15 days in Japan Itinerary

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Natadera Temple and Zuiryuji Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kanazawa: The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses (in Shirakawa-mura) and Nanto (Ainokura Gassho Community & Gokayama). There's lots more to do: go for a walk through Gyokusen-immaru Garden, make a trip to Omicho Market, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kanazawa Catholic Church, and see the interesting displays at Kanazawa Phonograph Museum.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read our Kanazawa route maker site.

Tokyo to Kanazawa is an approximately 4-hour train ride. You can also fly; or drive. In November, daily temperatures in Kanazawa can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 8°C. You will have some time to spend on the 19th (Tue) before leaving for 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Sanzen-in Temple and Enkō-ji Temple. Go for a jaunt from Kyoto to Uji to see Byodo-in Temple Museum Hoshokan about 42 minutes away. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninna-ji Temple, and don't miss a visit to Nijo Castle.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Kyoto online tour itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 10°C. You'll have a few hours on the 22nd (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling 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.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Toshodai-ji Temple, admire the striking features of Nara National Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple, then admire the natural beauty at Yoshikien, and finally appreciate the history behind Todai-ji Temple.

To find reviews, maps, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Nara trip planner.

Drive from Kyoto to Nara in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In November, daytime highs in Nara are 19°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. You will have some time to spend on the 23rd (Sat) before leaving for Koya-cho.

On the 23rd (Sat), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Torodo Temple, don't miss a visit to Daishino Koshikakeishi, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Koya, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saito, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kongosanmaiin.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Koya-cho visit planning app.

Take a train from Nara to Koya-cho in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 19°C in November, and nighttime lows around 13°C. You will have some time to spend on the 24th (Sun) before leaving for 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.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Sun): find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan and then have some family-friendly fun at Sunset Owl Cafe.

To see where to stay, maps, photos, and more tourist information, read Osaka trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Koya-cho to Osaka in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Traveling from Koya-cho in November, Osaka is little chillier at night with lows of 10°C. You'll have a few hours on the 25th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

On the 25th (Mon), steep yourself in history at Yoneda Taishiji Temple, take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Takamikura, make a trip to Himeji Castle, then take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en, and finally contemplate the long history of Nishi no Maru.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Himeji trip itinerary planning tool.

You can take a train from Osaka to Himeji in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. November in Himeji sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Mon) so you can take a train to Hiroshima.

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

Take the guesswork out of planning a Hiroshima vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Take a train from Himeji to Hiroshima in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in November, and nighttime lows around 11°C. You will leave for Hatsukaichi on the 26th (Tue).

The city of Hatsukaichi developed from a small market town, frequented by passing samurais during the Edo period.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Miyajima. Kick off your visit on the 26th (Tue): get outside with Paddle Park, then head off the coast to Miyajima, and then contemplate the long history of Itsukushima Shrine. Here are some ideas for day two: snap pictures at Kintaikyo no Ukai, take a peaceful walk through Misen Wild Woods, and then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Misen.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Hatsukaichi travel route builder.

Hatsukaichi is just a stone's throw from Hiroshima. In November, daytime highs in Hatsukaichi are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Hiroshima.

On the 27th (Wed), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mitaki Temple.

For ratings, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Hiroshima online trip planner.

Hiroshima is just a short distance from Hatsukaichi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to travel to Hakone-machi.

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

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Thu): contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), then explore the world behind art at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, and then stroll around Onshi Hakone Park. On the 29th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take some stellar pictures from Hakone Ropeway, examine the collection at Lalique Museum Hakone, explore the world behind art at Hakone Museum of Art, then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Kintoki, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Choanji Temple.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Hakone-machi tour itinerary site.

You can do a combination of train and bus from Hiroshima to Hakone-machi in 5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. When traveling from Hiroshima in November, plan for a bit cooler days in Hakone-machi, with highs around 13°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Sat): learn something new at Happo-en Garden.

For more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Tokyo holiday planner.

You can drive from Hakone-machi to Tokyo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. While traveling from Hakone-machi, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Tokyo, ranging from highs of 19°C to lows of 11°C. On the 30th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.