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), admire nature's wide array of creatures at Toba Aquarium, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ise Grand Shrine, contemplate the long history of Oharai-machi, thencontemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sarutahiko Shrine, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Ise Shrine Geku.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read our Ise itinerary planner.

Sydney, Australia to Ise is an approximately 21-hour combination of flight and car. Traveling from Sydney to Ise, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Sydney, expect much colder days and little chillier nights in Ise, ranging from highs of 11°C to lows of 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Eikando Zenrinji Temple. Kids will enjoy Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion. Step out of Kyoto to go to Dotombori and see Dotombori District, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Tofuku-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, don't miss a visit to Nijo Castle, and step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle.

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Traveling by car from Ise to Kyoto takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Ise in December since evenings lows in Kyoto dip to 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Wed): get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, thensee the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Yamato Museum. On the next day, step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, thencontemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, and then contemplate the long history of Itsukushima Shrine.

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Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 13°C, while nighttime lows are 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.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Fri): take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, and then take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory. On the 21st (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get outside with Yonehara Beach, thenget outside with Kondoi Beach, and then stop by Yurateiku Market.

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Do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Ishigaki in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Hiroshima in December: highs in Ishigaki hover around 26°C, while lows dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to travel to Miyakojima.

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

On the 22nd (Sun), kick back and relax at Yonaha Maehama Beach, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, thenenjoy the sand and surf at Sunayama Beach, and finally snap pictures at Kurima Bridge. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: kick back and relax at Toguchi no Hama, thenkick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, and then enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse.

Make your Miyakojima itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Miyakojima takes 2.5 hours. In December in Miyakojima, expect temperatures between 25°C during the day and 20°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.