18 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Tenryuji Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple. For shopping fun, head to Toraya Kyoto Gallery or Mukashi Ningyo Aoyama / K1-Doll. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Eikando Zenrinji Temple, take in nature's colorful creations at Nanzen-ji Temple, appreciate the extensive heritage of Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and steep yourself in history at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

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Washington DC, USA to Kyoto is an approximately 19.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Washington DC to Kyoto, you'll lose 14 hours due to the time zone difference. In April, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 67°F, while at night they dip to 50°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) so you can take a train to Kobe.

Walkable, small, and aesthetically charming, Kobe has served as Japan's first and premier international trading outpost since opening to trade with China in the mid-19th century.

Head to Kobe Harborland and Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown)for plenty of shopping. Otsuka Museum of Art and Kawasaki Good Times World will appeal to museum buffs. There's still lots to do: admire the verdant scenery at Arima Onsen, see the interesting displays at UCC Coffee Museum, take in nature's colorful creations at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, and admire the sheer force of Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki).

For ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, read Kobe itinerary maker website .

Kobe is just a short distance from Kyoto. In April in Kobe, expect temperatures between 63°F during the day and 54°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): enjoy breathtaking views from Tamatorizaki Observatory, then enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, then enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, and finally find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. On the 27th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Kondoi Beach, stop by Yurateiku Market, and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Ishigaki trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Kobe to Ishigaki takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or fly. Plan for somewhat warmer temperatures traveling from Kobe in April, with highs in Ishigaki at 78°F and lows at 70°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can travel to Miyakojima.

A city jurisdiction formed after the merger of several towns in 2005, Miyakojima spans six linked-up islands.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Sunayama Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. Get in touch with nature at Aragusuku Beach and Shimojiiima Island. There's much more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, visit a coastal fixture at Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse, identify plant and animal life at Yabiji, and don't miss a visit to East Henna Cape.

To see where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Miyakojima sightseeing website .

You can fly from Ishigaki to Miyakojima in 2 hours. In April in Miyakojima, expect temperatures between 77°F during the day and 68°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to travel to Sendai.

Human history and nature combine seamlessly in Sendai, with the influence of each never far away in this green and storied city.

On the 1st (Sat), sample the fine beverages at Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery, get engrossed in the history at Zuihoden, then explore the historical opulence of Sendaijo Ato, then get engrossed in the history at Sendai City Museum, and finally wander the streets of Sunmall Ichibancho.

To find reviews, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Sendai visit site .

You can fly from Miyakojima to Sendai in 5.5 hours. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Miyakojima in April; daily highs in Sendai reach 58°F and lows reach 53°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to catch the train 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.

You'll explore and learn at Fire Museum and Samurai Museum. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Omotesando and Ginza Itoya Hontren. There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Zojo-ji Temple, take a stroll through Ueno, admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan, and contemplate the long history of Nezu Shrine.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo road trip app .

Traveling by train from Sendai to Tokyo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. When traveling from Sendai in May, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Tokyo: temperatures range from 76°F by day to 61°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can travel back home.