12 days in Japan Itinerary

The hilly port city of Nagasaki has become known internationally as one of the two Japanese cities to be destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the close of World War II.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sofukuji Temple, admire the natural beauty at Glover Garden, get engrossed in the history at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, then contemplate the long history of Nagasaki Peace Park, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Inasa, and finally examine the collection at Dejima.

To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Nagasaki trip tool .

Singapore, Singapore to Nagasaki is an approximately 11.5-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly. The time zone difference when traveling from Singapore to Nagasaki is 1 hour. In December, Nagasaki is colder than Singapore - with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) so you can take a train to Hiroshima.

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

On the 25th (Wed), contemplate the long history of Atomic Bomb Dome, see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and then don't miss a visit to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Itsukushima Shrine, step off the mainland to explore Miyajima, and then step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle.

For reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Hiroshima online tour planner .

You can take a train from Nagasaki to Hiroshima in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 13°C during the day and 4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) to allow time to travel 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Osaka: Higashiyama (Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sanjusangendo Temple), Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (in Fushimi) and Nijo Castle (in Nakagyo). The adventure continues: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle, and get a taste of the local shopping with Dotonbori.

Plan my trip to Osaka with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Getting from Hiroshima to Osaka by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and flight. In December, daily temperatures in Osaka can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): admire the striking features of Goryokaku Park, enjoy breathtaking views from Goryokaku Tower, then take a stroll through Motomachi, then take in the awesome beauty at Mount Hakodate, and finally make a trip to Hachimanzaka.

For reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Hakodate trip itinerary builder .

You can fly from Osaka to Hakodate in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and flight; or take a train. Traveling from Osaka in December, things will get a bit cooler in Hakodate: highs are around 3°C and lows about -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) to allow time to travel 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.

Tokyo is known for historic sites, shopping, parks, museums, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the striking features of Tokyo Tower, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum.

For more things to do, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Tokyo trip itinerary builder website .

You can fly from Hakodate to Tokyo in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of ferry and car. Traveling from Hakodate in December, things will get somewhat warmer in Tokyo: highs are around 14°C and lows about 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.