24 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Tue): get engrossed in the history at Ishigaki Yaima Village, kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach, and then visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Yurateiku Market, tour the pleasant surroundings at Kaiji Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach.

To see maps, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Ishigaki trip itinerary site.

Adelaide, Australia to Ishigaki is an approximately 22.5-hour flight. You'll gain 0.5 hours traveling from Adelaide to Ishigaki due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Adelaide, expect a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Ishigaki, ranging from highs of 24°C to lows of 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Miyakojima.

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Sunayama Beach and Irabu Ohashi. Take a break from the city and head to Scuba & Snorkeling and Yonaha Maehama Beach. There's lots more to do: step off the mainland to explore Kouri Island, browse the eclectic array of goods at Atarasu Ichiba, explore the activities along Toriike Pond, and enjoy the sand and surf at Aragusuku Beach.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima tour itinerary maker website.

Getting from Ishigaki to Miyakojima by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 24°C in January, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can catch the flight to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): browse the eclectic array of goods at Hakodate Morning Market, stop by Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, then contemplate the long history of The Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Motomachi.

To find ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Hakodate day trip site.

Fly from Miyakojima to Hakodate in 7.5 hours. In February, Hakodate is colder than Miyakojima - with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough to fly to Kochi.

The port city of Kochi has a rich and varied history that has left its mark on the look and feel of the urban area.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Kochi Castle, then hunt for treasures at Sunday Market, then look for gifts at Tosa Select Shop Tencosu, and finally pick up some local products at Hirome Ichiba. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Kure Taisho-machi Market, then get engrossed in the history at Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Katsura Hama.

For reviews, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Kochi tour planning site.

You can fly from Hakodate to Kochi in 6 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry, bus, and train. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Hakodate in February; daily highs in Kochi reach 13°C and lows reach 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Matsue.

Matsue sits on the banks of the Ohashi-gawa river, channeling its waters through a series of canals and rivers that add much to the scenic aspect of the urban area.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Wed): contemplate the waterfront views at Shinji Lake, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, then take in nature's colorful creations at Adachi Museum of Art, and finally make a trip to The Mizuki Shigeru Road. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: explore the historical opulence of Matsue Castle, explore the world behind art at Shimane Art Museum, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yaegaki Shrine, then contemplate the long history of Former Taisha Station, and finally get engrossed in the history at Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo.

To find reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Matsue day trip planning tool.

Getting from Kochi to Matsue by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: fly; or take a train. Traveling from Kochi in February, expect nights in Matsue to be about the same, around 1°C, while days are slightly colder, around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Hiroshima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Fri): see the interesting displays at JMSDF Kure Museum, admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, and then examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: step off the mainland to explore Miyajima, then see the interesting displays at Yamato Museum, then contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and finally get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Hiroshima trip itinerary app.

Drive from Matsue to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In February, daily temperatures in Hiroshima can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Kyoto: Dotombori District (in Dotombori) and Minami (Namba) (in Namba). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Toji, visit Gion, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and contemplate the long history of Tofuku-ji Temple.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Kyoto online road trip planner.

Take a train from Hiroshima to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in February, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) to allow 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.

Daihonzan Eihei-ji Temple and Shima will appeal to history buffs. Explore hidden gems such as Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory and Oyama Shrine. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kanazawa: Gokayama (in Nanto), Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (in Katsuyama) and Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen (in Shirakawa-mura). And it doesn't end there: enjoy the sand and surf at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, contemplate the long history of Nomura Family Samurai House, and browse the different shops at Kanazawa Hyakubangai Shopping Center.

To see photos, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Kanazawa online itinerary planner.

Drive from Kyoto to Kanazawa in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Traveling from Kyoto in February, you will find days in Kanazawa are little chillier (7°C), and nights are about the same (0°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) so you can catch the flight 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.

For shopping fun, head to Yokohama Minato Mirai 21 or Takeshita Street. Explore hidden gems such as Tokyo National Museum and Samurai Museum. Change things up with a short trip to Ghibli Museum Mitaka in Mitaka (about 40 minutes away). There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, buy something for everyone on your list at Ikspiari, and admire the landmark architecture of Imperial Palace.

To see other places to visit and other tourist information, read Tokyo travel route planner.

You can fly from Kanazawa to Tokyo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. While traveling from Kanazawa, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Tokyo, ranging from highs of 12°C to lows of 2°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) so you can catch the flight back home.