation options.
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Japan itinerary 9 days: In this post
- Japan itinerary 9 days: Practical tips for first-time visitors
- Japan family trip itinerary
- Japan accommodation options
- Japan itinerary 9 days: at a glance
- Day 1 – 3: Tokyo
- Day 4: Hakone
- Day 5 – 7: Kyoto
- Day 8: Nara
- Day 9: Osaka
- Japan itinerary 9 days: Alternative day trip to Hiroshima
- Getting around Japa and within cities (and the JR Pass)
- When to visit
Japan itinerary 9 days: Practical tips for first-time visitors
English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas
English is not widely spoken in Japan, particularly in smaller cities and outside of tourist areas. We found that basic English was widely spoken in the tourist areas, including the places on this itinerary. Convenience stores and most public transport include some information in English. Still, it still pays to learn some basic phrases and greetings in Japanese.
Tip: Download a translation app that can translate photos of Japanese characters when you’re out. This was super handy for understanding menus at local restaurants and signs at some museums.
Familiarise yourself with Japanese customs before you visit
Familiarise yourself with Japanese customs and etiquette before your visit to Japan, such as bowing, removing shoes indoors, and using chopsticks. While not mandated in 2024, masks are also commonly used on public transport and in busy indoor spaces.
Tip: Pack shoes that are easy to take on and off while standing up, especially if you’re travelling with kids.
Japan itinerary 9 days: Take both cash and card
Japan’s currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY). You’ll need both cash and credit card in Japan. We found that cash was commonly used, and some markets and smaller stalls only accepted cash. But there were also a couple of places we visited that had gone cashless, and only accepted credit cards.
Japan is a family-friendly destination and you can do this itinerary with kids
Japan is an incredible destination, including if you are travelling with your kids, a toddler, or a baby. It offers a wealth of experiences that every member of the family is bound to love. Japan also caters to the needs of families: the public transport is safe and efficient, the cities are clean and safe, there is a wide range of food that is readily available, and the main attractions can be visited with young kids.
As well as the incredible sights and engaging cultural experiences, Japan also has a ton of kid-focussed attractions, interactive museums, and novelty cafes. Japan’s diverse food scene provides plenty of options even for the pickiest eaters.
Japan family trip itinerary: Japan itinerary for family
This Japan itinerary 9 days also works well for active families, whether you’re travelling with teens or toddlers. I’ve tried to keep travel times low between destinations and grouped close attractions together. The longest travel leg is the journey back from Osaka to Tokyo (2.5 hours). I’ve included some accommodation options that work well for families, but check the exact room size before booking to make sure it works for your family. I’ve also found some accommodation options that provide travel cots (which are not very common in Japan).
Tip for Japan family trip itinerary: There are ways you can adapt this itinerary to make work better for your family. Consider a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, and Nara as a day trip from Kyoto. This would be easier for families that have lots of luggage, or if your little ones take a while to adjust to accommodation changes. Osaka is also an easy day trip from Kyoto. You could spend one less day in Kyoto and an extra day in Osaka to make the most of the kid-focussed attractions (see the section on Osaka for ideas).
Japan itinerary 9 days: Where to stay
I’ve included highly-rated accommodation options for each destination in this handy table, I’ve also included them under each destination.
Tip: A lot of hotel rooms are very small in Japan, especially in Tokyo. Check the size description on hotel search websites if this is important to you, particularly if you are travelling with your family.
Tip for families that need a travel cot: We found travel cots were quite difficult to find in Japan hotels, especially in budget accommodation. I’ve included some options below with travel cots, and many of the other options have futons that have you sleeping at floor level.
Japan accommodation options
*cots available on request (subject to availability)
**free cots available on request (subject to availability)
Japan itinerary 9 days: at a glance
Day 1: Tokyo (Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ameyoko)
Day 2: Tokyo (Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku)
Day 3: Tokyo (Options including Tsukiji Outer Market, TeamLabs, or a day at Disney)
Day 4: Hakone (Scenic lake and ropeway tour, Mishima SkyWalk, Hakone Shrine, and onsen)
Day 5: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Gion Geisha District)
Day 6: Kyoto (Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Monkey Park, and Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavillion)
Day 7: Kyoto (Nishiki Markets, Pontocho Alley, Maruyama Park, and the Philosopher’s Path)
Day 8: Nara (Deer at Nara Park, Todai-Ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Isuien Garden)
Day 9: Osaka (Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho, and skyline views)
Alternative day trip to Hiroshima (Peace Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Miyajima Island)
Japan itinerary 9 days
Day 1 – 3: Tokyo
- Highlights: Senso-ji Temple, Go-kart tour, Novelty cafes, Shibuya crossing, Tsukiji outer market, TeamLabs art museum, DisneyLand, rooftop cityscape views, and so much more.
