12 days in Japan Itinerary

A spiritual center of Shintoism, Ise stands as a traditional city where visitors can see the roots of Japanese culture in a number of well-preserved natural and historic sites.

On the 14th (Sat), observe the fascinating underwater world at Toba Aquarium, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ise Grand Shrine, then make a trip to Oharai-machi, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sarutahiko Shrine, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Ise Shrine Geku.

To plan Ise vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

Sydney, Australia to Ise is an approximately 16.5-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales) (AEST) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is minus 1 hour. When traveling from Sydney in December, plan for cooler days and little chillier nights in Ise: temperatures range from 11°C by day to 9°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough 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.

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple for their historical value. Get a sense of the local culture at Dotonbori and Nijo Castle. Take a break from Kyoto with a short trip to Osaka Castle in Osaka, about 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Eikando Zenrinji Temple, contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple, and wander the streets of Gion.

To see ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Kyoto driving holiday planning website .

Traveling by car from Ise to Kyoto takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Ise in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Kyoto, with lows of 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Wed): get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, then see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and then examine the collection at Yamato Museum. Keep things going the next day: explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, and then steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read Hiroshima attractions planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in December, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can 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.

On the 20th (Fri), find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, and then enjoy breathtaking views from Tamatorizaki Observatory. On the next day, stroll through Yonehara Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach, and then stop by Yurateiku Market.

For more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Ishigaki travel planning tool .

Do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Ishigaki in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. While traveling from Hiroshima, expect somewhat warmer days and much hotter nights in Ishigaki, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can travel to Miyakojima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): stroll through Yonaha Maehama Beach, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, then kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, and finally take in the views from Kurima Bridge. On the next day, stroll through Toguchi no Hama, then enjoy the sand and surf at Aragusuku Beach, and then enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse.

To see more things to do, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Miyakojima vacation planner .

Fly from Ishigaki to Miyakojima in 2 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Miyakojima can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.