9 days in Japan Itinerary

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Fri): step off the mainland to explore Mitsukejima Island, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Hachigasaki Beach, then take in the exciting artwork at Suzu Ware Shop, and finally don't miss a visit to Susu Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to In-Air Observation Deck Skybird, get great views at Rokkosaki, then don't miss a visit to Shiroyone Semmaida, then contemplate the long history of Okunoto Salt Farm Village, and finally look for gifts at Michi-no-Eki Suzu Endenmura.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Suzu trip itinerary builder website .

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Suzu. In December, daily temperatures in Suzu can reach 6°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat) to allow time to travel to Kanazawa.

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

On the 23rd (Sun), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, then step into the grandiose world of Kanazawa Castle, then take in nature's colorful creations at Kenrokuen Garden, and finally admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. On the 24th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Seisonkaku Villa, see the interesting displays at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, then take a memorable drive along Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, then admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, and finally contemplate the long history of Nomura Family Samurai House.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Kanazawa trip planner.

You can drive from Suzu to Kanazawa in 2.5 hours. Traveling from Suzu in December, expect nights in Kanazawa to be about the same, around 3°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Tue): don't miss a visit to Heian Shrine, then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and then steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Wed): explore the historical opulence of Nijo-jo Castle, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shosei-en Garden, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, and finally don't miss a visit to Nishiki Market.

For more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Kyoto trip planner.

Traveling by train from Kanazawa to Kyoto takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 13°C during the day and 4°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) 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.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Thu): admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, make a trip to Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble, appreciate the history behind Hachiko, then make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and finally admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. On the 28th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, then see the interesting displays at Edo-Tokyo Museum, and finally get your game on at Owl cafe Akiba Fukurou.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Tokyo tour planner .

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. In December in Tokyo, expect temperatures between 14°C during the day and 4°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Hakone-machi.

Sitting at the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone-machi has become a popular retreat from Tokyo for locals and tourists alike.

On the 29th (Sat), explore the world behind art at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), and then make a trip to Owaku-dani Valley.

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

You can drive from Tokyo to Hakone-machi in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in December, expect nights in Hakone-machi to be about the same, around 5°C, while days are little chillier, around 8°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) so you can drive back home.