47 days in Japan Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips Japan itinerary builder
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Fly to Tokyo Narita, Train to Nikko
1
Nikko
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Takayama
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Ise
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Nachikatsura-cho
— 2 nights
Drive
5
Kyoto
— 6 nights
Fly
6
Izumo
— 2 nights
Fly
7
Yakushima-cho
— 2 nights
+2
Ferry to Kagoshima, Train to Kumamoto, Drive to Takachiho-cho
8
Takachiho-cho
— 4 nights
Fly to Okinawa, Bus to Onna-son
9
Onna-son
— 6 nights
Bus to Okinawa, Fly to Miyakojima
10
Miyakojima
— 6 nights
Fly to Ishigaki, Ferry to Iriomote-jima
11
Iriomote-jima
— 3 nights
Ferry
12
Ishigaki
— 7 nights
Fly

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Nikko — 3 nights

Escape the urban bustle at Yunoko Lake and Kammangafuchi Gorge. Yomeimon (Main Gate) and Nasu Stained Glass Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Change things up with these side-trips from Nikko: Nasu-machi (Nasu Animal Kingdom, Mount Nasudake, &more). Spend the 10th (Tue) exploring nature at Nikko National Park. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Italian Embassy House Memorial Park, take in the dramatic scenery at Yudaki Falls, take in the pleasant sights at Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Chuzenji.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Nikko road trip planning app.

Zurich, Switzerland to Nikko is an approximately 17.5-hour combination of flight and train. Traveling from Zurich to Nikko, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. In October, Nikko is somewhat warmer than Zurich - with highs of 22°C and lows of 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Takayama.
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Parks · Nature · Historic Sites · Museums
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 9 — 13:

Takayama — 2 nights

On the 14th (Sat), savor the flavors at Food & Drink, admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya, then see the interesting displays at Takayama Showa Museum, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Higashiyama Walking Course, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Kanda house, steep yourself in history at Wada House, then take some stellar pictures from Ogimachi Castle Old Site Observatory, then get engrossed in the history at Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, and finally don't miss a visit to Hida Furukawa Old Town.

To find ratings, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Takayama trip planner.

You can drive from Nikko to Takayama in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Nikko in October, Takayama is slightly colder at night with lows of 16°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Ise.
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Historic Sites · Museums · Tours · Wineries
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 13 — 15:

Ise — 2 nights

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): get engrossed in the history at Sengukan, steep yourself in history at Oharai-machi, take in the spiritual surroundings of Tsukiyominomiya, then get to know the fascinating history of Ise Shrine Geku, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sarutahiko Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Futami Okitama Shrine, then get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Toba Aquarium, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Shinmei Shrine, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Mt. Yokoyama Observation Deck.

Ask Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Ise fast, fun, and easy.

You can drive from Takayama to Ise in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Takayama in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Ise, with lows of 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Nachikatsura-cho.
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Historic Sites · Zoos & Aquariums · Parks · Museums
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 15 — 17:

Nachikatsura-cho — 2 nights

On the 18th (Wed), don't miss a visit to Daimonzaka, admire the sheer force of Nachi Mitaki Falls, take in the spiritual surroundings of Hirou Shrine, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kamikura Shrine, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kumano Hayatama Taisha. On the next day, don't miss a visit to Hashigui Rock, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kumano Nachi Taisha, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Seiganto-ji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Hiromitsu Ochiai Baseball Hall.

For reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Nachikatsura-cho visit planner.

You can drive from Ise to Nachikatsura-cho in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive to Kyoto.
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Historic Sites · Nature · Parks · Museums
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 17 — 19:

Kyoto — 6 nights

Popular historic sites such as Yasakanoto and Ine no Funaya are in your itinerary. Step off the beaten path and head to Isuien Garden and Ishibe Alley. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kyoto: Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, &more), Byodoin (in Uji) and Miyazu (Amanohashidate & Amanohashidate View Land). The adventure continues: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Biwa, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, contemplate the long history of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and step into the grandiose world of Hikone Castle.

To see other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, read our Kyoto day trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Nachikatsura-cho to Kyoto takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Nachikatsura-cho in October, Kyoto is little chillier at night with lows of 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Izumo.
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Historic Sites · Parks · Nature · Theme Parks
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 19 — 25:

Izumo — 2 nights

On the 26th (Thu), admire the masterpieces at Adachi Museum of Art, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Hinomisaki Shrine, then enjoy the sea views from Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse, and finally head outdoors with Inasa Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Fri): steep yourself in history at Former Taisha Station, get your bearings at Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo, then explore the activities along Shinji Lake, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Yaegaki Shrine, and finally admire the masterpieces at Shimane Art Museum.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Izumo online trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Kyoto to Izumo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In October, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 16°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Yakushima-cho.
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Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 25 — 27:

Yakushima-cho — 2 nights

On the 28th (Sat), head outdoors with Yakusugi Land. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: delve into the lush surroundings at Shakunagenomori Park, take in the dramatic scenery at Oko no Taki Fall, then trek along Seibu Trail, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Nagata Inakahama.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Yakushima-cho itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Izumo to Yakushima-cho takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In October, Yakushima-cho is a bit warmer than Izumo - with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel to Takachiho-cho.
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Parks · Outdoors · Nature · Trails
Find places to stay Oct 27 — 29:

