13 days in Japan Itinerary

An old castle town largely unspoiled during World War II, Kanazawa features well-preserved architecture spread across a range of districts.

Get in touch with nature at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway and Ski Jam Katsuyama. Explore hidden gems such as D. T. Suzuki Museum and Ainokura Gassho Community. Change things up with a short trip to Suganuma Gassho Community in Nanto (about 58 minutes away). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Kanazawa Phonograph Museum, admire the masterpieces at Kanazawa Noh Museum, wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, and contemplate the long history of Shima.

For maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Kanazawa journey maker website .

Singapore, Singapore to Kanazawa is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight and bus. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Singapore to Kanazawa due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Singapore in December, things will get colder in Kanazawa: highs are around 11°C and lows about 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sun) so you can take a train to Toyama.

The center of Japan's pharmaceutical industry, the city of Toyama draws visitors with its scenic surroundings overlooked by the Japan Alps.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Mon): take in the exciting artwork at Toyama Glass Studio, then get to know the fascinating history of Yatsuo no Machinami, then don't miss a visit to Toyama Castle, and finally explore the world behind art at Toyama Glass Art Museum.

To find traveler tips, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Toyama trip planner.

Toyama is just a stone's throw from Kanazawa. In December, plan for daily highs up to 9°C, and evening lows to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) to allow time to take a train to Nagano.

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

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Matsushiro, steep yourself in history at Sanada House, take in the spiritual surroundings of Ganshoin Temple, then admire the masterpieces at Hokusai-kan, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Zenko-ji Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll through Togakushi Ski Area, then get engrossed in the history at Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Togakushi Jinja Hokosha.

To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Nagano travel itinerary planner.

Getting from Toyama to Nagano by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Toyama in December since evenings lows in Nagano dip to 0°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can catch the 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.

On the 12th (Thu), explore the world behind art at Chihiro Art Museum Azumino, step into the grandiose world of Matsumoto Castle, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fukashi Shrine, then explore the world behind art at Matsumoto City Museum of Art, and finally wander the streets of Nakamachi Street. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Kaichi Gakko Primary School and then stroll through Norikura Kogen (Highland).

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read our Matsumoto road trip planner.

Take a train from Nagano to Matsumoto in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December, plan for daily highs up to 7°C, and evening lows to 0°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to catch the train 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.

Get some cultural insight at Nagoya City Science Museum and Tsukiyomi-no-miya Shrine. Discover out-of-the-way places like Sakae and Tsukiyominomiya. Explore Nagoya's surroundings by going to Ise (Minonakamatsubara Shrine, Ise Ninja Kingdom, & more). And it doesn't end there: admire the masterpieces at The Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art, step into the grandiose world of Nagoya Castle, see the interesting displays at Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Atsuta Jingu Shrine.

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Nagoya trip itinerary maker site .

You can take a train from Matsumoto to Nagoya in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Nagoya when traveling from Matsumoto in December, with lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 17th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.