23 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.

Step out of Tokyo to go to Maihama and see Tokyo DisneySea, which is approximately 30 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, discover the magic at Tokyo Disneyland, take a stroll through Odaiba, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Tokyo trip planner.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Tokyo is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of bus and flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo is 1 hour. Traveling from Kuala Lumpur in February, expect Tokyo to be colder, temps between 12°C and 2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) 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.

On the 8th (Sat), see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, contemplate the long history of Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine, don't miss a visit to Miyajima, and then step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle.

To see reviews and other tourist information, read our Hiroshima road trip site .

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Hiroshima takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to take a train to Himeji.

The castle around which the city of Himeji has developed represents one of the best preserved in the country, and has been designated as a national treasure and a World Heritage Site.

On the 10th (Mon), explore the historical opulence of Himeji Castle, take in nature's colorful creations at Koko-en Garden, don't miss a visit to Otemae Street, then don't miss a visit to Shoshazan Engyoji, and finally make a trip to Viewing Deck, Himeji Station Square. On the next day, walk around Kunimi no Mori Park, then contemplate the long history of Yoneda Taishiji Temple, then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Takamikura, and finally take in the views from Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

For reviews, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Himeji trip builder app .

Traveling by train from Hiroshima to Himeji takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In February, daily temperatures in Himeji can reach 10°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough 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.

Kyoto is known for historic sites, shopping, classes, parks, and nightlife. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, wander the streets of Gion, explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

For where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Kyoto trip planner .

Take a train from Himeji to Kyoto in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in February, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can take a train to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kasuga Grand Shrine, stroll around Nara Park, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kofuku-ji Temple, then appreciate the history behind Todai-ji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center. On the 16th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the long history of Byodoin, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple, then have some family-friendly fun at Waplus Nara, then stop by Yu Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Japan City Nara Sanjo, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple.

To see traveler tips, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Nara online trip planner .

Getting from Kyoto to Nara by train takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or do a combination of subway and train. In February, daily temperatures in Nara can reach 11°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): take in panoramic vistas at Tenshukakau Observatory, get to know the fascinating history of The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go Gassho Style Houses, then learn more about the world around you at Hida Minzoka Mura Folk Village (Hida no Sato), and finally see the interesting displays at Takayama Showa Museum. On the 18th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, see the interesting displays at Hirata Folk Art Museum (Hirata Kinen-kan), then take a stroll through Sanmachi Suji, then admire the landmark architecture of Takayama Jinya, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market.

To see more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Takayama road trip planning website .

Drive from Nara to Takayama in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Nara in February: high temperatures in Takayama hover around 7°C and lows are around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to drive to Kanazawa.

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

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Wed): make a trip to Omicho Market, don't miss a visit to Kanazawa Higashi Chayagai Kaikaro, wander the streets of Higashichaya Old Town, step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, then take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, and finally explore the world behind art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Here are some ideas for day two: make a trip to Seisonkaku Villa, see the interesting displays at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, then make a trip to Kanazawa Station, then steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Ninja Temple.

To see maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kanazawa vacation planner .

Drive from Takayama to Kanazawa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In February in Kanazawa, expect temperatures between 7°C during the day and 0°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) to allow enough time to take a train to Kamakura.

The coastal town of Kamakura sits close to Tokyo, with the ancient settlement featuring a number of important historical and cultural sites.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kamakura: Kinomiya Shrine (in Atami), Gotemba Premium Outlets (in Gotemba) and Odawara Castle (in Odawara). The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Kōtoku-in, take in the pleasant sights at Mishima Skywalk, steep yourself in history at Hase-dera Temple, and step off the mainland to explore Enoshima Island.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Kamakura trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kamakura takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February, daily temperatures in Kamakura can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) early enough to travel back home.