Planning a one-month Japan itinerary is a lot of fun, but it can also be intimidating. There is so much to do in Japan, so narrowing the choices is quite challenging. And if you are travelling to Japan for the first time, how do you decide where to go? Where do you start?
I travelled to Japan many times as a solo traveller and did a ton of research each time. I’ve filtered all the best things to do and put them together in an epic one-month Japan itinerary. I’ll show you exactly how you can spend one month in Japan, including all the highlights of all the best cities between Tokyo and Hiroshima.
Keep reading to learn how to travel efficiently and see the best sights on your first solo trip to Japan.
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What you need to know before spending one month in Japan on your own
Before you start your Japan solo travel itinerary, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included a lot of travel information, including how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are a few additional tips for staying in Japan for a month:
- Japan is a safe country for solo female travellers.
- Japan’s official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). Many places will only accept cash. The best place to get local currency is from ATMs at convenience stores.
- Get a Pasmo or Suica card in Tokyo Airport or train station at the start your trip. It is a IC Card for taking most transportation throughout Japan, including the major routes for the suburban train, subway, bus, and other transportation as indicated.
- It is possible to continue your Japan trip by exploring Kyushu Island. The easiest way is to take the train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka and follow my Kyushu itinerary.
- It is possible to follow the complete Japan itinerary in reverse if you prefer to end your trip in Tokyo.
1 month Japan itinerary from Tokyo to Hiroshima
My 1 month Japan itinerary starts in Tokyo and finishes in Hiroshima. You can see the glitziest cities, hot spring towns, art islands and some off-the-beaten-track cities during your 4 weeks in Japan. You can also sample the most delicious Japanese food, as different regions have different types of food.
Here is a quick summary of your 1 month in Japan:
- Day 1-5: Tokyo + Day Trips
- Day 6-7: Hakone + Day Trip
- Day 8-9: Nagoya + Day Trip
- Day 10-13: Kyoto + Day Trips
- Day 14-16: Osaka + Day Trip
- Day 17: Kobe
- Day 18: Himeji
- Day 19-20: Teshima & Naoshima
- Day 21: Kurashiki
- Day 22-24: Onomichi + Day Trips
- Day 25-27: Hiroshima + Day Trips
- Day 28-31: Options and Depart from Hiroshima or Osaka
Japan Itinerary Day 1-5: Tokyo + Day Trips
The best way to start your one month in Japan is by visiting Tokyo first. If you like the big city vibe, bright lights and fascinating things to see and do day and night, you will love Tokyo!
Day 1-3: Tokyo
It might seem confusing and intimidating when it comes to planning a few days in Tokyo. I think the best way to experience Tokyo is to explore different neighbourhoods one at a time. As for specific areas, here are some suggestions:
- Shibuya – see the famous and hectic Shibuya Crossing, go up to 47th floor of Shibuya Sky, and wander over to Omotesando and Harajuku for shops and gachapon (capsule toy)
- Shinjuku – see Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest train station and nostalgic restaurants and bars at Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
- Asakusa – get an omamori (Japanese amulet) at Sensoji Temple, eat street food and rent a kimono for the day
- Ginza – shop at the glitziest shops in Tokyo and visit a Tsukiji Market, a local fish market
- Shimokitazawa – browse through secondhand shops in the hipster neighbourhood and visit Gotokuji (lucky cat temple) nearby
- Japanese Food – Tokyo has a lot of good food. Start your culinary journey with ramen (wheat soup noodles), tonkatsu (deep-fried pork cutlet) and sushi (raw fish).
Day 4 & 5: Day Trips from Tokyo
Even though there is a lot to see in Tokyo, you should also venture outside of the city and visit other attractions. Below are a few destinations that are not from Tokyo:
- Kamakura – one of the best day trip destination from Tokyo. Locals and visitors love this quaint coastal town for its beaces, temples and shopping street
- Kawagoe – visit the quaint castle town with a traditional Japanese streetscape
- Mount Takao – take a fun chairlift ride up Mount Takao and hike several easy trails
- Yokohama – a fun port city with a ramen museum, Cupnoodles Museum and Japan’s largest Chinatown
Recommended Tokyo Hotel: There are many excellent Tokyo accommodations. Landabout Tokyo is a modern and hip hotel for those who want a minimalist room close to public transportation. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 6-7: Hakone
Hakone is a hot spring region of Japan. While most visitors will take a day trip from Tokyo and visit Hakone for the day, the Hakone region has many things to do, and it is worth spending two days in the quaint little town.
