47 days in Japan Itinerary

A gateway to a sprawling and diverse national park, a center of Shinto spiritualism and place of Buddhist worship, an emblem of the riches and dominance of the Tokugawa shogunate: Nikko means many things to many people.

Escape the urban bustle at Lake Chuzenji and Yunoko Lake. Ryuzu Waterfall and Yomeimon (Main Gate) are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Change things up with these side-trips from Nikko: Nasu-machi (Nasu Animal Kingdom, Mount Nasudake, &more). Spend the 10th (Tue) exploring nature at Nikko National Park. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape at Kammangafuchi Gorge, don't miss a visit to Senjogahara Field, walk around Italian Embassy House Memorial Park, and go for a walk through Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Nikko road trip planning app.

Zurich, Switzerland to Nikko is an approximately 17.5-hour combination of flight and train. Traveling from Zurich to Nikko, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. In October, Nikko is somewhat warmer than Zurich - with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

On the 14th (Sat), savor the flavors at Food & Drink, admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya, then see the interesting displays at Takayama Showa Museum, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Higashiyama Walking Course, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Kanda house, steep yourself in history at Wada House, then take some stellar pictures from Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory, then get engrossed in the history at Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, and finally don't miss a visit to Hida Furukawa Old Town.

To find ratings, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Takayama trip planner.

You can drive from Nikko to Takayama in 5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Nikko in October, Takayama is slightly colder at night with lows of 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Ise.

A spiritual center of Shintoism, Ise stands as a traditional city where visitors can see the roots of Japanese culture in a number of well-preserved natural and historic sites.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): get engrossed in the history at Sengukan, steep yourself in history at Oharai-machi, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tsukiyominomiya, then get to know the fascinating history of Ise Shrine Geku, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sarutahiko Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Futami Okitama Shrine, then get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Toba Aquarium, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Shinmei Shrine, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Mt. Yokoyama Observation Deck.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Ise fast, fun, and easy.

You can drive from Takayama to Ise in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Takayama in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Ise, with lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Nachikatsura-cho.

The town of Nachikatsuura-cho wows visitors with its superlative landscape and impressive cultural attractions.

On the 18th (Wed), don't miss a visit to Daimonzaka, admire the sheer force of Nachi Mitaki Falls, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hirou Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamikura Shrine, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kumano Hayatama Taisha. On the next day, don't miss a visit to Hashigui Rock, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kumano Nachi Taisha, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seiganto-ji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Hiromitsu Ochiai Baseball Hall.

For reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Nachikatsura-cho visit planner.

You can drive from Ise to Nachikatsura-cho in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Popular historic sites such as Tenryuji Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple are in your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and head to Kasuga Grand Shrine and Hikone Castle. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Nara (Isuien Garden, Kofuku-ji Temple, &more), Miyazu (Amanohashidate & Amanohashidate View Land) and Ine no Funaya (in Ine-cho). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Eikando Zenrinji Temple, contemplate the long history of Byodoin, take in the spiritual surroundings of Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki), and take a stroll through Pontocho District.

For maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Kyoto sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Nachikatsura-cho to Kyoto takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Kyoto when traveling from Nachikatsura-cho in October, with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Izumo.

Nestled in the shadows of the Chugoku Mountains, historic Izumo boasts one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.

On the 26th (Thu), admire the masterpieces at Adachi Museum of Art, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Hinomisaki Shrine, then enjoy the sea views from Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, and finally head outdoors with Inasa Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Former Taisha Station, get your bearings at Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, then explore the activities along Shinji Lake, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Yaegaki Shrine, and finally admire the masterpieces at Shimane Art Museum.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Izumo online trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Kyoto to Izumo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly 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.

On the 28th (Sat), head outdoors with Yakusugi Land. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: delve into the lush surroundings at Shakunagenomori Park, take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall, then trek along Seibu Trail, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Nagata Inakahama.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Yakushima-cho itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Izumo to Yakushima-cho takes 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 30°C and lows of 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can 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.

Visiting Kunimigaoka and Daikanbo Overlook will get you outdoors. Amano Yasugawara and Takachiho Shrine are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Takachiho-cho's surroundings by going to Kusasenrigahama (in Aso), Kikuchi Gorge (in Kikuchi) and Ruins of Oka Castle National Historic Site (in Taketa). The adventure continues: snap pictures at Tsujun Bridge, explore the stunning scenery at Takachiho Gorge, admire the sheer force of Manai Falls, and soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens.

To see reviews, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read our Takachiho-cho trip maker app.

Traveling by combination of ferry, train, and car from Yakushima-cho to Takachiho-cho takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of flight and bus. Traveling from Yakushima-cho in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Takachiho-cho, with lows of 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time to travel to Onna-son.

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Katsuren Castle Ruins and The Tower of Himeyuri. Do some cultural sightseeing at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and Himeyuri Peace Museum. Get out of town with these interesting Onna-son side-trips: Nanjo (Ojima Island, Kudakajima Island, &more), Cape Zampa (in Yomitan-son) and Toyosaki Kaihin Koen (in Tomigusuku). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Okuma Beach, get outside with Kouri Beach, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, and cool off at Busena Beach.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Onna-son road trip planning website.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Takachiho-cho to Onna-son in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus, train, and flight. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Takachiho-cho in November: high temperatures in Onna-son hover around 28°C and lows are around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Visit Sunayama Beach and Sawada no hama Beach for some beach relaxation. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Aragusuku Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. And it doesn't end there: explore the gorgeous colors at Yabiji, head outdoors with Toguchi no Hama, snap pictures at Ikema Ohashi Bridge, and head off the coast to Irabu-jima Island.

To see photos, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip planner.

Getting from Onna-son to Miyakojima by combination of bus and flight takes about 4 hours. Traveling from Onna-son in November, plan for a bit warmer nights in Miyakojima, with lows around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to travel to Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

Step out of the city life by going to Iriomote Island and Kayaking & Canoeing. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Pinaisara Falls and Ida no Hama Beach. There's still lots to do: head off the coast to Barasu Island, skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, kick back and relax at Hoshisuna Beach, and head outdoors with Shirahama Port.

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

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Miyakojima to Iriomote-jima takes 4 hours. November in Iriomote-jima sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to ride a ferry 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.

You'll get in some beach time at Kondoi Beach and Fuki Beach. Get outdoors at Yonehara Beach and Nosoko Mape. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ishigaki: Hamashima In Leaf (in Taketomi-jima), Kohama-jima (Hama-jima Island (The Phantom Island), Ubutaki Lookouts, &more) and Kuro-shima (Nakamoto Beach & Kuroshima V-Gorge). Spend 23rd (Thu) immersed in the deep blue with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour. And it doesn't end there: visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, stop by Iko Pier, Head underground at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave, and don't miss a visit to Rhizophoraceae Plant Community of Fukidogawa River.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read our Ishigaki journey planner.

Getting from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki by ferry takes about 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in November, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.