22 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.

Head to Dotonbori and Minami (Namba)for some retail therapy. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Arima Onsen and Kongobu-ji Temple. Change things up with these side-trips from Osaka: National Museum of Ethnology (in Suita), Himeji (Himeji Castle & Shoshazan Engyoji) and CUPNOODLES MUSEUM OSAKA IKEDA (in Ikeda). There's much more to do: shop like a local with Hankyu Umeda Honten, steep yourself in history at Izanagi Shrine, take in the spiritual surroundings of Kimiidera Temple, and don't miss a visit to Hozenji Yokocho.

For more things to do, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Osaka trip builder website .

If you are flying in from Singapore, the closest major airports are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. February in Osaka sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to catch the train 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 25th (Tue), steep yourself in history at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, then contemplate the long history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shimogamo Jinja. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ninna-ji Temple, steep yourself in history at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, then wander the streets of Gion, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Kennin-ji Temple.

To find photos, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Kyoto trip tool .

Kyoto is just a stone's throw from Osaka. In February, plan for daily highs up to 11°C, and evening lows to 1°C. On the 27th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a train to Nara.

The country's first established capital, Nara houses some of the most storied buildings and natural attractions in Japan, with eight World Heritage Sites in total.

On the 27th (Thu), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Toshodai-ji Temple and then browse the different shops at Nara Family. On your second day here, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Yakushi-ji Temple, then appreciate the history behind Todai-ji Temple, then indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hase-dera Temple.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Nara trip maker .

Traveling by train from Kyoto to Nara takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of subway and train. February in Nara sees daily highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Ikaruga-cho.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sun): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Horyu-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Horinji Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chuguji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Kusuri no Yakata. Here are some ideas for day two: stop by Studio Yamato Zakura, then steep yourself in history at Ruins of Takatori Castle, and then don't miss a visit to Mii Shrine.

For more things to do, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, read Ikaruga-cho trip planner.

Traveling by car from Nara to Ikaruga-cho takes an hour. In February, plan for daily highs up to 11°C, and evening lows to 4°C. On the 3rd (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.