Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Japan on a Budget



As mentioned before, here are the 3 main websites which I use when I plan/book for my own Japan trips.
http://japan-guide.com/ (a comprehensive online guide to Japan)
http://japanican.com/ (hotel bookings)
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ (train schedules/duration/prices)

However, if you are going for budget, here are some links which might be of help.

(Air Transportation)
Keep a lookout for promotional rates from the various airlines. I have ever gotten S$580 rate (inclusive tax & fuel surcharges) per pax for a return flight between Singapore and Osaka onboard Singapore Airlines. Once you get a good airline deal, then you start to plan your itinerary around it.
http://singaporeair.com/ (Singapore Airlines)
http://www.ana.co.jp (ANA Airlines)
http://www.jal.com/ (JAL Airlines)
http://www.delta.com/ (Delta Airlines: Singapore to Tokyo)
http://www.jetstar.com/sg/en/home (Jetstar Budget Airlines: Singapore to Osaka Kansai)
http://www.skymark.co.jp/en/ (Domestic flights: Skymark Airlines)
http://www.flypeach.com/route/routemap.aspx (Peach Aviation)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html (Guide to discount air tickets for domestic flights)

(Land Transportation)
Trains are usually more expensive than Bus. I would recommend the Japan Bus Pass instead of the JR Rail Pass. However there are also some really cheap Rail passes (JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass is 1 example) so take a look around the various Passes there are out there before making any decisions.
For trains, there's many types of trains. There's Shinkansen (bullet train), Ltd Exp (skips many stations), Exp/Rapid (skips some stations), Local (stops at all stations). A Local train will be much cheaper (but takes a longer travelling time) than a Ltd Exp train. Shinkansen is the fastest and also the most expensive.
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ (Airport limousine bus between Tokyo and Narita/Haneda Airports)
http://willerexpress.com (Long distance Express buses)
http://willerexpress.com/x/bus/dynamic/3/en/html/pc/buspass/ (Japan Bus Pass)
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/index.html (Takayama bus operator)
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/route_k/index_e.html (Nagano Bus operator)
http://www.nishitetsu.co.jp/bus/highway/gb/ (Bus operator for Kyushu)
http://transportation.fujikyu.co.jp/english/ (Bus operator for Fuji Five Lakes)
- - http://www.bus-hikaku.com/ (Bus Hikaku, cheap bus rates)
http://www.jrbuskanto.co.jp/bus_route_e/ (JR Kanto Highway Bus)
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/index.html (Odakyu)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357.html (List of various Rail Passes)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2362.html (Seishun 18 Kippu Pass)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_05.html (JR Kyushu Rail Pass)
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_03.html (JR West Rail Pass-Kansai Area)

(Food)
- There is a large variety of ready-packed food being sold at Japan's convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Seicomart...etc) and they tastes quite nice.
- Usually, the basement of departmental stores are usually Food Halls, and when it's nearing closing time, many stalls will cut down the prices of their food, which is a good option to buy dinner during this time.

(Budget Hotels)
http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/ (Toyoko Inn chain)
http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/ (Super Hotels chain)
http://www.cubehotel.jp/en/ (Cube Hotel in Tokyo)
http://www.solarehotels.com/english/chisun/ (Chisun Hotels chain)
http://www.smile-hotels.com/english.php (Smile Hotels chain)
http://www.theb-hotels.com/en/ (the b Hotels chain)
http://www.tokyo-inn.co.jp/en/index.html (Tokyo Inn in Tokyo)
http://www.sunroute.jp/ (Sunroute Hotels chain)
http://www.hotespa.net/business/en/index.html (Dormy Inn chain)
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/ (Hostels in Tokyo)
http://www.chuogroup.jp/selene/en/index.html (Hotel Chuo in Osaka)
http://hotelkinki.com/en/ (Hotel Kinki in Osaka)
http://j-hoppers.com/e_g_links.html (J-hopper's links to budget accommodations)

