21 days in Japan 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.

Get some historical perspective at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji. Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Dotonbori and Nishiki Market Shopping District. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kyoto: Osaka (Osaka Castle & Daimaru Museum Umeda). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, and explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle.

For other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Kyoto road trip app .

Seattle, USA to Kyoto is an approximately 16.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or do a combination of shuttle and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Seattle to Kyoto is 17 hours. March in Kyoto sees daily highs of 57°F and lows of 40°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to 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.

On the 28th (Sat), take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall, kick back and relax at Nagata Inakahama, and then explore the stunning scenery at Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley. Keep things going the next day: take in the awesome beauty at Tachudake and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Yakusugi Land.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read Yakushima-cho trip planning app .

Getting from Kyoto to Yakushima-cho by combination of bus, flight, and taxi takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train, ferry, and taxi; or do a combination of train, bus, ferry, and taxi. In March, Yakushima-cho is a bit warmer than Kyoto - with highs of 63°F and lows of 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Onna-son.

Located on the coast in the middle of the island, Onna-son has become known for its beaches and seaside economy.

Get outdoors at Scuba & Snorkeling and Cape Manzamo. Head to Onna Station Nakayukui Market and AEONMALL OKINAWA RYCOMfor some retail therapy. Change things up with these side-trips from Onna-son: Katsuren Castle Ruins (in Uruma), Sefa-Utaki (in Nanjo) and St. Clara Church (in Yonabaru-cho). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Nakijin Castle Ruins, observe the fascinating underwater world at Okichan Theater, appreciate the history behind Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and get outside with Okuma Beach.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Onna-son trip itinerary website .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Yakushima-cho to Onna-son takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and ferry; or do a combination of taxi, ferry, and bus. When traveling from Yakushima-cho in March, plan for somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Onna-son: temperatures range from 70°F by day to 57°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) to allow time to travel to Iriomote-jima.

Taketomicho Iriomote-Jima stands as the second largest island in Okinawa.

On the 2nd (Thu), glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, step off the mainland to explore Iriomote Island, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Pinaisara Falls. On the next day, tour the pleasant surroundings at Funauki Village, kick back and relax at Ida no Hama Beach, and then scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour.

For reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Iriomote-jima road trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Onna-son to Iriomote-jima. Traveling from Onna-son in April, plan for a bit warmer nights in Iriomote-jima, with lows around 70°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to ride a ferry 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.

On the 4th (Sat), find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, head outdoors with Yonehara Beach, then take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory, then enjoy the sea views from Cape Hirakubozaki, and finally Head underground at Ishigaki Island Limestone Cave. On the next day, see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, look for gifts at Yurateiku Market, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach.

For traveler tips, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Ishigaki trip maker site .

Traveling by ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki takes an hour. In April in Ishigaki, expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 70°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can travel to Miyakojima.

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

Escape the urban bustle at Sunayama Beach and Kayaking & Canoeing. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Toguchi no Hama and Scuba & Snorkeling. The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, step off the mainland to explore Ikema-jima Island, identify plant and animal life at Yabiji, and enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse.

To see maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Miyakojima trip planning website .

You can fly from Ishigaki to Miyakojima in 2 hours. In April in Miyakojima, expect temperatures between 77°F during the day and 68°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can travel 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Pola Museum of Art and Minato Mirai 21. Head to Gotemba Premium Outlets and Takeshita Streetfor plenty of shopping. The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, have some family-friendly fun at Owl cafe Akiba Fukurou, and take some stellar pictures from Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip itinerary website .

You can fly from Miyakojima to Tokyo in 4.5 hours. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from Miyakojima in April, with highs in Tokyo at 67°F and lows at 51°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.