- Areas to visit: Asakusa, Akihabara, Ameyoko, Shibuya/Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ueno Park, and Odaiba.
- Getting around Tokyo: The Tokyo Metro Subway system will get you everywhere you need to go on this itinerary. Use an IC card (suica, pasmo, or IC).
- How to get there: If Tokyo is your first stop in Japan, take a direct flight to Narita or Haneda international airports. If you’re already on mainland Japan, the shinkansen (bullet train) will take you to Tokyo from almost anywhere.
- Budget accommodation: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku and Hotel Gracery Asakusa
- Mid-range accommodation: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo (cots available on request), Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku (free cots available on request), Mimaru Apartment Tokyo Ueno (free cots available on request) and Shinjuku 2bd Apartment
- High-end accommodation: The Peninsula Tokyo (free cots available on request) and Hilton Shinjuku Tokyo
The buzzing capital of Japan is the perfect place to start your Japan itinerary 9 days. Home to more than 13 million people, this city truly has something for everyone, both wonderful and downright weird. Tokyo blends ancient traditions with futuristic innovation offering an unforgettable experience whatever your travel interests might be.
The hardest part of visiting Tokyo is narrowing down what to do in the limited time you have, particularly if it’s your first time visiting Tokyo. Being such a big city, it is important to plan out your days to minimise the time spent on transport.
Day 1: Tokyo
Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ameyoko
Start your Japan itinerary 9 days at the heart of Tokyo’s history: Asakusa, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple. Stroll down Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops selling everything from souvenirs to snacks. Try not to buy too much, there’ll be plenty more opportunities over the next 9 days.
In the afternoon, journey to the futuristic Akihabara electric town. Indulge in shopping and entertainment in the heart of Japanese pop culture. This is the area to visit if you want to visit a maid cafe, do the famous go-kart tour through the city, or purchase electronics.
Tip: If you want to do the famous go-kart tour, make sure you bring your international driver’s licence. While most of the main attractions are family friendly, this activity is only available for 18+.
A short walk from Akihabara is the Ameyoko shopping district and a fantastic place to end your first day in Tokyo. The area is home to vibrant markets, shops, bars, and eateries under the elevated train tracks.
Day 2: Tokyo
Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku
On day two, discover the famous areas of Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku. Head to the Shibuya Crossing, where up to 2,500 people cross every few minutes. Join the thousands of others on the crossing, or watch from the Starbucks (in the picture above) or one of the rooftops open to the public.
After Shibuya crossing, make your way to Takeshita Street. The main street of Harajuku is the place to come for elaborate desserts, “kawaii” food, and novelty shopping.
Head to nearby Shinjuku in the afternoon. Take a stroll in the expansive Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, try and get a seat at one of the tiny eateries along Omoide Yokocho (memory lane), or do as the locals do and enjoy some karaoke. Shinjuku is also the area where you’ll see the famous Godzilla statue and 3D cat billboard.
Head up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to take in the breathtaking city views and watch the city light up as night falls. Entry is free, but you need to be prepared to wait in line. The breathtaking views are worth the wait.
You can also take in cityscape views from Shibuya Sky, and see Shibuya crossing at the same time. Tickets need to be booked in advance. For a classy viewing experience, visit the New York Bar on the 52nd floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjuku.
Tip if visiting Shibuya Sky: Sunset slots book out almost immediate, but you can book a mid afternoon slot and stay up for sunset.
End your day in Shinjuku exploring the labyrinth that is the Golden Gai bar area. If you’re travelling without kids, you can enjoy a drink or two at one of the many tiny bars. We loved exploring the atmospheric laneways with our toddler.
