20 days in Japan Itinerary

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

Get some historical perspective at Itsukushima Shrine and Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Daishoin Temple and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mitaki Temple, step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, pause for some photo ops at Peace Bell, and take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Hiroshima trip planner.

Berlin, Germany to Hiroshima is an approximately 18.5-hour combination of flight and train. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Berlin to Hiroshima due to the time zone difference. In April in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Start off your visit on the 7th (Wed): enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, step off the mainland to explore Shimojiiima Island, get interesting insight from Tours, then head outdoors with Sunayama Beach, and finally go for a walk through Nishihenna Cape. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to East Henna Cape, head outdoors with Aragusuku Beach, snap pictures at Ikema Ohashi Bridge, then take in the views from Irabu Ohashi, and finally explore the gorgeous colors at Yabiji.

To see maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Miyakojima online trip itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Miyakojima in 5 hours. Another option is to fly. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Hiroshima in April; daily highs in Miyakojima reach 29°C and lows reach 23°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Cape Hirakubozaki and Island Countryside Settlement. Step off the beaten path and head to Kondoi Beach and Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour. There's lots more to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach, explore the activities along Kabira Bay, don't miss a visit to Rhizophoraceae Plant Community of Fukidogawa River, and explore the fascinating underground world of Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Ishigaki travel planner.

Fly from Miyakojima to Ishigaki in 2.5 hours. In April in Ishigaki, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

Start off your visit on the 12th (Mon): admire the sheer force of Pinaisara Falls, enjoy the sand and surf at Hoshisuna Beach, then step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island, and finally glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area. Here are some ideas for day two: take a memorable tour with Tours.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Iriomote-jima day trip planning site.

Ride a ferry from Ishigaki to Iriomote-jima in 2 hours. In April in Iriomote-jima, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 24°C at night. On the 13th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Koya-cho.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Wed): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Koyasan Danjo Garan, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kongobu-ji Temple, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Koya, then stroll the grounds of Koyasan Okunoin, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kodai-in Temple.

For more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Koya-cho trip planning website.

Traveling by combination of ferry, flight, and train from Iriomote-jima to Koya-cho takes 8.5 hours. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Iriomote-jima in April, with highs in Koya-cho at 20°C and lows at 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Head to Dotombori District and Naniwa Meibutsu Ichibirian Dotomborifor plenty of shopping. Your inner history buff will appreciate Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Osaka Castle. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kodai-ji Temple, contemplate the long history of Heian Shrine, wander the streets of Pontocho District, and make a trip to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

For maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto tour itinerary planner.

Drive from Koya-cho to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or take a train. In April in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 11°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can 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.

Zojo-ji Temple and Senso-ji Temple are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Discover out-of-the-way places like Nezu Shrine and Tokyo National Museum. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, visit Odaiba District, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, and take a stroll through Ginza.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo itinerary maker site.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.