-
Singapore, Singapore
Overnight layover on 8 January at Changi Airport — one of the world's best airports with hotels, pools and the Jewel waterfall inside the terminal. Consider staying airside or grabbing a quick meal at a hawker centre in the city if time permits. Flight to Tokyo departs early at 09:20 so stay close to the airport.
-
Tokyo, Japan
Arrive Narita on 9 January — spend your first days exploring Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple. Don't miss a bowl of ramen in Shinjuku or sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market. In January, teamLab Planets in Toyosu is a stunning digital art experience worth booking ahead.
-
Hakone, Japan
A perfect day-trip or overnight escape from Tokyo via the Romancecar train from Shinjuku. Stay in a traditional ryokan with an outdoor onsen and enjoy stunning winter views of Mt Fuji across Lake Ashi. January is one of the clearest months for Fuji sightings — don't forget your camera.
-
Kyoto, Japan
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 2.5 hours) and immerse yourself in temples, geisha districts and traditional culture. Fushimi Inari's thousands of torii gates and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama are unmissable. In January the crowds are thinner and some temples dust with snow — magical for photos.
-
Osaka, Japan
Just 15 minutes from Kyoto by Shinkansen, Osaka is Japan's food capital — try takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori. Explore Kuromon Ichiba market for fresh seafood and street snacks, and visit Osaka Castle for a winter stroll. It's an easy base to also day-trip to Nara to see the famous free-roaming deer.
-
Tokyo, Japan
Return to Tokyo for your final nights before the flight home — use this time for any last shopping in Harajuku or Akihabara, and pick up omiyage (souvenirs) at Tokyo Station's vast gift hall. Your flight departs Narita on 23 January at 18:30 so allow at least 2.5 hours to get to the airport from central Tokyo via the Narita Express.