19 days in Japan Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Mon): stop by Ota Tofu Shop, take in the spiritual surroundings of Shiogama Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Entsu-in Temple, then pick up some local products at Itagaki, Asaichi, and finally take a stroll through Sunmall Ichibancho. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 20th (Tue): brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery, take an in-depth tour of Zuihoden, then get engrossed in the history at Sendai City Museum, then explore the historical opulence of Sendaijo Ato, and finally steep yourself in history at Osaki Hachiman Shrine.

To find photos, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Sendai tour site .

Newark, USA to Sendai is an approximately 20-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 14 hours traveling from Newark to Sendai. Traveling from Newark in April, expect nights in Sendai to be somewhat warmer, around 53°F, while days are slightly colder, around 58°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Tue) early enough to travel 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Tenryuji Temple and Nanzen-ji Temple. Popular historic sites such as Tofuku-ji Temple and Eikando Zenrinji Temple are in your itinerary. The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kodai-ji Temple, contemplate the long history of Ninna-ji Temple, don't miss a visit to Daigo-ji Temple, and stroll through Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Kyoto holiday builder website .

You can fly from Sendai to Kyoto in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Sendai in April, you will find days in Kyoto are a bit warmer (67°F), and nights are about the same (50°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) 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 25th (Sun): kick back and relax at Kondoi Beach, get outside with Yonehara Beach, then enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, and finally find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. Here are some ideas for day two: take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To see reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Ishigaki trip planner .

You can do a combination of train and flight from Kyoto to Ishigaki in 6 hours. Another option is to fly. Traveling from Kyoto in April, things will get a bit warmer in Ishigaki: highs are around 78°F and lows about 70°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Tue): head off the coast to Shimojiiima Island, enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, then enjoy the sand and surf at Yonaha Maehama Beach, and finally kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Wed): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, see the vivid underwater world at Yabiji, then enjoy the sand and surf at Sunayama Beach, and finally snap pictures at Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

To find photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Miyakojima trip tool .

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Miyakojima takes 2 hours. April in Miyakojima sees daily highs of 77°F and lows of 68°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Onna-son.

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.

On the 29th (Thu), steep yourself in history at Nakijin Castle Ruins, look for gifts at Onna Station Nakayukui Market, and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Katsuren Castle Ruins, then buy something for everyone on your list at AEONMALL OKINAWA RYCOM, and then get to know the fascinating history of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Onna-son day trip planning app .

Getting from Miyakojima to Onna-son by combination of flight and bus takes about 3.5 hours. Traveling from Miyakojima in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Onna-son, with lows of 63°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Zojo-ji Temple and The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin). Shop till you drop at Pola Museum of Art and Ginza Itoya Hontren. The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Asakusa Shrine, admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, take a stroll through Ueno, and contemplate the long history of Hozomon.

For where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo day trip planning tool .

Getting from Onna-son to Tokyo by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight, taxi, and train; or do a combination of ferry and train. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Onna-son in April: high temperatures in Tokyo hover around 67°F and lows are around 51°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.