20 days in Japan Itinerary

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Shiretoko Goko Lake and Lake Mashu. Step out of the city life by going to Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall and Furepe Waterfall. Explore Shari-cho's surroundings by going to Teshikaga-cho (Lake Mashu 3rd Observatory, Mt. Io, &more). The adventure continues: identify plant and animal life at Shiretoko Peninsula, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and get outside with Road to Heaven.

To see where to stay, maps, photos, and more tourist information, use the Shari-cho tour itinerary planner.

New York City, USA to Shari-cho is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. Traveling from New York City to Shari-cho, you'll lose 14 hours due to the time zone difference. In September, Shari-cho is a bit cooler than New York City - with highs of 67°F and lows of 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Kyoto.

Get a sense of the local culture at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Toji. Popular historic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle are in your itinerary. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Tsudoshiroyama Ancient Tomb (in Fujiidera), Jikko Japanese Knife Shop Namba Skyo (in Namba) and Dotombori District (in Dotombori). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, shop like a local with Nishiki Market Shopping District, take in the pleasant sights at Gion, and contemplate the long history of Osaka Castle.

For photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto visit planner.

Fly from Shari-cho to Kyoto in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of car and ferry. In September, Kyoto is a bit warmer than Shari-cho - with highs of 83°F and lows of 68°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Izumo.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Fri): explore the world behind art at Adachi Museum of Art, take in the spiritual surroundings of Yaegaki Shrine, explore the world behind art at Shimane Art Museum, then contemplate the long history of Former Taisha Station, and finally take an in-depth tour of Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo. On the 5th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: kick back and relax at Inasa Beach, enjoy the sea views from Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Hinomisaki Shrine, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Izumo Grand Shrine, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tamatsukuriyu Shrine.

For maps, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Izumo online trip maker.

Fly from Kyoto to Izumo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In October, daytime highs in Izumo are 70°F, while nighttime lows are 57°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Yakushima-cho.

On the 6th (Sun), don't miss a visit to Jōmon Sugi, then take in breathtaking views at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, then make a trip to Taikoiwa, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Mon): trek along Yakusugi Land.

To find maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, go to the Yakushima-cho tour site.

Fly from Izumo to Yakushima-cho in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In October, Yakushima-cho is a bit warmer than Izumo - with highs of 78°F and lows of 68°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can travel to Onna-son.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Tue): get outside with Manza Beach, don't miss a visit to Cape Maeda, then explore the fascinating underground world of Blue Cave, then make a trip to Onna Station Nakayukui Market, and finally discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Onna-son trip app.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Yakushima-cho to Onna-son in 7.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry, flight, and bus; or do a combination of ferry and car. Expect a daytime high around 83°F in October, and nighttime lows around 72°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Miyakojima.

On the 9th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, and finally explore the gorgeous colors at Yabiji. Here are some ideas for day two: don't miss a visit to East Henna Cape, visit a coastal fixture at Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse, kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, then snap pictures at Kurima Bridge, then snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, and finally make a trip to Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

Plan a trip to Miyakojima easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Traveling by combination of bus and flight from Onna-son to Miyakojima takes 4 hours. In October, daytime highs in Miyakojima are 83°F, while nighttime lows are 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) early enough to fly to Ishigaki.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Fri): head into the lower depths with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour and then view the masterpieces at Nei Museum of Art. On the next day, kick back and relax at Kondoi Beach, stroll around Banna Park, kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach, then visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory.

For traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Ishigaki online trip maker.

You can fly from Miyakojima to Ishigaki in 2.5 hours. In October, daytime highs in Ishigaki are 85°F, while nighttime lows are 76°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to fly to Tokyo.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Zojo-ji Temple and Edo-Tokyo Museum. For shopping fun, head to Ginza or Asakusa. The adventure continues: admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, don't miss a visit to Tokyo Tower, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, and stop by Odaiba District.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Tokyo online vacation planner.

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Tokyo takes 4.5 hours. Traveling from Ishigaki in October, expect Tokyo to be little chillier, temps between 72°F and 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) early enough to fly back home.