34 days in East Asia 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Tokyo National Museum and Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple). Appreciate the collections at Samurai Museum and The National Art Center, Tokyo. Explore Tokyo's surroundings by going to Kamakura (Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple), Kencho-ji Temple, &more), Jindai-ji Temple (in Chofu) and Ghibli Museum Mitaka (in Mitaka). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at teamLab☆Planets, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Asakusa Shrine, let your taste buds guide you at Best Experience Japan, and explore the historical opulence of The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Edo Castle Ruin).

To see ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Tokyo journey app.

New York City, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 14 hours. In October, plan for daily highs up to 72°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) so you can 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Tenryuji Temple. Step off the beaten path and head to Nanzen-ji Temple and Eikando Zenrinji Temple. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Daikaku-ji, steep yourself in history at Sanjusangendo Temple, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple.

To find where to stay, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Kyoto road trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In November, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough 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.

Do your shopping at Dotombori District and Minami (Namba). Museum-lovers will appreciate Koyasan Reihokan Museum and Kids Plaza Osaka. Get out of town with these interesting Osaka side-trips: Kinpusenji Temple (in Yoshino-cho), Former Kometani Residence (in Kashihara) and Sakurai (Omiwa Shrine & Himorogi Remains). There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Koyasan Danjo Garan, explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple, and explore the different monuments and memorials at Koyasan Okunoin.

For more things to do, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read our Osaka trip planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Osaka takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 63°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Kobe.

Walkable, small, and aesthetically charming, Kobe has served as Japan's first and premier international trading outpost since opening to trade with China in the mid-19th century.

Visit Izanagi Shrine and Kobe Kitano Museum (Ijinkan) for their historical value. Get a sense of the local culture at Otsuka Museum of Art and Kawasaki Good Times World. Go for a jaunt from Kobe to Naruto to see Onaruto Bridge Hall Edy about 1h 45 min away. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at UCC Coffee Museum, admire the natural beauty at Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens, go for a walk through Kitano Ijinkan-gai, and wander the streets of Kobe Harborland.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Kobe online travel planner.

Traveling by car from Osaka to Kobe takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. November in Kobe sees daily highs of 62°F and lows of 52°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): contemplate the long history of Onatsu Seijuro Hiyokuzuka, don't miss a visit to Shoshazan Engyoji, steep yourself in history at Nishi no Maru, step into the grandiose world of Himeji Castle, then take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en, and finally steep yourself in history at Atemage.

For traveler tips, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, use the Himeji trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Kobe to Himeji takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In November, plan for daily highs up to 62°F, and evening lows to 52°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) 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.

Popular historic sites such as Daishoin Temple and Senjokaku are in your itinerary. JMSDF Kure Museum and Hiroshima Museum of Art will appeal to museum buffs. Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Yamato Museum (in Kure) and Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine & Dainichido). There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, explore the activities along Motoyasu River, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mitaki Temple.

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

Getting from Himeji to Hiroshima by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In November, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 63°F, while nighttime lows are 49°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can catch the train to Fukuoka.

The largest city on the island, Fukuoka formed through the merger of two former cities that had grown up either side of the Naka River.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Kushida Shrine and Suwa Shrine. Museum-lovers will get to explore Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture and Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum. Venture out of the city with trips to Munakata Shrine (in Munakata), Miyajidake Shrine (in Fukutsu) and Nagasaki (Kapitan Room, Dejima, &more). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nanzoin, enjoy breathtaking views from Fukuoka Tower, explore the galleries of Saga Castle Hommaru History Museum, and make a trip to Imari Okawachiyama.

To find where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Fukuoka trip maker app.

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of ferry and flight. In November, daily temperatures in Fukuoka can reach 64°F, while at night they dip to 50°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to catch the flight to Busan.

The country's second city, Busan has often been referred to as South Korea's summer capital.

Get a sense of the local culture at Cheonmachong Tomb and Beomeosa Temple. Let the collections at Gyeongju National Museum and Beomeosa Sungbo Museum capture your imagination. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Busan: Gyeongju (Gyeongju Historic Area, Cheomseongdae Observatory, &more). There's more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at UN Memorial Cemetery and make a trip to Gwangandaegyo Bridge.

Start your trip to Busan by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Traveling by flight from Fukuoka to Busan takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry. Traveling from Fukuoka in November, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Busan, with lows of 42°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Jeju.

The main town on the largest of Korea's islands, Jeju, has a volcanic landscape protected by UNESCO. The World Heritage-listed volcanic island includes the country's highest peak, sets of impressive lava tubes and columns, and several crater lakes.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): admire the natural beauty at Hallim Park, kick back and relax at Hyeopjae Beach, then join in the after-dark buzz at Spirited Garden, and finally take an in-depth tour of Jeju Museum of War History & Peace. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour.

To see ratings, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Jeju online visit planner.

You can fly from Busan to Jeju in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, taxi, and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Seoul.

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

Appreciate the collections at Gyeongbokgung Palace and National Folk Museum of Korea. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Trickeye Museum Seoul and Changgyeonggung Palace. Go for a jaunt from Seoul to Suwon to see Hwaseong Fortress about 1h 5 min away. There's lots more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Changdeokgung Palace, explore the world behind art at Leeum Art Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Bongeunsa Temple, and browse the exhibits of Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Seoul day trip site.

Traveling by flight from Jeju to Seoul takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry, taxi, and train; or do a combination of ferry and car. In November, daytime highs in Seoul are 53°F, while nighttime lows are 37°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.