23 days in Japan Itinerary

A small town amid big scenery, Teshikaga-cho sits in a national park.

Step out of the city life by going to Kaminoko Pond and Lake Kussharo. Step off the beaten path and head to Mt. Io and Watanabe Experience Farm. There's more to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Mashu and relax and rejuvenate at Lake Kussharo Sand Bath.

For other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, read Teshikaga-cho day trip website.

Zurich, Switzerland to Teshikaga-cho is an approximately 27-hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 8 hours traveling from Zurich to Teshikaga-cho due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Teshikaga-cho when traveling from Zurich in August, with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) to allow time to drive to Shari-cho.

Tourism in Shari-cho, a small town situated on Hokkaido's eastern tip, flourishes mainly because of its immediate proximity to the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): admire the sheer force of Oshin Koshin Falls, get outside with Shiretoko Beach, and then admire the sheer force of Furepe Waterfall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the sheer force of Kamuiwakka Hot Waterfall, then contemplate the waterfront views at Shiretoko Goko Lake, and then get all the information you need at Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center.

Discover how to plan a Shari-cho trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Getting from Teshikaga-cho to Shari-cho by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train. September in Shari-cho sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Gion. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Arashiyama, take in the spiritual surroundings of Eikando Zenrinji Temple, and shop like a local with Nishiki Market Shopping District.

For where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto road trip planning website.

Traveling by flight from Shari-cho to Kyoto takes 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Shari-cho in September; daily highs in Kyoto reach 33°C and lows reach 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Aragusuku Beach and Sunayama Beach. Take a break from the city and head to Yabiji and Irabu-jima Island. There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Toguchi no Hama, head off the coast to Shimojiiima Island, get outside with Maja Beach, and snap pictures at Kurima Bridge.

To see more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Miyakojima road trip website.

Fly from Kyoto to Miyakojima in 5.5 hours. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Miyakojima when traveling from Kyoto in September, with lows around 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 13th (Wed) so you can travel to Taketomi-jima.

A tiny island in the Yae-yama archipelago, Taketomi-jima enjoys popularity as a beach getaway, best known for its stretches of "star sand"--sand made up of tiny star-shaped exoskeletons of ancient fossils.

On the 13th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Kaiji Beach, then enjoy the sand and surf at Kondoi Beach, and then take a leisurely stroll along Nishi Pier.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Taketomi-jima vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Miyakojima to Taketomi-jima by combination of flight and ferry takes about 4 hours. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in September, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Iriomote-jima.

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Hoshisuna Beach and Pinaisara Falls. Visiting Ida no Hama Beach and Iriomote Island will get you outdoors. There's much more to do: head off the coast to Barasu Island, take in the dramatic scenery at Nara no Taki Falls, and paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour.

To find other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Iriomote-jima trip website.

You can ride a ferry from Taketomi-jima to Iriomote-jima in 2.5 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Iriomote-jima can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can 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.

On the 18th (Mon), add some fun to your beach time Fusaki Beach, take an in-depth tour of Ishigaki Yaima Village, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports. On your second day here, visit a coastal fixture at Cape Hirakubozaki, take in panoramic vistas at Tamatorizaki Observatory, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Yonehara Beach.

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Traveling by ferry from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki takes 2 hours. In September, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.