32 days in Japan Itinerary

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 1st (Wed): make a trip to Kōtoku-in, steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple, then make a trip to Kamakura Komachidori, and finally contemplate the long history of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

To find traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, read Kamakura vacation planner.

London, UK to Kamakura is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from Greenwich Mean Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 9 hour difference. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from London in August: highs in Kamakura hover around 31°C, while lows dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time to drive to Hakone-machi.

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

Step out of Hakone-machi with an excursion to Atami Sun Beach in Atami--about 34 minutes away. There's lots more to do: get impressive views of Mount Fuji, make a trip to Owaku-dani Valley, take some stellar pictures from Hakone Ropeway, and indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Hakone-machi trip maker tool.

Traveling by car from Kamakura to Hakone-machi takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 29°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Yamanouchi-machi.

The resort town of Yamanouchi-machi has plenty of contrasting, but complementary things going for it.

On the 6th (Mon), soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens and then identify plant and animal life at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

To find ratings, photos, reviews, and tourist information, use the Yamanouchi-machi trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Hakone-machi to Yamanouchi-machi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Hakone-machi in August, you will find days in Yamanouchi-machi are somewhat warmer (34°C), and nights are about the same (26°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (in Hakui) and Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory, &more). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, and step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle.

For reviews, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Kanazawa online driving holiday planner.

Do a combination of taxi and train from Yamanouchi-machi to Kanazawa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In August, daytime highs in Kanazawa are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) so you can 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Universal Studios Japan (in Osaka) and Dotombori District (in Dotombori). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and wander the streets of Gion.

To see ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto road trip tool.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. When traveling from Kanazawa in August, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Kyoto: temperatures range from 39°C by day to 29°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Yakushima-cho.

A popular destination for Japanese tourists, Kumage-gun Yakushima-cho is a true paradise for nature lovers, with over 1,900 species and subspecies of plants.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Thu): don't miss a visit to Wilson Stump, then don't miss a visit to Taikoiwa, and then explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley. On the next day, make a trip to Jōmon Sugi and then get outside with Isso Beach.

To find ratings, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read our Yakushima-cho tour itinerary builder.

Fly from Kyoto to Yakushima-cho in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. When traveling from Kyoto in August, plan for little chillier days in Yakushima-cho, with highs around 36°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 28°C. You will leave for Wakayama on the 18th (Sat).

Split into two parts by the Kinokawa River, the city of Wakayama stands nestled in the eponymous plain, overlooked by a historic hilltop castle that was rebuilt after World War II.

On the 19th (Sun), explore the historical opulence of Wakayama Castle, browse the eclectic array of goods at Kuroshio Market, and then find something for the whole family at Porto Europe. Keep things going the next day: stop by Kanku Observation Hall Sky View and then get some fabulous bargains at Rinku Premium Outlets.

You can plan Wakayama trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

Getting from Yakushima-cho to Wakayama by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and train; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. In August, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Mon) to allow time to take a train to Hiroshima.

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine & Miyajima). There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, pause for some photo ops at The Cenotaph, and take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Hiroshima journey planner.

Traveling by train from Wakayama to Hiroshima takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and ferry. In August, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can travel to Aomori.

Facing Mutsu Bay on the northernmost tip of Honshu, Aomori is a bustling regional capital known for its fresh seafood and modern architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Fri): explore the ancient world of Sannai-Maruyama Site and then admire the striking features of Aomori Prefecture Tourist Centerl ASPAM.

To find maps, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read Aomori trip tool.

Getting from Hiroshima to Aomori by combination of train, bus, and flight takes about 6.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Hiroshima in August; daily highs in Aomori reach 30°C and lows reach 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) early enough to catch the train 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Tokyo side-trips: Maihama (Tokyo DisneySea & Tokyo Disneyland). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Skytree, take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, and ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Tokyo online journey planner.

Traveling by train from Aomori to Tokyo takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In August, Tokyo is somewhat warmer than Aomori - with highs of 36°C and lows of 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.