Day 3: Tokyo
Options to pick your own adventure including Tsukiji Outer Market, TeamLabs, or a Disney day
On day three, pick your own adventure. A visit to Tsukiji outer market and Teamlabs art museum are my top recommendations. If you’re a shopper, explore the high-end shops and huge department stores in Ginza.
Tips for Tsukiji and TeamLabs: While the Tsukiji markets open at 5am, not all the stalls and eateries are open. Arrive around 8am to avoid the peak rush. Book your TeamLabs tickets online at least a month in advance to guarantee a space, especially if you are after a specific time slot.
For families, Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea are both incredible places to spend a day. If Disney is not your thing (or not in your budget), Tokyo has endless other options for families including the entertainment island of Odaiba, and countless museums in Ueno Park.
Day 4: Hakone
Scenic lake and ropeway tour, Mishima SkyWalk, Hakone Shrine, and onsen
- Highlights: Onsen, scenic boat trip on Lake Ashi, ropeway over volcanic valley Owakudani, Hakone Shrine and Torii Gates in Lake Ashi, and Mishima SkyWalk.
- How to get there: The quickest option is the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (journey takes approximately 90 minutes). Check out other ways to get to and around Hakone in my guide.
- Budget accommodation: Onsen guesthouse Hakone Tent and Mira Hakone Lakeside Inn
- Mid-range accommodation: Hakone Hotel (free cots available on request) and Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
- High-end accommodation:Gora Kadan and Hakone Kyuan
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Hakone for more information and detailed 1 and 2 day itineraries.
After three days in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, venture to the picturesque onsen town of Hakone. Known for its hot springs and incredible views of Mount Fuji, Hakone also offers scenic boat rides and walking tracks. After the busy city, the quiet streets and lush greenery of Hakone are a welcome change of pace and scene.
Start your day with a visit to the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, sitting in the waters of Lake Ashi. From here, take a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi where you can admire Mount Fuji on a clear day. The boat conveniently connects up with the Hakone Ropeway that takes you over to the volcanic valley of Owakudani.
In the afternoon, Mishima SkyWalk pedestrian bridge has more great views of Mount Fuji, along with zip lining and other adventure activities. An awesome space for families! If the weather isn’t so clear, the Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases incredible sculptures.
Finish your day with a soak in one of the town’s many onsens. My Ultimate Guide to Hakone includes accommodation options with onsens as well as a family-friendly onsen.
You can do a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, or make the most of your time by spending a night before continuing on to Kyoto. You can also check out my Ultimate Guide to Hakone for more information and detailed 1 and 2 day itineraries.
Day 5 – 7: Kyoto
- Highlights: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Hokan-ji Temple and Pagoda, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama Monkey Park, Gion Geisha District, Nishiki Markets, Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park, and Pontocho Alley.
- Getting around Kyoto: Use Kyoto’s buses, subways, and overground trains to get between attractions. Renting a bicycle is also a great option for getting between some of the main sights.
- How to get there:
- Hakone to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Odawara Station to Kyoto Station (2 hours).
- Tokyo to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station (2 hours 15 minutes).
- Budget accommodation: Imu Hotel Kyoto and La’gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo
- Mid-range accommodation: Hotel Granbell, The General Kyoto (cots available on request) and Mimaru Apartments Kyoto (free cots available on request)
- High-end accommodation: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (free cots available on request) and Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (cots available on request).
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Kyoto for more information and detailed itinerary including family travel tips.
Next stop: Kyoto, Japan’s cultural heart and a treasure trove of history to explore. Kyoto is home to thousands of temples, shrines, and historic sites. Nestled amongst low mountains, the city is surrounded by greenery and natural beauty.
Day 5: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-Dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Gion Geisha District
Start your first day in Kyoto at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates that lead you up the sacred Mount Inari. From here, continue on to Kiyomizu-Dera, a beautiful and serene Buddhist temple nestled in the mountainside amongst the trees.
Once you leave Kiyomizu-Dera, take the short walk to the beautiful streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. These winding streets are a vibrant spot to explore, have something to eat, or pick up some souvenirs. Continue on the Hokan-ji temple, even if just to admire the pagoda from the outside.
