15 days in Japan & Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

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 discover tucked-away gems like Nara Park and Shoshazan Engyoji. Explore Osaka's surroundings by going to CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA (in Ikeda), Nara (Nigatsu-do Temple & Kofuku-ji Temple) and Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens (in Chuo). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Koyasan Okunoin, don't miss a visit to Okage Yokocho, contemplate the long history of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and take in panoramic vistas at Kuchu Teien Observatory.

To see ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Osaka trip planning tool .

Singapore, Singapore to Osaka is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight, bus, and train. The time zone changes from Singapore Time to Japan Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Singapore in November, expect Osaka to be cooler, temps between 20°C and 10°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) so you can catch the 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Todai-ji Temple and Eikando Zenrinji Temple. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, admire the natural beauty at Nanzen-ji Temple, and contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

For ratings, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip itinerary planning website .

Kyoto is just a stone's throw from Osaka. In November in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 19°C during the day and 10°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) 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.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Itsukushima Shrine and Children's Peace Monument. Get out of town with these interesting Hiroshima side-trips: Hatsukaichi (Misen Wild Woods, Daishoin Temple, & more), Kintaikyo Bridge (in Iwakuni) and Miyajima (Mt. Misen & Kuguri Rock). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, take an in-depth tour of Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims, appreciate the history behind Peace Bell, and admire the natural beauty at Shukkei-en Garden.

For other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Hiroshima road trip planning app .

Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

Formerly known in the West as Saigon and affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of the Far East," Ho Chi Minh City is a study of old and new, woven and piled together in a fast-paced urban hub.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Walking tours and FITO Museum. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, get engrossed in the history at War Remnants Museum, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and take in panoramic vistas at Bitexco Financial Tower - Saigon Skydeck.

To see where to stay and other tourist information, read Ho Chi Minh City online road trip planner .

You can do a combination of train and flight from Hiroshima to Ho Chi Minh City in 6 hours. Another option is to fly. The time zone difference when traveling from Hiroshima to Ho Chi Minh City is minus 2 hours. Traveling from Hiroshima in December, things will get much hotter in Ho Chi Minh City: highs are around 36°C and lows about 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.