Takachiho-cho — 4 nights

Visiting Kunimigaoka and Manai Falls will get you outdoors. Tsujun Bridge and Amano Yasugawara are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Takachiho-cho's surroundings by going to Aso (Daikanbo Overlook & Kusasenrigahama), Ruins of Oka Castle National Historic Site (in Taketa) and Kikuchi Gorge (in Kikuchi). There's lots more to do: take in the dramatic scenery at Harajiri Falls, take in the spiritual surroundings of Amano Iwato Shrine, make a trip to Shirakawa Springs, and test the waters at a local thermal spa.

To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Takachiho-cho road trip site.

Traveling by combination of ferry, train, and car from Yakushima-cho to Takachiho-cho takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of flight and bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Yakushima-cho in October since evenings lows in Takachiho-cho dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can travel to Onna-son.
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Nature · Parks · Historic Sites · Outdoors
Side Trips
Find places to stay Oct 29 — Nov 2:

Onna-son — 6 nights

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like The Tower of Himeyuri and Zakimi Castle Ruins. Do some cultural sightseeing at Nakagusuku Castle Ruins and Katsuren Castle Ruins. Get out of town with these interesting Onna-son side-trips: Toyosaki Kaihin Koen (in Tomigusuku), Nanjo (Ojima Island, Kudakajima Island, &more) and Itoman (Okinawa Peace Memorial Park & Himeyuri Peace Museum). The adventure continues: kick back and relax at Manza Beach, get outside with Bisezaki, take advantage of the amenities at Busena Beach, and get great views at Cape Hedo.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Onna-son road trip planning website.

Do a combination of flight and bus from Takachiho-cho to Onna-son in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus, train, and flight. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Takachiho-cho in November: high temperatures in Onna-son hover around 28°C and lows are around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Miyakojima.
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Parks · Outdoors · Historic Sites · Beaches
Side Trips
Find places to stay Nov 2 — 8:

Miyakojima — 6 nights

Visit Toguchi no Hama and Shigira Beach for some beach relaxation. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Sawada no hama Beach and Ikema-jima Island. And it doesn't end there: explore the gorgeous colors at Yabiji, head outdoors with Nakanoshima Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Funakusu Beach, and take in the pleasant sights at Nishihenna Cape.

To see photos, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Miyakojima trip planner.

Getting from Onna-son to Miyakojima by combination of bus and flight takes about 4 hours. Traveling from Onna-son in November, plan for a bit warmer nights in Miyakojima, with lows around 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Tue) early enough to travel to Iriomote-jima.
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Parks · Outdoors · Beaches · Nature
Find places to stay Nov 8 — 14:

Iriomote-jima — 3 nights

Step out of the city life by going to Pinaisara Falls and Barasu Island. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Ida no Hama Beach and Hoshisuna Beach. There's still lots to do: add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, steep yourself in history at Wasurenaishi, kick back and relax at Shirahama Port, and head off the coast to Iriomote Island.

Discover how to plan a Iriomote-jima trip in just a few steps with Klarna Trips's itinerary builder.

Traveling by combination of flight and ferry from Miyakojima to Iriomote-jima takes 4 hours. November in Iriomote-jima sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to ride a ferry to Ishigaki.
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Outdoors · Tours · Adventure · Parks
Find places to stay Nov 14 — 17:

Ishigaki — 7 nights

You'll get in some beach time at Nakamoto Beach and Fuki Beach. Get outdoors at Hama-jima Island (The Phantom Island) and Kuroshima V-Gorge. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ishigaki: Kohama-jima (Ubutaki Lookouts & Tumal Beach) and Hamashima In Leaf (in Taketomi-jima). Spend 23rd (Thu) immersed in the deep blue with Prime Scuba Ishigaki Diving Center - Day Tour. And it doesn't end there: get to know the fascinating history of Island Countryside Settlement, walk around Banna Park, take in the waterfront at Nishi Pier, and don't miss a visit to Euglena Mall.

To see maps, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read our Ishigaki journey planner.

Getting from Iriomote-jima to Ishigaki by ferry takes about 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in November, and nighttime lows around 25°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.
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Outdoors · Parks · Wildlife · Tours
Side Trips
Find places to stay Nov 17 — 24:

Japan travel guide

4.3
Land of the Rising Sun
Part of a volcanic archipelago that encompasses over 6,800 islands, Japan remains one of Asia's most fascinating tourist destinations, where a blend of modernity and tradition creates a look and feel completely different from any other place in the world. A tour of Japan lets you discover big cities filled with ancient temples and innovative skyscrapers, as well as quiet country landscapes dotted with castles, perfectly manicured gardens, cherry orchards, and primeval forests seemingly untouched by the hand of mass tourism. Many tourists on vacation in Japan devote lots of time to the country's unique cuisine, prepared with painstaking attention to detail and a genius for simple yet effective presentation.
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