15 days in Kyoto, Hiroshima & Fukuoka Itinerary

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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Toji. Your inner history buff will appreciate Nijo Castle and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kennin-ji Temple, steep yourself in history at Ishibe Alley, and don't miss a visit to Sannenzaka Ninenzaka.

For photos, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Kyoto vacation maker.

Sydney, Australia to Kyoto is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Sydney in August, expect Kyoto to be much warmer, temps between 39°C and 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Hiroshima.

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

Do some cultural sightseeing at Daishoin Temple and Mitaki Temple. Senjokaku and Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima will appeal to history buffs. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Kure (Kure City Art Museum, JMSDF Kure Museum, &more) and Hatsukaichi (Seishin Tsurui, Araebisu Shrine, &more). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, appreciate the history behind Monument of the Atomic Bomb Sacrifice Hiroshima, and take in nature's colorful creations at Shukkei-en Garden.

To see photos, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Hiroshima tour itinerary app.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in August, and nighttime lows around 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can take a train to Fukuoka.

The largest city on the island, Fukuoka formed through the merger of two former cities that had grown up either side of the Naka River.

Get some cultural insight at Yoshinogari Historical Park and Kushida Shrine. Step off the beaten path and head to Miyajidake Shrine and Nanzoin. Venture out of the city with trips to Munakata Shrine (in Munakata), Sakurai Futamigaura (in Itoshima) and Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History (in Kitakyushu). The adventure continues: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yutoku Inari Shrine, get engrossed in the history at Hakata History Museum, and admire the striking features of Hakata Station.

For other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Fukuoka trip maker website.

Take a train from Hiroshima to Fukuoka in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, daytime highs in Fukuoka are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can travel back home.