46 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.

You've added Pokemon Center Skytree Town, Tokyo Skytree, teamLab Borderless, and other attractions to your itinerary. Get a sense of the local culture at Nezu Shrine and Ueno. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Yanaka and Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sensō-ji, get a taste of the local shopping with Shimokitazawa, and wander the streets of Takeshita Street.

For traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip planning tool .

Adelaide, Australia to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. When traveling from Adelaide in April, plan for slightly colder days in Tokyo, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Yokohama.

Once a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first ports to welcome foreign trade in the 19th century, after which it grew into Japan's second largest city and a bustling metropolis.

You've added Yokohama Zoo ''Zoorasia'', Hedgehog Cafe Harry Yokohama, Minato Mirai 21, and other attractions to your itinerary. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kishamichi Promenade and Sankeien Gardens. There's more to do: indulge your thirst for a good beer at Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory and take a stroll through Yokohama Chinatown.

To find more things to do, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Yokohama journey maker website .

You can drive from Tokyo to Yokohama in an hour. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 21°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) to allow time to travel to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory and Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. Get a sense of the local culture at Higashiyama Walking Course and Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen.

Plan trip to Kanazawa with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

Take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Tokyo in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Kanazawa, with lows of 8°C. On the 30th (Thu), you're off toKyoto.

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.

Explore hidden gems such as Toji and Tofuku-ji Temple. Get a sense of the local culture at Tenryuji Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Get out of town with these interesting Kyoto side-trips: Dotonbori (in Osaka), Nara Park (in Nara) and CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA (in Ikeda). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, don't miss a visit to Gion, and contemplate the long history of Byodoin.

For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip itinerary app .

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. April in Kyoto sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C at night. On the 4th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Nachikatsura-cho.

The town of Nachikatsuura-cho wows visitors with its superlative landscape and impressive cultural attractions.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Tue): take in the spiritual surroundings of Kumano Nachi Taisha and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Seigantoji Temple. On the 6th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens, then see the interesting displays at Taiji Whale Museum, and then kick back and relax at Kujirahama Beach.

To see traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Nachikatsura-cho online trip planner .

You can drive from Kyoto to Nachikatsura-cho in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of bus and car. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Kyoto in May since evenings lows in Nachikatsura-cho dip to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can drive to Ise.

A spiritual center of Shintoism, Ise stands as a traditional city where visitors can see the roots of Japanese culture in a number of well-preserved natural and historic sites.

On the 13th (Wed), take in the spiritual surroundings of Takinomiya, get engrossed in the history at Sengukan, contemplate the long history of Aramatsurinomiya, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tsukiyomi-no-miya Shrine, then make a trip to Hinjitsukan, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Yamato-hime Shrine. On your second day here, visit a coastal fixture at Daiosaki Lighthouse, then stroll through Goza Beach, and then get engrossed in the history at Saiku Histrical Museum.

To see more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Ise driving holiday tool .

Traveling by car from Nachikatsura-cho to Ise takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In May, daytime highs in Ise are 25°C, while nighttime lows are 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) so you can travel to Yakushima-cho.

A popular destination for Japanese tourists, Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho is a true paradise for nature lovers, with over 1,900 species and subspecies of plants.

Step off the beaten path and head to Yakusugi Land and Onsen Resorts. Your inner history buff will appreciate Ruins of Kosugidani Village and Yaku Shrine. There's more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Nagata Inakahama.

To find reviews, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Yakushima-cho route planner.

You can do a combination of train, flight, and taxi from Ise to Yakushima-cho in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, ferry, and taxi; or do a combination of car and ferry. May in Yakushima-cho sees daily highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to travel to Matsue.

Matsue sits on the banks of the Ohashi-gawa river, channeling its waters through a series of canals and rivers that add much to the scenic aspect of the urban area.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Mon): examine the collection at Okuizumo Tatara to Tokenkan, explore the world behind art at Adachi Museum of Art, take in the spiritual surroundings of Iya Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seiganji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Gogin Karakoro Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Rihaku Shuzo, explore the historical opulence of Matsue Castle, admire the masterpieces at Shimane Art Museum, then delve into the distant past at Kojindani Ruin, and finally contemplate the long history of Karakama Shrine.

To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Matsue attractions app .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Yakushima-cho to Matsue in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and train; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and train. In May, daily temperatures in Matsue can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Daishoin Temple and Itsukushima Shrine Torii. You'll discover tucked-away gems like JMSDF Kure Museum and Peace Flame. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Gekijyo, Senjokaku, & more). Next up on the itinerary: see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Mitaki Temple, and don't miss a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Hiroshima travel planner .

Traveling by car from Matsue to Hiroshima takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. May in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) so you can 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Nakamoto Beach and Island Countryside Settlement. Escape the urban bustle at Kondoi Beach and Cape Hirakubozaki. There's much more to do: stop by Yurateiku Market, examine the collection at Kihoin Shushukan, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Nosoko Mape, and get engrossed in the history at Ishigaki Yaima Village.

For other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Ishigaki tour planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Ishigaki in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Traveling from Hiroshima in May, things will get somewhat warmer in Ishigaki: highs are around 34°C and lows about 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Underground Dam Museum and Miyako Shrine. You'll get in some beach time at Sunayama Beach and Yonaha Maehama Beach. The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Yabiji, examine the collection at Miyakojima City Traditional Crafts Center, tour the pleasant surroundings at Tomori Imugya Beach, and enjoy the sand and surf at Nagamahama Beach Coast.

For maps, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Miyakojima travel itinerary planner .

Getting from Ishigaki to Miyakojima by flight takes about 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in May, and nighttime lows around 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Sun) early enough to travel to Kitakyushu.

An important gateway for trade and travel between Honshu and Kyushu, the city of Kitakyushu has an old industrial waterfront and provides access to a number of natural sites across the wider region.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom. On the 22nd (Wed), get a dose of culture at Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom, steep yourself in history at Old Ito Denemon House, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hoheiden, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hikosan Shrine, and finally have fun and explore at Ouma Chikurin Park. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Okadagu, get outside with Mt Sarakura, and then identify plant and animal life at Kawachi Reservoir.

For traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Kitakyushu day trip planning app .

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Shiroishi to Kitakyushu. Traveling from Shiroishi in April, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Kitakyushu, with lows around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Fri) to allow time for travel back home.

The coastal town of Kamakura sits close to Tokyo, with the ancient settlement featuring a number of important historical and cultural sites.

Kencho-ji Temple has been added to your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Hase-dera Temple and Kōtoku-in. Step off the beaten path and head to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Hojobo Hinatayakushi Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kamakura: Oyama Afuri Shrine (in Isehara) and Samukawa Shrine (in Samukawa-machi). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kakuonji Temple, kick back and relax at Morito Beach, and take an in-depth tour of Kamakura Museum of National Treasures.

To see more things to do, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Kamakura trip planner .

Fly from Kitakyushu to Kamakura in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Kitakyushu in June, expect nights in Kamakura to be about the same, around 23°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 25°C. On the 5th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.