39 days in Japan Itinerary

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 explore and learn at CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA and Forever Museum of Contemporary Art. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kyoto: Wakasa History Museum (in Obama), Mint Museum (in Osaka) and Omimaiko Beach (in Otsu). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple, and examine the collection at Kyoto Railway Museum.

For photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto vacation planning app .

Hong Kong, China to Kyoto is an approximately 8-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference moving from Hong Kong Time (HKT) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 1 hour. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Hong Kong in May, with highs in Kyoto at 29°C and lows at 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Tanabe.

Considered a holy space where the gods once lived, the city of Tanabe teems with spiritual, cultural, and natural beauty.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine and Kumano Sansho Shrine will appeal to history buffs. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Shirarahama Beach and Kawayu Onsen. Explore Tanabe's surroundings by going to Enjugahama (in Mihama-cho), Shirahama-cho (Senjojiki & Minakata Kumagusu Museum) and Kinokuni Farm (in Gobo). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Oyunohara, look for gifts at Toretore Market, try out the rides at Adventure World, and soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Tanabe online vacation builder .

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Tanabe takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Kyoto in May, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Tanabe, with lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sun) 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.

Relax by the water at Yonehara Beach and Nakamoto Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Kondoi Beach and Cape Hirakubozaki. And it doesn't end there: see the vivid underwater world at Kabira Ishizaki Manta Scramble, appreciate the extensive heritage of Island Countryside Settlement, take an in-depth tour of Ishigaki Yaima Village, and look for gifts at Yurateiku Market.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Ishigaki trip itinerary builder tool .

You can do a combination of train and flight from Tanabe to Ishigaki in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Traveling from Tanabe in May, expect Ishigaki to be a bit warmer, temps between 34°C and 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Thu) early enough to ride a ferry to Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Scuba & Snorkeling and Pinaisara Falls. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Ida no Hama Beach and Hoshisuna Beach. There's much more to do: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, stroll through Funauki Village, steep yourself in history at Wasurenaishi, and take in the dramatic scenery at Kura Falls.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Iriomote-jima online trip itinerary maker .

Getting from Ishigaki to Iriomote-jima by ferry takes about an hour. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in May, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) to allow enough time to ride a ferry 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 Aragusuku Beach and Toguchi no Hama. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Sunayama Beach and Yonaha Maehama Beach. There's still lots to do: stroll through Hora Gyoko no Hama Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Nagamahama Beach Coast, enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse, and see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

For maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read Miyakojima trip builder app .

You can ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Miyakojima in 4 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Miyakojima can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough 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.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Thu): tour the pleasant surroundings at Manza Beach, then enjoy the sand and surf at Diamond Beach, then kick back and relax at Akabaka Beach, and finally make a trip to Nakijin Castle Ruins. On your second day here, explore the world behind art at Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, explore the historical opulence of Shurijo Castle, then make a trip to Onna Station Nakayukui Market, and finally see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Onna-son trip planner.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Miyakojima to Onna-son in 3.5 hours. Expect slightly colder evenings in Onna-son when traveling from Miyakojima in May, with lows around 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Fri) to allow enough 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.

Museum-lovers will appreciate The Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center and Yakusugi Museum. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Yakusugi Land and Isso Beach. There's still lots to do: get outside with Outdoor Activities and tour the pleasant surroundings at Nagata Inakahama.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Yakushima-cho online sightseeing planner .

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Onna-son to Yakushima-cho takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and taxi; or do a combination of bus, ferry, and taxi. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Onna-son in June, with highs in Yakushima-cho at 30°C and lows at 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to travel to Hiroshima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine Torii, steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mashike Itsukushima Shrine, and finally contemplate the long history of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Mikasahama Beach, make a trip to Miyajima, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senjokaku, look for gifts at Itsukushima Gekijyo, then examine the collection at JMSDF Kure Museum, and finally step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle.

To find other places to visit, photos, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima day trip app .

Do a combination of taxi, flight, and train from Yakushima-cho to Hiroshima in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, ferry, and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. In June, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 23°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can go by car to Matsue.

Matsue sits on the banks of the Ohashi-gawa river, channeling its waters through a series of canals and rivers that add much to the scenic aspect of the urban area.

Step out of the city life by going to Oni no Shitaburui and Hinomisaki Coast. You'll explore and learn at Adachi Museum of Art and Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography. Change things up with these side-trips from Matsue: Kiyomizu-dera Temple (in Yasugi) and Izumo (Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, Kojindani Ruin, & more). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yaegaki Shrine, explore the world behind art at Shimane Art Museum, and explore the historical opulence of Matsue Castle.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Matsue vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Drive from Hiroshima to Matsue in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In June in Matsue, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can drive to Toyooka.

A vacation in Toyooka lets you explore the UNESCO Global Geopark that completely surrounds the small town, notable for its scenic islands, rock formations, caves, and sand dunes.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Street of Kinosaki Onsen and Shirahara Kamogaiso Rocky Shore. You'll get in some beach time at Uradome Coast and Takeno Coast. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Toyooka: Asago (Takeda Castle Ruins, Mikobata Senkojo Mine, & more) and Daijoji Temple (in Kami-cho). Next up on the itinerary: browse the fresh offerings at Toyooka Sanchoku Magokoro Market, enjoy the sand and surf at Kirihama Beach, and indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens.

For maps, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Toyooka trip planner.

You can drive from Matsue to Toyooka in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In June in Toyooka, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 23°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to drive to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): get outside with Rail - MTB Gattan Go!!, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Shirakabe Dozogai, then see the interesting displays at Takayama Showa Museum, and finally wander the streets of Sanmachi Suji. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Takayama Jinya, then look for gifts at Hida Bussankan, then see the interesting displays at Hikaru Museum, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Takayama holiday planning tool .

You can drive from Toyooka to Takayama in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and train; or take a train. June in Takayama sees daily highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Head to Gallery Otera and Kanazawa Hyakubangai Shopping Centerfor plenty of shopping. Popular historic sites such as Ainokura Gassho Community and Suganuma Gassho Community are in your itinerary. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (in Hakui), Nanto (Gokayama & Ainokura Kaiyu Hodo) and Gallery Yotsui Artcrafts (in Takaoka). There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at D. T. Suzuki Museum, explore the historical opulence of Kanazawa Castle, admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and kick back and relax at Gongenmori Beach.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Kanazawa trip itinerary builder site .

Traveling by car from Takayama to Kanazawa takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In June, daily temperatures in Kanazawa can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) early enough to catch the train 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sensō-ji and Tokyo National Museum. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Odaiba and Takeshita Street. Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Katabira-gawa Shinsui Ryokudo (in Yokohama) and Pola Museum of Art (in Hakone-machi). The adventure continues: shop like a local with Ginza, take a stroll through Asakusa, tour the pleasant surroundings at Ueno Zoo, and stroll around Odaiba Kaihin Koen (Odaiba Seaside Park).

To see reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Tokyo vacation site .

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Tokyo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in June, and nighttime lows around 22°C. On the 20th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.