45 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tokyo: The Hakone Open-Air Museum (in Hakone-machi) and Tokyo DisneySea (in Maihama). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, take a stroll through Odaiba, and get a sense of history and politics at Imperial Palace.

To find maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Tokyo online travel route planner .

Lisbon, Portugal to Tokyo is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from Lisbon to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Lisbon in January, expect Tokyo to be a bit cooler, temps between 11°C and 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Explore Kanazawa's surroundings by going to Ryokufu Resort Hida Nagareha (in Hida), Shirakawa-mura (Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, & more) and Takayama (Hirata Folk Art Museum (Hirata Kinen-kan), Hida Folk Archeological Museum (Hida Minzoku Kokokan), & more). There's lots more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, make a trip to Omicho Market, steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, and admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kanazawa trip planning app .

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Tokyo in January: highs in Kanazawa hover around 7°C, while lows dip to 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Universal Studios Japan (in Konohana), Osaka (Osaka Castle & Dotonbori) and Todai-ji Temple (in Nara). And it doesn't end there: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, get a taste of the local shopping with Nishiki Market Shopping District, take in the pleasant sights at Arashiyama, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple.

To find more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip itinerary site .

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Kyoto are 10°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to take a train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Himeji: Takeda Teramachi Street (in Asago), Daisen Outlook (in Mimasaka) and Yabu (Tarumino Ozakura & Wakasu Kogen Oya Ski Area). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Himeji Castle, take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Takamikura, take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en, and stroll around Kunimi no Mori Park.

For maps, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Himeji vacation planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Himeji takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 10°C, and evening lows to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Mizuho Highland (in Ohnan-cho), Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima, & more) and Mt. Misen (in Miyajima). There's lots more to do: see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Fukuyama University Marine Biocenter Aquarium, pause for some photo ops at Children's Peace Monument, and make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

For traveler tips, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planner .

Traveling by train from Himeji to Hiroshima takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. February in Hiroshima sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Kagoshima.

Kagoshima sits across the bay from Sakurajima, an active volcano that serves as a symbol of the city and works its way into many aspects of life here.

Get out of town with these interesting Kagoshima side-trips: Dolphin Park (in Kushima), Ibusuki (Mt. Kaimondake & Onsen Resorts) and Kirishima Shrine (in Kirishima). There's still lots to do: take in the pleasant sights at Sengan-en, brush up on your military savvy at Chiran Peace Museum, walk around Sebira Park, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Chiran Heiwa Park.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Kagoshima online travel route planner .

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Kagoshima in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and flight; or drive. In February, daily temperatures in Kagoshima can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) to allow time to take a train to Nagasaki.

The hilly port city of Nagasaki has become known internationally as one of the two Japanese cities to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the close of World War II.

Get out of town with these interesting Nagasaki side-trips: Sasebo (Huis Ten Bosch & Mt. Yumihari). The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, contemplate the long history of Glover Garden, stroll around Nagasaki Peace Park, and examine the collection at Dejima.

For reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Nagasaki itinerary maker site .

Traveling by train from Kagoshima to Nagasaki takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or take a bus. February in Nagasaki sees daily highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can travel to Naha.

Naha, the capital of Okinawa, has deep roots: Stone Age relics have been found in the city, and through the Middle Ages it rose in importance in the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Get out of town with these interesting Naha side-trips: Nakijin-son (Aiai Farm, Kouri Ohashi, & more), Motobu-cho (Okichan Theater, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, & more) and Sefa-Utaki (in Nanjo). Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Shurijo Castle, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, explore the striking landscape at Cape Manzamo, and get your game on at Ryuso Studio Chura Bijin.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Naha holiday app .

You can fly from Nagasaki to Naha in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train and ferry. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Nagasaki in February; daily highs in Naha reach 22°C and lows reach 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (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.

Ishigaki is known for nature, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the waterfront views at Kabira Bay, take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory, find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and walk around Kabira Park.

To find maps, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Ishigaki trip planner .

Traveling by flight from Naha to Ishigaki takes 3 hours. In February, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. On the 1st (Sun), you'll travel back home.