22 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Change things up with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama (about 40 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, get engrossed in the history at Edo-Tokyo Museum, wander the streets of Odaiba District, and admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower.

For photos, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Tokyo trip planner.

Budapest, Hungary to Tokyo is an approximately 17-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 8 hours traveling from Budapest to Tokyo. Traveling from Budapest in May, Tokyo is a bit warmer at night with lows of 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Thu): get to know the resident critters at Matsumoto Alps Park, then explore the world behind art at Japan Ukiyo-e Museum, then deepen your understanding at Suzuki Shin-ichi Talent Education Institute, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Matsumoto Castle.

For reviews, photos, and other tourist information, use the Matsumoto online trip builder.

You can drive from Tokyo to Matsumoto in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in May, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) so you can take a train to Kanazawa.

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

On the 28th (Fri), explore the world behind art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, make a trip to Seisonkaku Villa, stroll around Kenrokuen Kasumiga-ike Pond, admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, then step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, and finally take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, make a trip to Omicho Market, admire the striking features of Kanazawa Station, then make a trip to Kenrokuen Yamazakiyama, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, and finally walk around Ishikawa Jumoku Park.

To see maps, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Kanazawa day trip planner.

Take a train from Matsumoto to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Matsumoto in May, plan for little chillier nights in Kanazawa, with lows around 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, shopping, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the spiritual surroundings of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate the long history of Sanjusangendo Temple, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and browse the eclectic array of goods at Nishiki Market Shopping District.

Plan my day in Kyoto using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Getting from Kanazawa to Kyoto by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train. In May in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 29°C during the day and 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Wed) early enough to take a train to Osaka.

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.

Explore Osaka's surroundings by going to Nara (Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, Kasuga Grand Shrine, &more). And it doesn't end there: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, admire the landmark architecture of Kuchu Teien Observatory, take a stroll through Dotombori District, and observe the fascinating underwater world at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

For maps, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Osaka day trip planning website.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in June, and nighttime lows around 22°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can travel to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en, go for a walk through Himeji Castle, and then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Takamikura.

To see other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Himeji sightseeing planner.

You can take a train from Osaka to Himeji in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Osaka in June, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Himeji: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 24°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Hiroshima: Hatsukaichi (Daishoin Temple, Itsukushima Shrine, &more). There's still lots to do: examine the collection at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle, steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and explore the world behind art at Hiroshima Museum of Art.

Make your Hiroshima itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Getting from Himeji to Hiroshima by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In June in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 23°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.