16 days in East Asia 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 29th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Senso-ji Temple and then get your game on at Owl Cafe Akiba Fukurou. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Tue): indulge in some personalized pampering at Waho-An NATURE Tokyo, make a trip to Shibuya Crossing, make a trip to Meiji Jingu Shrine, then get a sense of history and politics at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Tokyo Tower.

For more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Tokyo trip builder app.

Singapore, Singapore to Tokyo is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Singapore to Tokyo due to the time zone difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Singapore in January, with highs in Tokyo at 11°C and lows at 1°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) to allow time to fly to Yamagata.

The town of Yamagata and its surrounding prefecture have a wealth of attractions, both man-made and natural.

For where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Yamagata trip builder tool.

Fly from Tokyo to Yamagata in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Tokyo in January: high temperatures in Yamagata hover around 1°C and lows are around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Sapporo.

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.

On the 2nd (Fri), take some stellar pictures from Sapporo TV Tower, wander the streets of Susukino, walk around Odori Park, then don't miss a visit to Sapporo Clock Tower, and finally take a stroll around Sapporo Underground Shopping Centre Aurora Town.

To see traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, read Sapporo travel route planning tool.

You can fly from Yamagata to Sapporo in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or drive. Traveling from Yamagata in February, expect nights in Sapporo to be about the same, around -5°C, while days are slightly colder, around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sat) so you can drive to Noboribetsu.

Perhaps the island's best-known hot spring resort, Noboribetsu has a long history of tourism.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sat): observe the fascinating underwater world at Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Noboribetsu Bear Park, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then explore the striking landscape at Jigokudani, and finally witness a stunning natural landmark at Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath.

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Noboribetsu trip itinerary builder app.

You can drive from Sapporo to Noboribetsu in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. February in Noboribetsu sees daily highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Furano.

Situated in the center of the island, Furano has become known for its idyllic rural landscape, and the drastic changes it experiences as seasons shift.

On the 4th (Sun), soak in some Japanese tradition at Furano Onsen Shisainoyu, fly down the slopes at Furano Ski Resort, don't miss a visit to Ningle Terrace, then take in nature's colorful creations at Garden of Wind, and finally stop by Furano Marche.

For photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Furano trip planner.

Traveling by car from Noboribetsu to Furano takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Noboribetsu in February: high temperatures in Furano hover around -3°C and lows are around -12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Biei-cho.

Famous for scenic views of vast fields, wide meadows, and gently rolling hills against the backdrop of the Taisetsu mountain range, Biei-cho offers a picture-prefect setting for a pleasant countryside vacation.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Mon): soak in some Japanese tradition at Shirogane Onsen Public Center, take in the dramatic scenery at Shirahige Falls, explore the activities along Shirogane Blue Pond, then take in nature's colorful creations at Shikisai no Oka, then take a memorable drive along Ken & Mary Tree, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Biei Shrine.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Biei-cho day trip planner.

You can drive from Furano to Biei-cho in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. February in Biei-cho sees daily highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Asahikawa.

Perched on the confluence of four rivers and surrounded by green hills, Asahikawa combines a modern city experience with the pristine nature nearby.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Asahikawa: Kamikawa-cho (Ginga Falls, Ryusei Falls, &more). There's lots more to do: learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Asahiyama Zoo, admire the natural beauty at Tokiwa Park, hit the slopes at Asahiyama Yuki no Mura, and get in on the family fun at Asahikawa Ramen Village.

To see traveler tips, reviews, maps, and tourist information, use the Asahikawa online sightseeing planner.

Drive from Biei-cho to Asahikawa in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Traveling from Biei-cho in February, expect somewhat warmer with lows of -7°C in Asahikawa. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to fly to Osaka.

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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Kyoto (Sanjusangendo Temple, Nijo Castle, &more). The adventure continues: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, enjoy breathtaking views from Kuchu Teien Observatory, take a stroll through Dotombori District, and step into the grandiose world of Osaka Castle.

To see more things to do, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Osaka holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Asahikawa to Osaka takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Asahikawa in February, you will find days in Osaka are warmer (11°C), and nights are somewhat warmer (1°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to fly back home.