14 days in Japan 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.

Head to Ginza and Asakusafor some retail therapy. Tokyo National Museum and Senso-ji Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, learn about all things military at Yushukan, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower.

To find maps, photos, and other tourist information, read Tokyo road trip site.

Sydney, Australia to Tokyo is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Sydney to Tokyo is minus 1 hour. In September, Tokyo is a bit warmer than Sydney - with highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) so you can travel 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.

Shop till you drop at Nishiki Market Shopping District and Nishijin Textile Center. Kids will enjoy Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji. There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ginkakuji Temple, look for gifts at Misuyabari, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

To see other places to visit, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto trip planner.

Take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 33°C in September, and nighttime lows around 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) so you can take a train to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, appreciate the history behind Monument of the Atomic Bomb Sacrifice Hiroshima, then contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, then take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. On the 5th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stop by Itsukushima Gekijyo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Itsukushima Shrine, and then examine the collection at Honkawa Peace Museum.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Hiroshima takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in October, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel 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.

Family-friendly places like Himeji Castle and Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum will thrill your kids. Get a sense of the local culture at Dotombori District and Osaka Castle. There's much more to do: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, take a stroll through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, and look for gifts at Naniwa Meibutsu Ichibirian Dotombori.

To find more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Osaka trip itinerary planning site.

Take a train from Hiroshima to Osaka in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In October, daytime highs in Osaka are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.