(Hostels/Capsule Inns) 
*most of these accommodations have only shared toilets/showers, so check before you book if you are particular about it.
http://backpacker.ninja-x.jp/ (Directory of Guesthouse/Hostels for budget accommodation)
http://www.key-yh.jp/index.html (Hostel chain)
http://kshouse.jp/index_e.html (K's House hostel chain)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/index.html (Khaosan hostel chain)
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/ (Sakura hostel chain in Tokyo)
http://www.jafplaza.com/index.html (Apartments and Guesthouse rental for long stay)

Hokkaido:
http://inos-place.com/e/index.html (Hostel in Sapporo)
http://khaosan-sapporo.com/ (Hostel at Sapporo)
http://www.healingweb.net/nonaka/ (Guesthouse at Sapporo)
http://www.youthhostel.or.jp/kokusai/ (Youth hostel at Sapporo)
http://kuwataniya.com/ (Hostel at Otaru)
http://www.tengu.co.jp/english/index.html (Guesthouses at Otaru)
http://www.niseko-backpacker.com/index.htm (Backpackers Lodge at Niseko)
http://www.annupuri-yh.com/index.html (Lodge at Niseko)
http://www.bdlodge.com/ (Lodge at Niseko)
http://hirafuhostel.com/ (Lodge at Niseko)
http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~furanoyh/ (Youth hostel in Furano)
http://homepage1.nifty.com/TOIPIRKA/ (Lodge at Obihiro)
http://www.masyuko.co.jp/ (Youth Hostel at Teshikaga)
http://www.gogogenya.com/mokuzi.htm (Youth Hostel at Teshikaga)

Akita:
http://www12.plala.or.jp/ohmagari-YH/index.html (Youth hostel at Akita)

Yamagata:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/pension/scrooge/eindex.html (Pension at Yamagata)

Iwate:
http://www1.odn.ne.jp/tono-yh/index-e.htm (Youth hostel at Iwate)

Sendai:
http://www.tojianguesthouse.com/sendai.htm (Guesthouse at Sendai)

Ibaraki:
http://bptokiwa.web.fc2.com/ (Hostel at Ibaraki)

Nikko:
http://www.nikko-suginamiki.com/ (Youth Hostel at Nikko)
http://www.nikko-narusawa.com/ (Lodge at Nikko)
http://www.turtle-nikko.com/turtle/ (Inn at Nikko)
http://www3.ocn.ne.jp/~garrr/Rindou.html (Guesthouse at Nikko)

Chiba:
http://www.backpackers-fuji.jp/ (Backpacker's hostel at Narita)

Tokyo:
http://www.cheap-hostel-tokyo.com/ (Guesthouse in Tokyo)
http://retrometrobackpackers.com/index.html (Backpackers Hostel in Asakusa Tokyo)
http://bp-shinagawashuku.com/#home (Guesthouse in Shinagawa Tokyo)
http://backpackersjapan.co.jp/english/ (Ryokan Hostel in Tokyo)
http://www.first-cabin.jp/en/ (Compartment accommodation in Osaka, Kyoto, Haneda)
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/ (Hostels in Tokyo)
http://www.kimiryokan.jp/index.php (Budget Ryokan in Tokyo)
http://www.chiyoda-tokyo.com/english/ (Budget inn in Tokyo)
http://www.hotelmaruchu.com/pc-e/index.html (Budget backpacker's hotel in Tokyo)
http://www.palace-japan.com/english/index.html (Budget backpacker's hotel in Tokyo)
http://www.newkoyo.com/index.html (Budget backpacker's hotel in Tokyo)
http://www.aizuya-inn.com/ (Budget backpacker's hotel in Tokyo)
http://kangaroohotel.jp/index.html (Budget backpacker's hotel in Tokyo)
http://kshouse.jp/tokyo-e/ (Backpackers' Hostel in Tokyo)
http://kshouse.jp/tokyo-oasis-e/index.html (Hostel in Tokyo)
http://oakhostel.com/ (Hostel in Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/world/ (Hostel in Asakusa, Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/original/ (Hostel in Asakusa, Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/ninja/ (Hostel near Bakurocho, Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/samurai/access/index.html (Hostel in Asakusa, Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/kabuki/access/index.html (Hostel in Asakusa, Tokyo)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/laboratory/access/index.html (Hostel in Asakusa, Tokyo)
http://www.toukaisou.com/index.html (Backpacker's hotel in Asakusa)
http://capsuleinn.com/shinjuku/en/ (Capsule hotel in Tokyo, only for Men)
http://ace-inn.jp/index.php (Wooden capsule beds, Tokyo)
http://www.tokyocozyhouse.com/index.html (Guesthouse in Tokyo, can stay for longer period)
http://guesthouse1965.com/index_en.html (Guesthouse in Tokyo, can stay for longer period)
http://www.tatami-guesthouse.com/ (Guesthouse in Tokyo, can stay for longer period)
http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/ (Sakura hostel chain in Tokyo)
http://www.housejp.com.tw/ (Budget accommodation at Ikebukuro)
http://www.tatami-guesthouse.com/ (Guesthouse in Ikebukuro, stay for longer period)
http://fiftys.com/en_index.html (Family Inn, somewhat near Disneyland/Disneysea)
http://www.tokyo-inn.co.jp/ (Budget hotel at Magome, Tokyo)
http://www.homeikan.com/ (Ryokan at Tokyo)
http://www.sansuiso.net/ (Budget Ryokan at Tokyo)
http://www.tamaryokan.com/ (Budget Ryokan at Tokyo)
http://www.tokyo-guesthouse.com/index.html (Guesthouse at Tokyo, stay for longer period)

