Start: Melbourne
Fly
1
Naha
— 5 nights
Fly
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Ishigaki
— 6 nights
Fly
3
Fukuoka
— 5 nights
Train
4
Hiroshima
— 5 nights
Train
5
Osaka
— 6 nights
Drive
6
Kyoto
— 6 nights
Train
7
Nagoya
— 5 nights
Drive
8
Kanazawa
— 4 nights
Train
9
Nikko
— 4 nights
Drive
10
Hakone-machi
— 5 nights
Drive
11
Tokyo
— 8 nights
Fly
End: Melbourne
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Naha
— 5 nights

Capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom
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.You'll find plenty of places to visit near Naha: Motobu-cho (Okichan Theater, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, &more), Onna-son (Scuba & Snorkeling & Cape Manzamo) and Nanjo (Apeman Spa, Sefa-Utaki, &more). There's lots more to do: get to know the fascinating history of Shurijo Castle, relax in the rural setting at Aiai Farm, admire the verdant scenery at Valley of Gangala, and contemplate the long history of Nakijin Castle Ruins.
For more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Naha road trip planning tool.
Melbourne, Australia to Naha is an approximately 16-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Melbourne to Naha. Traveling from Melbourne in March, expect nights in Naha to be somewhat warmer, around 19°C, while days are slightly colder, around 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to travel to Ishigaki.
Things to do in Naha
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 15 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
Ishigaki
— 6 nights

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, historic sites, and beaches. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: see some colorful creatures with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour, look for gifts at Pinion Direct Shop, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and stop by Ishigaki Port Ritoh Terminal.
To see reviews, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Ishigaki day trip planner.
Traveling by flight from Naha to Ishigaki takes 3.5 hours. In March, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 21°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to travel to Fukuoka.
Things to do in Ishigaki
Side Trip
Find places to stay Mar 20 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Fukuoka
— 5 nights

City of Yatai
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.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Fukuoka: Dazaifu (Komyozen-ji Temple, Dazaifu Tenman-gu, &more), Nanzoin (in Sasaguri-machi) and Nakanoahima Park (in Nakagawa). There's still lots to do: admire the masterpieces at Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, buy something for everyone on your list at Tenjin Underground Shopping Center, walk around Hirabaru Historical Park, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kushida Shrine.
Plan trip to Fukuoka with our itinerary maker to find out where to go and what to do.
Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Fukuoka takes 4 hours. While traveling from Ishigaki, expect little chillier days and cooler nights in Fukuoka, ranging from highs of 17°C to lows of 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) to allow time to take a train to Hiroshima.
Things to do in Fukuoka
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 26 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
Hiroshima
— 5 nights

City of Peace
Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.Change things up with these side-trips from Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Gekijyo, Miyajima, &more) and Kurashiki (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Ohara Museum of Art, &more). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden, and explore the activities along Motoyasu River.
For other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Hiroshima trip itinerary planning site.
Traveling by train from Fukuoka to Hiroshima takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 16°C in March, and nighttime lows around 6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel to Osaka.
Things to do in Hiroshima
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 31 — Apr 5:
Highlights from your trip
Osaka
— 6 nights

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.Venture out of the city with trips to Himeji (Koko-en & Himeji Castle), Yoneda Taishiji Temple (in Takasago) and Nara (Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, Kofuku-ji Temple, &more). There's lots more to do: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, make a trip to Osaka Nohgaku Hall, and see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum.
To find reviews, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Osaka trip planner.
Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Osaka takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In April, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to drive to Kyoto.
Things to do in Osaka
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 5 — 11:
Highlights from your trip
Kyoto
— 6 nights

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.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kyoto: Todai-ji Temple (in Nara) and Jindoji Temple (in Kizugawa). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ryoanji Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and stop by Gion.
Discover how to plan a Kyoto trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.
You can drive from Osaka to Kyoto in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can catch the train to Nagoya.
Things to do in Kyoto
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 11 — 17:
Highlights from your trip
Nagoya
— 5 nights

