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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Edo-Tokyo Museum and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. Next up on the itinerary: admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, take a stroll through Odaiba District, and make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Tokyo trip itinerary planner.

Sao Paulo, Brazil to Tokyo is an approximately 29-hour flight. You'll lose 12 hours traveling from Sao Paulo to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Sao Paulo in September, Tokyo is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Tenshukakau Observatory and Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple (in Eiheiji-cho), Ainokura Gassho Community (in Nanto) and Fugan Unga Kansui Park (in Toyama). And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, visit Higashichaya Old Town, and admire the landmark architecture of Tsuzumi Gate.

To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Kanazawa trip maker website.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In September, daytime highs in Kanazawa are 30°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) to allow time to drive 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 Tenryuji Temple and Eikando Zenrinji Temple. When in Kyoto, make a side trip to see Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, approximately Osaka away. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and wander the streets of Gion.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Kyoto online day trip planner.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in September, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) to allow 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kintaikyo Bridge and The Cenotaph. Get out of town with these interesting Hiroshima side-trips: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine Torii, &more). Next up on the itinerary: take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Hiroshima trip itinerary maker app.

Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Hiroshima can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough 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.

On the 20th (Fri), don't miss a visit to Wilson Stump, explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, and then don't miss a visit to Jōmon Sugi. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Nagata Inakahama and then take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Yakushima-cho trip planner.

Do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Yakushima-cho in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, bus, and flight; or do a combination of train and ferry. In September, plan for daily highs up to 33°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Cap off 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), go for a walk through Bise no Fukugi Tree Road and then contemplate the long history of Nakijin Castle Ruins. Here are some ideas for day two: take in nature's colorful creations at Tropical Dream Center, stroll around Okinawa Memorial Park Ocean Expo Park, thenadmire nature's wide array of creatures at Okichan Theater, and finally get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Motobu-cho travel tool.

Getting from Yakushima-cho to Motobu-cho by flight takes about 8 hours. Other options: ride a ferry. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in September, and nighttime lows around 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Yonehara Beach and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. The adventure continues: enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, walk around Banna Park, enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach, and take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Ishigaki online day trip planner.

Fly from Motobu-cho to Ishigaki in 5.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in September, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Iriomote-jima.

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

On the 27th (Fri), step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island and then take a memorable tour with Tours.

For reviews, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Iriomote-jima trip planner.

Getting from Ishigaki to Iriomote-jima by ferry takes about 1.5 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) to allow 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.

On the 28th (Sat), head outdoors with Sunayama Beach, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, thenkick back and relax at Yonaha Maehama Beach, and finally snap pictures at Kurima Bridge. On the 29th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: head outdoors with Aragusuku Beach, thenmake a trip to East Henna Cape, and then take in the views from Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

To find other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Miyakojima trip builder tool.

You can ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Miyakojima in 5 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) to allow time to travel back home.