34 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Take a break from Ishigaki with a short trip to Canyoning & Rappelling Tours in Iriomote-jima, about 1h 55 min away. Spend 3rd (Thu) immersed in the deep blue with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour. Next up on the itinerary: explore the activities along Kabira Bay, take in panoramic vistas at Maesedake Observation Site, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt.Omoto, and get great views at Yarabudake.

For reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Ishigaki trip maker.

Madrid, Spain to Ishigaki is an approximately 21-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually an 8 hour difference. Traveling from Madrid in August, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Ishigaki, with lows of 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can travel 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 Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Paddle Park, &more). There's lots more to do: get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, appreciate the history behind Children's Peace Monument, and admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden.

To find where to stay, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Hiroshima route maker tool.

Getting from Ishigaki to Hiroshima by combination of flight and train takes about 6 hours. Other options: fly; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in August, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Wed) so you can catch the train 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Dotombori District (in Dotombori) and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (in Osaka). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, wander the streets of Arashiyama, and step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Kyoto road trip planner.

Getting from Hiroshima to Kyoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In August, daytime highs in Kyoto are 39°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Shirakawa-mura (Nagase house, The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, &more). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, enjoy breathtaking views from Kenrokuen Yamazakiyama, contemplate the waterfront views at Kenrokuen Kasumiga-ike Pond, and admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Kanazawa journey builder site.

Getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train. When traveling from Kyoto in August, plan for a bit cooler days in Kanazawa, with highs around 35°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Thu) so you can take a train to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Explore Matsumoto's surroundings by going to Kurumayama Highland (in Chino), Nagato Farm (in Nagawa-machi) and Yashimagahara Marsh (in Shimosuwa-machi). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Matsumoto Castle, see the interesting displays at Matsumoto Folkcraft Museum (Matsumoto Mingei-kan), gain insight at Suzuki Shin-ichi Talent Education Institute, and visit Sanmachi Suji.

To see photos, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Matsumoto online travel planner.

You can take a train from Kanazawa to Matsumoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August in Matsumoto, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can take a train to Tokyo.

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.

When in Tokyo, make a side trip to see Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, approximately Maihama away. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, admire the striking features of Tokyo Skytree, and take a stroll through Akihabara.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Tokyo route planner.

Traveling by train from Matsumoto to Tokyo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Tokyo are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can fly to Biei-cho.

Famous for scenic views of vast fields, wide meadows, and gently rolling hills against the backdrop of the Taisetsu mountain range, Biei-cho offers a picture-prefect setting for a pleasant countryside vacation.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Biei-cho: Higashikawa-cho (Asahi-dake & Susoaidaira), Kamikawa-cho (Daisetsu Kogen Swamp & Daisetsuzan) and Nakafurano-cho (Saiko no sato Sasaki Farm, Saika no sato, &more). There's still lots to do: explore the activities along Shirogane Blue Pond, stroll around Shinei no Oka Tenbo Koen, admire the natural beauty at Farm Tomita Lavender East, and take in the pleasant sights at Shikisai no Oka.

You can plan Biei-cho trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

You can fly from Tokyo to Biei-cho in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In August, Biei-cho is a bit cooler than Tokyo - with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Venture out of the city with trips to Yoichi-cho (Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery & Asadaen Farm), Apple House (in Niki-cho) and Otaru Canal (in Otaru). There's much more to do: admire the natural beauty at Hakkogakuen Hanashobupark, stroll around Odori Park, hike along Maruyama Hachijuhakksho Hiking Course, and wander the streets of Susukino.

For photos, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read Sapporo road trip app.

Getting from Biei-cho to Sapporo by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Biei-cho in August, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 25°C in Sapporo. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Sun) to allow time for the flight back home.