30 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tokyo: Maihama (Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea). There's lots more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, take a stroll through Odaiba District, explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, and don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip planner.

Helsinki, Finland to Tokyo is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern European Standard Time (EET) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually a 7 hour difference. Traveling from Helsinki in April, things will get somewhat warmer in Tokyo: highs are around 22°C and lows about 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) early enough to travel to Kanazawa.

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kanazawa: Shirakawa-mura (Shirakawago Tajimake Yosan Sericulture Museum, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, &more). There's lots more to do: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, don't miss a visit to Kanazawa Station, and pedal to the sights with In Kanazawa House.

To find more things to do, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Kanazawa day trip planner.

Take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Expect slightly colder evenings in Kanazawa when traveling from Tokyo in April, with lows around 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Nagoya.

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

Venture out of the city with trips to Nabana no Sato (in Kuwana), Kainan Kodomonokuni (in Yatomi) and Chubu Park (in Toin-cho). Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Nagoya Castle, examine the collection at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, contemplate the long history of Nagoya Higashiyamaso, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Ise Shrine Geku.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Nagoya trip maker website.

Drive from Kanazawa to Nagoya in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Kanazawa in April since evenings lows in Nagoya dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Todai-ji Temple in Nara (about 1 hour away). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stop by Gion, take a stroll through Arashiyama, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ryoanji Temple.

For reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Kyoto road trip site.

Take a train from Nagoya to Kyoto in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Nagoya in April, you will find days in Kyoto are somewhat warmer (22°C), and nights are about the same (11°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to catch the 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Osaka: Shukugawa Park (in Nishinomiya), Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution (in Kobe) and Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, &more). And it doesn't end there: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, examine the collection at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum, take a stroll through Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, and look for gifts at Naniwa Meibutsu Ichibirian Dotombori.

To find where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Osaka trip itinerary app.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Osaka in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in April, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Engyo-ji Temple Mitsunodo, take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en, don't miss a visit to Himeji Castle, then contemplate the long history of Nishi no Maru, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Ishino Hoden Oishi Shrine. On your second day here, take in the spiritual surroundings of The Royal Grand Hall of Buddhism, then experience rural life at Sato Fruit Kobo, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Jodoji Temple.

To see reviews, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Himeji day trip planning app.

You can take a train from Osaka to Himeji in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Osaka in April, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Himeji: temperatures range from 20°C by day to 14°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) early enough to take a train to Hiroshima.

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hiroshima: Kurashiki (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, Ohara Museum of Art, &more), Mt. Misen (in Miyajima) and Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Gekijyo, Miyajima, &more). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, explore the world behind art at Hiroshima Museum of Art, appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, and explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle.

To see photos, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, read Hiroshima journey planner.

Getting from Himeji to Hiroshima by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can travel back home.