17 days in Japan Itinerary

Known nationally as an industrial heartland, Nagoya boasts a far more cosmopolitan and cultural core than its reputation would lead you to believe.

To find reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Nagoya trip planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Nagoya is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. Traveling from Singapore to Nagoya, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Singapore in April, with highs in Nagoya at 19°C and lows at 13°C. You will leave for Osaka on the 2nd (Sun).

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.

On the 2nd (Sun), wander the streets of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, make a trip to Abeno Harukas, and then take in panoramic vistas at Harukas 300 Observation Deck.

To find other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read Osaka journey builder tool.

Traveling by train from Nagoya to Osaka takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Nagoya in April, plan for somewhat warmer days in Osaka, with highs around 23°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) to allow time to drive to Kobe.

Walkable, small, and aesthetically charming, Kobe has served as Japan's first and premier international trading outpost since opening to trade with China in the mid-19th century.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): take a stroll through Kobe Harborland.

For more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Kobe itinerary builder.

You can drive from Osaka to Kobe in an hour. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. While traveling from Osaka, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Kobe, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 14°C. On the 3rd (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Hiroshima.

Grapple with history and appreciate modernity in Hiroshima, a city known around the world for its tragic past and inspiring rebirth.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Mon): explore the historical opulence of Hiroshima Castle and then steep yourself in history at Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima.

To see reviews, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Hiroshima tour planner.

You can take a train from Kobe to Hiroshima in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of flight and ferry. In April, daytime highs in Hiroshima are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) early enough to catch the train to Kumamoto.

Centered around its castle, Kumamoto stands as a historic city with plenty of modern-day appeal to add to the mix.

On the 4th (Tue), get to know the fascinating history of Statue of KATO Kiyomasa.

For traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Kumamoto trip maker app.

You can take a train from Hiroshima to Kumamoto in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 23°C in April, and nighttime lows around 12°C. You'll have a few hours on the 4th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Fukuoka.

The largest city on the island, Fukuoka formed through the merger of two former cities that had grown up either side of the Naka River.

On the 4th (Tue), go for a walk through Ohori Park, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kushida Shrine, and then buy something for everyone on your list at Tenjin Underground Shopping Center.

To find ratings and tourist information, refer to the Fukuoka trip planner.

Take a train from Kumamoto to Fukuoka in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In April, daily temperatures in Fukuoka can reach 23°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) to allow time to fly 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 5th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and then step into the grandiose world of Nijo Castle.

For other places to visit, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kyoto trip itinerary maker app.

Fly from Fukuoka to Kyoto in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Wed) so you can catch the train to Osaka.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Abeno Harukas.

To see photos, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Osaka holiday planner.

You can take a train from Kyoto to Osaka in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Nagoya.

Plan my Nagoya trip by asking Inspirock to come up with tips and suggestions.

Traveling by train from Osaka to Nagoya takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier weather when traveling from Osaka in April: highs in Nagoya hover around 19°C, while lows dip to 13°C. You will leave for Takayama on the 6th (Thu).

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 6th (Thu): admire the striking features of Takayama Jinya.

To find maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Takayama tour itinerary builder tool.

You can drive from Nagoya to Takayama in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Takayama when traveling from Nagoya in April, with lows around 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 6th (Thu) to allow time for the car ride to Gero.

Gero is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): take in the spiritual surroundings of Sarubobo Shrine.

To find ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Gero day trip app.

Traveling by car from Takayama to Gero takes 1.5 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Takayama in April since evenings lows in Gero dip to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Toyama.

The center of Japan's pharmaceutical industry, the city of Toyama draws visitors with its scenic surroundings overlooked by the Japan Alps.

On the 6th (Thu), don't miss a visit to Toyama City Office View Tower.

To find more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Toyama itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Gero to Toyama takes 3 hours. Traveling from Gero in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Toyama, with lows of 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Fri) so you can drive to Hakuba-mura.

Skiing enthusiasts traveling in Japan should consider a trip to Hakuba-mura: tucked away in the Northern Alps, this village hosted several competitions during the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Fri): take a peaceful walk through Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Togakushi Shrine Okusha, make a trip to Zuishin Gate, then see human ingenuity at work at Kurobe Dam, and finally enjoy breathtaking views from Shin Tembo Hiroba Rainbow Terrace. Here are some ideas for day two: fly down the slopes at Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, hit the slopes at Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort, then get outside with Happo-one Nature Study Course, and finally hit the slopes at Glad Quad.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Hakuba-mura trip planner.

Getting from Toyama to Hakuba-mura by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or take a train. In April, daily temperatures in Hakuba-mura can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Tokyo route planner.

Drive from Hakuba-mura to Tokyo in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a train. In April, daytime highs in Tokyo are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Mon) early enough to catch the train to Karuizawa-machi.

