60 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Kyoto Gyoen National Garden and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple will appeal to history buffs. Do some cultural sightseeing at Kyoto Botanical Garden and Honen-in. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Nara (Yoshikien, Daibutsuden, &more) and Uji (Byodo-in Temple Museum Hoshokan & Mimurotoji Temple). There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji Temple), contemplate the long history of Daikaku-ji, wander the streets of Shinbashi Dori, and admire the striking features of Chishaku-in.

To find where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, read Kyoto trip planner.

San Diego, USA to Kyoto is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 17 hours traveling from San Diego to Kyoto. Traveling from San Diego in April, plan for a bit cooler nights in Kyoto, with lows around 50°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Nachikatsura-cho.

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

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sat): explore the activities along Nachi Forest, take a peaceful walk through Nachi Primeval Forest, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Fudarakusanji Temple, then look for all kinds of wild species at Shingu Inosawa Ukijima Plant Community, and finally take an in-depth tour of Ota Town Ishigaki Memorial Hall. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Kajitorizaki, see the interesting displays at Hiromitsu Ochiai Baseball Hall, then head outdoors with Kujirahama Beach, then head off the coast to Kinomatsushima Island, and finally soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Nachikatsura-cho trip planner.

You can drive from Kyoto to Nachikatsura-cho in 4.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Nachikatsura-cho when traveling from Kyoto in April, with lows around 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) to allow enough time to 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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Kazahinominomiya and Naiku Kaguraden. Get in touch with nature at Ichigo Beach and Miyagawa Zutsumi. Explore Ise's surroundings by going to Shima (Iseshima Summit Memorial Museum Samieru & Anorisaki Lighthouse) and Toba (Uramuracho & Aonominesan Shofuku-ji Temple). There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at Itsukinomiya Hall for Historical Experience, take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Asama, don't miss a visit to Kazenomiya, and contemplate the long history of Saiku Heian no Mori.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Ise tour itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Nachikatsura-cho to Ise takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In April in Ise, expect temperatures between 62°F during the day and 60°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Hakuba-mura.

Skiing enthusiasts traveling in Japan should consider a trip to Hakuba-mura: tucked away in the Northern Alps, this village hosted several competitions during the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Matsushiro and Oyama Shrine. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Mt. Shirouma and Okukane-Kyo Bridge. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hakuba-mura: Otari-mura (Hakubao Pond & Ushikata Inn), Hotel Tateyama / Tateyama transmural light Terminal Co., Ltd. (in Tateyama-machi) and Nagano (Old Battlefield of Kawanakajima, Sanada Treasure Museum, &more). There's much more to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Hakuba Mountain Harbor, trek along Happo-one Nature Study Course, take in the awesome beauty at Mt.Karamatsudake, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

To see photos, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Hakuba-mura sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Ise to Hakuba-mura in 5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and flight; or take a train. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Ise in April since evenings lows in Hakuba-mura dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can drive to Ito.

Not too far from the capital, Ito has developed a reputation as a resort town, with a fair portion of its area lying within a national park.

Get some cultural insight at Izu Highland Stained Glass Museum and Gempeigawa River. Step out of the city life by going to Iritahama Beach and Kisami Ohama Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Ito side-trips: Shimoda (Murakami Gasshozukuri Mingeikan & Shirahama Jinja Shrine), Minamiizu-cho (Minamiizu Aloe Center & Hino Broccolini Garden) and Kamakura (Sugimotodera Temple, Kakuonji Temple, &more). There's much more to do: admire the natural beauty at Sakura no Sato, head outdoors with Otome Toge, make a trip to Hashidate Tsuribashi, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Choanji Temple.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Ito itinerary planning website.

Traveling by car from Hakuba-mura to Ito takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or do a combination of bus and flight. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Hakuba-mura in April since evenings lows in Ito dip to 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (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.

Explore hidden gems such as Mt. Kuju and Kushifuru Shrine. Aso Mizuki Meguri and Hutagami Shrine are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Takachiho-cho's surroundings by going to Kuju Highland (in Taketa), Aso (Kokuzo Shrine & Aso Panorama Line) and Kokonoe-machi (Mt. Mimata & Tadewara Wetlands). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kaguraden, examine the collection at Aso Highland Museum Park, contemplate the long history of Yoshidajyo Gokenjyokumiba, and go for a walk through Takachihokyo Passage.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Takachiho-cho trip itinerary planning site.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Ito to Takachiho-cho in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or drive. Traveling from Ito in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Takachiho-cho, with lows of 51°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to 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.

Get some cultural insight at The Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center and Yakushima Shrine. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Isso Beach and Tashiro Beach. There's still lots to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Anbo River, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yaku Shrine, take in the awesome beauty at Tachudake, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Sandaisugi.

To see reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Yakushima-cho trip planning tool.

You can do a combination of car, train, and ferry from Takachiho-cho to Yakushima-cho in 6.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Takachiho-cho in April, plan for a bit warmer nights in Yakushima-cho, with lows around 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to travel to Onna-son.

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.

Appreciate the collections at Oceanic Culture Museum and Sakima Art Museum. Get some cultural insight at Urasoe Castle Ruins and Kemmin no Mori Forest Science Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Onna-son: Motobu-cho (Minna Beach, Anchihama, &more), Tropical Beach (in Ginowan) and Minatogawa Stateside Town (in Urasoe). There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi Beach, take a memorable tour with Tours, get outside with Akabaka Beach, and cool off at Busena Beach.

For ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Onna-son trip itinerary maker website.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Yakushima-cho to Onna-son takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, flight, and bus; or do a combination of ferry and car. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Yakushima-cho in May since evenings lows in Onna-son dip to 69°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Pinaisara Falls and Ida no Hama Beach. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Wasurenaishi and Residence of Niimori. Next up on the itinerary: admire the sheer force of Kanpiree Waterfall, see the sights as you ascend with Sima Mari Asibi, take a memorable tour with Tours, and identify plant and animal life at Iriomote Wildlife Conservation Center.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Iriomote-jima vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by combination of bus, flight, and ferry from Onna-son to Iriomote-jima takes 6.5 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Onna-son in May since evenings lows in Iriomote-jima dip to 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to ride a ferry 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Island Countryside Settlement and Nawa Insect Museum Haimurubushi. We've included these beaches for you: Hairumubushi Beach and Nishinohama. Venture out of the city with trips to Kuro-shima (Nakamoto Beach & Kuroshima Research Institute) and Kohama-jima (Kohama Island Information Center, West Ufudaki Lookout, &more). There's lots more to do: take in the awesome beauty at Nosoko Mape, Head underground at Ibaruma Sabichi Cave, head outdoors with Nosoko Forest Road, and examine the collection at Ishigaki City Yaeyama Museum.

To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Ishigaki trip maker site.

You can ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki in 1.5 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 84°F, while at night they dip to 75°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) 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.

Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse and Miyakojima City Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Nagamahama Beach Coast and Yabiji. There's still lots to do: take a memorable tour with Miyakojima Diving Shop Guide-Ya-San, steep yourself in history at Uibya Mountain Site, see the interesting displays at Underground Dam Museum, and get a new perspective on things with Sea Sky Hakuai.

For more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima online journey planner.

You can fly from Ishigaki to Miyakojima in 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 82°F in May, and nighttime lows around 74°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.