I recommend purchasing a Hakone 2-day Freepass which includes train transportation from Shinjuku to Odawara Station and unlimited rides for 2 days on 8 transportation options which are good for your time in Hakone.
Day 6: Hakone
It is possible to see all the highlights around the Lake Ashinoko with the Hakone Freepass. Start at Hakone-Yumoto Station and see all the sites in a counterclockwise loop. Here’s what you will do:
- Take the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora – possible to stop at Chokokunomori Station and see the Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan
- Hop on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Valley – at the top, you can also see Mount Fuji in the background.
- Descend Owakudani Valley
- Take a ride on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise – sail the length of Lake Ashinoko and disembark at Hakone-machi Port
- Explore the areas around Lake Ashinoko – look for the Hakone Shrine where a large torii gate sits at the lake’s edge.
Day 7: Day Trip from Hakone
During your second day in Hakone, you have the option to use the free transport that is part of your Hakone 2 day Freepass and visit one or all of these places:
- Mishima – walk across Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Mishima Skywalk
- Gotemba Premium Outlet – excellent outlet shopping
- Odawara – wander around town and see Odawara Castle
Recommended Hakone Hotel: Accommodation in Hakone can be expensive, and budget accommodation options are just okay. However, experiencing a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) at a Japanese Ryokan is a must. Book two nights at Hotel Indigo Hakone and experience the private hot springs in your own room. The hotel is near Gora Station. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 8-9: Nagoya + Day Trip
Nagoya is usually not part of many first-time Japan trip itinerary but I think this city is under-rated and should be visited by more international travellers.
Day 8: Nagoya
Nagoya is not a big city but there are plenty of things to see in Nagoya in one day.
Once you arrive in Nagoya, visit a kissaten (Japanese-style tearoom) for a morning set, which is a light breakfast that includes coffee and toast. Then wander around Nagoya Station and Nagoya Castle.
In the afternoon, visit roam around Osu Shotengai Shoping District to find shops and street food. Then make your way over to Mirai Tower and Spaceship-Aqua Observation Deck and end the day with some delicious Nagoya food, like hitsumabushi (eel), miso katsu (deep-fried pork cutlet with miso sauce) or tebasaki (Nagoya-style fried chicken wings)
Day 9: Day Trip from Nagoya
There are a handful of excellent attractions outside of central Nagoya. You can either:
- Visit Ghibli Park – spend the day in the magical theme park featuring characters from Studio Ghibli movies. Book your theme park ticket and round trip ticket from Nagoya in advanced for a hassle free trip.
- Hike Nakasendo Trail – most people spend 3 days hiking Nakasendo Trail. But if you only have one day, you can hike from Magome to Tsumago and see all the highlights in between.
Recommended Nagoya Accommodation: Book two nights at Hotel Keihan Nagoya. The room is spacious and comfortable. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 9-12: Kyoto + Day Trips
Kyoto was once the capital city of Japan. As one of the largest cities in Japan, it has many temples, shrines, and zen gardens and fun things to do.
And because Kyoto is a big city with many attractions are located in different parts of the city, pick up a Kyoto City Subway & Bus 1-day Pass at Kyoto Station so you can quickly hop into any subway and bus and visit all the sites within the same day.
Day 9 & 10: Kyoto
It is possible to see many tourist attractions during your two days in Kyoto. Be prepared that some areas will be busy. Here are some highlights:
- Kinkaku-ji – also known as the Golden Pavilion. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kiyomizudera Temple – visit the “Pure Water Temple” and the surrounding touristy Kiyomizu area
- Arashiyama – wander through the Bamboo Grove, feed the monkeys in Monkey Park and stroll through Arashiyama Park by the Katsura River
- Fushimi Inari Shrine – see thousands of the famous orange torii gates and hike up Mount Inari
- Try local food in Kyoto – the city has many food specialties including mackerel sushi, tsukemono (Japanese pickles), nishin soba (soba noodles with dried herring) and matcha desserts
Day 11 & 12: Day Trips from Kyoto
There are many towns and interesting hikes around Kyoto. It is worthwhile to get out of the city and explore places in the Kansai countryside. Here are some of my favourite places outside of Kyoto:
- Kurama & Kibune – hike from Kurama to Kibune and eat at a lantern-lit river-platrform restaurant
- Uji – indulge in all things matcha in the town known for green tea production
- Nara – feed wild deers in Nara Park, see some of Japan’s oldest shrines and try delicious local Nara food
- Yamanobe-no-michi Trail – hike the most popular section of the 1,000-year-old trail and see shrines, ancient tombs, farmland and quaint towns
Recommended Kyoto Accommodation: Book four nights at Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo, a modern Japanese hotel in Kawaramachi, the downtown area of Kyoto. Most attractions are within walking distance. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate. Or check out my other recommendations for Kyoto hotels.
