17 days in Japan 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.

Tokyo is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: discover the magic at Tokyo Disneyland, visit Odaiba District, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Ueno Zoo, and admire the striking features of Tokyo Central Railway Station.

To see reviews, maps, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip planning tool.

Mexico City, Mexico to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 15 hour difference. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Tokyo when traveling from Mexico City in October, with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sun) early enough to drive to Nikko.

A gateway to a sprawling and diverse national park, a center of Shinto spiritualism and place of Buddhist worship, an emblem of the riches and dominance of the Tokugawa shogunate: Nikko means many things to many people.

On the 30th (Sun), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nikko Tosho-gu, contemplate the long history of Taiyuimbyo Shrine, then take in the dramatic scenery at Kegon Falls, then explore the activities along Lake Chuzenji, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Ryuzu Waterfall.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Nikko trip builder tool.

Traveling by car from Tokyo to Nikko takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Tokyo in October: highs in Nikko hover around 22°C, while lows dip to 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can drive to Yokohama.

Once a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first ports to welcome foreign trade in the 19th century, after which it grew into Japan's second largest city and a bustling metropolis.

On the 31st (Mon), explore the world behind art at Yokohama Museum of Art, wander the streets of Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, then see the interesting displays at Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, then stroll around Yamashita Park, and finally wander the streets of Yokohama Chinatown. Keep things going the next day: stroll through Sankeien Gardens, enjoy breathtaking views from Sky Garden, make a trip to Yokohama Landmark Tower, then take in the pleasant sights at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and finally don't miss a visit to Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal.

To find more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Yokohama trip maker.

You can drive from Nikko to Yokohama in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Yokohama can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Fujisawa.

Situated on Kanagawa's Sagami Bay, the city of Fujisawa serves as the gateway to beaches on the small island of Enoshima, as well as the sandy coast and temples of nearby Kamakura.

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Wed): visit a coastal fixture at Enoshima Sea Candle, take in the dramatic natural features at Enoshima Iwaya Caves, head off the coast to Enoshima Island, then admire nature's wide array of creatures at Enoshima Aquarium, then steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

To find traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Fujisawa tour itinerary maker site.

Traveling by train from Yokohama to Fujisawa takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. When traveling from Yokohama in November, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Fujisawa: temperatures range from 14°C by day to 12°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to drive to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Thu): see the interesting displays at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, stop by Notoya, wander the streets of Sanmachi Suji, then admire the landmark architecture of Takayama Jinya, then don't miss a visit to Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato), and finally indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink.

To see ratings, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Takayama vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Fujisawa to Takayama takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of flight and train. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Takayama when traveling from Fujisawa in November, with lows around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Fri): step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle and then wander the streets of Arashiyama. On your second day here, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sanjusangendo Temple, and then steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

To find traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto trip itinerary tool.

Traveling by car from Takayama to Kyoto takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In November in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 10°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

On the 6th (Sun), see the interesting displays at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, steep yourself in history at Todai-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kofuku-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kasuga Grand Shrine, and finally stroll around Nara Park.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Nara trip simple and quick.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Nara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or do a combination of train and taxi. November in Nara sees daily highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough to travel to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

On the 7th (Mon), take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally pause for some photo ops at Peace Bell.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Hiroshima trip planner.

You can take a train from Nara to Hiroshima in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. In November, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Tue): get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and then find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan. On the 9th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, then take in panoramic vistas at Kuchu Teien Observatory, then don't miss a visit to Kuromon Market, and finally wander the streets of Dotombori District.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Osaka tour planner.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Osaka in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in November, and nighttime lows around 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) early enough to catch the flight to Tokyo.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Thu): make a trip to Tokyo Tower, make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then make a trip to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and finally admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, discover the magic at Tokyo DisneySea, and then browse the different shops at Ikspiari.

For where to stay and more tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip maker.

Getting from Osaka to Tokyo by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.