15 days in East Asia 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Start off your visit on the 3rd (Wed): wander the streets of Akihabara. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Tokyo National Museum, make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower.

To see more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip planning website.

Portland, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 14-hour flight. You'll lose 17 hours traveling from Portland to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Portland in August since evenings lows in Tokyo dip to 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can fly 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 6th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Wada House, get to know the fascinating history of The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, and then examine the collection at Hirata Folk Art Museum (Hirata Kinen-kan).

For ratings, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Takayama holiday builder website.

You can fly from Tokyo to Takayama in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. In August, plan for daily highs up to 87°F, and evening lows to 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) 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.

To see maps, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Kanazawa tour builder app.

Traveling by car from Takayama to Kanazawa takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 86°F, and evening lows to 74°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to go by car 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've added Nara Visitor Center & Inn, Kasuga Grand Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and other attractions to your itinerary. Step out of Kyoto to go to Kizugawa and see Jindoji Temple, which is approximately 1 hour away. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, take an in-depth tour of Kyoto National Museum, and take a stroll through Gion.

To see ratings, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Kyoto tour itinerary builder tool.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Kanazawa in August: highs in Kyoto hover around 92°F, while lows dip to 77°F. On the 12th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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 12th (Fri), admire the landmark architecture of Kuchu Teien Observatory.

For ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Osaka journey planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 92°F in August, and nighttime lows around 77°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

On the 14th (Sun), steep yourself in history at Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu and then indulge in some personalized pampering at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.

For photos, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read Hakone-machi attractions planner.

Getting from Osaka to Hakone-machi by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Traveling from Osaka in August, you will find days in Hakone-machi are slightly colder (77°F), and nights are about the same (73°F). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Mon) so you can travel to Tokyo.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Mon): enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree and then stop by Odaiba District. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Tue): take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum and then take a stroll through Akihabara.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo online day trip planner.

You can do a combination of bus and train from Hakone-machi to Tokyo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Hakone-machi in August: highs in Tokyo hover around 88°F, while lows dip to 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough time to fly back home.