Parts of Australia may be rainy in August ... but better toward the end of August, early September. However, parts of Australia are quite a bit warmer ... people go to places like Queensland in August for a break from winter. Perth can be moderate at that time of year. Victoria will be a bit cooler. Adelaide might be somewhat more moderate. Take a look at average temperatures, rainfalls, etc in various parts of Australia, and see what might suit you. The climate can vary quite a bit from one place to the next.

Hokkaido is big enough for a 10-day trip if you were to do something like circumnavigate the island. We spent 10 days just in one small area of Hokkaido. I'd love to be close enough to pop over there for long weekends.

And thanks!