30 days in Japan Itinerary

Naha, the capital of Okinawa, has deep roots: Stone Age relics have been found in the city, and through the Middle Ages it rose in importance in the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Get out of town with these interesting Naha side-trips: Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo (in Nanjo), Nirai Beach (in Yomitan-son) and Onna-son (Blue Cave & Cape Manzamo). There's still lots to do: meet the residents at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, kick back and relax at Naminoue Beach, step into the grandiose world of Shurijo Castle, and make a trip to Makishi Public Market.

To see reviews, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Naha trip itinerary builder website.

Vancouver, Canada to Naha is an approximately 17-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 17 hours traveling from Vancouver to Naha. In September, Naha is warmer than Vancouver - with highs of 36°C and lows of 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight to Nagasaki.

The hilly port city of Nagasaki has become known internationally as one of the two Japanese cities to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the close of World War II. This history, of course, remains important to the city, its inhabitants, and to the wider world, and should not be forgotten.

Take a break from Nagasaki with a short trip to Huis Ten Bosch in Sasebo, about 1h 15 min away. There's lots more to do: take an in-depth tour of Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, walk around Nagasaki Peace Park, contemplate the long history of Glover House and Office, and step off the mainland to explore Hashima Island.

To find other places to visit, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Nagasaki trip itinerary builder website.

You can fly from Naha to Nagasaki in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and train; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Naha in September; daily highs in Nagasaki reach 32°C and lows reach 25°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sun): don't miss a visit to Shoshazan Engyoji, then admire the natural beauty at Koko-en, then explore the historical opulence of Himeji Castle, and finally make a trip to Otemae Street. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon): don't miss a visit to Ruins of Akashi Castle, get advice or help at Awaji Highway Oasis, then take some stellar pictures from Awajihanasajiki, and finally take in the views from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

For maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Himeji trip maker website.

Traveling by flight from Nagasaki to Himeji takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In October, plan for daily highs up to 26°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Hiroshima.

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

Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku, &more) and Yamato Museum (in Kure). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, pause for some photo ops at Children's Peace Monument, and make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

For maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planner.

Take a train from Himeji to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) so you can 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Dotombori District (in Dotombori) and Osaka (Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Universal Studios Japan). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, shop like a local with Kyoto Station Building, and don't miss a visit to Heian Shrine.

To see reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto journey planning site.

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Explore Kanazawa's surroundings by going to Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Wada House, &more), Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (in Hakui) and Amaharashi Coast (in Takaoka). Next up on the itinerary: walk around Kenrokuen Garden, steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, and make a trip to Kanazawa Station.

To find reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Kanazawa trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Kyoto to Kanazawa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In October in Kanazawa, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to fly to Tokyo.

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.

Change things up with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama (about 30 minutes away). Have a day of magic on the 20th (Fri) at Tokyo Disneyland. There's lots more to do: make a trip to Tokyo Tower, admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, get engrossed in the history at Edo-Tokyo Museum, and get your game on at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Kanazawa to Tokyo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in October, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can catch the flight back home.