30 days in Japan Itinerary

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

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Museum-lovers will get to explore D. T. Suzuki Museum and Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen. Get out of town with these interesting Kanazawa side-trips: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (in Hakui), Sakai (Tojimbo Cliff & Maruoka Castle) and Gokayama (in Nanto). And it doesn't end there: get great views at Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, and steep yourself in history at Nagamachi Neighborhood.

For other places to visit, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Kanazawa travel itinerary planner.

Vancouver, Canada to Kanazawa is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight, tram, and train. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 17 hours. Traveling from Vancouver in September, expect Kanazawa to be a bit warmer, temps between 30°C and 21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Eikando Zenrinji Temple and Toji. Go for a jaunt from Kyoto to Dotombori to see Dotombori District about 1h 10 min away. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and wander the streets of Arashiyama.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Kyoto tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in September, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can 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.

On the 3rd (Tue), take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, appreciate the history behind The Cenotaph, then steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: step off the mainland to explore Miyajima, then examine the collection at JMSDF Kure Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Yamato Museum.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Hiroshima holiday tool.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. On the 5th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Taketomi-jima.

A tiny island in the Yae-yama archipelago, Taketomi-jima enjoys popularity as a beach getaway, best known for its stretches of "star sand"--sand made up of tiny star-shaped exoskeletons of ancient fossils.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Fri): head outdoors with Kaiji Beach, take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Nagomi Tower, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Island Countryside Settlement, then examine the collection at Taketomi Folk Art Museum, and finally get outside with Kubazaki Beach.

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Taketomi-jima visit planner.

You can do a combination of flight and ferry from Hiroshima to Taketomi-jima in 7 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train, flight, and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, flight, and ferry. Traveling from Hiroshima in October, things will get somewhat warmer in Taketomi-jima: highs are around 34°C and lows about 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to ride a ferry 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.

Relax by the water at Yonehara Beach and Hoshisuna Beach. Discover out-of-the-way places like Nakamoto Beach and Pinaisara Falls. There's lots more to do: visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, get active on the water at Fusaki Beach, and take some stellar pictures from Cape Ongazaki.

To see reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Ishigaki route tool.

You can ride a ferry from Taketomi-jima to Ishigaki in an hour. Expect a daytime high around 34°C in October, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) to allow time to fly to Miyakojima.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Aragusuku Beach and Sunayama Beach. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Toguchi no Hama and Tomori Imugya Beach. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse, don't miss a visit to East Henna Cape, enjoy the sand and surf at Sawada no hama Beach, and take in the views from Kurima Bridge.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip maker website.

You can fly from Ishigaki to Miyakojima in 2.5 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Miyakojima can reach 33°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Tue) to allow time for the flight 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Tokyo National Museum and Edo-Tokyo Museum. Head to Ginza and Asakusafor plenty of shopping. There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Odaiba District, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Central Railway Station, make a trip to Tokyo Tower, and enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip maker app.

You can fly from Miyakojima to Tokyo in 4.5 hours. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Miyakojima in October: high temperatures in Tokyo hover around 26°C and lows are around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.