26 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Kabira Park and Banna Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Kohama-jima (Nawa Insect Museum Haimurubushi & Ubutaki Lookouts). There's lots more to do: take some stellar pictures from Cape Ongazaki, take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier, take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory, and make a trip to Nagomi Tower.

To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Ishigaki trip builder app.

Singapore, Singapore to Ishigaki is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Singapore to Ishigaki. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Singapore in May: highs in Ishigaki hover around 34°C, while lows dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Iriomote-jima.

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

Start off your visit on the 11th (Thu): admire the sheer force of Pinaisara Falls, then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and then head off the coast to Iriomote Island. Here are some ideas for day two: get outside with Todomari Beach, kick back and relax at Ida no Hama Beach, step off the mainland to explore Barasu Island, then take in the waterfront activity at Uehara, and finally steep yourself in history at Wasurenaishi.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Iriomote-jima day trip planner.

Ride a ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote-jima in 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Fri) 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Aragusuku Beach and Yabiji. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, snap pictures at Kurima Bridge, and head off the coast to Irabu-jima Island.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Miyakojima vacation builder site.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Iriomote-jima to Miyakojima takes 4 hours. In May, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Nachikatsura-cho.

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

Start off your visit on the 17th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seiganto-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kumano Nachi Taisha, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hirou Shrine, admire the sheer force of Nachi Mitaki Falls, then don't miss a visit to Daimonzaka, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fudarakusanji Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 18th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamikura Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and then take in panoramic vistas at Hiramidaienchi.

To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Nachikatsura-cho online holiday planner.

You can do a combination of flight and train from Miyakojima to Nachikatsura-cho in 9 hours. Traveling from Miyakojima in May, expect Nachikatsura-cho to be slightly colder, temps between 27°C and 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to travel to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

On the 19th (Fri), pause for some serene contemplation at Hakodate Orthodox Church, take a stroll through Motomachi, make a trip to Hachimanzaka, steep yourself in history at The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, then get engrossed in the history at Hakodate Museum of Northern Peoples, and finally look for gifts at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Here are some ideas for day two: walk around Onuma Quasi-National Park, get to know the fascinating history of Onuma Park Walking Path, then contemplate the waterfront views at Onuma Lake, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Trappist Monasteries, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Kaido Kaikan.

To see ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Hakodate sightseeing planning website.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Nachikatsura-cho to Hakodate in 8.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. Traveling from Nachikatsura-cho in May, things will get little chillier in Hakodate: highs are around 18°C and lows about 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Shari-cho.

Tourism in Shari-cho, a small town situated on Hokkaido's eastern tip, flourishes mainly because of its immediate proximity to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): head outdoors with Road to Heaven, take in the dramatic natural features at Godzilla Rock, then explore the activities along Shiretoko Goko Lake, then take in the dramatic scenery at Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall, and finally don't miss a visit to Old Sulfur Mining Site. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the dramatic scenery at Oshin Koshin Falls, take some stellar pictures from Puyuni Misaki, take in the dramatic scenery at Furepe Waterfall, then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, then walk around Pereke River Shore Park, and finally make a trip to Oshinkosin Observation Deck.

To see traveler tips, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Shari-cho trip website.

You can fly from Hakodate to Shari-cho in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In May, daily temperatures in Shari-cho can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

On the 23rd (Tue), steep yourself in history at Kanda house, take some stellar pictures from Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory, get engrossed in the history at Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, then contemplate the long history of Wada House, and finally don't miss a visit to Hida Furukawa Old Town. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Wed): examine the collection at Takayama Showa Museum, admire the landmark architecture of Takayama Jinya, indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Higashiyama Walking Course, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

For more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Takayama day trip planner.

You can fly from Shari-cho to Takayama in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Shari-cho in May: high temperatures in Takayama hover around 27°C and lows are around 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can go by car to Tateyama-machi.

The small town of Tateyama-machi, nestled in the hills of Mount Tate, remains most notable as the gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

On the 25th (Thu), explore the activities along Mikurigaike Pond, then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Tateyama, and then cruise along Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Kurobe Dam, take in the pleasant sights at Yuki no Otani (Snow Wall), and then admire the sheer force of Shomyo Falls.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Tateyama-machi trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Takayama to Tateyama-machi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a train. In May, daily temperatures in Tateyama-machi can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to fly 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Yakusugi Land and Jōmon Sugi. The adventure continues: make a trip to Wilson Stump, explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, enjoy the sand and surf at Nagata Inakahama, and head outdoors with Seibu Trail.

To find where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Yakushima-cho holiday builder tool.

Traveling by flight from Tateyama-machi to Yakushima-cho takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In May, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to travel to Takachiho-cho.

The mountain town of Takachiho-cho remains a place of great importance to Japan's spiritual and natural heritage, and the point where these two things intersect.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Tue): take in the spiritual surroundings of Amano Iwato Shrine, take in the pleasant sights at Amano Yasugawara, then take in the dramatic scenery at Manai Falls, then explore the stunning scenery at Takachiho Gorge, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Takachiho Shrine.

For photos, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Takachiho-cho trip itinerary builder site.

Getting from Yakushima-cho to Takachiho-cho by combination of ferry, train, and car takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of flight and bus. In May, daytime highs in Takachiho-cho are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. You'll have a few hours on the 31st (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling home.