22 days in Japan Itinerary

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Popular historic sites such as Kita Family House and Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple are in your itinerary. Take a break from the city and head to Tojimbo Cliff and Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Takayama Jinya (in Takayama), Wada House (in Shirakawa-mura) and Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (in Katsuyama). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple and contemplate the long history of Oyama Shrine.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa tour itinerary site.

San Francisco, USA to Kanazawa is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight, tram, and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 17 hours traveling from San Francisco to Kanazawa. Traveling from San Francisco in November, expect Kanazawa to be little chillier, temps between 59°F and 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Takachiho-cho.

The mountain town of Takachiho-cho remains a place of great importance to Japan's spiritual and natural heritage, and the point where these two things intersect.

On the 27th (Tue), take in the pleasant sights at Amano Yasugawara, admire the sheer force of Manai Falls, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kaguraden, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Takachiho Shrine, and finally take in breathtaking views at Takachiho Gorge. On the 28th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Amano Iwato Shrine, take in the awesome beauty at Kunimigaoka, and then identify plant and animal life at Tokubetsuto Rice Terraces.

For where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Takachiho-cho tour planning site.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Kanazawa to Takachiho-cho in 7 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and taxi; or drive. November in Takachiho-cho sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 48°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) so you can travel to Yakushima-cho.

A popular destination for Japanese tourists, Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho is a true paradise for nature lovers, with over 1,900 species and subspecies of plants.

Step out of the city life by going to Yakusugi Land and Shakunagenomori Park. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Taikoiwa and Wilson Stump. The adventure continues: take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall, take in breathtaking views at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Ushidokomoisho.

For maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Yakushima-cho online visit planner.

Traveling by combination of car, train, and ferry from Takachiho-cho to Yakushima-cho takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Takachiho-cho in November, things will get somewhat warmer in Yakushima-cho: highs are around 70°F and lows about 60°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Shari-cho.

Tourism in Shari-cho, a small town situated on Hokkaido's eastern tip, flourishes mainly because of its immediate proximity to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

On the 2nd (Sun), admire the sheer force of Oshin Koshin Falls, enjoy the sand and surf at Shiretoko Beach, and then take a memorable drive along Shiretoko Pass. Keep things going the next day: get answers to all your questions at Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center, then explore the activities along Shiretoko Goko Lake, and then admire the sheer force of Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Shari-cho sightseeing planner.

Getting from Yakushima-cho to Shari-cho by flight takes about 9.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Yakushima-cho in December, with highs in Shari-cho at 33°F and lows at 23°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to travel to Nanjo.

With a long Pacific coastline, Nanjo offers fantastic views of the ocean from high cliffs covered with lush greenery, as well as from its long sandy beaches.

Popular historic sites such as The Tower of Himeyuri and Katsuren Castle Ruins are in your itinerary. Get outdoors at Cape Zampa and Scuba & Snorkeling. Explore Nanjo's surroundings by going to Naminoue-gu Shrine (in Naha) and Onna-son (Cape Manzamo & Blue Cave). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and have some family-friendly fun at Okinawa World Culture Kingdom Gyokusendo.

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

Do a combination of flight and bus from Shari-cho to Nanjo in 8 hours. Traveling from Shari-cho in December, things will get warmer in Nanjo: highs are around 70°F and lows about 62°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) to allow enough time to 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.

Get in touch with nature at Hama-jima Island (The Phantom Island) and Kaiji Beach. Get a sense of the local culture at Cape Hirakubozaki and Ishigaki Yaima Village. Explore Ishigaki's surroundings by going to Hateruma-jima (Pemuchi Beach & Nishihama Beach) and Canyoning & Rappelling Tours (in Iriomote-jima). There's still lots to do: Head underground at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, head outdoors with Yonehara Beach, kick back and relax at Kondoi Beach, and take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory.

For other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Ishigaki vacation planning tool.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Nanjo to Ishigaki in 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 72°F in December, and nighttime lows around 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can fly to Miyakojima.

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Tomori Imugya Beach and Hora Gyoko no Hama Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Toguchi no Hama and Yonaha Maehama Beach. Next up on the itinerary: step off the mainland to explore Shimojishima Island, contemplate the waterfront views at Toriike Pond, kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, and don't miss a visit to Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

To find maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Miyakojima itinerary builder website.

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Miyakojima takes 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 71°F in December, and nighttime lows around 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly back home.