Start: Washington DC
Fly
1
Tokyo
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Shari-cho
— 1 night
Fly to New Chitose, Train to Hakodate
3
Hakodate
— 1 night
Fly to Ishigaki, Ferry to Iriomote
4
Iriomote-jima
— 2 nights
Ferry to 石垣港離島ターミナル, Fly to Okinawa
5
Onna-son
— 3 nights
Fly to Kumamoto, Bus to Takachiho-cho
6
Takachiho-cho
— 1 night
+2
Drive to Kumamoto, Train to Kagoshima Chuo Station, Ferry to Yakushima-cho
7
Yakushima-cho
— 2 nights
Fly to Fukuoka, Train to Hiroshima
8
Hiroshima
— 2 nights
Train
9
Kyoto
— 3 nights
Train to Tokyo Haneda, Fly to Washington Dulles
End: Washington DC
Sun, Sep 9 - Sun, Sep 30
Edit
S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
See full calendar
2
nights
2
nights

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.Start off your visit on the 10th (Mon): ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings and then make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine. On the 11th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, then make a trip to Tokyo National Museum, and then stop by Akihabara.
For maps, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Tokyo itinerary planning tool.
Washington DC, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. You'll lose 14 hours traveling from Washington DC to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. September in Tokyo sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 69°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to travel to Shari-cho.
Things to do in Tokyo
Find places to stay Sep 10 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

Tourism in Shari-cho, a small town situated on Hokkaido's eastern tip, flourishes mainly because of its immediate proximity to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.On the 13th (Thu), take in the dramatic scenery at Oshin Koshin Falls, enjoy the sand and surf at Shiretoko Beach, and then explore the activities along Shiretoko Goko Lake.
To find photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Shari-cho trip itinerary builder tool.
You can fly from Tokyo to Shari-cho in 5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In September, Shari-cho is little chillier than Tokyo - with highs of 67°F and lows of 58°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to travel to Hakodate.
Things to do in Shari-cho
Find places to stay Sep 12 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

City of Lights
A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): appreciate the extensive heritage of Onuma Park Walking Path, stop by Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, then contemplate the long history of The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, and finally make a trip to Hachimanzaka. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Sat): browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakodate Morning Market, then take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, then wander the streets of Motomachi, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Hakodate Orthodox Church.
To find out how to plan a trip to Hakodate, use our trip itinerary maker.
Traveling by combination of flight and train from Shari-cho to Hakodate takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In September in Hakodate, expect temperatures between 72°F during the day and 60°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can travel to Iriomote-jima.
Things to do in Hakodate
Side Trip
Find places to stay Sep 13 — 15:
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
2
nights

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.Step off the beaten path and head to Canyoning & Rappelling Tours and Pinaisara Falls. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Iriomote-jima: Ishigaki (Kabira Park, Yonehara Beach, &more). There's still lots to do: step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island and admire the sheer force of Mizuochi Falls.
To find more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Iriomote-jima tour itinerary builder.
You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Hakodate to Iriomote-jima in 10.5 hours. Traveling from Hakodate in September, expect Iriomote-jima to be a bit warmer, temps between 89°F and 79°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) early enough to travel to Onna-son.
Things to do in Iriomote-jima
Side Trip
Find places to stay Sep 15 — 18:
Highlights from your trip
3
nights
3
nights

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.Discover out-of-the-way places like Bise no Fukugi Tree Road and Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Onna-son: Motobu-cho (Okichan Theater & Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium), Nakijin Castle Ruins (in Nakijin-son) and Iejima Beach Side Horse Park (in Ie-son). There's more to do: kick back and relax at Diamond Beach.
To find reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Onna-son road trip planning app.
Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Iriomote-jima to Onna-son takes 7 hours. Expect a daytime high around 87°F in September, and nighttime lows around 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) to allow time to travel to Takachiho-cho.
Things to do in Onna-son
Side Trips
Find places to stay Sep 18 — 21:
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

