19 days in East Asia Itinerary

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 explore the less-touristy side of things at Koyasan Okunoin and Koyasan Reihokan Museum. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Cup Noodle Museum Osaka Ikeda (in Ikeda), Minoo Park (in Mino) and Kobe (Kobe Harborland, Onsen Resorts, &more). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Koyasan Danjo Garan, examine the collection at Old Kayano Family House, explore the engaging exhibits at Kids Plaza Osaka, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

To see maps, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Osaka trip planner.

Sydney, Australia to Osaka is an approximately 13-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Sydney to Osaka. In October in Osaka, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to fly 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Food Tours and Tokyo City View Observation Deck (Roppongihills). Change things up with these side-trips from Tokyo: Minatomirai (Nipponmaru Memorial Park, Sky Garden, &more) and Yokohama (Yamashita Park & Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal). There's much more to do: examine the collection at Samurai Museum, explore the activities along Sumida River, take in nature's colorful creations at Hama Rikyu Gardens, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Asakusa Shrine.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Tokyo route planner.

You can fly from Osaka to Tokyo in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or drive. In October, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) early enough to fly 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Nanzen-ji Temple and Tofuku-ji Temple. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, don't miss a visit to Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yasaka Shrine.

To find photos, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kyoto road trip app.

Fly from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In November in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 10°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can drive to Okinawa City.

Okinawa is the second-largest city in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, following Naha, the capital city. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Kayaking & Canoeing and Bisezaki. Get out of town with these interesting Okinawa City side-trips: Motobu-cho (Bise no Fukugi Tree Road & Emerald Beach), Nanjo (Cape Chinen Park, Sefa Utaki, &more) and Hamahiga Island (in Uruma). Next up on the itinerary: take an in-depth tour of Katsuren Castle Ruins, explore the historical opulence of Zakimi Castle Ruins, and steep yourself in history at The Site of Chibana Castle.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Okinawa City trip itinerary builder tool.

You can drive from Kyoto to Okinawa City in 38 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.