12 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Sapporo: Otaru Canal (in Otaru), Jigokudani (in Noboribetsu) and Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu Ski Place (in Kutchan-cho). The adventure continues: stroll around Odori Park, fly down the slopes at Okurayama Lookout, get a sense of history and politics at Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and visit Susukino.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Sapporo trip planning tool.

New York City, USA to Sapporo is an approximately 20.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Sapporo is 14 hours. Traveling from New York City in February, things will get slightly colder in Sapporo: highs are around 29°F and lows about 23°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Thu): admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, then make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then admire the natural beauty at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and finally ponder the world of politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Shibuya Crossing, appreciate the history behind Hachiko, then don't miss a visit to Tokyo National Museum, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple.

For traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Tokyo road trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Sapporo to Tokyo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect warmer weather when traveling from Sapporo in February: highs in Tokyo hover around 51°F, while lows dip to 36°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Fri) to allow enough time to 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.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Sat): make a trip to Nijo Castle and then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

To see where to stay, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read Kyoto online trip itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February, daytime highs in Kyoto are 49°F, while nighttime lows are 35°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to catch the train 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 18th (Sun), take in the pleasant sights at Ohori Park, then take in panoramic vistas at Fukuoka Tower, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Dazaifu Tenman-gu, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kushida Shrine. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 19th (Mon): walk around Maizuru Park and then buy something for everyone on your list at Tenjin Underground Shopping Center.

To see more things to do and more tourist information, you can read our Fukuoka online road trip planner.

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Fukuoka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February, plan for daily highs up to 51°F, and evening lows to 37°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.