Japan Itinerary Day 13-15: Osaka
Located in the Kansai Region, Osaka is one of the top-visited cities in Japan. With modern buildings, traditional temples, exciting nightlife and delicious local cuisine, Osaka is not to be missed during your month in Japan.
Day 13 & 14: Osaka
When you follow my 2 day Osaka itinerary, you’ll be able to see the best see attractions in the city, including:
- Osaka Castle – see the city’s most iconic landmark from the ground or climb up to the 8th floor observation deck
- Dōtonbori in Namba – an action-packed area is full of bright lights, neon signs, street food and the famous Glico Running Man sign
- Shinsekai – an entertainment district with retro Japanese restaurants and large and bold neon lights and signages
- Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade – pedestrian-only shopping street that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and even more restaurants when you venture off the main avenue.
- Try local Osaka food – including okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), takoyaki (octopus ball-shaped snack), and conveyor belt sushi.
Day 15: Day Trip from Osaka
If you want to get out of the city, there are a few highlights outside of Osaka. On your third day in Osaka, take the train to either:
- Minoo Park – hike an easy 6km trail with temples, gardens and a majestic waterfall
- Koyasan – see hundreds of scared temples and Japan’s biggest graveyard
- Nara – if you haven’t visit Nara from Kyoto, you can also go to Nara from Osaka
Recommended Osaka Hotel: Staying near Namba is ideal for a short-term stay in Osaka. First Cabin Midosuji Namba is a modern capsule hotel and one of Japan’s best modern capsule hotel chains. Book a business-class cabin for three nights and experience a luxury modern capsule. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate. Or check out my other recommendations for Osaka hotels.
Japan Itinerary Day 16: Kobe
By now, you have visited all the big cities in Japan, like Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. For the second half of the itinerary, there are several off-the-beaten-path cities and islands. Next up, Kobe!
Day 16: Kobe
Kobe is a busy port town with culturally influenced districts. But many people will think of Kobe beef when they hear the city name. It is definitely a highlight when you visit Kobe.
During your day in Kobe, visit Ikuta Shrine and Sannomiya Center Gai Shopping Street in the city centre. Then wander over to Kitano-cho and see foreign residences and a view of Kobe. Either have a Kobe beef lunch (lunch set meal is cheaper than dinner), Chinese food in Nankinmachi (which is Kobe Chinatown) or other local food in Kobe. Then end your day by visiting Kobe Harbour, where you can see Kobe Port Tower and take a photo by the “Be Kobe” sign.
Recommended Kobe Hotel: Stay one night at the Candeo Hotels Kobe Tor Road, a 4-star hotel with modern guest rooms within walking distance of most attractions. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 17: Himeji
Himeji is a small and compact city and it has one of Japan’s top three most beautiful castles. Besides this UNESCO World Heritage Site, there are also hidden zen temples in the mountains.
Day 17: Himeji City
In the morning, visit Himeji Castle. You can see the climb up the stairs in the main keep to see an aerial view of the city, walk around the castle walls and see the exterior moat and tower and you can even see the castle from an elevated park.
And in the afternoon, take a 20-minute bus ride north and visit a temple complex called Engyōji Temple which is hidden away in Mount Shosha. The forest surrounding Engyōji Temple has a peaceful atmosphere and zen-like feel. It is an excellent spot for cherry blossom in spring and also fall foliage in autumn.
Recommended Hijemji Hotel: Stay one night at the Richmond Hotel Himeji. It is near the train station, so you can drop off your bag and start sightseeing immediately. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 18-19: Teshima & Naoshima
Getting off the beaten-path means seenig parts of Japan that hardly anyone goes to. And for contemporary art lovers, I have two excellent destinations for you: Teshima dn Naoshima. Both islands have art museums, contemporary installations and outdoor sculptures.
Day 18: Teshima
During your day on Teshima Island, rent an electric bicycle and bike around the island clockwise and see many museums including Teshima Art Museum, an open air museum on Mount Myosin. It is one of the best outdoor art installation I have ever seen.
Also don’t miss other museums like Les Archives du Coeur, a beachside gallery where space focuses on heartbeats, the wind chimes at La Forêt des Murmures and a fun art installation in a silo at Teshima Yokoo House.
Day 19: Naoshima
Get ready for another full day of contemporary art. Start your day on Naoshima Island by visiting the Chichu Art Museum. As you move closer to the coast, you will find the Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum. Part of the appeal of Naoshima is the outdoor art installations along the beach, and the most famous one is Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin.
