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.

You've added Shitenno-ji Temple Homotsukan, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki), and other attractions to your itinerary. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.

To find maps, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Osaka day trip planning site .

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. Traveling from Singapore to Osaka, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In December, Osaka is much colder than Singapore - with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. On the 23rd (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Kinkaku-ji has been added to your itinerary. Do some cultural sightseeing at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Next up on the itinerary: wander the streets of Gion.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Kyoto planning tool .

Kyoto is just a short distance from Osaka. In December, plan for daily highs up to 13°C, and evening lows to 4°C. On the 26th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

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). On the 26th (Thu), get a new perspective on nature at Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato). Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to 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 indulge your thirst for a good beer at Harada Sake Brewery.

Plan a Takayama trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can drive from Kyoto to Takayama in 3.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Kyoto in December, expect nights in Takayama to be about the same, around 3°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 9°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.

Head to Kanazawa Hyakubangai Shopping Center and Amanatto Kawamurafor some retail therapy. Explore hidden gems such as Gokayama and Inami Betsuin Zuisen-ji Temple. Get out of town with these interesting Kanazawa side-trips: Ainokura Gassho Community (in Nanto) and Toyama Glass Art Museum (in Toyama). The adventure continues: wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, see the interesting displays at Ochaya Art Museum, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Fudosonkorin Temple.

Find out how to plan Kanazawa trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Getting from Takayama to Kanazawa by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 11°C, and evening lows to 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can catch the train 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.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Nezu Museum and Tokyo National Museum The Heiseikan. Get some historical perspective at Samukawa Shrine and Nezu Shrine. Step out of Tokyo to go to Isehara and see Oyama Afuri Shrine, which is approximately 1h 25 min away. Next up on the itinerary: wander the streets of Ueno and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple.

For maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Tokyo trip planner .

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Tokyo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. December in Tokyo sees daily highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough to travel back home.