11 days in Japan Itinerary

Tokyo holds the status of most populous metropolitan area in the world--a fact you'll find tangible as you walk the bustling streets and explore its diverse neighborhoods and cultures.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, then admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower.

For ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Tokyo trip itinerary builder.

Portland, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 15-hour flight. You'll lose 17 hours traveling from Portland to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Portland in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Tokyo, with lows of 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Ishigaki.

Ishigaki, the most populous island in the chain, features the country's southernmost city and acts as a transport hub for exploring the landmasses that surround.

On the 15th (Sun), get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Ishigaki Yaima Village, then enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, and then enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki.

For more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Ishigaki travel itinerary planner.

You can fly from Tokyo to Ishigaki in 4.5 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Tokyo in April: high temperatures in Ishigaki hover around 78°F and lows are around 70°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel to Miyakojima.

A city jurisdiction formed after the merger of several towns in 2005, Miyakojima spans six linked-up islands.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Tue): kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, then take in the views from Irabu Bridge, and then head off the coast to Shimoji-jima Island. On the next day, kick back and relax at Yonaha Maehama Beach and then kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach.

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Miyakojima itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Miyakojima takes an hour. In April, daily temperatures in Miyakojima can reach 77°F, while at night they dip to 69°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can travel to Kyoto.

The national capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto retains much of the charm of old Japan, boasting numerous temples and shrines that seem completely untouched by the modern world.

On the 19th (Thu), wander the streets of Gion. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, then step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Toji, and finally steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Miyakojima to Kyoto takes 5 hours. Traveling from Miyakojima in April, things will get slightly colder in Kyoto: highs are around 67°F and lows about 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can travel back home.