The only city in the world to have hosted both summer and winter Olympics, the resort town of Karuizawa-machi boasts clean air, impressive mountain scenery, and many outdoor activities and hot springs.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): tour the pleasant surroundings at Tombo no Yu.

For reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Karuizawa-machi trip itinerary website.

Getting from Tokyo to Karuizawa-machi by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Tokyo in April, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Karuizawa-machi: temperatures range from 19°C by day to 10°C at night. On the 10th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Saitama.

Though a fairly large city in its own right, Saitama has become known primarily for its proximity to the capital, Tokyo.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine and then walk around Saitama Prefecture Omiya Park.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read Saitama trip planner.

You can take a train from Karuizawa-machi to Saitama in an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in April, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can take a train to Sendai.

Human history and nature combine seamlessly in Sendai, with the influence of each never far away in this green and storied city.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Mon): shop like a local with Sunmall Ichibancho.

To see where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Sendai online tour itinerary maker.

You can take a train from Saitama to Sendai in 2 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. When traveling from Saitama in April, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in Sendai: temperatures range from 17°C by day to 13°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) early enough to fly to Hakodate.

A gateway to the island, Hakodate has gained a reputation for its waterfront attractions, its proximity to some of the island's most popular natural sites, and its seafood.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Hakodate day trip website.

Traveling by flight from Sendai to Hakodate takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Traveling from Sendai in April, things will get a bit cooler in Hakodate: highs are around 13°C and lows about 5°C. On the 12th (Wed), you're off to Chitose.

With the largest international airport on the island, Chitose serves for most visitors as a way in or a way out, rather than a destination in itself.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Chitose vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

Fly from Hakodate to Chitose in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Hakodate in April, plan for little chillier nights in Chitose, with lows around 0°C. You will leave for Sapporo on the 12th (Wed).

A modern, bustling city known for its beer brewery, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors with its Snow Festival, during which elaborate ice and snow sculptures are exhibited all over town.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Wed): steep yourself in history at Sapporo Clock Tower.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Sapporo trip builder site.

Traveling by car from Chitose to Sapporo takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Chitose in April since evenings lows in Sapporo dip to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to drive to Otaru.

The port city of Otaru has long attracted domestic visitors, drawn in by the city's many historic buildings, and has started to garner international attention, too.

On the 12th (Wed), don't miss a visit to JR Otaru Station.

To see where to stay, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Otaru travel itinerary planner.

You can drive from Sapporo to Otaru in an hour. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Otaru are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to drive to Sapporo.

To see where to stay and more tourist information, you can read our Sapporo trip app.

Traveling by car from Otaru to Sapporo takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. You will leave for Furano on the 13th (Thu).

Situated in the center of the island, Furano has become known for its idyllic rural landscape, and the drastic changes it experiences as seasons shift.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Thu): visit Goro's Stone House, don't miss a visit to Ningle Terrace, and then look for gifts at Furano Marche.

To see ratings, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Furano trip itinerary maker tool.

You can drive from Sapporo to Furano in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Sapporo in April, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be little chillier in Furano, with lows of 2°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Hakodate.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Hakodate trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Furano to Hakodate in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and flight; or take a train. On the 14th (Fri), you're off to Hachinohe.

Tourism in Hachinohe centers around the port city's scenic coastline, lively food markets, and picturesque island with thousands of black-tailed gulls.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): make a trip to Hachinohe Yatai Village Mirokuyokocho, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kabushima Shrine, then step off the mainland to explore Kabushima Island, and finally kick back and relax at Tanesashi Coast.

To find reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Hachinohe trip itinerary builder site.

Traveling by car from Hakodate to Hachinohe takes 5 hours. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Hakodate in April since evenings lows in Hachinohe dip to 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Sendai.

For photos, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read our Sendai trip planner.

Traveling by car from Hachinohe to Sendai takes 4 hours. On the 15th (Sat), you'll travel to Tokyo.

On the 15th (Sat), take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, then don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and finally don't miss a visit to Tokyo Tower.

To see ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Tokyo trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Sendai to Tokyo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. When traveling from Sendai in April, plan for somewhat warmer days in Tokyo, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) early enough to take a train to Toyooka.

A vacation in Toyooka lets you explore the UNESCO Global Geopark that completely surrounds the small town, notable for its scenic islands, rock formations, caves, and sand dunes.

To see maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, use the Toyooka vacation planner.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Toyooka takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. In April, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 13°C. On the 16th (Sun), you're off to Osaka.

On the 16th (Sun), explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle and then walk around Fujita Teiato Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Mon): take a stroll through Dotombori District and then find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan.

To see other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Osaka visit site.

Getting from Toyooka to Osaka by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: fly; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Mon) to allow time to fly back home.