In the evening, wander the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, known for its charming teahouses, geisha performances, and atmospheric laneways.
Enjoy a performance at Gion Corner, which showcases different Japanese arts including a geisha dance, tea ceremony, and kyogen comedy.
Day 6: Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Monkey Park, and Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion
On your second day in Kyoto, venture to the picturesque haven of Arashiyama. Start by wandering through the magical miles of bamboo groves. Continue on to the river, and stroll along the banks while admiring the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. You can hire a boat here or do a river cruise here as well.
Tip: The bamboo groves get busy, so head there first before exploring the other sights in Arashiyama.
While in Arashiyama, visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park where you’ll encounter Japanese macaques. Continue to the hilltop observatory for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape.
After exploring Arashiyama, make your way to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the famed Golden Pavilion. This stunning Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and a really serene atmosphere. Wander the meticulously manicured grounds and admire the temple’s reflection in the surrounding pond.
Tip for getting around Kyoto: While Kyoto has a subway system, many of the tourist attractions are not on the metro line. You can use buses, overground trains, or bikes, and sometimes it is more convenient to jump in a taxi (particularly to travel between Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji).
Day 7: Kyoto
Nishiki Markets, Pontocho Alley, Maruyama Park, and the Philosopher’s Path
On your third day, explore downtown Kyoto. Enjoy a food tour or make your own way through the bustling Nishiki markets. Stalls brim with colourful produce and fresh seafood. A guided food tour is a great way to sample a range of delicacies and learn more about Kyoto’s culinary heritage.
Once your belly is full, meander down the enchanting Pontocho alley, a historic street that runs alongside the Kamo River and is full of bars and eateries. Enjoy a drink at one of the many riverside bars before continuing your exploration. This is also a great spot to come back to for dinner.
In the afternoon, head to the Philosopher’s Path, a beautiful trail running alongside a canal. Enjoy the beautiful nearby temples: Ginkaku-ji Temple and Honen-in Temple. Alternatively, spend the afternoon relaxing in Maruyama Park,and visit the neighbouring Yasaka Shrine.
Check out my Ultimate Guide to Kyoto for more information and detailed itinerary including family travel tips.
Day 8: Nara
Deer at Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Isuien Garden
- Highlights: Deer at Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, Isuien Garden and the Naramachi district.
- How to get around Nara: Nara can be explored on foot as all the sights are very close together. To minimise walking times, train to Kintetsu-Nara Station (a 5 minute walk from Nara Park) rather than Nara Station (a 20 minute walk from Nara Park).
- How to get there: JR Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Nara Station (covered by the JR Pass), or the Kintetsu Line from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara Station (not covered by the JR Pass). Both take 40-50 minutes, but Kintetsu-Nara is closer to the main sites.
- Budget accommodation: Family Inn Nara and Nara Ryokan
- Mid-range accommodation: Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring and Nara Hakushikaso
- High-end accommodation: JW Marriott Nara (free cots available on request) and Hotel New Wakasa
Check out my One day in Nara post for more information and detailed itinerary including family travel tips.
Your next stop on your Japan itinerary 9 days is the magical ancient capital of Japan. This city is steeped in history and home to over 1,000 deer that roam freely around Nara Park. Taking less than an hour from Kyoto, Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto or you can spend a night.
Start your day at Nara Park, where deer roam freely. If you want to feed the deer, you can purchase deer crackers from local vendors and feed them while enjoying the scenic beauty of the park. There are also restaurants and souvenir shops throughout the park.
Tip for seeing the deer at Nara Park: Before our visit, we heard that the deer can be aggressive to people around food. We didn’t experience this, but chose not to eat near the dear or feed them. I was pregnant and our toddler was smaller than most of the deer.
Continue on to Todai-ji Temple, home to a 15-metre tall bronze Buddha. En route from Nara Park, be sure to admire the Grand South Gate. Once inside, admire the intricate details of the temple’s architecture.
Visit the Isuien Garden, a beautiful and expansive Japanese garden next to the temple, and a quiet oasis from the city.
After enjoying the gardens, take a short walk to Higashimuki Shopping Street for some shopping and something to eat. If you have time, visit Kofuku-ji temple and its striking 5-story pagoda.
