18 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Popular historic sites such as Nanzen-ji Temple and Toji are in your itinerary. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Tofuku-ji Temple and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Shimogamo Jinja, contemplate the long history of Ishibe Alley, take in the pleasant sights at Nanzenji Suirokaku, and indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink.

To see other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read Kyoto online journey builder.

Dallas, USA to Kyoto is an approximately 18.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 15 hours traveling from Dallas to Kyoto. When traveling from Dallas in November, plan for a bit cooler days in Kyoto, with highs around 62°F, while nights are about the same with lows around 48°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Tue) to allow enough 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.

On the 16th (Tue), take in the spiritual surroundings of Senko-ji Temple.

For where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Osaka trip builder website.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 63°F, while at night they dip to 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Kobe.

Walkable, small, and aesthetically charming, Kobe has served as Japan's first and premier international trading outpost since opening to trade with China in the mid-19th century.

To see ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Kobe trip planner.

You can drive from Osaka to Kobe in an hour. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Kobe are 62°F, while nighttime lows are 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Tokyo.

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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Nezu Shrine and Zojo-ji Temple. Get a sense of the local culture at Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple and Historic Old Town area in Sawara, Katori. The adventure continues: indulge in some personalized pampering at Waho-An NATURE Tokyo, take in the spiritual surroundings of Asakusa Shrine, see the interesting displays at Samurai Museum, and contemplate the long history of Jindai-ji Temple.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Tokyo trip simple and quick.

Fly from Kobe to Tokyo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In November, daytime highs in Tokyo are 62°F, while nighttime lows are 49°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Yokohama.

Once a small fishing town, Yokohama was one of the first ports to welcome foreign trade in the 19th century, after which it grew into Japan's second largest city and a bustling metropolis.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): get to know the fascinating history of Sankeien Gardens, take a stroll through Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, then contemplate the long history of Nipponmaru Memorial Park, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Kishamichi Promenade.

For more things to do, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, use the Yokohama driving holiday planner.

Drive from Tokyo to Yokohama in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. November in Yokohama sees daily highs of 61°F and lows of 51°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) to allow enough time to take a 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.

Get some cultural insight at Kencho-ji Temple and Kiunkaku. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Engaku-ji Temple and Hase-dera Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kamakura: Koma Sando (in Isehara) and Ubusuna Hachiman Shrine (in Yugawara-machi). There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple), contemplate the long history of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, and make a trip to Enoshima Sea Candle.

To find more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read Kamakura trip tool.

Take a train from Yokohama to Kamakura in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Yokohama in November, expect nights in Kamakura to be about the same, around 51°F, while days are little chillier, around 54°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) early enough 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.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Kasuga Grand Shrine and Toshodai-ji Temple. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Koyasan Okunoin and Koyasan Danjo Garan. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Nara: Horyu-ji Temple (in Ikaruga-cho), Kongobu-ji Temple (in Koya-cho) and Muroji Temple (in Uda). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Omiwa Shrine, pause for some serene contemplation at Yamato Koriyama Catholic Church, admire the landmark architecture of Nara National Museum, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Wakakusa.

To see where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Nara trip itinerary builder site.

You can do a combination of train and subway from Kamakura to Nara in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or fly. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Kamakura in November: highs in Nara hover around 62°F, while lows dip to 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sun) so you can travel back home.