12 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 22nd (Wed): see the interesting displays at Ghibli Museum Mitaka, take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and then admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower. On the 23rd (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, and then take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Tokyo trip site.

Chennai, India to Tokyo is an approximately 11-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from India Standard Time (IST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 3.5 hours. Traveling from Chennai in March, things will get colder in Tokyo: highs are around 17°C and lows about 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can catch the flight 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Nara Park. Your inner history buff will appreciate Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. When in Kyoto, make a side trip to see Todai-ji Temple in Nara, approximately Nara away. The adventure continues: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, steep yourself in history at Sanjusangendo Temple, step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, and identify plant and animal life at Yase Momiji no Komichi.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto visit planning tool.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 5°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) so you can catch the train to Hiroshima.

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

On the 27th (Mon), tour the pleasant surroundings at Miyajima. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and then contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Hiroshima trip planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight 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 29th (Wed): kick back and relax at Tomori Imugya Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Yonaha Maehama Beach, then kick back and relax at Nagamahama Beach Coast, then kick back and relax at Toguchi no Hama, and finally kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach.

To see reviews, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima day trip planning tool.

Getting from Hiroshima to Miyakojima by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Hiroshima in March: highs in Miyakojima hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can catch the flight 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 30th (Thu), head into the lower depths with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour and then view the masterpieces at Nei Museum of Art. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 31st (Fri): get outside with Maesato Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Shiraho Beach, then explore the activities along Kabira Bay, then head outdoors with Yonehara Beach, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Sukuji Beach.

To find maps, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, read Ishigaki online route planner.

Traveling by flight from Miyakojima to Ishigaki takes 2.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Sat) to allow time for the flight back home.