28 days in Japan Itinerary

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Kurashiki (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter & Ohara Museum of Art), Kirei Sake Brewery (in Higashihiroshima) and Hatsukaichi (Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine). There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Misen, pause for some photo ops at The Cenotaph, and make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Hiroshima online trip itinerary planner .

Brisbane, Australia to Hiroshima is an approximately 16-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (Queensland) (AEST) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from Brisbane in August, you will find days in Hiroshima are a bit warmer (36°C), and nights are much hotter (29°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can catch the train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

Change things up with these side-trips from Himeji: Asago (Takeda Teramachi Street & Awaga Shrine), Okayama Korakuen Garden (in Okayama) and Tendaki Falls (in Yabu). There's lots more to do: step into the grandiose world of Himeji Castle, make a trip to Shoshazan Engyoji, admire the natural beauty at Koko-en Garden, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Kuma.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Himeji trip tool .

Getting from Hiroshima to Himeji by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. August in Himeji sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 31°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Osaka (Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, & more). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, don't miss a visit to Arashiyama, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Daiho-In Hall.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Kyoto road trip planning site .

You can take a train from Himeji to Kyoto in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Himeji in August: highs in Kyoto hover around 39°C, while lows dip to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to catch the train to Kanazawa.

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Takayama (Takayama Jinya, Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, & more), Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (in Tateyama-machi) and Shirakawa-mura (Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen & The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses). And it doesn't end there: take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, make a trip to Omicho Market, and head outdoors with Gongenmori Beach.

For other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Kanazawa itinerary maker website .

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Kanazawa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Kyoto in August, expect nights in Kanazawa to be about the same, around 27°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 35°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Fujikawaguchiko-machi.

A resort town located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko-machi acts as a base for many who plan to take one of the trails up the iconic volcano.

Get out of town with these interesting Fujikawaguchiko-machi side-trips: Kenshin Falls (in Hayakawa-cho), Matsumoto Castle (in Matsumoto) and Ikeda museum of 20th century art (in Ito). And it doesn't end there: get impressive views of Mount Fuji, admire the sheer force of Haha no Shirataki Waterfall, explore the world behind art at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, and explore the activities along Waku Pond.

To see photos, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read Fujikawaguchiko-machi online trip maker .

Drive from Kanazawa to Fujikawaguchiko-machi in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of flight and bus. When traveling from Kanazawa in August, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Fujikawaguchiko-machi: temperatures range from 29°C by day to 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can go by car 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Tokyo DisneySea (in Maihama) and Ghibli Museum Mitaka (in Mitaka). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, and admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Skytree.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, use the Tokyo online travel planner .

Traveling by car from Fujikawaguchiko-machi to Tokyo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Fujikawaguchiko-machi in August, expect nights in Tokyo to be about the same, around 28°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 36°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.