14 days in Japan Itinerary

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: make a trip to Tokyo Tower, take a stroll through Odaiba, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, and admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum.

To find more things to do, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Tokyo trip builder app .

Columbus, USA to Tokyo is an approximately 19-hour combination of bus and flight. You can also fly. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 14 hour difference. Traveling from Columbus in November, you will find days in Tokyo are slightly colder (62°F), and nights are about the same (49°F). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) to allow time to take a train to Kanazawa.

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

On the 27th (Wed), steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, then step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, then admire the natural beauty at Kenrokuen Garden, and finally examine the collection at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Thu): admire the verdant scenery at Aratama Valley, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, don't miss a visit to Higashichaya Old Town, then explore the world behind art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, then make a trip to Seisonkaku Villa, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Ninja Temple.

Inspirock's itinerary builder makes planning a Kanazawa trip simple and quick.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In November, daytime highs in Kanazawa are 59°F, while nighttime lows are 45°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) to allow time to take a train 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Universal Studios Japan in Konohana (about 1h 15 min away). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, take a stroll through Gion, contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and make a trip to Heian Shrine.

For maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto attractions planner.

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Kyoto are 62°F, while nighttime lows are 48°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) early enough to catch the train to Hiroshima.

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

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, then see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Itsukushima Shrine and then head off the coast to Miyajima.

To find ratings, reviews, maps, and tourist information, read our Hiroshima trip planner .

Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 52°F during the day and 39°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can travel to Sapporo.

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Wed): get engrossed in the history at Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura), then contemplate the waterfront views at Otaru Canal, and then stroll around Odori Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Sapporo Clock Tower, take a stroll around Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town, then hit the slopes at Okurayama Lookout, and finally enjoy the scholastic atmosphere at Hokkaido University Sapporo Campus.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Sapporo day trip site .

Traveling by flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of train, bus, and flight. When traveling from Hiroshima in December, plan for colder days and a bit cooler nights in Sapporo: temperatures range from 32°F by day to 28°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.