And before you head back to the port to catch your ferry back to Uno, visit the Art House Project and Naoshima Bath (I Heart Yu). And snap a few photos of the Red Pumpkin for your Instagram!
Recommended Hotel near Teshima and Naoshima: The best option is to stay in Uno Port for visiting both islands. The Hym Hostel is a contemporary hostel in a renovated warehouse in Uno, close to Uno Station and Uno Ferry Port. Check Airbnb for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 20: Kurashiki
Kurashiki is a scenic canal town with a lot of character. It was once part of a vital distribution route for Japan’s most valuable commodity, rice. Canals were built around the city to facilitate rice delivery to the nearby port towns. Today, the charming village has restored warehouses that have been converted into shops and restaurants.
Day 20: Kurashiki
Roam around Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter and find the picturesque canal and old typical Kurashiki shophouses. Many of the restored rice storehouses still have the traditional facade which is a white-washed walls with black and white latticework patterns.
Continue to wander around town, shop, and eat around Kurashiki Main Street Shopping District. Then walk up Tsurugatayama Hill to see several shrines and take in the city view. If you are interested in visiting one of the many unique museums, consider the Ohara Museum of Art, Ohashi House, Gangukan (Japanese Folk Toys Museum), or the Kurashiki Moneybox Museum.
Recommended Kurashiki Accommodation: Stay one night at Royal Park Hotel Kurashiki, a modern hotel, which is a 5-minute walk from Kurashiki Station. The room is comfortable and clean, and I especially like how the vanity, toilet and shower are separate (unlike a typical Japanese bathroom). Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 21-23: Onomichi
Onomichi is a small quaint port town in Hiroshima Prefecture. Known for its temples, cats, and cycling, it is off the beaten path from the typical Japan itinerary. But let me tell you: it is one of the best places to experience Japanese culture and the best place to start cycling the country’s best cycle route, Shimanami Kaido.
Day 21: Onomichi
For a small town, there are many things to do in Onomichi. Follow the guided path along the Onomichi Temple Walk where you can see 25 Buddhist temples along with the hillside town. The 2.5km trail also leads you to Tennei-ji Temple and Cat Alley.
Also hike up the hill to Senkoji Park to see a panoramic view from the Observatory platform. Senkoji Temple is perched near the top of the mountain as well.
Day 22: Okunoshima Island
Take a day trip to Okunoshima Island to see a bunny-filled island. It’s worth spending a few hours around the small island and see rabbits running around. Remember to buy bunny food at the gift shop before jumping on the ferry.
Day 23: Shimanami Kaido
On the last day in Onomichi, experience one of Japan’s best and longest cycle routes. The Shimanami Kaido starts in Onomichi and takes you on a 70-km journey to Imabari. The path connects six islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Some highlights along the way include the Innoshima Bridge, Kosanji Temple, and Miraishin no Oka.
Since this itinerary is only allocated one day on the bike route, you can cycle halfway to Ikuchi Island and take the ferry back to Onomichi on the same day.
Recommended Onomichi Hotel: Stay three nights above Onomichi Station and be within walking distance of all the attractions in Onomichi. The superior double room at Hotel Beacon Onomichi is spacious and has a unique sitting area. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 24-27: Hiroshima
Spend the first two days in Hiroshima seeing all the popular tourist sites. There are lots to see so I recommend getting a Hiroshima Tourist Pass. For this itinerary, get a three-day pass for unlimited rides on buses, streetcars and ferry rides to and from Miyajima.
Day 24-25: Hiroshima
Put on your comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to see many sites during your time in Hiroshima. Here’s what you will see:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – centrally located park dedicated to Hiroshima’s legacy
- Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum – learn everything about the atomic bomb and how it affected Hiroshima.
- Atomic Bomb Dome – the remaining structures left from the nuclear bomb attack
- Hiroshima Orizuru Tower – go up and see Hiroshima from above. On a beautiful clear day, you can see the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima
- Mitaki-dera – the temple dates back to 809 and features a beautiful pagoda, hiking trails, and waterfalls
Day 26: Miyajima
Miyajima is the most popular day trip from Hiroshima. Start your day in Miyajima by walking through Itsukushima Shrine and finding the best spot for taking photos of the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate.
Then take the Miyajima Ropeway or hike up Mount Misen and take in the panoramic view. On the way down, check out Daishoin Temple and all the whimsical Buddhist statues. And don’t leave without trying some of Miyajima’s food specialties, including Momiji Manju (a small cake in the shape of a Japanese maple leaf with different fillings) and Miyajima oysters.
