12 days in Japan Itinerary

The hilly port city of Nagasaki has become known internationally as one of the two Japanese cities to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the close of World War II. This history, of course, remains important to the city, its inhabitants, and to the wider world, and should not be forgotten.

On the 26th (Tue), get engrossed in the history at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, see the interesting displays at Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, admire the natural beauty at Glover Garden, then contemplate the long history of Glover House and Office, and finally examine the collection at Kyugosho Memorial Exhibit.

For reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Nagasaki trip maker website.

Ubud, Indonesia to Nagasaki is an approximately 13-hour flight. Traveling from Ubud to Nagasaki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Ubud in March, with highs in Nagasaki at 17°C and lows at 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train to Kumamoto.

Centered around its castle, Kumamoto stands as a historic city with plenty of modern-day appeal to add to the mix.

On the 27th (Wed), pause for some serene contemplation at Catholic Tetori Church, then get engrossed in the history at Newspaper Museum, and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Kumamoto Castle.

Discover how to plan a Kumamoto trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Nagasaki to Kumamoto in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of car and ferry. In March, daily temperatures in Kumamoto can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Thu): pause for some photo ops at Todai-ji Temple, examine the collection at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kofuku-ji Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kasuga Grand Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple, and finally stroll around Nara Park.

To see maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Nara online sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Kumamoto to Nara in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In March, daily temperatures in Nara can reach 16°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, steep yourself in history at Tofuku-ji Temple, and then steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. On the 30th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ryoanji Temple, then don't miss a visit to Nijo Castle, and finally contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kyoto online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Nara to Kyoto takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Nara in March since evenings lows in Kyoto dip to 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sat) so you can take a train to Nagoya.

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

On the 31st (Sun), explore the world behind art at Tokugawa Art Museum, contemplate the long history of Nagoya Castle, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Atsuta Jingu Shrine, and finally examine the collection at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Nagoya online tour planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Nagoya takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In March, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sun) so you can catch the train to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Mon): explore the historical opulence of Matsumoto Castle, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Koboyama Ancient Tomb, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Zenkyuin Temple, and finally head outdoors with Mt. KItahodaka.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Matsumoto holiday planner.

You can take a train from Nagoya to Matsumoto in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Nagoya in March, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Matsumoto, with lows of 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to drive to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

On the 2nd (Tue), browse the exhibits of Pola Museum of Art, admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ashinoko, and finally steep yourself in history at Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu.

To find maps, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Hakone-machi trip itinerary builder website.

You can drive from Matsumoto to Hakone-machi in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. When traveling from Matsumoto in April, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Hakone-machi: temperatures range from 15°C by day to 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Yokohama.

Once a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first ports to welcome foreign trade in the 19th century, after which it grew into Japan's second largest city and a bustling metropolis.

On the 3rd (Wed), wander the streets of Yokohama Chinatown, appreciate the extensive heritage of Sankeien Gardens, and then shop like a local with Yokohama Minato Mirai 21.

To find other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Yokohama trip builder app.

Getting from Hakone-machi to Yokohama by combination of bus and train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. While traveling from Hakone-machi, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Yokohama, ranging from highs of 21°C to lows of 13°C. On the 3rd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Chuo.

Chūō-ku is one of 23 wards of Osaka, Japan. To see traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Chuo trip maker website.

Traveling by combination of train and subway from Yokohama to Chuo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. In April, daily temperatures in Chuo can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. You will leave for Tokyo on the 3rd (Wed).

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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Thu): take a stroll through Odaiba District and then shop like a local with Ginza.

To see where to stay, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Tokyo driving holiday app.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Chuo to Tokyo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of subway and train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 12°C. On the 5th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.