If you’re staying the night in Nara, spend the evening in the Naramachi neighbourhood, this historic merchant district is full of picturesque alleyways and well-preserved street fronts, and it is also home to many great restaurants.
Check out my One day in Nara post for more information and detailed itinerary including family travel tips.
Day 9: Osaka
Osaka Castle, Dotonburi, Hozenji Yokocho, and skyline views
- Highlights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori district and the Glico running man, Kuromon market, Hozenji Yokocho, and observatory or ferris wheel views.
- Other highlights if you’re visiting with kids for more than one day: Universal Studios, Osaka Aquarium, Kids Plaza Osaka, Nifrel, Expo City and the Hep 5 ferris wheel.
- How to get there:
- Kyoto to Osaka: Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (30 minutes).
- Nara to Osaka: Take the Yamatoji Line from Nara Station to Osaka station (50 minutes).
- Budget accommodation: Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka-Namba and Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi
- Mid-range accommodation: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka (free cots available on request) and Swissotel Nankai Osaka (free cots available on request).
- High-end accommodation: InterContinental Osaka (cots available on request) and Mimaru Apartment Osaka Namba (free cots available on request).
Your next stop is the bustling city of Osaka, known for its lively neighbourhoods, delicious street food, historic sites, and family-focussed attractions.
Being only 30 minutes from Kyoto, you can visit Osaka as a day trip, but being such a big city it is best to spend at least one full day here. Having a night here also means you can enjoy the famous nightlife and neon lights of Osaka.
Start your day at Osaka Castle, a historic fortress surrounded by expansive gardens and moats. Then head to the lively Dotonbori district, famous for its street food, neon lights, and riverside bars. It’s here that you can see the famous Glico running man and 3D crab.
In the afternoon, visit Shinsaibashisuji, one of Osaka’s main shopping arcades which starts right by Dotonbori. You could also spend the afternoon at one of Osaka’s many massive arcades (such as Round1 Stadium), participate in some karaoke, or indulge in fresh seafood at Kuromon market.
In the evening, head for dinner at the nearby pedestrian-only alley called Hozenji Yokocho, or venture to the Manami district where you will have endless restaurants to choose from.
To end your day, you can see the neon lights from above with a visit to Abeno Harukas Observatory, or take a ride on one of Osaka’s ferris wheels.
Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan. For many visitors, this is an essential stop on their Japan itinerary. If this is you, allow a full day to explore Universal Studios.
Osaka has lots of other attractions that are a hit with families and kids (or your inner child): the Osaka Aquarium, Kids Plaza Osaka, Nifrel, Expo City, and so much more. You might want to allow more time in Osaka if you are visiting Japan with school age children, as it has so much to offer.
Leaving Osaka: If this is your last stop on your Japan itinerary 9 days, the Shinkansen back to Tokyo takes around 2.5 hours. From Tokyo Station, trains and buses can take you to Narita or Haneda Airport. Osaka also has an international airport, making it a convenient last stop on your Japan itinerary.
Japan itinerary 9 days: Alternative day trip to Hiroshima
For many visitors to Japan, Hiroshima is an important city to visit. Hiroshima is quite far away from the other cities on this itinerary, but I have included details in case you would like to visit Hiroshima as part of your trip. If you’re a very fast-paced traveller, another option is to spend one less day in Kyoto and visit Hiroshima after Osaka.
Hiroshima
Peace Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Miyajima Island
- Highlights: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima Island, and Itsukushima Shrine and floating torii gate.
- How to get there: From Osaka, take the shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima (around 1 hour 40 minutes).
- Budget accommodation: Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya and Hiroshima Washington Hotel
- Mid-range accommodation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima (cots available on request) and Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
- High-end accommodation: Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel and Iwaso Ryokan Miyaima
Hiroshima is best known as the site of the atomic bomb attack during World War II, and a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is a sobering reminder of the devastation it caused.
Start your time in Hiroshima by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, before continuing on to the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
In the afternoon, take a ferry to the serene Miyajima Island. From the ferry, walk along Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can stop for a bite or some shopping on your way to the famous floating torii gate (Itsukushima Shrine).
If you have enough time on the island, enjoy one of the many scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, or take the Miyajima Ropeway up Mount Misen.