The mountain town of Takachiho-cho remains a place of great importance to Japan's spiritual and natural heritage, and the point where these two things intersect.Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): go for a walk through Amano Yasugawara, take in the spiritual surroundings of Amano Iwato Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Takachiho Shrine, and finally explore the stunning scenery at Takachiho Gorge.
To see more things to do, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Takachiho-cho tour itinerary planner.
You can do a combination of flight and bus from Onna-son to Takachiho-cho in 7.5 hours. Another option is to do a combination of car, ferry, train, and taxi. Traveling from Onna-son in September, expect Takachiho-cho to be little chillier, temps between 82°F and 68°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to travel to Yakushima-cho.
Things to do in Takachiho-cho
Find places to stay Sep 21 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
2
nights

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.Step off the beaten path and head to Oko no Taki Fall and Wilson Stump. Spend the 25th (Tue) exploring nature at Yakusugi Land. There's lots more to do: explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, make a trip to Taikoiwa, and take in the awesome beauty at Tachudake.
For maps, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Yakushima-cho online travel planner.
Getting from Takachiho-cho to Yakushima-cho by combination of car, train, and ferry takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and flight. In September in Yakushima-cho, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 73°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) early enough to travel to Hiroshima.
Things to do in Yakushima-cho
Find places to stay Sep 22 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
2
nights

City of Peace
Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.On the 26th (Wed), steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, then make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Okonomimura, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden, then appreciate the history behind The Cenotaph, and finally snap pictures at Kintaikyo Bridge.
For more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Hiroshima day trip site.
You can do a combination of flight and train from Yakushima-cho to Hiroshima in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight, bus, and train; or do a combination of ferry and train. Expect a daytime high around 81°F in September, and nighttime lows around 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to take a train to Kyoto.
Things to do in Hiroshima
Side Trip
Find places to stay Sep 25 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
3
nights
3
nights

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 discover tucked-away gems like Eikando Zenrinji Temple and Toji. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, make a trip to Nijo Castle, go for a walk through Gion, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.
To see where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Kyoto travel planning tool.
You can take a train from Hiroshima to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 83°F, and evening lows to 68°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can travel back home.
Things to do in Kyoto
Side Trip
Find places to stay Sep 27 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Similar trips
25 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM SAUDI ARABIA
Kyoto
·
Himeji
·
Hatsukaichi
26 days in Japan & South Korea
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Goto
·
Yakushima-cho
·
Iriomote-jima
35 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM ISRAEL
Hiroshima
·
Yakushima-cho
·
Kyoto
24 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Iriomote-jima
·
Onna-son
·
Yakushima-cho
25 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM SPAIN
Tokyo
·
Kanazawa
·
Kyoto
26 days in Seoul & Japan
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Seoul
·
Nago
·
Iriomote-jima
20 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Kyoto
·
Kanazawa
·
Itoman
32 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM TAJIKISTAN
Tokyo
·
Yamanouchi-machi
·
Hateruma-jima
24 days in Thailand, Vietnam & Japan
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Chiang Mai
·
Patong
·
Bangkok
26 days in Asia
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Taipei
·
Kaohsiung
·
Hong Kong
26 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM KUWAIT
Yokohama
·
Hakodate
·
Kanazawa
24 days in Japan
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Tokyo
·
Narusawa-mura
·
Yamanouchi-machi
See more trips
Japan travel guide
Land of the Rising Sun
Part of a volcanic archipelago that encompasses over 6,800 islands, Japan remains one of Asia's most fascinating tourist destinations, where a blend of modernity and tradition creates a look and feel completely different from any other place in the world. A tour of Japan lets you discover big cities filled with ancient temples and innovative skyscrapers, as well as quiet country landscapes dotted with castles, perfectly manicured gardens, cherry orchards, and primeval forests seemingly untouched by the hand of mass tourism. Many tourists on vacation in Japan devote lots of time to the country's unique cuisine, prepared with painstaking attention to detail and a genius for simple yet effective presentation.