11 days in Japan Itinerary

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.

Minami (Namba) has been added to your itinerary. There's more to do: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan and explore the historical opulence of Osaka Castle.

For where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Osaka trip itinerary planner.

Shanghai, China to Osaka is an approximately 5.5-hour flight. You can also ride a ferry. Traveling from Shanghai to Osaka, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In January, daytime highs in Osaka are 10°C, while nighttime lows are 1°C. On the 25th (Sat), you'll travel 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.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Nishiki Market Shopping District as well as Gion. Kick off your visit on the 25th (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Kinkaku-ji, make a trip to Nishiki Market Shopping District, and then wander the streets of Gion. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and then steep yourself in history at Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

To see photos, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Kyoto journey planner.

Kyoto is very close to Osaka. Expect a daytime high around 10°C in January, and nighttime lows around 1°C. You will leave for Tokyo on the 27th (Mon).

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.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine.

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

Getting from Kyoto to Tokyo by train takes about 3 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. January in Tokyo sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 28th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Hakone-machi.

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

Start off your visit on the 28th (Tue): get engrossed in the history at Hakone Shrine Homotsuden and then contemplate the long history of Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Hakone-machi trip itinerary planning site .

Take a train from Tokyo to Hakone-machi in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Tokyo in January, expect nights in Hakone-machi to be about the same, around 3°C, while days are little chillier, around 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Wed) early enough to travel to Tokyo.

Change things up with a short trip to Tokyo DisneySea in Maihama (about 30 minutes away). Enjoy Tokyo some more: make a trip to Tokyo Tower, engage your brain at National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Miraikan, enjoy breathtaking views from Tokyo Skytree, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sensō-ji.

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

Traveling by train from Hakone-machi to Tokyo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Hakone-machi in January, you will find days in Tokyo are a bit warmer (11°C), and nights are about the same (1°C). Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sat) early enough to travel back home.