31 days in Seoul, Japan & Hong Kong Itinerary

One of east Asia's major cultural and financial centers, Seoul boasts five World Heritage Sites and a huge selection of museums, temples, shrines, palaces, parks, gardens, and glass-and-steel skyscrapers.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Jogyesa Temple and Nature & Wildlife Tours. The adventure continues: take an in-depth tour of Gyeongbokgung Palace, explore the striking landscape of Bukhansan National Park, stroll around Banpo Hangang Park, and take some stellar pictures from N Seoul Tower.

For photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Seoul trip tool.

London, UK to Seoul is an approximately 15-hour flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from London to Seoul due to the time zone difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from London in May: high temperatures in Seoul hover around 28°C and lows are around 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to fly to Hiroshima.

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

On the 12th (Fri), take a peaceful walk through Misen Wild Woods, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Itsukushima Shrine, then see the interesting displays at Mazda Museum, and finally admire the masterpieces at Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum. On the next day, get engrossed in the history at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, then contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, and finally contemplate the long history of Peace Flame.

To see traveler tips, photos, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Hiroshima tour itinerary planner.

Fly from Seoul to Hiroshima in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 28°C in May, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can take a train 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.

On the 14th (Sun), make a trip to Nishi no Maru Nagatsubone, steep yourself in history at Himeji Castle, go for a walk through Otokoyama Haisuiike Park, then admire the natural beauty at Koko-en, and finally make a trip to Viewing Deck, Himeji Station Square.

Planning Himeji trip won't be overwhelming when you use Inspirock's itinerary maker.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Himeji in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in May, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sun) so you can catch the 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Kyoto Insider Sake Experience and Shoren-in Temple (Shoren-in Monzeki). And it doesn't end there: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, contemplate the long history of Tofuku-ji Temple, indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour, and make a trip to Eikando Zenrinji Temple.

To find other places to visit, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Kyoto holiday planner.

Traveling by train from Himeji to Kyoto takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Himeji in May, you will find days in Kyoto are a bit warmer (29°C), and nights are about the same (17°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) early enough to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Fri): admire the masterpieces at Kanazawa Noh Museum, admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, admire the natural beauty at Gyokusen-Immaru Garden, examine the collection at Kanazawa Phonograph Museum, then contemplate the long history of Ochaya Shima, and finally wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town.

For more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Kanazawa takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. When traveling from Kyoto in May, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Kanazawa: temperatures range from 26°C by day to 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) early enough to catch the train 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.

On the 20th (Sat), explore the historical opulence of Matsumoto Castle, contemplate the waterfront views at Matsumotojo Park, steep yourself in history at Yohashira Shrine, then take a stroll through Nawate Shopping District, then take a stroll through Nakamachi Street, and finally admire the masterpieces at Matsumoto City Art Museum.

To see photos, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read our Matsumoto tour builder app.

Getting from Kanazawa to Matsumoto by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in May, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) early enough to take a train 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Kyu-Furukawa Gardens and Waho-An NATURE Tokyo. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tokyo: Jindai Botanical Gardens (in Chofu), Yokohama (Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal & NYK Hikawamaru) and Inokashira Park (in Musashino). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, wander the streets of Ueno District, stop by Yanaka District, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Asakusa Shrine.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Tokyo vacation planning app.

Getting from Matsumoto to Tokyo by train takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour and Tamatorizaki Observatory. Next up on the itinerary: get outside with Yonehara Beach, stop by Ishigaki Port Ritoh Terminal, take in the views from Southern Gate Bridge, and explore the activities along Kabira Bay.

To find more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Ishigaki road trip website.

Traveling by flight from Tokyo to Ishigaki takes 4.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Tokyo in May; daily highs in Ishigaki reach 34°C and lows reach 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sun) early enough to fly to Hong Kong.

Witness the vibrant skyline of Hong Kong, an impressive urban territory on the southern coast of China.

Explore hidden gems such as Lion's Pavilion at The Peak and Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hong Kong: Macau (Praca de Ponte e Horta, Macao Museum, &more). Spend the 29th (Mon) exploring the fascinating underwater world at Ocean Park. And it doesn't end there: take in panoramic vistas at Victoria Peak (The Peak), get engrossed in the history at Hong Kong Museum of History, enjoy the sand and surf at Shek O Beach, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Repulse Bay Beach.

To see photos, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Hong Kong tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Ishigaki to Hong Kong takes 5 hours. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Ishigaki to Hong Kong due to the time zone difference. In May, daytime highs in Hong Kong are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. On the 4th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.