23 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sapporo: Otaru (Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building & Otaru Canal). Next up on the itinerary: stroll around Odori Park, find something for the whole family at Shiroi Koibito Park, ponder the world of politics at Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and hit the slopes at Okurayama Lookout.

To find more things to do, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Sapporo online travel route planner.

Krakow, Poland to Sapporo is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Japan Standard Time (JST) is 8 hours. When traveling from Krakow in January, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Sapporo: temperatures range from -3°C by day to -6°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Mon) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Tue): get a dose of the wild on IN KANAZAWA HOUSE, admire the landmark architecture of Kanazawa Station, make a trip to Kenrokuen no Yukizuri, stroll around Kenrokuen Garden, then see the interesting displays at Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, and finally don't miss a visit to Neagarimatsu. On your second day here, admire the masterpieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, take a stroll through Higashichaya Old Town, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Yachiya Sake Brewery, admire the landmark architecture of Tsuzumi Gate, then don't miss a visit to Omicho Market, and finally steep yourself in history at Oyama Shrine.

To see reviews, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Kanazawa trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Sapporo to Kanazawa takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Sapporo in January, expect Kanazawa to be a bit warmer, temps between 7°C and 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Wed) 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.

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, wander the streets of Arashiyama, admire the natural beauty at Katsura Imperial Villa, and make a trip to Nishiki Market Shopping District.

For maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Kyoto travel route planner.

You can drive from Kanazawa to Kyoto in 3 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. In January in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 10°C during the day and 1°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Osaka.

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Osaka: Nara (Experience YAMATO, Todaiji Temple Cultural Center, &more) and Himeji (Shoshazan Engyoji, Himeji Castle, &more). The adventure continues: find something for the whole family at Universal Studios Japan, step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle, see the interesting displays at Osaka Shiritsu Toyo Toji Museum, and get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

To see traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Osaka day trip website.

You can drive from Kyoto to Osaka in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Osaka are 10°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) to allow enough time 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.

Explore Hiroshima's surroundings by going to Hatsukaichi (Itsukushima Gekijyo, Itsukushima Shrine, &more) and Momijidani Park (in Miyajima). The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Atomic Bomb Dome, step into the grandiose world of Hiroshima Castle, don't miss a visit to Peace Memorial Park - Hiroshima, and see the interesting displays at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

To see ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and tourist information, use the Hiroshima travel route planner.

Traveling by train from Osaka to Hiroshima takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. In January in Hiroshima, expect temperatures between 11°C during the day and 2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) to allow enough time to 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Maihama (Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea). The adventure continues: make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple, visit Akihabara, and enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree.

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

Traveling by flight from Hiroshima to Tokyo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in January, and nighttime lows around 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Sat) to allow time for travel back home.