9 days in Seoul & Japan Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Fri): tour the pleasant surroundings at Changdeokgung Palace, then steep yourself in history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, and then shop like a local with Namdaemun Market. On the 23rd (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at Cheonggyecheon Stream, get a taste of the local shopping with Myeongdong Shopping Street, and then look for gifts at LINE Friends Flagship Store Myeongdong Station.

To see photos, reviews, maps, and tourist information, use the Seoul online trip builder.

Mumbai, India to Seoul is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone changes from India Standard Time (IST) to Korean Standard Time (KST), which is usually a 3.5 hour difference. In September, Seoul is little chillier than Mumbai - with highs of 26°C and lows of 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to fly 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sun): explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, get engrossed in the history at Peace Osaka, then stop by Minami (Namba), then wander the streets of Dotombori District, and finally look for gifts at Naniwa Meibutsu Ichibirian Dotombori.

For other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Osaka planner.

Traveling by flight from Seoul to Osaka takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Seoul in September: highs in Osaka hover around 32°C, while lows dip to 24°C. On the 25th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

On the 25th (Mon), explore the world behind art at Hosomi Museum, get engrossed in the history at Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, and then browse the eclectic array of goods at Nishiki Market Shopping District. On the next day, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, examine the collection at Kyoto International Manga Museum, then make a trip to Nijo Castle, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, and finally take in the exciting artwork at DNP Kyoto Uzumasa Cultural Heritage Gallery.

To find reviews, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip builder app.

Traveling by train from Osaka to Kyoto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive; or take a bus. September in Kyoto sees daily highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) so you can fly 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.

On the 27th (Wed), wander the streets of Ginza, get engrossed in the history at Tokyo National Museum, and then take a stroll through Asakusa. Here are some ideas for day two: admire the masterpieces at The National Art Center, Tokyo, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, then get engrossed in the history at Edo-Tokyo Museum, and finally don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Tokyo online road trip planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Tokyo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a train; or drive. In September, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight back home.