30 days in East Asia Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Everland. Venture out of the city with trips to The Garden of Morning Calm (in Gapyeong-gun) and Nami Island (in Chuncheon). Pack the 24th (Sun) with family-friendly diversions at Lotte World. There's still lots to do: take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower, admire the masterpieces at National Folk Museum of Korea, look for gifts at Creative Life Store KEY, and walk around Namsan Park.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Seoul day trip app.

Perth, Australia to Seoul is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Perth to Seoul. Traveling from Perth in December, expect Seoul to be cooler, temps between 3°C and -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) early enough to fly to Hiroshima.

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

Kids will enjoy Itsukushima Shrine and Atomic Bomb Dome. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine Treasure Hall, Boat Tours & Water Sports, &more). Next up on the itinerary: get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, don't miss a visit to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, pause for some photo ops at Children's Peace Monument, and explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle.

To see more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip itinerary builder app.

You can fly from Seoul to Hiroshima in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Traveling from Seoul in December, things will get a bit warmer in Hiroshima: highs are around 13°C and lows about 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to take a train to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Bring the kids along to Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Explore Osaka's surroundings by going to Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple, Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, &more) and Himeji (Himeji Castle & Koko-en). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, take in panoramic vistas at Kuchu Teien Observatory, look for gifts at Jikko Japanese Knife Shop Namba Skyo, and see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Osaka trip planner.

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Osaka takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In December, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Toyooka.

A vacation in Toyooka lets you explore the UNESCO Global Geopark that completely surrounds the small town, notable for its scenic islands, rock formations, caves, and sand dunes.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Mon): get curious at Gembudo Museum, stroll around Genbudo Park, don't miss a visit to Tamahashi Drinking Spot, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Street of Kinosaki Onsen, then soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens, and finally admire nature's wide array of creatures at Kinosaki Marine World. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the spiritual surroundings of Izushi Shrine, steep yourself in history at Izushi Castle Town, then walk around Tanto Flower Park, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Onitakeinari Shrine, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ankokuji Temple.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Toyooka road trip site.

Traveling by car from Osaka to Toyooka takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train. While traveling from Osaka, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Toyooka, ranging from highs of 5°C to lows of 0°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Wed) 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.

Bring the kids along to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ginkakuji Temple, don't miss a visit to Nishiki Market Shopping District, and wander the streets of Arashiyama.

To see maps, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip planner.

You can fly from Toyooka to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Toyooka in January: highs in Kyoto hover around 10°C, while lows dip to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to fly to Tokyo.

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.

Family-friendly places like Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Tower will thrill your kids. Take a break from Tokyo with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, about 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, get your game on at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou, stop by Odaiba District, and admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

For photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Tokyo day trip planning site.

You can fly from Kyoto to Tokyo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In January in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 11°C during the day and 1°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) early enough to fly 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 find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Shirakawa-mura (Wada House, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, &more). Next up on the itinerary: walk around Kenrokuen Garden, make a trip to Omicho Market, admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station, and steep yourself in history at Kanazawa Castle.

To see ratings, maps, reviews, and tourist information, read our Kanazawa trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Tokyo in January, you will find days in Kanazawa are slightly colder (7°C), and nights are about the same (0°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.