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.Explore Nagoya's surroundings by going to Chubu Park (in Toin-cho), Nabana no Sato (in Kuwana) and Yume Utsutsu (in Tsu). Next up on the itinerary: step into the grandiose world of Nagoya Castle, make a trip to Okage Yokocho, stop by Nisshin Civic Hall, and admire the masterpieces at Tokugawa Art Museum.
For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Nagoya online road trip planner.
You can take a train from Kyoto to Nagoya in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler weather when traveling from Kyoto in April: highs in Nagoya hover around 19°C, while lows dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Thu) so you can drive to Kanazawa.
Things to do in Nagoya
Side Trips
Ise, Cherry Trees along the Gojo River bank, Chiryu City History Folk Museum, Nisshin Civic Hall, Chubu Park
Find places to stay Apr 17 — 22:
Highlights from your trip
Kanazawa
— 4 nights

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kanazawa: Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, &more) and Takayama (Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato), Hida Takayama Museum of Art, &more). There's still lots to do: walk around Kenrokuen Garden, wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, make a trip to Neagarimatsu, and step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle.
For traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa online holiday planner.
Getting from Nagoya to Kanazawa by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Nagoya in April, expect slightly colder with lows of 8°C in Kanazawa. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a train to Nikko.
Things to do in Kanazawa
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 22 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Nikko
— 4 nights

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.Get out of town with these interesting Nikko side-trips: Kichijo-ji Temple (in Kawaba-mura), Lake Konuma (in Maebashi) and Katashina-mura (Oze Plant Research Specimen Garden & White World Oze Iwakura). Spend the 28th (Wed) wandering through the wild on Nikko Base. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Nikko Tosho-gu, contemplate the long history of Taiyuimbyo Shrine, explore the activities along Lake Chuzenji, and admire the sheer force of Kegon Falls.
To find maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read Nikko online trip itinerary planner.
You can take a train from Kanazawa to Nikko in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Kanazawa in April since evenings lows in Nikko dip to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can go by car to Hakone-machi.
Things to do in Nikko
Side Trips
Find places to stay Apr 26 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
Hakone-machi
— 5 nights

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hakone-machi: Fujiyoshida (Arakurayama Sengen Park, Chureito Pagoda, &more), Fujinomiya (Fujisan-cho Post Office & Kusushi Shrine) and Lake Kawaguchi (in Fujikawaguchiko-machi). Spend the 2nd (Sun) exploring nature at Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. There's much more to do: contemplate the geological forces at Mount Fuji, make a trip to Owaku-dani Valley, admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, and learn more about the world around you at Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History.
For maps, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Hakone-machi online trip builder.
You can drive from Nikko to Hakone-machi in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and bus; or do a combination of train and bus. While traveling from Nikko, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Hakone-machi, ranging from highs of 15°C to lows of 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to drive to Tokyo.
Things to do in Hakone-machi
Side Trips
Fujiyoshida, Fujinomiya, Makuyama Park, Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Natural History, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Find places to stay Apr 30 — May 5:
Highlights from your trip
Tokyo
— 8 nights

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.Go for a jaunt from Tokyo to Maihama to see Tokyo DisneySea about 40 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, walk around Ueno Park, make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, and ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings.
For where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Tokyo road trip planner.
Traveling by car from Hakone-machi to Tokyo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. While traveling from Hakone-machi, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Tokyo, ranging from highs of 28°C to lows of 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can travel back home.
Things to do in Tokyo
Side Trip
Find places to stay May 5 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Japan travel guide
Land of the Rising Sun
Part of a volcanic archipelago that encompasses over 6,800 islands, Japan remains one of Asia's most fascinating tourist destinations, where a blend of modernity and tradition creates a look and feel completely different from any other place in the world. A tour of Japan lets you discover big cities filled with ancient temples and innovative skyscrapers, as well as quiet country landscapes dotted with castles, perfectly manicured gardens, cherry orchards, and primeval forests seemingly untouched by the hand of mass tourism. Many tourists on vacation in Japan devote lots of time to the country's unique cuisine, prepared with painstaking attention to detail and a genius for simple yet effective presentation.