13 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.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Mon): enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple, then admire the masterpieces at Tokyo National Museum, and finally get your game on at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou. Keep things going the next day: admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, make a trip to Tokyo Tower, then relax and rejuvenate at ARONA SPA, and finally don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

To find other places to visit, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Tokyo trip builder.

London, UK to Tokyo is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You'll lose 9 hours traveling from London to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. February in Tokyo sees daily highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Nozawaonsen-mura.

Many visitors take a trip to Nozawaonsen-mura, a picturesque hot spring village in Nagano Prefecture, to get away from it all.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Wed): hit the slopes at Nozawa Onsen and then head outdoors with Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort.

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Nozawaonsen-mura trip planner.

You can drive from Tokyo to Nozawaonsen-mura in 4 hours. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Tokyo in February, with highs in Nozawaonsen-mura at 4°C and lows at -2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride 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 10th (Thu): head outdoors with Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, get outside with Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort, hit the slopes at Hakuba, then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Happoone, and finally fly down the slopes at Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort / Alpine Garden.

For more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Hakuba-mura holiday site.

You can drive from Nozawaonsen-mura to Hakuba-mura in 2 hours. In February in Hakuba-mura, expect temperatures between 4°C during the day and -2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) to allow enough 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.

On the 11th (Fri), take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanjusangendo Temple, steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and then visit Gion. On the 12th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: explore the historical opulence of Nijo Castle, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, then admire the landmark architecture of Jishu Shrine, and finally don't miss a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Kyoto trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Hakuba-mura to Kyoto by car takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Hakuba-mura in February; daily highs in Kyoto reach 11°C and lows reach 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to travel to Nanjo.

With a long Pacific coastline, Nanjo offers fantastic views of the ocean from high cliffs covered with lush greenery, as well as from its long sandy beaches.

On the 13th (Sun), go for a walk through Cape Chinen Park, contemplate the long history of Sefa-Utaki, then admire the verdant scenery at Valley of Gangala, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, and finally contemplate the long history of The Tower of Himeyuri.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Nanjo driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Kyoto to Nanjo in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, ferry, and car. When traveling from Kyoto in February, plan for somewhat warmer days and much hotter nights in Nanjo: temperatures range from 22°C by day to 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Miyakojima.

A city jurisdiction formed after the merger of several towns in 2005, Miyakojima spans six linked-up islands.

On the 14th (Mon), head outdoors with Toguchi no Hama, step off the mainland to explore Shimojiiima Island, don't miss a visit to Ikema Ohashi Bridge, snap pictures at Irabu Ohashi, then kick back and relax at Sunayama Beach, and finally take in the pleasant sights at Nishihenna Cape. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Tue): step off the mainland to explore Kouri Island, snap pictures at Kurima Bridge, kick back and relax at Aragusuku Beach, then make a trip to East Henna Cape, then enjoy the sea views from Higashi Hennazaki Lighthouse, and finally go for a walk through Imugya Marine Garden.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Miyakojima trip itinerary builder app.

Getting from Nanjo to Miyakojima by flight takes about 4 hours. In February, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can travel to Ishigaki.

Ishigaki, the most populous island in the chain, features the country's southernmost city and acts as a transport hub for exploring the landmasses that surround.

Step off the beaten path and head to Tamatorizaki Observatory and Nishi Pier. And it doesn't end there: head outdoors with Cape Hirakubozaki, contemplate the waterfront views at Kabira Bay, stop by Yurateiku Market, and kick back and relax at Yonehara Beach.

To find where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Ishigaki travel route site.

Traveling by flight from Miyakojima to Ishigaki takes 2.5 hours. In February, daily temperatures in Ishigaki can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.