23 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Hiroshima: Kintaikyo Bridge (in Iwakuni) and Hatsukaichi (Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine, & more). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, pause for some photo ops at Children's Peace Monument, contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, and explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle.

For photos, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Hiroshima online holiday planner .

Trieste, Italy to Hiroshima is an approximately 26-hour combination of flight and car. The time zone changes from Central European Time (CET) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually an 8 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Hiroshima when traveling from Trieste in August, with lows around 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can 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.

Explore Osaka's surroundings by going to Himeji (Koko-en Garden & Himeji Castle), Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (in Chuo) and Koya-cho (Torodo Temple, Koyasan Okunoin, & more). The adventure continues: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, take a stroll through Dotonbori, and take in panoramic vistas at Kuchu Teien Observatory.

To find other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read our Osaka trip planner .

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Osaka in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In August, plan for daily highs up to 39°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) to allow time to take a train 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Nara: Byodoin (in Uji), Kusuri no Yakata (in Uda) and Ise Grand Shrine (in Ise). There's much more to do: appreciate the history behind Todai-ji Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kasuga Grand Shrine, explore the activities along Saho River, and get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Nara day trip planning tool .

Take a train from Osaka to Nara in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In August, daytime highs in Nara are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 32°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) so you can 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.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, shopping, classes, parks, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, take a stroll through Gion, and take in the pleasant sights at Arashiyama.

To see where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto driving holiday planning app .

Getting from Nara to Kyoto by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and subway. August in Kyoto sees daily highs of 39°C and lows of 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough 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.

Take a break from Tokyo with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama, about 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sensō-ji, see the interesting displays at Edo-Tokyo Museum, and enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree.

Plan my trip to Tokyo with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In August, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.