13 days in Japan Itinerary

Near the confluence of the Chikuma and Sai rivers, Nagano combines historic sites with nearby forested alps dotted with shrines.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): fly down the slopes at Shigakogen Sun Valley Ski Area, then steep yourself in history at Sanada House, and then contemplate the long history of Matsushiro. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Sat): stroll through Togakushi Ski Area, then take an in-depth tour of Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Togakushi Jinja Hokosha.

For where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, read our Nagano visit planning website .

Singapore, Singapore to Nagano is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and train. You can also fly; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. Traveling from Singapore to Nagano, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In December, Nagano is cooler than Singapore - with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) to allow time to take a train to Matsumoto.

A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fukashi Shrine, explore the world behind art at Matsumoto City Museum of Art, then explore the historical opulence of Matsumoto Castle, then admire the masterpieces at Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, and finally take a stroll through Nakamachi Street. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Kaichi Gakko Primary School and then hit the slopes at Norikura Kogen (Highland).

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Matsumoto online travel route planner .

Getting from Nagano to Matsumoto by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive. In December in Matsumoto, expect temperatures between 7°C during the day and 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Takayama.

Hidden high up in the Japanese Alps, Takayama remained largely cut off from the rest of Japan for centuries, allowing the local culture to grow in relative isolation.

Hikaru Museum and Takayama Showa Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Get some cultural insight at Higashiyama Walking Course and Kanda house. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Takayama: Shirakawa-mura (The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, Shirakawago Gassho Zukuri Minkaen, & more) and Nanto (Gokayama, Ainokura Gassho Community, & more). Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Hida Bussankan, admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Shirakabe Dozogai.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Takayama trip itinerary website .

Getting from Matsumoto to Takayama by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in December, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to drive to Nagoya.

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Nagoya City Science Museum and Sarutahiko Shrine. Your inner history buff will appreciate Tsukiyominomiya and Nagoya Castle. Change things up with these side-trips from Nagoya: Hamamatsu (Saigagake Museum, Hamamatsu Air Park, & more), 玄宮園 - Genkyūen Garden 玄宮園 (in Hikone) and Taga Taisha (in Taga-cho). There's lots more to do: wander the streets of Sakae, examine the collection at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, take an in-depth tour of Sengukan, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

Plan my Nagoya trip by asking Inpirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Drive from Takayama to Nagoya in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Nagoya are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. On the 17th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.