12 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

On the 28th (Sun), tour the pleasant surroundings at Nagasaki Peace Park, examine the collection at Nagasaki Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, get engrossed in the history at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, then explore the world behind art at Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, then take in nature's colorful creations at Glover Garden, and finally see the interesting displays at Nagasaki Shipyard Museum. On the 29th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Endo Shusaku Literary Museum, steep yourself in history at Nyokodo, Nagai Takashi Museum, steep yourself in history at Suwa Shrine, then take an in-depth tour of Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catholic Nakamachi Church.

To see reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read Nagasaki travel planner.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Nagasaki is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Malaysia Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. In July, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Aratate Shrine, take in the dramatic scenery at Manai Falls, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kaguraden, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Kunimigaoka. On the 31st (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the spiritual surroundings of Heitate Shrine, make a trip to Shirakawa Springs, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Amanomanai, and finally take in breathtaking views at Takachiho Gorge.

To find ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Takachiho-cho trip planner.

Traveling by car from Nagasaki to Takachiho-cho takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 35°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to go by car to Kokonoe-machi.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Thu): make a trip to Ikeyama Springs, take in the dramatic scenery at Nabegataki Falls, and then indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens. Here are some ideas for day two: get great views at Senomoto Kogen and then identify plant and animal life at Yabakei.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Kokonoe-machi trip itinerary site.

Drive from Takachiho-cho to Kokonoe-machi in 2 hours. In July, daytime highs in Kokonoe-machi are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to travel 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.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): examine the collection at The Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center and then trek along Yakusugi Land. Keep things going the next day: take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Miyanouradake and then enjoy the sand and surf at Nagata Inakahama.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Yakushima-cho online route planner.

You can drive from Kokonoe-machi to Yakushima-cho in 10 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in August, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sun) so you can travel 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.

On the 5th (Mon), see the interesting displays at Kyushu Railway History Museum, then learn more about the world around you at Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hakozaki Shrine. On the 6th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: steep yourself in history at Nanzoin, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Miyajidake Shrine, then get to know the fascinating history of Yoshinogari Historical Park, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Tochoji Temple.

To see ratings, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Fukuoka road trip tool.

Traveling by flight from Yakushima-cho to Fukuoka takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and train; or do a combination of ferry and car. In August, daily temperatures in Fukuoka can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.