60 days in East Asia Itinerary

The largest city on the island, Fukuoka formed through the merger of two former cities that had grown up either side of the Naka River.

Kushida Shrine and Yoshinogari Historical Park are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Nijino Matsubara and Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Fukuoka: Karatsu Castle (in Karatsu), Saga (Saga Castle Hommaru History Museum & Saga 21 Century Kenmin no Mori) and Iki (Tatsunoshima Island Beach, Irukahana (nose of dolphin), &more). There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Tochoji Temple, take in the dramatic natural features at Chimachibo Park, don't miss a visit to Yatai, and step off the mainland to explore Nokonoshima Island.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Fukuoka tour itinerary builder tool.

New Delhi, India to Fukuoka is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference when traveling from New Delhi to Fukuoka is 3.5 hours. Traveling from New Delhi in March, you will find days in Fukuoka are cooler (17°C), and nights are slightly colder (7°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can catch the train to Kitakyushu.

An important gateway for trade and travel between Honshu and Kyushu, the city of Kitakyushu has an old industrial waterfront and provides access to a number of natural sites across the wider region.

Usajingu Shrine and Mojiko Retro are good opportunities to explore the local culture. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Akiyoshido and Tsunoshimao Bridge. Explore Kitakyushu's surroundings by going to Matama Beach (in Bungotakada), Shimonoseki (Kanmon Bridge, Karato market, &more) and Mine (Akiyoshidai Karst Observatory & Beppu Bentenike). There's much more to do: make a trip to Ruriko Temple Five-Story Pagoda, enjoy breathtaking views from Mojiko Retro Tenbowsitsu, find something for the whole family at Space World, and contemplate the waterfront views at Kanmon Kaikyo.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Kitakyushu online attractions planner.

You can take a train from Fukuoka to Kitakyushu in an hour. Another option is to drive. Expect a daytime high around 15°C in March, and nighttime lows around 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) 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.

Get some cultural insight at Daishoin Temple and Miyajima. Step out of the city life by going to Mikasahama Beach and Mt. Misen. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Kure (JMSDF Kure Museum & Yamato Museum), Senjokaku (in Hatsukaichi) and Matsuyama (Matsuyama Castle & Dogo Onsengai). The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, and snap pictures at Kintaikyo Bridge.

For more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip builder app.

Getting from Kitakyushu to Hiroshima by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. In March, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 16°C, while nighttime lows are 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Onomichi.

A port city next to the inland sea, Onomichi maintains a small-town feel and a domestic reputation for well-preserved landmarks, quiet streets, and traditions.

Step off the beaten path and head to Senkoji & Senkoji Park and Okunoshima Island. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Tomo no Ura and Fukuyama Castle. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Onomichi: Kamegamori Forest (in Saijo), Mt. Unpenji (in Kanonji) and Imabari (Mt. Kiro Observatory Park, Imabari Castle, &more). There's still lots to do: contemplate the geological forces at Mt. Hiruzen, walk around Bihoku Hillside Park, head off the coast to Ikuchijima, and take a memorable drive along Ikuchi Bridge.

For photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Onomichi route planner.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Onomichi in 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in March, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a train to Okayama.

A major transit hub in western Japan, Okayama provides a convenient mid-point between Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Kotohira-gu and Marugame Castle. Visit Kibitsu Shrine and Okayama Castle for their historical value. Explore Okayama's surroundings by going to Kameyama Park (Marugame Castle) (in Marugame), Bizen (Katatetsu Roman Cycling Road & Hinase Islands) and Kurashiki (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Oharake House Katalyzer, &more). There's still lots to do: take in the awesome beauty at Yashima, step off the mainland to explore Naoshima, look for gifts at RSK Bara Garden, and get great views at Rashomon.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Okayama route planner.

Traveling by train from Onomichi to Okayama takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In April, daytime highs in Okayama are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (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.

Escape the urban bustle at Mt. Kurama and Kamogawa River. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Hikone Castle (in Hikone) and Miyama Town Nature Cultural Village (in Nantan). The adventure continues: take a stroll through Pontocho District, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kodai-ji Temple, make a trip to Eikando Zenrinji Temple, and contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Kyoto vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by train from Okayama to Kyoto takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can go by car to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

Nigatsu-do Temple and Kasuga Grand Shrine will appeal to history buffs. Get outdoors at Mt. Wakakusa and Akame 48 Waterfalls. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Nara: Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (in Iga), Mount Odaigahara (in Kamikitayama-mura) and Tanizeno Tsuribashi (in Totsukawa-mura). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kofuku-ji Temple, look for all kinds of wild species at Nara Park, steep yourself in history at Todai-ji Temple, and take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Yoshino.

Plan a Nara trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can drive from Kyoto to Nara in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. Traveling from Kyoto in April, plan for a bit warmer nights in Nara, with lows around 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Osaka.

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Koyasan Okunoin and Osaka Castle. Take a break from the city and head to Mt. Rokko and Mt. Koya. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Osaka: Kobe (Nankinmachi (Kobe Chinatown), Kobe Harborland, &more). There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Dotombori District, don't miss a visit to Abeno Harukas, shop like a local with Minami (Namba), and stop by Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Osaka trip planner.

Getting from Nara to Osaka by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a train. Expect slightly colder evenings in Osaka when traveling from Nara in April, with lows around 12°C. On the 7th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.