18 days in Taiwan & Tokyo Itinerary

Situated in a basin between two mountain ranges, Taipei appeals to tourists with its blend of Asian cultures, living side by side amidst Japanese-era mansions and Taoist temples.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Wed): appreciate the history behind Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, then get engrossed in the history at National Palace Museum, and then shop like a local with Taipei 101. On the 28th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Elephant Mountain (aka Nangang District Hiking Trail), then get to know the resident critters at Taipei Zoo, and then browse the eclectic array of goods at Chiufen (Jiufen Old Street).

To find photos, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Taipei attractions planner.

London, UK to Taipei is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from London to Taipei is 8 hours. Traveling from London in November, expect Taipei to be much hotter, temps between 29°C and 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Fri) early enough to travel 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.

Tokyo is known for historic sites, shopping, parks, museums, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, wander the streets of Odaiba, and see the interesting displays at Edo-Tokyo Museum.

To find photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Tokyo trip planning website .

You can fly from Taipei to Tokyo in 6.5 hours. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Taipei to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. In November, Tokyo is a bit cooler than Taipei - with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Taipei.

On the 3rd (Tue), walk around Yeh Liu Geo Park, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hsing Tian Kong, and then take a stroll through Ximending. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Wed): get engrossed in the history at National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Yangmingshan National Park, and then look for gifts at Zhen Yi Xuan - Zhongxiao Xinsheng Menshi.

To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Taipei trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Taipei takes 6.5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Tokyo to Taipei due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Tokyo in December, you will find days in Taipei are somewhat warmer (23°C), and nights are much hotter (18°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to travel to Taichung.

Known its good weather, Taichung boasts an interesting set of cultural attractions, including many temples showing the development of religious architectural styles in the area and forming focal points for most tours of Taichung.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Taichung: Yuchi (Wenwu Temple, Sun Moon Lake, & more), Ren'ai Township (Hehuan Mountain (Hehuanshan) & Cingjing Veterans Farm) and Ali Mountain (Alishan) (in Xinyi Township). There's still lots to do: delve into the lush surroundings at Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, let little ones run wild at Zhenqian Renai Park, engage your brain at National Museum of Natural Science, and walk around 921Earthquake Memorial Park.

To see ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Taichung trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by train from Taipei to Taichung takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.