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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Tokyo: Maihama (Tokyo DisneySea & Tokyo Disneyland). There's lots more to do: don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, get engrossed in the history at Edo-Tokyo Museum, admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and take in panoramic vistas at Tokyo Skytree.

To see reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Tokyo trip builder website.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to Tokyo is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. 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 travel 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, then steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and then steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome. Keep things going the next day: steep yourself in history at Itsukushima Shrine, step off the mainland to explore Miyajima, and then explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Hiroshima trip planner.

Fly from Tokyo to Hiroshima in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In February, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 11°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can catch the 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, admire the natural beauty at Koko-en, then make a trip to Otemae Street, then make a trip to Shoshazan Engyoji, and finally don't miss a visit to Viewing Deck, Himeji Station Square. Keep things going the next day: stroll around Kunimi no Mori Park, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yoneda Taishiji Temple, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Takamikura, and finally snap pictures at Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

To see traveler tips, ratings, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Himeji online road trip planner.

Getting from Hiroshima to Himeji by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In February, plan for daily highs up to 10°C, and evening lows to 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can 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, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle, and wander the streets of Gion.

For where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Kyoto tour planner.

You can take a train from Himeji to Kyoto in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In February in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 11°C during the day and 1°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sat) so you can drive 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, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kofuku-ji Temple, then appreciate the history behind Todai-ji Temple, and finally see the interesting displays at Todaiji Temple Cultural Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: contemplate the long history of Byodoin, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple, then get all the equipment you need at Waplus Nara, then look for gifts at Yu Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Japan City Nara Sanjo, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Nigatsu-do Temple.

You can plan Nara trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

Traveling by car from Kyoto to Nara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a 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) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Mon): enjoy breathtaking views from Tenshukakau Observatory, then appreciate the extensive heritage 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 your second day here, examine the collection at Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall, see the interesting displays at Hirata Folk Art Museum (Hirata Kinen-kan), take a stroll through Sanmachi Suji, then admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya, and finally hunt for treasures at Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read Takayama travel planning app.

Traveling by car from Nara to Takayama takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Nara in February, expect Takayama to be a bit cooler, temps between 7°C and 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Wed) so you can drive to Kanazawa.

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

Start off your visit on the 19th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, don't miss a visit to Kanazawa Higashi Chayagai Kaikaro, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, then step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, then walk around Kenrokuen Garden, and finally admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to Seisonkaku Villa, examine the collection at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, then make a trip to Kanazawa Station, then contemplate the long history of Nomura Family Samurai House, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Ninja Temple.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Kanazawa trip itinerary planning app.

Drive from Takayama to Kanazawa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. February in Kanazawa sees daily highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Thu) early enough 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Kamakura side-trips: Gotemba Premium Outlets (in Gotemba), Kinomiya Shrine (in Atami) and Odawara Castle (in Odawara). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Hase-dera Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hokokuji Temple (Takedera Temple), don't miss a visit to Kōtoku-in, and go for a walk through Mishima Skywalk.

For photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read Kamakura vacation planner.

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kamakura takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February, daytime highs in Kamakura are 6°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.