32 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.

Step out of Tokyo to go to Maihama and see Tokyo DisneySea, which is approximately 30 minutes away. Have a day of magic on the 28th (Thu) at Tokyo Disneyland. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower, and have some family-friendly fun at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou.

To see ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read Tokyo route website.

Melbourne, Australia to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Melbourne to Tokyo. Expect colder weather when traveling from Melbourne in December: highs in Tokyo hover around 14°C, while lows dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sun) early enough to drive 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Fujikawaguchiko-machi side-trips: Keigashima Canyon (in Susono), Fujinomiya (Kusushi Shrine, Kengamine, &more) and Fujiyoshida (Chureito Pagoda & Shinsekai Kanpai Street). Next up on the itinerary: tour the pleasant surroundings at Lake Kawaguchi, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ashinoko, and get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

Discover how to plan a Fujikawaguchiko-machi trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Getting from Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko-machi by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. When traveling from Tokyo in December, plan for slightly colder days in Fujikawaguchiko-machi, with highs around 8°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Noboribetsu.

Perhaps the island's best-known hot spring resort, Noboribetsu has a long history of tourism.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Fri): witness a stunning natural landmark at Oyunuma, observe the fascinating underwater world at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, then take in the dramatic natural features at Jigokudani, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Here are some ideas for day two: find something for the whole family at Noboribetsu Date Historic Village and then take in the natural beauty of Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath.

To see reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Noboribetsu trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Fujikawaguchiko-machi to Noboribetsu takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, train, and flight; or drive. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Fujikawaguchiko-machi in January, with highs in Noboribetsu at 0°C and lows at -4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sat) early enough to fly 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.

Explore Kyoto's surroundings by going to Dotombori District (in Dotombori), Osaka (Universal Studios Japan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, &more) and Jikko Japanese Knife Shop Namba Skyo (in Namba). There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple.

To see where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Kyoto trip planner.

You can fly from Noboribetsu to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Noboribetsu in January, things will get a bit warmer in Kyoto: highs are around 10°C and lows about 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to catch the train to Hiroshima.

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

Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Momijidani Park (in Miyajima) and Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Boat Tours & Water Sports, &more). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, and take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hiroshima trip itinerary planning tool.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In January, daily temperatures in Hiroshima can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sun) early enough to take a train to Nagasaki.

The hilly port city of Nagasaki has become known internationally as one of the two Japanese cities to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the close of World War II. This history, of course, remains important to the city, its inhabitants, and to the wider world, and should not be forgotten.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Nagasaki: Sasebo (Huis Ten Bosch & Spas) and Nagasaki Bio Park (in Saikai). There's still lots to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Glover Garden, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Inasa, enjoy breathtaking views from Inasayama Observation Deck, and steep yourself in history at Nakashima River Bridges.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Nagasaki tour itinerary planner.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Nagasaki in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in January, and nighttime lows around 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Motobu-cho.

Formed by the gradual merging of several old fishing villages, today the island town of Motobu-cho boasts paradisal beaches of white sand, clear waters, and a rich array of wildlife.

Change things up with these side-trips from Motobu-cho: Onna-son (Cape Manzamo & Manza Beach), Kunigami-son (Okuma Beach, Cape Hedo, &more) and Busena Marine Park (in Nago). Next up on the itinerary: get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, step off the mainland to explore Minnajima Island, head outdoors with Emerald Beach, and enjoy breathtaking views from Kouri Ocean Tower.

To find reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read Motobu-cho online travel planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Nagasaki to Motobu-cho takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Traveling from Nagasaki in January, things will get somewhat warmer in Motobu-cho: highs are around 22°C and lows about 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ishigaki: Iriomote-jima (Iriomote Island & Nara no Taki Falls). There's lots more to do: explore the activities along Kabira Bay, take in panoramic vistas at Maesedake Observation Site, visit Miyara River Hirugi Grove, and see what's hidden on the seafloor at Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour.

To find reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Ishigaki tour itinerary maker app.

Traveling by combination of ferry and flight from Motobu-cho to Ishigaki takes 5 hours. Traveling from Motobu-cho in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Ishigaki, with lows of 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) so you can fly back home.