9 days in Japan Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 21st (Fri): step off the mainland to explore Mitsukejima Island, get outside with Hachigasaki Beach, then view the masterpieces at Suzu Ware Shop, and finally make a trip to Susu Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Sat): don't miss a visit to Aerial Observation Deck Skybird, take some stellar pictures from Rokkosaki, then don't miss a visit to Shiroyone Semmaida, then steep yourself in history at Okunoto Salt Farm Village, and finally stop by Michi-no-Eki Suzu Endenmura.

To see traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Suzu travel route planner.

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. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sat) so you can travel 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 23rd (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninja Temple, make a trip to Omicho Market, then steep yourself in history at Kanazawa Castle, then admire the natural beauty 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, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, then cruise along Chirihama Nagisa Driveway, then admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, and finally steep yourself in history at Nomura Family Samurai House.

Make your Kanazawa itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Traveling by car from Suzu to Kanazawa takes 2.5 hours. When traveling from Suzu in December, plan for somewhat warmer days in Kanazawa, with highs around 11°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) to allow time to drive 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, steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and then contemplate the long history of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Nijo Castle, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kinkaku-ji, admire the natural beauty at Shosei-en Garden, then steep yourself in history at Sanjusangendo Temple, and finally hunt for treasures at Nishiki Market Shopping District.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Kyoto visit planner.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. December in Kyoto sees daily highs of 13°C and lows of 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 striking features of Tokyo Tower, don't miss a visit to Shibuya Crossing, pause for some photo ops at Hachiko, then make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then make a trip to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and finally admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. On your second day here, explore the world behind art at Tokyo National Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, then take an in-depth tour of Edo-Tokyo Museum, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou.

To see maps, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Tokyo day trip planner.

Getting from Kyoto to Tokyo by train takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. In December, daily temperatures in Tokyo can reach 14°C, while at night they dip to 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to drive 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), admire the masterpieces at The Hakone Open-Air Museum, then explore the activities along Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), and then don't miss a visit to Owaku-dani Valley.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Hakone-machi day trip website.

Drive from Tokyo to Hakone-machi in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or take a bus. When traveling from Tokyo in December, plan for slightly colder days and about the same nights in Hakone-machi: temperatures range from 8°C by day to 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to drive back home.