Yokohama:
http://www.sakura-garden.org/ (Guesthouse at Yokohama)
http://www.plaza-inn-shinyoko.jp/index_en.php (Budget hotel at Yokohama)

Kamakura:
- http://www1.kamakuranet.ne.jp/hase_yh/main_eng.htm (Youth Hostel in Kamakura)

Hakone:
http://fujihakone.com/en/ (Guesthouse at Hakone)

Mt Fuji:
http://kshouse.jp/fuji-e/index.html (Hostel at Kawaguchiko)

Shizuoka:
http://kshouse.jp/ito-e/index.html (Ryokan hostel at Ito)
http://www.izu.co.jp/~aoikaze/ (Youth Hostel at Ito)

Yamanashi:
http://www.tim.hi-ho.ne.jp/innfuji/ (Inn at Yamanashi)

Niigata:
- http://nakatoshi.fuji.to/ (Lodge at Niigata)

Nagano:
http://kshouse.jp/hakuba-e/index.html (Backpacker's Hostel at Hakuba)
http://www.mthakubabackpackers.com/ (Backpackers' Hostel in Hakuba)
http://hakubagondolalodge.com/ (Lodge at Hakuba)
http://matsumotobp.com/en (Guesthouse at Matsumoto)
http://www.avis.ne.jp/~miyasaka/index-e.html (Budget ryokan at Yudanaka)

Toyama:
- http://www1.coralnet.or.jp/buddha/etop/index.html (Budget ryokan at Takaoka)

Takayama:
http://sakura-guesthouse.com/english/index.html (Hostel at Takayama)
http://www.hidatakayama-guesthouse.com/sub1/B1.html (Ryokan hostel at Takayama)
http://kyoto.j-hoppers.com/ (Hostels with branches at Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hiroshima)
http://kshouse.jp/takayama-e/index.html (Hostel at Takayama)
- http://www.d2.dion.ne.jp/~hidafyh/#飛騨古川ユースホステル (Youth Hostel at Hida Furukawa)
http://www.irori-sosuke.com/ (Minshuku at Takayama)
http://kuwataniya.com/ (Guesthouse at Takayama)

Nagoya:
http://www.hostelann.com/Pages/english.aspx (Guesthouse in Nagoya)
http://www.japan-net.ne.jp/~meiryu/english/nofrontpage.html (Budget ryokan at Nagoya)

Kanazawa:
http://murataya-ryokan.com/eng/rooms.html (Budget ryokan at Kanazawa)

Ishikawa:
http://nakatoshi.fuji.to/ (Youth hostel at Noto)

Shiga:
http://shiga-an.com/index.html (Guesthouse in Otsu, Shiga)
http://www.bscjapan.info/ (Hostel at Otsu)

