31 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Step out of Ishigaki with an excursion to Canyoning & Rappelling Tours in Iriomote-jima--about 1h 55 min away. Spend 7th (Fri) immersed in the deep blue with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the waterfront views at Kabira Bay, stop by Ishigaki Port Ritoh Terminal, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt.Omoto, and take some stellar pictures from Yarabudake.

For reviews and more tourist information, go to the Ishigaki journey planning tool.

Sydney, Australia to Ishigaki is an approximately 17-hour flight. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Sydney to Ishigaki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Sydney in July, expect Ishigaki to be much hotter, temps between 38°C and 32°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) 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.

On the 8th (Sat), appreciate the history behind Children's Peace Monument, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and finally make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, see the sky in a new way at Hiroshima Children's Museum, and then steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine.

To find ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Hiroshima tour itinerary builder.

Do a combination of flight and train from Ishigaki to Hiroshima in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Ishigaki in July since evenings lows in Hiroshima dip to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) early enough to catch the 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.

Explore Kyoto's surroundings by going to Dotombori District (in Dotombori) and Osaka (Universal Studios Japan & Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple, make a trip to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle.

To find photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto day trip site.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in July, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough 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 Kanazawa's surroundings by going to Hakusan (Mount Hakusan & Shirayama Hime Shrine) and Shirakawa-mura (Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, Wada House, &more). There's much more to do: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, see the interesting displays at Ninja Weapon Museum, explore the historical opulence of Kanazawa Castle, and make a trip to Omicho Market.

To find ratings, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa trip website.

You can drive from Kyoto to Kanazawa in 3 hours. Another option is to take a train. In July, daily temperatures in Kanazawa can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Tue) to allow enough time to take a train to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Matsumoto: Kurumayama Highland (in Chino), Yashimagahara Marsh (in Shimosuwa-machi) and Kirigamine Fujimidai (in Suwa). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Matsumoto Castle, see the interesting displays at Matsumoto City Museum, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Hotaka Mountain Range, and gain insight at Suzuki Shin-ichi Talent Education Institute.

To find photos, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Matsumoto trip itinerary planning site.

You can take a train from Kanazawa to Matsumoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in July, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can 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.

When in Tokyo, make a side trip to see Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, approximately Maihama away. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, and admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Tokyo trip planner.

You can take a train from Matsumoto to Tokyo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Yoichi-cho (Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, Asadaen Farm, &more) and Otaru Canal (in Otaru). Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Hakkogakuen Hanashobupark, relax in the rural setting at Yumekobo Sato, take a stroll through Susukino, and get outside with Maruyama Hachijuhakksho Hiking Course.

To see where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Sapporo travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Sapporo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Tokyo in July, with highs in Sapporo at 26°C and lows at 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Nakafurano-cho.

Flower-viewing tourism draws flocks of visitors to Nakafurano-cho, a Hokkaido town famed for its many lavander fields.

On the 31st (Mon), take in nature's colorful creations at Saiko no sato Sasaki Farm, relax in the rural setting at Saika no sato, take in nature's colorful creations at Farm Tomita, then admire the natural beauty at Choei Lavender Farm, then don't miss a visit to Panorama Road, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Farm Tomita Lavender East. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Tue): admire the sheer force of Shirahige Falls, look for all kinds of wild species at Shirogane Blue Pond, stroll through Shikisai no Oka, then take in nature's colorful creations at Hinode Lavender Garden, and finally stroll around Hinode Park.

For traveler tips, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read Nakafurano-cho trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sapporo to Nakafurano-cho takes 2.5 hours. In July, daytime highs in Nakafurano-cho are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to travel back home.