18 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.

Tokyo is known for historic sites, parks, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower, make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, and admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Tokyo trip itinerary maker app.

Vienna, Austria to Tokyo is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Japan Standard Time (JST), which is usually an 8 hour difference. Traveling from Vienna in September, things will get a bit warmer in Tokyo: highs are around 32°C and lows about 24°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Fri) 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kanazawa: Shirakawa-mura (Wada House, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, &more). Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, see the interesting displays at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, and stop by Higashichaya Old Town.

For more things to do, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Kanazawa trip planner.

Getting from Tokyo to Kanazawa by train takes about 4 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. In September in Kanazawa, expect temperatures between 30°C during the day and 21°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) 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: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Arashiyama, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, and don't miss a visit to Gion.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip itinerary app.

Getting from Kanazawa to Kyoto by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. September in Kyoto sees daily highs of 33°C and lows of 23°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) early enough to drive 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Osaka: Himeji (Himeji Castle & Koko-en), Nara (Kofuku-ji Temple, Nara Park, &more) and Yoneda Taishiji Temple (in Takasago). And it doesn't end there: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, wander the streets of Dotombori District, contemplate the long history of Osaka Castle, and get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, you can read our Osaka online trip builder.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Osaka takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In October in Osaka, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 17°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Tue) early enough to travel to Hiroshima.

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

Start off your visit on the 6th (Wed): explore the world behind art at Hiroshima Museum of Art, steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, then take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and finally contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine, and then pause for some photo ops at Children's Peace Monument.

To find more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip planner.

Traveling by train from Osaka to Hiroshima takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in October, and nighttime lows around 19°C. On the 8th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.