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.

On the 14th (Tue), take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, then explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. On the 15th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take a stroll through Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, then stop by Ginza, and then don't miss a visit to Takeshita Street.

To find traveler tips, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Tokyo online day trip planner.

Bologna, Italy to Tokyo is an approximately 18-hour flight. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Bologna to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Bologna in August since evenings lows in Tokyo dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): take in the dramatic scenery at Janokuchinotaki Falls and then take in breathtaking views at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley. On the 17th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Yakusugi Land.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Yakushima-cho driving holiday site.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Yakushima-cho takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In August, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Nanjo.

With a long Pacific coastline, Nanjo offers fantastic views of the ocean from high cliffs covered with lush greenery, as well as from its long sandy beaches.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Sat): see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour and then stop by Onna Station Nakayukui Market. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Sun): buy something for everyone on your list at Ashibina Outlet Mall, then contemplate the long history of The Tower of Himeyuri, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and finally get your game on at Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo.

To find ratings, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Nanjo trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Yakushima-cho to Nanjo in 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus; or do a combination of ferry and bus. In August, daytime highs in Nanjo are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) so you can travel to Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

On the 20th (Mon), step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island and then take a memorable tour with Tours.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Iriomote-jima online trip itinerary planner.

Do a combination of bus, flight, and ferry from Nanjo to Iriomote-jima in 6 hours. August in Iriomote-jima sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 32°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Tue): steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and then steep yourself in history at Tofuku-ji Temple. On the next day, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ryoanji Temple, then explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and finally steep yourself in history at Sanjusangendo Temple.

To see photos, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Kyoto trip site.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Iriomote-jima to Kyoto in 6 hours. August in Kyoto sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 29°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Thu) to wrap things up before traveling home.