30 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Tokyo National Museum and Odaiba District. Head to Ginza and Takeshita Streetfor plenty of shopping. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tokyo: Tokyo Disneyland (in Maihama) and The Hakone Open-Air Museum (in Hakone-machi). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, see the interesting displays at The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, take an in-depth tour of Fukagawa Edo Museum, and admire the masterpieces at Ghibli Museum Mitaka.

For where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Tokyo trip planner.

Cape Town, South Africa to Tokyo is an approximately 25-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from South Africa Standard Time (SAST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 7 hours. When traveling from Cape Town in April, plan for a bit cooler days in Tokyo, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) 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.

Family-friendly places like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple will thrill your kids. Let the collections at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center and Asahiyaki capture your imagination. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Himeji Castle (in Himeji), Nara Park (in Nara) and Dotombori District (in Dotombori). There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, hike along Kyoto Isｓhu Trail, Higahiyama Fuahimi Inari Course, take in the spiritual surroundings of Koshojibetsuin Ryozenhobyo, and make a trip to Heian Shrine.

To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto vacation website.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In April, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to take a train to Hiroshima.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Miyajima and Atomic Bomb Dome. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Venture out of the city with trips to Ohara Museum of Art (in Kurashiki), Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine & Mikasahama Beach) and Mt. Misen (in Miyajima). There's more to do: explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle and admire the masterpieces at Hiroshima Museum of Art.

For more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, use the Hiroshima trip planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Hiroshima by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. April in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Get in touch with nature at Yonaha Maehama Beach and Sunayama Beach. Bring the kids along to Toguchi no Hama and Hora Gyoko no Hama Beach. Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Nagamahama Beach Coast and get outside with Nakanoshima Beach.

For photos, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Miyakojima trip planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Miyakojima in 5 hours. Another option is to fly. Traveling from Hiroshima in April, expect Miyakojima to be a bit warmer, temps between 29°C and 23°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) 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.

Family-friendly places like Yonehara Beach and Stand-Up Paddleboarding will thrill your kids. Get outdoors at Kondoi Beach and Shiraho Beach. Step out of Ishigaki to go to Kohama-jima and see Kubazaki Beach, which is approximately 56 minutes away. The adventure continues: head outdoors with Akashi Beach, kick back and relax at Sunset Beach, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and explore the activities along Kabira Bay.

Plan my Ishigaki trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

You can fly from Miyakojima to Ishigaki in 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in April, and nighttime lows around 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.