23 days in East Asia Itinerary

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 40 minutes away). There's still lots to do: make a trip to Tokyo Tower, take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, take a stroll through Odaiba District, and indulge in some personalized pampering at ARONA SPA.

To see maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Tokyo driving holiday planner.

Washington DC, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. Traveling from Washington DC to Tokyo, you'll lose 14 hours due to the time zone difference. In September, daytime highs in Tokyo are 81°F, while nighttime lows are 69°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can travel 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.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sanjusangendo Temple, contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ryoanji Temple, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ginkakuji Temple.

For more things to do, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In September in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 83°F during the day and 68°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive 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.

On the 21st (Tue), examine the collection at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum, explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, then meet the residents at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and finally stop by Dotombori District. Here are some ideas for day two: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan.

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

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Osaka takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 82°F, and evening lows to 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to travel to Seoul.

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Seoul is known for shopping, museums, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take an in-depth tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, contemplate the long history of Deoksugung, wander the streets of Bukchon Hanok Village, and explore the activities along Cheonggyecheon Stream.

For where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Seoul online driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Osaka to Seoul in 6 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. While traveling from Osaka, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Seoul, ranging from highs of 72°F to lows of 71°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) early enough to travel to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO.

Get out of town with these interesting Jeju side-trips: Seogwipo (Seongsan Ilchulbong, Gwangchigi Beach, &more). There's much more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Manjanggul Cave, kick back and relax at Hamdeok Beach, get outside with Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach, and step off the mainland to explore Udo.

For where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Jeju tour itinerary tool.

You can fly from Seoul to Jeju in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry; or do a combination of train and ferry. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Seoul in September: highs in Jeju hover around 78°F, while lows dip to 73°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can travel to Shanghai.

With a nickname like the "Pearl of the Orient," it's not surprising Shanghai offers some of the most rewarding attractions and activities in the Far East.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Wed): wander the streets of Taikang Road, then take in nature's colorful creations at Yu Garden (Yuyuan), then take in the pleasant sights at The Bund (Wai Tan), and finally shop like a local with Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road). On the 30th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), enjoy breathtaking views from Shanghai World Financial Center, then take in panoramic vistas at Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu), and finally admire the landmark architecture of Jin Mao Tower.

For more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Shanghai trip website.

Fly from Jeju to Shanghai in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, train, and taxi. The time zone difference moving from Korean Standard Time to China Standard Time is minus 1 hour. September in Shanghai sees daily highs of 83°F and lows of 72°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to travel to Hong Kong.

Witness the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong, an impressive urban territory on the southern coast of China.

Pack the 1st (Fri) with family-friendly diversions at Hong Kong Disneyland. Spend the 2nd (Sat) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Ocean Park. The adventure continues: enjoy breathtaking views from Victoria Peak (The Peak), get curious at Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, and savor the flavors at Food & Drink.

To find maps, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hong Kong trip planner.

You can fly from Shanghai to Hong Kong in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In September, Hong Kong is a bit warmer than Shanghai - with highs of 90°F and lows of 80°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough to travel to Beijing.

As the political and cultural capital of China, Beijing stands at the heart of Chinese history, buzzing with the energy of its high population density and centuries of importance.

Beijing is known for historic sites, museums, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see Mutianyu Great Wall, admire the striking features of The Palace Museum, make a trip to Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), and pause for some photo ops at Bell and Drum Towers.

For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Beijing holiday planner.

Getting from Hong Kong to Beijing by flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. While traveling from Hong Kong, expect little chillier days and cooler nights in Beijing, ranging from highs of 66°F to lows of 45°F. On the 6th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.