18 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.

Meigetsuin (Hydrangea Temple) and Ueno are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore hidden gems such as teamLab Planets TOKYO and Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple). Change things up with a short trip to Kencho-ji Temple in Kamakura (about 1h 15 min away). And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Odaiba, take in the spiritual surroundings of Asakusa Shrine, explore the world behind art at Nezu Museum, and don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

For other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Tokyo planning tool .

Kuwait City, Kuwait to Tokyo is an approximately 18-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Arabia Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 6 hours. While traveling from Kuwait City, expect much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Tokyo, ranging from highs of 36°C to lows of 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) early enough to take a 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.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, then wander the streets of Gion, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kennin-ji Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Mimurotoji Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Shimogamo Jinja, then get to know the fascinating history of Hieizan Enryaku-ji Temple, and finally take a stroll through Pontocho.

To find ratings, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Kyoto tour itinerary planner .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In July, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sat) early enough to 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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like JMSDF Kure Museum and Itsukushima Shrine Torii. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Mitaki Temple and Mikasahama Beach. Step out of Hiroshima to go to Hatsukaichi and see Itsukushima Shrine, which is approximately 58 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, pause for some photo ops at Peace Flame, contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read Hiroshima driving holiday planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in July, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Haemida Beach, then steep yourself in history at Wasurenaishi, then kick back and relax at Hoshisuna Beach, and finally kick back and relax at Todomari Beach. On the next day, take in the dramatic scenery at Nara no Taki Falls, look for all kinds of wild species at Nakama-river Protected Region, and then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

For more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Iriomote-jima trip itinerary maker site .

The Route module can help you plan travel from Hiroshima to Iriomote-jima. Traveling from Hiroshima in July, plan for a bit warmer nights in Iriomote-jima, with lows around 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) so you can ride a ferry to Miyakojima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): explore the ancient world of Ninto zeiseki, examine the collection at Yukishio Museum, examine the collection at Miyakojima City Museum, see the interesting displays at Underground Dam Museum, then take some stellar pictures from Uipya Road Park, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Nagamahama Beach Coast. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Miyakojima City Traditional Crafts Center, examine the collection at Miyakojima Sea Treasure Museum, enjoy the sand and surf at Yonaha Maehama Beach, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Harimizu Utaki, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Miyako Shrine.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip itinerary builder website .

You can ride a ferry from Iriomote-jima to Miyakojima in 4 hours. July in Miyakojima sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 31°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) 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 20th (Mon): get outside with Kondoi Beach, appreciate the extensive heritage of Island Countryside Settlement, then enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Tamatorizaki Observatory. On the 21st (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Hairumubushi Beach, then see the interesting displays at Nawa Insect Museum Haimurubushi, and then kick back and relax at Kubazaki Beach.

Plan a Ishigaki trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Getting from Miyakojima to Ishigaki by flight takes about 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in July, and nighttime lows around 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel back home.