31 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama (about 30 minutes away). And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, get great views at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, and get your game on at Owl cafe Akiba Fukurou.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip planner .

San Diego, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 17 hours. In May in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 76°F during the day and 61°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Nikko.

A gateway to a sprawling and diverse national park, a center of Shinto spiritualism and place of Buddhist worship, an emblem of the riches and dominance of the Tokugawa shogunate: Nikko means many things to many people.

Step out of Nikko to go to Ashikaga and see Ashikaga Flower Park, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nikko Tosho-gu, take in the dramatic scenery at Kegon Falls, walk around Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, and take in the dramatic natural features at Kammangafuchi Gorge.

To find photos, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read Nikko day trip planning app .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Nikko takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in May, expect nights in Nikko to be about the same, around 65°F, while days are little chillier, around 69°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Yokohama.

Once a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first ports to welcome foreign trade in the 19th century, after which it grew into Japan's second largest city and a bustling metropolis.

On the 9th (Sat), walk around Yamashita Park, appreciate the extensive heritage of Sankeien Gardens, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sojiji, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and finally steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple.

For other places to visit, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Yokohama online trip planner .

Traveling by car from Nikko to Yokohama takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. May in Yokohama sees daily highs of 74°F and lows of 62°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Fuji.

Fuji is a city in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sun): take some stellar pictures from Obuchi Sasaba, then take some stellar pictures from Imamiya Tea Plantation, then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, and finally stop by Tago no Tsuki Honten.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Fuji route maker website .

Getting from Yokohama to Fuji by car takes about 2 hours. Traveling from Yokohama in May, you will find days in Fuji are little chillier (69°F), and nights are about the same (63°F). Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (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.

Go for a jaunt from Kyoto to Nara to see Todai-ji Temple about 1 hour away. There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ginkakuji Temple, wander the streets of Gion, and make a trip to Heian Shrine.

For ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip maker site .

Take a train from Fuji to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. When traveling from Fuji in May, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Kyoto: temperatures range from 77°F by day to 59°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) to allow time to take a train to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

On the 15th (Fri), wander the streets of Dotonbori and then get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan. Keep things going the next day: get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and then step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Osaka fast, fun, and easy.

Osaka is very close to Kyoto. May in Osaka sees daily highs of 77°F and lows of 60°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can travel to Hiroshima.

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

Keep things going the next day: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and then contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome.

For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planning site .

Getting from Osaka to Hiroshima by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of flight and train. In May, daily temperatures in Hiroshima can reach 75°F, while at night they dip to 60°F. On the 18th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Takachiho-cho.

The mountain town of Takachiho-cho remains a place of great importance to Japan's spiritual and natural heritage, and the point where these two things intersect.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Amano Yasugawara, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Amano Iwato Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Takachiho Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Amanomanai, then explore the stunning scenery at Takachiho Gorge, and finally admire the sheer force of Manai Falls. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Aratate Shrine, take in the dramatic natural features at Tokubetsuto Rice Terraces, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Kunimigaoka, then go for a walk through Takachihokyo Passage, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kaguraden, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kushifuru Shrine.

To find maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Takachiho-cho trip itinerary planning website .

Take a train from Hiroshima to Takachiho-cho in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and bus. In May in Takachiho-cho, expect temperatures between 77°F during the day and 59°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Yakushima-cho.

A popular destination for Japanese tourists, Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho is a true paradise for nature lovers, with over 1,900 species and subspecies of plants.

Yakushima-cho is known for parks, nature, spas, beaches, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in breathtaking views at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, make a trip to Wilson Stump, indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens, and take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Yakushima-cho trip itinerary planning website .

Getting from Takachiho-cho to Yakushima-cho by combination of train, flight, and taxi takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus, flight, and taxi. In May, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 63°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) 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 24th (Sun), take in the dramatic natural features at Cape Manzamo, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then look for gifts at Onna Station Nakayukui Market, then Head underground at Blue Cave, and finally make a trip to Cape Maeda. On your second day here, don't miss a visit to Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo, then don't miss a visit to American Village, and then kick back and relax at Diamond Beach.

For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Onna-son journey planner .

Getting from Yakushima-cho to Onna-son by combination of taxi and flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and bus. Traveling from Yakushima-cho in May, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Onna-son, with lows of 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) early enough to drive to Motobu-cho.

Formed by the gradual merging of several old fishing villages, today the island town of Motobu-cho boasts paradisal beaches of white sand, clear waters, and a rich array of wildlife.

Step out of Motobu-cho with an excursion to Kouri Ohashi in Nakijin-son--about 30 minutes away. There's much more to do: get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, see the vivid underwater world at Sesoko Labyrinth, kick back and relax at Emerald Beach, and contemplate the long history of Nakijin Castle Ruins.

To find ratings, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Motobu-cho travel planning website .

Drive from Onna-son to Motobu-cho in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Motobu-cho can reach 79°F, while at night they dip to 69°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) 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 29th (Fri): walk around Banna Park, kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach, then take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory, and finally get outside with Cape Hirakubozaki. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Kondoi Beach, get engrossed in the history at Ishigaki Yaima Village, contemplate the waterfront views at Kabira Bay, then stroll around Kabira Park, and finally Head underground at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Ishigaki attractions website .

Do a combination of bus and flight from Motobu-cho to Ishigaki in 5.5 hours. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Ishigaki when traveling from Motobu-cho in May, with lows around 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.