15-Day Icons of Japan

Spend 15 unforgettable days exploring Japan with the freedom of a JR Pass, visiting a mix of buzzing cities, cultural heartlands, and serene landscapes. Begin in Tokyo, where ancient shrines and futuristic skylines coexist in perfect harmony. Then travel by bullet train to Kyoto, the historic capital, to wander through temples, geisha districts, and bamboo groves. Continue your journey to Hiroshima, a city of peace and resilience, and take a day trip or overnight stay on the tranquil Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate and friendly deer. Wrap up your adventure in vibrant Osaka, known for its street food, nightlife, and modern energy. With the JR Pass covering your rail travel, it's a smooth, scenic, and flexible way to experience Japan’s top highlights.

Spend 4 nights in Tokyo, immersing yourself in the city’s electric energy, from the bustling streets of Shibuya and the shopping in Harajuku to the peaceful gardens of the Imperial Palace and historic temples in Asakusa. After soaking up the capital’s mix of tradition and modernity, hop on a bullet train to Kyoto—a scenic and seamless ride included in your JR Pass. This marks the start of your deeper dive into Japan’s cultural heart, where temples, tea houses, and geisha districts await.

Spend 4 nights in Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, where you can wander through ancient temples, stroll the charming streets of Gion, and take in the beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates. Enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, try kaiseki dining, and explore nearby Nara or Uji on easy day trips. After soaking up Kyoto’s rich heritage, catch the bullet train to Hiroshima, a city known for its moving Peace Memorial Park, vibrant food scene, and gateway to the stunning Miyajima Island.

Spend one night in Hiroshima, a city that blends a powerful history with a modern, welcoming atmosphere. Visit the poignant Peace Memorial Park and Museum, reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome, and take a quiet stroll through Shukkeien Garden. In the evening, try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a local eatery. Though a short stay, it offers a meaningful glimpse into Japan’s resilience and hope. The next morning, continue your journey feeling both inspired and grounded.

The next day, catch the ferry to Miyajima Island, a serene escape just off the coast of Hiroshima. Spend one night on the island, soaking in its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating torii gate, explore scenic walking trails like Mount Misen, and encounter the island’s friendly deer. As the day-trippers leave, enjoy the calm of the evening perfect for a traditional ryokan stay with a local dinner and maybe even a soak in an onsen.

Then, catch the train to Osaka for the final leg of your journey and spend 4 nights in this lively, food-loving city. Dive into the buzzing districts of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, sample local street food like takoyaki and kushikatsu, and take in views from Osaka Castle or the Umeda Sky Building. With easy day trips to Nara, Kobe, or even Universal Studios Japan, Osaka offers the perfect mix of fun, culture, and flavor to wrap up your 14-day Japan adventure.