16 days in Japan 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.

Your list of things to see and do now includes Shitenno-ji Temple Homotsukan, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki), and other attractions. Get some cultural insight at Dotombori District and Osaka Castle.

To see reviews, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read Osaka sightseeing tool.

Singapore, Singapore to Osaka is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also fly; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Singapore Standard Time to Japan Standard Time is 1 hour. In December, Osaka is much colder than Singapore - with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Kinkaku-ji. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It doesn't end there: visit Gion.

To find traveler tips, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Kyoto road trip site.

Kyoto is just a stone's throw from Osaka. Expect a daytime high around 13°C in December, and nighttime lows around 4°C. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Thu) before leaving for 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses as well as Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato). Kick off your visit on the 26th (Thu): take an in-depth tour of Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato). Here are some ideas for day two: appreciate the extensive heritage of The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, then examine the collection at Lion Dance Ceremony Exhibition Hall (Shishi-Kaikan), then see the interesting displays at Takayama Showa Museum, and finally sample the tasty concoctions at Harada Sake Brewery.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Takayama trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Takayama takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. Expect slightly colder weather when traveling from Kyoto in December: highs in Takayama hover around 9°C, while lows dip to 3°C. On the 28th (Sat), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Kanazawa.

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

Do your shopping at Kanazawa Hyakubangai Shopping Center and Amanatto Kawamura. You'll explore and learn at Toyama Glass Art Museum and 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Step out of Kanazawa to go to Nanto and see Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji Temple, which is approximately 50 minutes away. The adventure continues: see the interesting displays at Kanazawa Phonograph Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Fudosonkorin Temple, explore the world behind art at Kanazawa Noh Museum, and wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town.

To find photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Kanazawa sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Takayama to Kanazawa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Kanazawa are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can 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.

Get some cultural insight at Ueno District and Samukawa Shrine. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa Shrine. Change things up with a short trip to Oyama Afuri Shrine in Isehara (about 1h 15 min away). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Nezu Shrine, take a stroll through Odaiba District, stop by Yanaka District, and admire the masterpieces at Nezu Museum.

To see photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Tokyo tour website.

You can take a train from Kanazawa to Tokyo in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In December, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 14°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.