Kyoto:
http://k-guesthouse.jp/ (Ryokan Hostel near Kyoto station)
http://www.kyotohostel.net/index.php (Hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.kyoto-kinta.com/index.html (Ryokan Hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.0757085177.com/english.html (Hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.kazari-ya.com/index-e.html (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://nashinokatachi.com/guesthouse-c.html/home.html (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://kyoto-venten.com/index.html (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://kyotoguesthouserenjishi.com/index.html (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://kyoto-itoya.com/index.html (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://kioto-kyoto.com/index_e.htm (Ryokan Hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.koumekawa.jp/index.html (Ryokan in Kyoto)
http://en.hostel-mundo.com/ (Ryokan hostel in Kyoto)
http://kshouse.jp/kyoto-e/index.html (hostel in Kyoto)
http://hannari-guesthouse-english.com/index.html (hostel in Kyoto)
http://kyoto-chita.com/index.html (ryokan hostel in Kyoto)
http://kyoto.cheapest-inn.com/index_e.html (hostel in Kyoto)
http://kshouse.jp/kyoto-e/index.html (hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.gojo-guest-house.com/ (Guesthouse in Kyoto)
http://gh-project.com/index.html (Ryokan hostel in Kyoto)
http://kyoto.hanahostel.com/ (Ryokan hosten in Kyoto)
http://rakuza.gh-project.com/e/home.html (Ryokan Guesthouse in Gion Kyoto)
http://www.first-cabin.jp/ (Compartment accommodation in Osaka, Kyoto, Haneda)
http://www.bola-bola.jp/top_english.htm (Ryokan hostel in Kyoto)
http://www.capsule-ryokan-kyoto.com/ (Capsule Ryokan Kyoto)
http://9hours.jp/details/index/ (9hours Capsule hotel Kyoto)
http://kyoto.j-hoppers.com/ (Hostels with branches at Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hiroshima)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/kyoto/ (Hostel in Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/theater/ (Hostel in Kawaramachi, Kyoto)
http://www.bola-bola.jp/top_english.htm (Guesthouse at Kyoto)
http://www.tojianguesthouse.com/kyoto.htm (Hostel at Kyoto)
http://www.tojianguesthouse.com/sendai.htm (Budget ryokan at Kyoto)
http://homepage3.nifty.com/yurakuso/index.html (Guesthouse at Kyoto, for longer period stay)
http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~greenpeace/ (Guesthouse at Kyoto, for longer period stay)
http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/rakucho-ryokan/ (Budget ryokan in Kyoto)
http://www.gojo-guest-house.com/ (Ryokan hostel at Kyoto)
http://www.hostelskyoto.com/annex%20e.html (Guesthouse at Kyoto)
http://pascon.gozaru.jp/ (Guesthouse at Kyoto)
http://unohouse.fte.jp/ (Guesthouse at Kyoto)
http://www.ryokankyoraku.jp/ (Ryokan at Kyoto)
http://www5.ocn.ne.jp/~seikis/index_e.html (Inn at Kyoto)
http://www.ryokan-yamazaki.com/ (Ryokan at Kyoto)
http://www.kohro.com/ (Ryokan at Kyoto)
http://www.guesthouse-bon.com/ (Guesthouse at Kyoto)
http://ton-bo.boo.jp/ (Guesthouse at Demachiyanagi, Kyoto)

(Amanohashidate)
http://www5.nkansai.ne.jp/hotel/hasidateyh/eibunn.htm (Youth Hostel at Amanohashidate)

