11 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Fri): make a trip to Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and then wander the streets of Dotombori District. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kofuku-ji Temple, then stroll around Nara Park, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nigatsu-do Temple.

To find maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Osaka attractions planner.

Manchester, UK to Osaka is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 9 hour difference. Traveling from Manchester in April, things will get somewhat warmer in Osaka: highs are around 23°C and lows about 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Nanzen-ji Temple and Pontocho District. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Heian Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toji, go for a walk through Gion, and step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle.

Make your Kyoto itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Traveling by car from Osaka to Kyoto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Kyoto can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Tue) so you can 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.

On the 21st (Wed), admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then pause for some photo ops at Peace Bell, then contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

For more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Hiroshima trip maker tool.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. April in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to travel to Miyakojima.

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

On the 22nd (Thu), see the vivid underwater world at Yabiji, take in the views from Irabu Ohashi, then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then step off the mainland to explore Shimojiiima Island, and finally kick back and relax at Toguchi no Hama. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri): make a trip to East Henna Cape, kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, then snap pictures at Kurima Bridge, then snap pictures at Ikema Ohashi Bridge, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Sunayama Beach.

For more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Miyakojima takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Hiroshima in April: high temperatures in Miyakojima hover around 29°C and lows are around 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Fri) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, then enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Ishigaki attractions planning app.

Getting from Miyakojima to Ishigaki by flight takes about 2.5 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 24°C. You will have some time to spend on the 25th (Sun) before leaving for home.