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. 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.

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 do a combination of train and bus. 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.

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 wander the streets of Motomachi, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Hakodate Orthodox Church.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Hakodate travel itinerary planner.

Do a combination of flight and train from Shari-cho to Hakodate in 7 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. September in Hakodate sees daily highs of 72°F and lows of 60°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

Step off the beaten path and head to Canyoning & Rappelling Tours and Yonehara Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Iriomote-jima: Ishigaki (Kabira Park, Banna Park, &more). The adventure continues: admire the sheer force of Pinaisara Falls and step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island.

For photos, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Iriomote-jima day trip site.

Do a combination of flight and ferry from Hakodate to Iriomote-jima in 10.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Hakodate in September; daily highs in Iriomote-jima reach 89°F and lows reach 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Bise no Fukugi Tree Road and Diamond Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Onna-son: Nakijin Castle Ruins (in Nakijin-son), Iejima Beach Side Horse Park (in Ie-son) and Motobu-cho (Okichan Theater, Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, &more).

To see photos, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, use the Onna-son holiday planner.

You can do a combination of ferry and flight from Iriomote-jima to Onna-son in 7 hours. Expect a daytime high around 87°F in September, and nighttime lows around 76°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Fri) so you can 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.