13 days in Japan Itinerary

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 15th (Wed): contemplate the waterfront views at Kabira Bay, then see the vivid underwater world at Kabira Ishizaki Manta Scramble, and then kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach.

To find where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Ishigaki road trip planning app.

Sydney, Australia to Ishigaki is an approximately 17-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to Ishigaki is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Sydney in May, you will find days in Ishigaki are somewhat warmer (34°C), and nights are much warmer (28°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to travel to Hatsukaichi.

The city of Hatsukaichi developed from a small market town, frequented by passing samurais during the Edo period.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Itsukushima Shrine, then step off the mainland to explore Miyajima, and then head outdoors with Mikasahama Beach.

To see maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Hatsukaichi trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and train from Ishigaki to Hatsukaichi in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Traveling from Ishigaki in May, expect Hatsukaichi to be a bit cooler, temps between 28°C and 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can catch the train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): don't miss a visit to Himeji Castle and then hike along Mt Shosha hiking.

For other places to visit, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Himeji trip itinerary site.

Traveling by train from Hatsukaichi to Himeji takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In May, daily temperatures in Himeji can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (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.

Step out of the city life by going to Nara Park and Fuuka-Kimono. Get some cultural insight at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Take a break from Kyoto with a short trip to Todai-ji Temple in Nara, about 1 hour away. There's lots more to do: explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, take a stroll through Gion, contemplate the long history of Heian Shrine, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by train from Himeji to Kyoto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Himeji in May, you will find days in Kyoto are a bit warmer (29°C), and nights are about the same (17°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Fujikawaguchiko-machi.

A resort town located in the foothills of Mount Fuji, Fujikawaguchiko-machi acts as a base for many who plan to take one of the trails up the iconic volcano.

On the 21st (Tue), take a peaceful walk through Aokigahara Forest, then identify plant and animal life at Sankodai, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Kawaguchi.

To see more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Fujikawaguchiko-machi trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Kyoto to Fujikawaguchiko-machi in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of flight and train. When traveling from Kyoto in May, plan for a bit cooler days in Fujikawaguchiko-machi, with highs around 21°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can drive to Yamanouchi-machi.

The resort town of Yamanouchi-machi has plenty of contrasting, but complementary things going for it.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): contemplate the waterfront views at Kido Pond, head outdoors with Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route, and then identify plant and animal life at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Yamanouchi-machi trip itinerary maker website.

Traveling by car from Fujikawaguchiko-machi to Yamanouchi-machi takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of bus and train. When traveling from Fujikawaguchiko-machi in May, plan for somewhat warmer days in Yamanouchi-machi, with highs around 26°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can go by car 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.

Get a sense of the local culture at Senso-ji Temple and Imperial Palace. There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower, and take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

For maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip builder site.

Getting from Yamanouchi-machi to Tokyo by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of bus and train. In May in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 28°C during the day and 19°C at night. On the 26th (Sun), you're off to home.