22 days in Japan 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.

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. Keep things going the next day: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, then make a trip to The Tsukiji Market, then admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, and finally take a stroll through Akihabara.

To find ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Tokyo trip maker .

Washington DC, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 17-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 14 hours traveling from Washington DC to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. In September in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 81°F during the day and 69°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Shari-cho.

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.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): take in the dramatic scenery at Oshin Koshin Falls, go for a stroll along the water at Shiretoko Beach, and then explore the activities along Shiretoko Goko Lake.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Shari-cho attractions planning website .

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Tokyo to Shari-cho in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and train; or take a train. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Tokyo in September, with highs in Shari-cho at 67°F and lows at 58°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can travel to Hakodate.

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.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Fri): head outdoors with Onuma Park Walking Path, then stop by Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, then steep yourself in history at The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, and finally don't miss a visit to Hachimanzaka. On the 15th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: hunt for treasures at Hakodate Morning Market, take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, then take a stroll through Motomachi, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Hakodate Orthodox Church.

To see reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Hakodate online trip itinerary builder .

Do a combination of taxi and flight from Shari-cho to Hakodate in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In September, plan for daily highs up to 72°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Taketomicho Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

Explore hidden gems such as Canyoning & Rappelling Tours and Iriomote Island. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Taketomicho Iriomote-jima: Ishigaki (Kabira Park, Yonehara Beach, & more). It doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Pinaisara Falls.

To see more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Taketomicho Iriomote-jima day trip planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Hakodate to Taketomicho Iriomote-jima takes 9.5 hours. In September, Taketomicho Iriomote-jima is somewhat warmer than Hakodate - with highs of 89°F and lows of 79°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Tue) early enough to travel to Onna-son.

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kouri-jima Island and Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park. Change things up with these side-trips from Onna-son: Nakijin Castle Remains (in Nakijin-son), Motobu-cho (Okichan Theater, Bise no Fukugi Tree Road, & more) and Iejima Beach Side Horse Park (in Ie-son). The adventure continues: tour the pleasant surroundings at Diamond Beach.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Onna-son day trip planning website .

Traveling by combination of ferry, flight, and taxi from Taketomicho Iriomote-jima to Onna-son takes 4 hours. September in Onna-son sees daily highs of 87°F and lows of 76°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) early enough to travel to Takachiho-cho.

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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Amanoyasu Kawara, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Amano Iwato Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Takachiho Shrine, and finally take in breathtaking views at Takachiho Gorge.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Takachiho-cho journey planner .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Onna-son to Takachiho-cho in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus; or do a combination of taxi, flight, and train. Traveling from Onna-son in September, things will get a bit cooler in Takachiho-cho: highs are around 82°F and lows about 68°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can travel to Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho.

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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley and Wilson Stump. Spend the 25th (Tue) exploring nature at Yakusugi Land. There's lots more to do: take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall, don't miss a visit to Taikoiwa, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Tachudake.

For traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho online trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Takachiho-cho to Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho by combination of car and ferry takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus, flight, and taxi; or do a combination of taxi, train, ferry, and car. In September, daily temperatures in Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho can reach 83°F, while at night they dip to 73°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Wed): appreciate the history behind Atomic Bomb Dome, then get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, then don't miss a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and finally see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: make a trip to Okonomimura, admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, then pause for some photo ops at The Cenotaph, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Kintaikyo Bridge.

To find maps, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho to Hiroshima by combination of taxi, flight, and train takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car, ferry, and train; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and train. In September, daily temperatures in Hiroshima can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Eikando Zenrinji Temple and Toji. Go for a jaunt from Kyoto to Osaka to see Osaka Castle about 1h 10 min away. There's much more to do: get great views at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Gion, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto road trip website .

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Kyoto takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of ferry, flight, and train. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in September, and nighttime lows around 68°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.