17 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Osaka vacation app .

Cairns, Australia to Osaka is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Cairns to Osaka. Traveling from Cairns in February, things will get cooler in Osaka: highs are around 11°C and lows about 1°C. You'll set off for Kyoto on the 1st (Sat).

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.

You've added Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, Shinkyogoku Shopping District, Ryoanji Temple, and other attractions to your itinerary. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and don't miss a visit to Gion.

For traveler tips, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Kyoto trip maker .

Kyoto is just a short distance from Osaka. February in Kyoto sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 6th (Thu) before leaving for Nagoya.

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

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall, The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses and Hosho-in (Osu Kannon). Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): buy something for everyone on your list at Takashimaya Gate Tower Mall, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hosho-in (Osu Kannon), and then make a trip to Osu Shopping Street. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses.

To find other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read our Nagoya trip itinerary app .

Take a train from Kyoto to Nagoya in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Kyoto in February, expect nights in Nagoya to be about the same, around 2°C, while days are little chillier, around 7°C. You will have some time to spend on the 8th (Sat) before leaving for 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.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Laforet HARAJUKU, Isetan Shinjuku Store, Shibuya Center-gai, and other attractions.

To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read Tokyo trip builder app .

Take a train from Nagoya to Tokyo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Nagoya in February, you will find days in Tokyo are a bit warmer (12°C), and nights are about the same (2°C). You'll have a few hours on the 12th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Osaka.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, America Mura, and other attractions you added. Explore Osaka further: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan and wander the streets of Dotonbori.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Osaka online trip itinerary maker .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Osaka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. On the 16th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.