Japan in 14 Days: From Tokyo to Hiroshima

Exchange your JR Pass at Narita or Haneda airport. Take the Narita Express (covered by JR Pass) to city center.

The world's most famous pedestrian crossing. Watch the organized chaos from Tsutaya Starbucks or Shibuya Sky.

Pay tribute to Japan's most loyal dog, the iconic meeting point next to Shibuya Station.

Tiny izakaya alley in Shibuya. Yakitori, sake and authentic Japanese atmosphere.

Tokyo's oldest temple. Arrive early for crowd-free photos. Nakamise Street has souvenirs and snacks.

Tokyo National Museum has the best Japanese art collection. The park is stunning in spring (cherry blossoms).

Spectacular tsukemen (dipping ramen). Usual 20-minute queue but worth every second.

The Electric Town: 8-story arcades, anime/manga shops, maid cafés and electronics.

634 meters tall. The nighttime views from the Tembo platform are unmatched.

Shinto shrine surrounded by a 100-year-old forest in the heart of Tokyo. Absolute tranquility.

Japan's most colorful street: kawaii fashion, giant crêpes and pop culture.

Light, aromatic yuzu-shio ramen. A delicate alternative to heavy classic ramen.

One of Tokyo's most beautiful gardens. Japanese, French and English gardens in one park.

Free observatory on the 45th floor. Views rival paid observatories.

Two legendary Shinjuku alleys: smoky yakitori at Omoide and tiny 5-seat bars in Golden Gai.

Romancecar from Shinjuku (85 min) or Shinkansen to Odawara + local train. Buy the Hakone Free Pass.

The full circuit: mountain railway → ropeway over Owakudani (volcanic black eggs) → pirate ship on Lake Ashi.

The red torii gate on Lake Ashi is one of Japan's most iconic photos.

Stay at a traditional ryokan with private or shared hot spring bath. Kaiseki dinner included.

Bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto (2h). Book a right-side window seat to see Mt. Fuji.

Kyoto's most famous market: 400 years of history. Try tamagoyaki, mochi and tsukemono.

The geisha district. Wooden streets, tea houses and the chance to spot a maiko at dusk.

8th-century temple with a wooden terrace suspended over the hillside. Spectacular views of Kyoto.

Japanese haute cuisine: multiple small, aesthetic, seasonal dishes. A unique experience.

Thousands of vermillion torii gates forming a mystical tunnel up the mountain. Full hike takes 2-3 hours.

Less touristy than other temples, but its zen gardens and bridge over the maple valley are extraordinary.

Handmade artisanal udon. Thick, hot and with a perfect bonito broth.

2 km walk along a cherry tree-lined canal. Connects Ginkaku-ji with Nanzen-ji.

Kyoto's most popular park at dusk, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

Walk among giant bamboo stalks creaking in the wind. Sound listed in Japan's '100 Soundscapes'.

UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sogen-chi pond garden is one of Japan's finest.

Yudofu (boiled tofu) restaurant in a traditional building near the bamboo grove.

The iconic Arashiyama bridge with mountains behind. Rent a boat or stroll along the riverbank.

The gold leaf-covered temple reflected in the pond. One of Japan's symbols.

45 minutes on JR Nara Line (covered by JR Pass). Nara was Japan's first permanent capital.

1,200 sacred deer roam freely through the park. Buy 'shika-senbei' (crackers) to feed them.

The world's largest wooden building houses a 15-meter bronze Buddha. Awe-inspiring.

Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaf, a Nara specialty. Hiraso is the most famous shop.

3,000 stone and bronze lanterns along paths through ancient cedar forests.

Return by JR train. If time allows, stroll through Pontocho, the dining alley along the Kamo River.

30 minutes by JR from Kyoto to Osaka. Drop luggage at hotel and head out to explore.

16th-century castle surrounded by gardens. The museum inside tells the story of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Crispy outside, creamy inside octopus balls. Try them at Takoyaki Juhachiban or Kukuru.

Japan's most vibrant neighborhood. The giant Glico Man sign, illuminated canals and street food culture.

Osaka's retro district. 1960s atmosphere, kushikatsu (fried skewers) and nostalgic neon signs.

Osaka-style okonomiyaki cooked right in front of you on the griddle. Different from Hiroshima style.

Osaka's 'stomach': 170 stalls of fresh seafood, grilled wagyu and Japanese fruits.

Osaka's Harajuku: vintage shops, graffiti, youth culture and trendy cafés.

Counter sushi with no reservations. Huge portions, fair prices. Queue at the door moves fast.

Floating observatory with 360° views of Osaka. The building's architecture is impressive in itself.

Osaka's most local, authentic neighborhood. Retro cafés, artist galleries and zero tourists.

1h30 on Sakura Shinkansen (covered by JR Pass). Don't use the Nozomi.

The atomic bomb epicenter. The Genbaku Dome, Peace Flame and Cenotaph are profoundly moving.

A perspective-changing experience. Testimonies, artifacts and the full story of August 6, 1945.

Different from Osaka: layers of cabbage, yakisoba noodles, egg and sauce. Try Nagataya or Hassho.

Historic garden from 1620 with ponds, bridges and miniature landscapes recreating Xihu Valley.

JR train to Miyajimaguchi (30 min) + JR ferry (10 min). All covered by JR Pass.

The vermillion torii 'floating' in the sea at high tide is one of Japan's most iconic images.

The island is famous for grilled oysters. Try them at the street stalls near the shrine.

Ropeway + 30 min hike to the summit (535m). Views of the Seto Inland Sea and islands.

Return by ferry and JR train. Free dinner in Hiroshima or back to Osaka.

3h30 on Hikari from Hiroshima/Osaka to Tokyo. Last full day of JR Pass.

The outer market is still thriving with the best sushi, tamagoyaki and fresh seafood stalls.

Immersive digital art that completely surrounds you. One of Tokyo's most unique experiences.

Tokyo's most luxurious district. Department stores with entire floors of food (depachika).

Sit at a sushi counter and let the chef pick the day's best cuts. Sushi Dai or Daiwa at their new location.

One last complete breakfast: rice, miso soup, grilled fish, pickles and tamagoyaki.

If you have time before your flight, Yanaka is Tokyo's most traditional neighborhood that survived the war.

Narita Express (1h) or Keikyu/Monorail to Haneda (30min). Arrive 3h early for international flights.