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). There's lots more to do: stroll around Odori Park, let little ones run wild at Mini Odori Park, steep yourself in history at Sapporo Clock Tower, and don't miss a visit to Former Hokkaido Government Office Building.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, use the Sapporo trip planner.

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. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from New York City in February, with highs in Sapporo at 29°F and lows at 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.

On the 15th (Thu), admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower, don't miss a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and finally get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Fri): don't miss a visit to Shibuya Crossing, then pause for some photo ops at Hachiko, then browse the exhibits of Tokyo National Museum, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Senso-ji Temple.

To plan Tokyo vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

Traveling by flight from Sapporo to Tokyo takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Sapporo in February, you will find days in Tokyo are much hotter (51°F), and nights are somewhat warmer (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.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Sat): don't miss a visit to Nijo Castle and then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

To see reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Kyoto trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by train from Tokyo to Kyoto takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February in Kyoto, expect temperatures between 49°F during the day and 35°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Sat) early enough to take a 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.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): go for a walk through Ohori Park, go for a walk through 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 next day: stroll around Maizuru Park and then buy something for everyone on your list at Tenjin Underground Shopping Center.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Fukuoka trip planner.

Take a train from Kyoto to Fukuoka in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In February in Fukuoka, expect temperatures between 51°F during the day and 37°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.