60 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.

Head to Minato Mirai 21 and Asakusafor some retail therapy. Explore hidden gems such as Hase-dera Temple and Samurai Museum. Explore Tokyo's surroundings by going to Ghibli Museum Mitaka (in Mitaka), Sojiji (in Nishitokyo) and Kōtoku-in (in Kamakura). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Tokyo National Museum, get a taste of the local shopping with Takeshita Street, examine the collection at Edo-Tokyo Museum, and admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower.

To find other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, use the Tokyo trip itinerary planning site .

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam to Tokyo is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Bandar Seri Begawan to Tokyo is 1 hour. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Bandar Seri Begawan in September; daily highs in Tokyo reach 32°C and lows reach 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Wed) to allow enough time to take a train to Nikko.

A gateway to a sprawling and diverse national park, a center of Shinto spiritualism and place of Buddhist worship, an emblem of the riches and dominance of the Tokugawa shogunate: Nikko means many things to many people.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Haruna Shrine and Taiyuimbyo Shrine. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Oze National Park and Yudaki Falls. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Nikko: Fukuroda Falls (in Daigo-machi) and Oya Stone Museum (in Utsunomiya). There's lots more to do: take in the history at Senjogahara Field, take in the spiritual surroundings of Yakushido, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Chuzenji, and take in the dramatic natural features at Kammangafuchi Gorge.

To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Nikko sightseeing planning website .

Take a train from Tokyo to Nikko in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in October, you will find days in Nikko are a bit cooler (22°C), and nights are about the same (19°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Tatadohama Beach and Mount Omuro. Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Shirahama Beach and Kisami Ohama Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hakone-machi: Atami (Kamatsuru Himono Honten, Atami Ginzadori, Kinomiya Shrine, & more), Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine (in Fujinomiya) and Kawazu Nanadaru Waterfalls (in Kawazu-cho). There's much more to do: take in the exciting artwork at Pola Museum of Art, admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, contemplate the long history of Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu, and get impressive views of Mount Fuji.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Hakone-machi travel route planner .

Drive from Nikko to Hakone-machi in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a train. Traveling from Nikko in October, expect nights in Hakone-machi to be about the same, around 17°C, while days are little chillier, around 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can go by car to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Escape the urban bustle at Norikura Kogen (Highland) and Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Discover out-of-the-way places like Chihiro Art Museum Azumino and Suwa Shrine. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Matsumoto: Nagano (Old Mejima Residence & Togakushi Shrine Okusha), Hokusai-kan (in Obuse-machi) and Onsen Resorts (in Kusatsu-machi). And it doesn't end there: appreciate the extensive heritage of Higashiyama Walking Course, examine the collection at Takayama Showa Museum, admire the masterpieces at Matsumoto City Museum of Art, and admire the landmark architecture of Takayama Jinya.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Matsumoto trip itinerary builder app .

You can drive from Hakone-machi to Matsumoto in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Hakone-machi in October, expect little chillier with lows of 14°C in Matsumoto. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Daihonzan Eiheiji Temple and Kanda house. Discover out-of-the-way places like Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and Ainokura Gassho Community. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (in Katsuyama), Maruoka Castle (in Sakai) and Komatsu (Ishikawa Aviation Plaza & Natadera Temple). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Suganuma Gassho Community, make a trip to The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, admire the masterpieces at Toyama Glass Art Museum, and examine the collection at D. T. Suzuki Museum.

To find photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Kanazawa online tour itinerary planner .

You can drive from Matsumoto to Kanazawa in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, daytime highs in Kanazawa are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) early enough to 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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Hikone Castle and Toji. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Eikando Zenrinji Temple and Tenryuji Temple. Get out of town with these interesting Kyoto side-trips: Osaka (Dotonbori & Osaka Castle) and Todai-ji Temple (in Nara). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Tofuku-ji Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and take a stroll through Gion.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Kyoto trip planner .

Take a train from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 18°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Tue) so you can 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.

Explore hidden gems such as JMSDF Kure Museum and Itsukushima Shrine Torii. Get some historical perspective at Daishoin Temple and Atomic Bomb Dome. Venture out of the city with trips to Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Shrine, Senjokaku, & more) and Yamato Museum (in Kure). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, explore the world behind art at Hiroshima Museum of Art, make a trip to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle.

To see maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read Hiroshima travel route builder .

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Nagata Inakahama and Yakusugi Land. Get outdoors at Oko no Taki Fall and The Yakushima World Heritage Conservation Center. The adventure continues: explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley and don't miss a visit to Wilson Stump.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Yakushima-cho trip planner .

Traveling by combination of train, flight, and taxi from Hiroshima to Yakushima-cho takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, ferry, and taxi; or do a combination of car and ferry. Traveling from Hiroshima in November, expect Yakushima-cho to be somewhat warmer, temps between 24°C and 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) so you can travel to Takachiho-cho.

The mountain town of Takachiho-cho remains a place of great importance to Japan's spiritual and natural heritage, and the point where these two things intersect.

Visit Amano Iwato Shrine and Oka Castle Ruins for their historical value. Step off the beaten path and head to Takachiho Gorge and Daikanbo. Change things up with these side-trips from Takachiho-cho: Onsen Resorts (in Minamioguni-machi) and Kusasenri (in Aso). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Takachiho Shrine, get impressive views of Mt. Aso, and take in the pleasant sights at Amano Yasugawara.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Takachiho-cho day trip site .

You can do a combination of taxi, flight, and train from Yakushima-cho to Takachiho-cho in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, flight, and bus. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Yakushima-cho in November, with highs in Takachiho-cho at 19°C and lows at 10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Fri) 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 some historical perspective at Okinawa Peace Memorial Park and The Tower of Himeyuri. Relax by the water at Aka Beach and Aharen Beach. Venture out of the city with trips to Onna-son (Onna Station Nakayukui Market & Scuba & Snorkeling), Zamami-son (Furuzamami Beach & Nishibama Beach) and Tokashiku Beach (in Tokashiki-son). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Sefa-Utaki, step into the grandiose world of Nakagusuku Castle Ruins, appreciate the extensive heritage of Shurijo Castle, and pause for some serene contemplation at St. Clara Church.

For photos, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Naha trip planning website .

Traveling by flight from Takachiho-cho to Naha takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of train and flight. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from Takachiho-cho in November: highs in Naha hover around 29°C, while lows dip to 24°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) to allow enough time 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Nakamoto Beach and Yonehara Beach. Take a break from the city and head to Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kondoi Beach. When in Ishigaki, make a side trip to see Barasu Island in Iriomote-jima, approximately 1h 30 min away. And it doesn't end there: head outdoors with Cape Hirakubozaki, add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, enjoy breathtaking views from Tamatorizaki Observatory, and take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier.

For ratings, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Ishigaki trip planning tool .

Traveling by flight from Naha to Ishigaki takes 3 hours. In November in Ishigaki, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 25°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.

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

Visiting Scuba & Snorkeling and Aragusuku Beach will get you outdoors. Step off the beaten path and head to Yabiji and Yonaha Maehama Beach. There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, step off the mainland to explore Shimojiiima Island, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, and make a trip to Ikema Ohashi Bridge.

For maps, photos, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip itinerary builder site .

Getting from Ishigaki to Miyakojima by flight takes about 2 hours. In November in Miyakojima, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 24°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.