25 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.

Tokyo is known for historic sites, shopping, parks, museums, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sensō-ji, and wander the streets of Odaiba.

To see photos, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip planner .

Sao Paulo, Brazil to Tokyo is an approximately 28-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone changes from Brasilia Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 12 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Tokyo when traveling from Sao Paulo in September, with lows around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) to allow time to take a train to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kanazawa: Ainokura Gassho Community (in Nanto), Shirakawa-mura (Tenshukakau Observatory & Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen) and Fugan Unga Kansui Park (in Toyama). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, examine the collection at D. T. Suzuki Museum, admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, and admire the striking features of Tsuzumi Gate.

For reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa visit planning site .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In September, plan for daily highs up to 30°C, and evening lows to 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Eikando Zenrinji Temple and Tenryuji Temple. Go for a jaunt from Kyoto to Osaka to see Universal Studios Japan about 1h 15 min away. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, take a stroll through Gion, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

To see maps, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read Kyoto travel itinerary planner .

Getting from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 33°C, while at night they dip to 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Kintaikyo Bridge and Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine Torii, & more). Next up on the itinerary: appreciate the history behind The Cenotaph, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, and make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

For maps, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip planner .

Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 24°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Fri): don't miss a visit to Wilson Stump, then take in breathtaking views at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, and then don't miss a visit to Jōmon Sugi. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: kick back and relax at Nagata Inakahama and then admire the sheer force of Oko no Taki Fall.

For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Yakushima-cho trip planning website .

You can do a combination of train, flight, and taxi from Hiroshima to Yakushima-cho in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, ferry, and taxi; or do a combination of car and ferry. In September, plan for daily highs up to 33°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to travel to Motobu-cho.

Formed by the gradual merging of several old fishing villages, today the island town of Motobu-cho boasts paradisal beaches of white sand, clear waters, and a rich array of wildlife.

On the 22nd (Sun), make a trip to Bise no Fukugi Tree Road and then steep yourself in history at Nakijin Castle Ruins. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon): admire the natural beauty at Tropical Dream Center, then don't miss a visit to Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, then meet the residents at Okichan Theater, and finally observe the fascinating underwater world at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Motobu-cho driving holiday planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi, flight, and bus from Yakushima-cho to Motobu-cho takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and ferry. In September, daily temperatures in Motobu-cho can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) to allow time to travel to Ishigaki.

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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Cape Hirakubozaki and Yonehara Beach. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, make a trip to Cape Ongazaki, and take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier.

For other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Ishigaki trip itinerary planning tool .

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Motobu-cho to Ishigaki takes 5.5 hours. In September, daytime highs in Ishigaki are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to ride a ferry to Iriomote-jima.

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

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island and then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

To see photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Iriomote-jima journey maker site .

Ride a ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote-jima in an hour. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in September, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Miyakojima.

A city jurisdiction formed after the merger of several towns in 2005, Miyakojima spans six linked-up islands.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Yonaha Maehama Beach, and finally take in the views from Kurima Bridge. On the 29th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Aragusuku Beach, don't miss a visit to East Henna Cape, and then snap pictures at Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Miyakojima trip itinerary builder tool .

Ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Miyakojima in 4 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.