17 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.

Start off your visit on the 11th (Sat): make an unforgettable trip to Tokyo Disneyland, make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, and then stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Tokyo trip itinerary site .

Les Genevez, Switzerland to Tokyo is an approximately 20.5-hour combination of car and flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 8 hours traveling from Les Genevez to Tokyo. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Les Genevez in April; daily highs in Tokyo reach 22°C and lows reach 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Kamakura.

The coastal town of Kamakura sits close to Tokyo, with the ancient settlement featuring a number of important historical and cultural sites.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kōtoku-in and then steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple.

To find more things to do, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Kamakura road trip site .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kamakura takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in April, expect nights in Kamakura to be about the same, around 15°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to travel to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

On the 12th (Sun), don't miss a visit to Cedar Trees of Hakone Old Road.

To find traveler tips, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Hakone-machi day trip app .

Traveling by combination of train and bus from Kamakura to Hakone-machi takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In April in Hakone-machi, expect temperatures between 15°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Kanazawa.

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

On the 14th (Tue), make a trip to Omicho Market, make a trip to Kanazawa Higashi Chayagai Kaikaro, wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, explore the historical opulence of Kanazawa Castle, then take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, and finally admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. On your second day here, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, and then take a memorable drive along Chirihama Nagisa Driveway.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Kanazawa journey planner.

Traveling by train from Hakone-machi to Kanazawa takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. When traveling from Hakone-machi in April, plan for somewhat warmer days and a bit cooler nights in Kanazawa: temperatures range from 20°C by day to 8°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) early enough to 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.

Here are some ideas for day two: explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, then get to know the resident critters at Monkey Park Iwatayama, then see the interesting displays at Umekoji Steam Locomotive Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto online vacation planner .

Getting from Kanazawa to Kyoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Ujitawara-cho.

On the 18th (Sat), take in the spiritual surroundings of Jizozenin Temple, then make a trip to kaijyusenji Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Shoju-in, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sarumaru Shrine.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Ujitawara-cho road trip planner .

Getting from Kyoto to Ujitawara-cho by car takes about an hour. Traveling from Kyoto in April, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Ujitawara-cho, with lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

On the 18th (Sat), see the sky in a new way at Kamo Planetarium.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Nara journey maker website .

You can drive from Ujitawara-cho to Nara in an hour. In April in Nara, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Shirahama-cho.

A popular resort town with many hot springs and long, man-made white sand beaches, Shirahama-cho draws scores of tourists.

Kids will enjoy Adventure World and Shirarahama Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Shirahama-cho: Kuroshima Observatory (in Susami-cho) and Tanabe (Kisaikan Farmers Market, Cape Tenjin-zaki, & more). There's lots more to do: observe the fascinating underwater world at Shirahama Aquarium Kyoto University, head off the coast to Engetsuto, take some stellar pictures from Senjojiki, and explore the striking landscape at Sandambeki Rock Cliff.

For where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read Shirahama-cho tour website .

Getting from Nara to Shirahama-cho by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. April in Shirahama-cho sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Tue) to allow time to drive 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.

Kids will enjoy Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Venture out of the city with trips to Himeji (Koko-en & Himeji Castle). The adventure continues: step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, get your game on at Sunset Owl Cafe, take a stroll through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, and get a taste of the local shopping with Dotonbori.

To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Osaka trip tool .

Traveling by car from Shirahama-cho to Osaka takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a bit cooler evenings in Osaka when traveling from Shirahama-cho in April, with lows around 12°C. You will have some time to spend on the 25th (Sat) before leaving for home.