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: Onna-son (Blue Cave & Cape Manzamo), Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo (in Nanjo) and Nirai Beach (in Yomitan-son). There's lots more to do: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, take in nature's colorful creations at Fukushu-en Garden, don't miss a visit to Kokusaidori, and enjoy the sand and surf at Tropical Beach.

For photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Naha travel planner.

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. Traveling from Vancouver in September, expect Naha to be much hotter, temps between 36°C and 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly 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 answers to all your questions 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). Next up on the itinerary: take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, appreciate the history behind Children's Peace Monument, and catch a live event at MAZDA Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima.

Plan trip to Hiroshima with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.

You can 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). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, wander the streets of Gion, make a trip to Nijo Castle, and visit Arashiyama.

To find photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto trip planner.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In October, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 27°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) early enough to go by car 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 Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (in Hakui), Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Wada House, &more) and Amaharashi Coast (in Takaoka). Next up on the itinerary: walk around Kenrokuen Garden, steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, visit Nagamachi Neighborhood, and step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle.

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. Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Tokyo Tower, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Skytree, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, and wander the streets of Odaiba District.

For photos, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip itinerary maker.

You can fly from Kanazawa to Tokyo in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In October, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.