17 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

On the 11th (Sat), discover the magic at Tokyo Disneyland, don't miss a visit to Shibuya Crossing, and then admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

For photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Tokyo attractions planner.

Les Genevez, Switzerland to Tokyo is an approximately 21-hour combination of car and flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually an 8 hour difference. In April, Tokyo is somewhat warmer than Les Genevez - with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) so you can go by car to Kamakura.

The coastal town of Kamakura sits close to Tokyo, with the ancient settlement featuring a number of important historical and cultural sites.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): take in the spiritual surroundings of Kōtoku-in and then steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple.

To see maps, photos, and more tourist information, read Kamakura online holiday planner.

Drive from Tokyo to Kamakura in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in April, expect nights in Kamakura to be about the same, around 15°C, while days are little chillier, around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) to allow enough time 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.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Sun): take in the pleasant sights at Cedar Trees of Hakone Old Road.

To find reviews, maps, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Hakone-machi trip itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Kamakura to Hakone-machi in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus. In April in Hakone-machi, expect temperatures between 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can travel to Kanazawa.

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

Start off your visit on the 14th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, don't miss a visit to Kanazawa Higashi Chayagai Kaikaro, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, explore the historical opulence of Kanazawa Castle, then admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, and finally admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Keep things going the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway.

For traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Kanazawa online trip itinerary planner.

Do a combination of bus and train from Hakone-machi to Kanazawa in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. When traveling from Hakone-machi in April, plan for somewhat warmer days in Kanazawa, with highs around 20°C, while nights are slightly colder with lows around 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) 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.

On the next day, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, then get to know the resident critters at Monkey Park Iwatayama, then see the interesting displays at Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, and finally contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

To find ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Kyoto trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. April in Kyoto sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) early enough to travel to Ujitawara-cho.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jizozenin Temple, don't miss a visit to kaijyusenji Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shoju-in, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sarumaru Shrine.

To find traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Ujitawara-cho online journey planner.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Ujitawara-cho takes an hour. Traveling from Kyoto in April, plan for a bit warmer nights in Ujitawara-cho, with lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to travel 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.

On the 18th (Sat), look and learn at Kamo Planetarium.

To find other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Nara trip itinerary maker tool.

You can drive from Ujitawara-cho to Nara in an hour. In April, daily temperatures in Nara can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Shirahama-cho.

A popular resort town with many hot springs and long, man-made white sand beaches, Shirahama-cho draws scores of tourists.

Kids will enjoy Adventure World and Engetsuto. Venture out of the city with trips to Tanabe (Kisaikan Farmers Market, Cape Tenjin-zaki, &more) and Kuroshima Observatory (in Susami-cho). And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Shirarahama Beach, stop by Mifune Ashiyu, stop by Toretore Market Nanki Shirahama, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Senjojiki.

For photos, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Shirahama-cho trip itinerary maker website.

You can drive from Nara to Shirahama-cho in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April in Shirahama-cho, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 17°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Kids will appreciate attractions like Universal Studios Japan and Himeji Castle. Change things up with a short trip to Koko-en in Himeji (about 1h 40 min away). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, admire the striking features of Kuchu Teien Observatory, meet the residents at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and get your game on at Sunset Owl Cafe.

For ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Osaka day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Shirahama-cho to Osaka in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Shirahama-cho in April, expect a bit cooler with lows of 12°C in Osaka. You'll have a few hours on the 25th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling home.