17 days in Gunma Prefecture, Kyoto & Osaka Itinerary

Maebashi is a city located in central Gunma Prefecture in the northern Kantō region (plain) of Japan. Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Daishin-ji Temple. Keep things going the next day: take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Nabewari, then visit Taru no Kanko Strawberry Park, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Haruna Shrine.

To find maps, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Maebashi trip itinerary tool.

London, UK to Maebashi is an approximately 18.5- hour combination of flight and car. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from London to Maebashi due to the time zone difference. Traveling from London in November, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Maebashi, with lows of 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Mon) so you can travel to Kusatsu-machi.

Take a break from Kusatsu-machi with a short trip to Gunma Astronomical Observatory in Takayama-mura, about 1h 20 min away.

To find ratings, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Kusatsu-machi journey planner.

You can drive from Maebashi to Kusatsu-machi in 2 hours. Traveling from Maebashi in November, Kusatsu-machi is a bit cooler at night with lows of 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Step out of Kyoto to go to Nara and see Todai-ji Temple, which is approximately 1 hour away. Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, wander the streets of Arashiyama, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and go for a walk through Philosopher's Walk.

To find ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip maker.

Traveling by car from Kusatsu-machi to Kyoto takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train, flight, and tram. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Kusatsu-machi in November; daily highs in Kyoto reach 19°C and lows reach 10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Tue) so you can 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Himeji (Otokoyama Haisuiike Park, Koko-en, &more), Kanshinji Temple (in Kawachinagano) and Koya-cho (Torodo Temple, Koyasan Okunoin, &more). There's still lots to do: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, steep yourself in history at Osaka Castle, see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum, and look for all kinds of wild species at Nara Park.

To find traveler tips, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Osaka trip planning website.

Osaka is very close to Kyoto. In November in Osaka, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.