Leaving Hiroshima
If Hiroshima is your last stop and you’re flying out of Tokyo, the Shinkansen takes about 3 hours 45 minutes from Hiroshima to Tokyo. The convenience, price and frequency of the trains tend to make them the most appealing option, particularly if you have purchased the JR Pass.
Domestic flights are also available to both Haneda and Narita airports. You might want to consider a domestic flight from Hiroshima if you are flying out of Narita airport (which takes about another hour from Tokyo). The flight time from Hiroshima to Haneda airport is 1 hour 20 minutes, and the flight time to Narita airport is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Getting around Japan
Travel within cities: Purchase an IC Card for subways and buses
An IC Card (including suica, pasmo, and icoca) can be used for travelling on subways, metros, and buses. You can purchase these at a ticket machine when you arrive in Japan, and top them up as you go. In this itinerary, you will use an IC Card for the subways and buses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
Travel between cities: Use the Shinkansen (bullet train) and consider a JR Pass
The Shinkansen (bullet train) is a comfortable, convenient, and quick way to get between cities in Japan. For this Japan itinerary 9 days, you’ll need to travel by Shinkansen to get between cities. Japan also has highway buses which are cheaper, but these can take anywhere from 2-4 times as long.
Booking individual tickets
You can choose to pay for individual bullet train tickets as you go or purchase a JR Pass. You can purchase individual tickets easily at the station from a ticket machine (select English) or from a teller.
Tip for booking individual train tickets: Book tickets a couple of days in advance, particularly if you are after a specific travel time or seating arrangement. Book your journey out of a city when you arrive in a city to ensure availability and seats together. For example, book your train ride to leave Tokyo (on day 3) when you arrive in Tokyo (on day 1).
Using the JR Pass
The alternative to individual tickets is purchasing a JR Pass. For a set fee, the JR Pass gives you unlimited travel on JR lines during a specified timeframe (that is, 7, 14, or 21 days). This includes the Shinkansen, as well as JR lines between and within cities (including trains to some of the top sites in Kyoto). The JR Pass does not include subways, metros, or buses.
The JR Pass is great for tourists that will be travelling long distances, and is also super convenient as it saves needing to buy individual tickets. You need to purchase the JR Pass before you arrive in Japan and get it posted to your home address outside of Japan. You can’t purchase a JR Pass once you are already in Japan.
Tip for deciding on the JR Pass: If you are using this Japan itinerary 9 days, it is cheaper to purchase individual tickets than a 7 day JR Pass. However, you might prefer the convenience of the JR Pass. The exact cost difference will depend on whether you are doing day trips or overnight stays in each stop on this itinerary. Use this JR Pass calculator to compare prices between the 7 day JR Pass and individual tickets for your exact itinerary.
When to visit: Spring and autumn are the best, but you can visit Japan at any time of year
While the best time to visit Japan depends on your preferences, this Japan itinerary 9 days is best for spring or autumn.
If visiting in spring (March to May), mild temperatures and clear skies make it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. You also have a chance to see the cherry blossoms, although this is a very short window that varies each year (around late March to early April).
Spring is peak tourist season, so some areas might be crowded or more expensive, particularly around cherry blossom season. Tip: Book attractions and accommodation far in advance if you’re visiting Japan in spring.
In autumn (September to November), the stunning autumn colours make for a dramatic backdrop to your travels. Temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower than in summer. Crowds also tend to be thinner than in spring, making for quieter tourist sights and potentially some cheaper prices.
In summer (June to August), the weather can be very hot and humid, particularly in urban areas. This can make it uncomfortable to do outdoor activities, particularly in the middle of the day or if you’re travelling with kids. Tourist spots tend to be quieter and you can attend matsuri (summer festivals) with parades, performances, and fireworks.
In winter (December to February), you can also visit Japan, but be prepared for much colder temperatures and shorter opening hours. Snow is rare in Tokyo and Osaka, but is more common in Kyoto.
This concludes your Japan itinerary 9 days. I hope this blog has inspired you to visit Japan and helped you plan your itinerary to this incredible destination. From the busy streets and neon lights of Tokyo and Osaka, the lush greenery of Hakone and Nara, to the inspiring temples of Kyoto. Happy travels!
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