28 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Himeji: Akashi (Kyu Hatosaki Torodo & Matsue Swimming Beach), Sato Fruit Kobo (in Nishiwaki) and Ono Cherry Blossom Corridor (in Ono). There's still lots to do: step into the grandiose world of Himeji Castle, contemplate the long history of Takeda Castle Ruins, take in the pleasant sights at Takeda Teramachi Street, and admire the natural beauty at Koko-en.

To see reviews, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Himeji trip itinerary tool.

Adelaide, Australia to Himeji is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Adelaide to Himeji is minus 0.5 hours. Traveling from Adelaide in May, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Himeji, with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) to allow time 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Paddle Park, &more) and Kintaikyo Bridge (in Iwakuni). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden, and admire the masterpieces at Hiroshima Museum of Art.

To see maps, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Hiroshima road trip planner.

You can take a train from Himeji to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Mon) so you can 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Kyoto side-trips: Dotombori (Dotombori District & Ukiyokoji Street) and Osaka (Universal Studios Japan & Osaka Castle Bairin). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ryoanji Temple, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and wander the streets of Arashiyama.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and more tourist information, read our Kyoto trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Hiroshima to Kyoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 29°C in May, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) to allow time 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kanazawa: Takayama (Sanmachi Suji, Takayama Jinya, &more) and Shirakawa-mura (Shirakawago Tajimake Yosan Sericulture Museum, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, &more). Next up on the itinerary: stroll around Kenrokuen Garden, contemplate the long history of Nomura Family Samurai House, admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station, and take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town.

To see ratings, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Kanazawa tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Kanazawa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. When traveling from Kyoto in May, plan for a bit cooler days in Kanazawa, with highs around 26°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) so you can 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Hakone-machi side-trips: Fujiyoshida (Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja, Nishiura, &more), Lake Kawaguchi (in Fujikawaguchiko-machi) and Fujinomiya Route (in Fujinomiya). Spend the 20th (Sat) exploring nature at Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Next up on the itinerary: get impressive views of Mount Fuji, steep yourself in history at Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu, explore the world behind art at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, and explore the activities along Lake Ashinoko.

To find reviews, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Hakone-machi tour planner.

Traveling by flight from Kanazawa to Hakone-machi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Traveling from Kanazawa in May, you will find days in Hakone-machi are a bit cooler (21°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (19°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) early enough to travel 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 a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama (about 30 minutes away). There's much more to do: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, wander the streets of Akihabara, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Tokyo road trip app.

Getting from Hakone-machi to Tokyo by combination of bus and train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive. Traveling from Hakone-machi in May, expect nights in Tokyo to be about the same, around 19°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.