Day 27: Iwakuni
If you are keen to for another day trip, take a short train ride to Iwakuni, a picturesque little town just an hour away from Hiroshima. See Kintai-kyo Bridge over the Nishiki River, Kikko Park and Iwakuni Castle.
Day 27 can potentially be your last full day in Japan. Pick up any souvenirs you want to bring home. Go to Hondori Shopping Street in Hiroshima to pick up any last minute souvenirs.
Recommended Hiroshima Accommodation: There are many budget and mid-range accommodations in Hiroshima. Stay four nights at Nest Hotel Hiroshima Ekimae, a basic business hotel close to Hiroshima Station. Check Agoda or Booking for current rate.
Japan Itinerary Day 28-31: Options and Fly home from Hiroshima or Osaka
All good things must come to an end. Many international and domestic flights fly out of Hiroshima Airport and Kansai International Airport near Osaka. If you are leaving on day 28, make your way to either airport and catch your flight home.
If you have a few additional days on your itinerary, here’s what you can do:
- Add additional days to Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka so you can see more of each cities or take day trips
- Add another day or two after Nagoya and hike the Nakasendo Trail from Magome to Matsumoto and return to Nagoya via train
- Add another day to Kobe and spend a day in Arima and experience the golden hot springs
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Fukuoka at the end of the itinerary and spend a few days roaming and eating around Fukuoka city.
One month Japan itinerary: from Hiroshima to Tokyo
It is possible to follow the complete Japan itinerary in reverse if you prefer to end your trip in Tokyo. It is perhaps more advantages to do the itinerary in reverse if you:
- Want to spend more time Tokyo
- See other places north of Tokyo, like Karuizawa, Nagano, Niigata, etc.
- Take the train or fly to Hokkaido and explore northern Japan
Are you spending a month in Japan on your own?
I hope so because Japan is magical and perfect for a solo trip, even if it is your first one.
I’ve travelled to Japan so many times on my own and it is my absolute favourite country. Even though I don’t speak Japanese, I manage to get by on my own without any difficulties. Plus, Japan is safe for solo female travellers and the locals are friendly and helpful.
I truly enjoyed every single one of these cities I recommended in my itinerary and would highly recommend each place. I hope my itinerary can help you tailor a dream vacation to Japan.
Let me know in the comments if you have tried my one-month itinerary in Japan or if you have any suggestions on other things a first-time traveller must do in Japan.
Ready to plan your trip to Japan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner
* Book accommodation: find the best Japan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving in Japan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Japan.
Thank you for reading my solo 1-month Japan itinerary
For more Japan travel inspiration, check out my Japan page for more posts on solo travel in Japan:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
Kanto region
- 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
- Where to stay in Tokyo for solo travellers
- Tokyo Food Guide: 42 best places to eat in Tokyo
Chubu region
- Nagoya day trip: What to see in one day
- Nakasendo Trail Guide: 1 to 3-Day Itinerary for hiking on your own
- Best things to do in Matsumoto: 1-day itinerary
- Takayama 2-day itinerary for first time solo travellers
- Shirakawa-go Solo Guide: How to get there & Itinerary
- Kanazawa Itinerary: 1 to 2 day Itinerary for Solo Travellers
- Toyama 1-Day Itinerary for first time solo travellers
- Karuizawa Itinerary: 1 or 2 Days
Kansai region
- Kyoto 2-day solo itinerary
- Where to stay in Kyoto: Best Areas & Hotel Reviews
- Kyoto Food Guide: What and Where to Eat
- Uji day trip from Kyoto
- Kurama to Kibune hiking itinerary
- Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
- Nara famous food: Where and What to Eat
- Hike Yamanobe-no-Michi Trail in Nara Prefecture
- 2-day Osaka itinerary
- Where to stay in Osaka for first time traveller
- Where and What to Eat in Osaka, Japan
- Minoh Waterfalls Trail: easy day hike from Osaka
- Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
- Best food in Kobe: Where and What to Eat
- Arima Onsen day trip itinerary
- Himeji day trip from Osaka
Chugoku region
- Naoshima Art Island: 1-day itinerary
- How to spend one day on Teshima Island
- 21 Best things to do in Kurashiki Japan
- 13 Top things to do in Onomichi Japan
- Okunoshima Island: 1-Day itinerary on Rabbit Island
- Shimanami Kaido: how to spend one day cycling Japan’s best bike route
- Hiroshima 2-day itinerary
- Day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima
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Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!