Osaka:
http://u-en.hostelosaka.com/index_en.html (Guesthouse at Osaka)
http://www.asahiplaza.co.jp/ (Capsule Inn at Osaka - available to both males & females)
http://www.caminoro.com/ (Guesthouse in Osaka)
http://www.guesthouseosaka.com/en/banana/index.html (Weekly/Monthly guesthouse in Osaka)
http://www.first-cabin.jp/en/ (Compartment accommodation in Osaka, Kyoto, Haneda)
http://www.caminoro.com/Facilities.html (Hostel in Osaka)
http://www.bonsaiguesthouse.com/en/room.html (Guesthouse in Osaka)
http://www.yamatoyahonten.co.jp/eng/room/ (Budget Ryokan in Osaka)
http://www.hostel64.com/index.html (Budget Ryokan + Dormitory in Osaka)
http://ten.hostelosaka.com/index_en.html (Hostel in Osaka)
http://www.u-en.net/top/top_english.html (Japanese styled Hostel in Osaka)
http://chuogroup.jp/en/ (Chuo Group, Osaka)
http://www.chuogroup.jp/minami/raizan-english/main.html (Budget Hotel in Osaka)
http://kyoto.j-hoppers.com/ (Hostels with branches at Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hiroshima)
http://hostel.oeh.jp/ (Hostel at Osaka)
http://u-en.hostelosaka.com/ (Guesthouse at Osaka)
http://www.hotel-taiyo.com/ (Backpacker's hotel at Osaka)
http://www.hotel-toyo.jp/ (Backpacker's hotel at Osaka)

Nara:
http://www.guesthouse-sakuraya.com/ (Guesthouse in Nara)
http://www.ugaya.net/l (Guesthouse in Nara)
http://yuzanguesthouse.com/ENGLISH/about-yuzanguesthouse-english.html (Guesthouse in Nara)
http://homepage3.nifty.com/guesthouse-makura/index.html (Guesthouse in Nara)
http://www.nara-backpackers.com/home.en.html (Ryokan Guesthouse in Nara)
http://yuzanguesthouse.com/index.html (Ryokan Guesthouse in Nara)
http://www5b.biglobe.ne.jp/~asuka-rd/ (Youth hostel at Nara)

Mie:
http://www.hoshidekan.jp/ (Inn at Ise)

Wakayama:
http://www.naxnet.or.jp/~yamagiwa/arida/ (Youth Hostel at Wakayama)
http://www.bgh.jp/index.php (Guesthouse at Wakayama)

Kobe:
http://kobe-kua-house.com/index.html (Capsule Hotel in Kobe -  available to both males & female )

Himeji:
http://himeji588.com/ (Guesthouse at Himeji)

Okayama:
http://www.kurashiki-sh.co.jp/ (Budget hotel at Kurashiki)

Hiroshima/Miyajima:
http://www.backpackers-miyajima.com/index_e.html (Hostel at Miyajima-guchi)
http://www.reinoinn.com/english/ (Budget inn at Hiroshima)
http://kyoto.j-hoppers.com/ (Hostels with branches at Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hiroshima)
http://kshouse.jp/hiroshima-e/index.html (Backpackers' Hostel in Hiroshima)

Yamaguchi:
http://www.e-yh.net/shimonoseki/indexe.html (Youth Hostel at Yamaguchi)
http://www.paltopia.com/ (Budget hotel at Yamaguchi)

Shikoku:
http://www.ecodogo.com/english/index.htm (Budget inn at Matsuyama, Shikoku)
http://senguesthouse-matsuyama.com/ (Budget guesthouse in Matsuyama, Shikoku)
http://www.matsuyama-yh.com/ (Youth Hostel at Matsuyama)
http://www.hojosuigun.com/ (Inn at Matsuyama)

Kyushu:
http://www.khaosan-fukuoka.com/ (Hostel at Fukuoka)
http://www.kaine-g.com/ (Guesthouse at Fukuoka)
http://www.kaine-g.com/english/e_index.html#setsubi (Guesthouse at Fukuoka)
http://www.tabicolle.com/ENGLISH.html (Ryokan hostel in Fukuoka)
http://www.khaosan-tokyo.com/en/beppu/ (Hostel at Beppu)
http://www.happyneko.com/ (Guesthouse at Beppu)
http://www.coara.or.jp/~hideharu/EngSmry.html (Budget ryokan at Beppu)
http://www.nagasaki-hostel.com/index.html (Hostel at Nagasaki)
http://www.n-kagamiya.com/en/guesthouse.html (Guesthouse in Nagasaki)
http://nakashimaya.ikidane.com/eng.html (Ryokan hostel at Kumamoto)
http://homepage2.nifty.com/minamiaso/guesthouse-english.html (Guesthouse at Kumamoto)
http://www.aso-backpackers.com/index.html (Hostel at Aso Kumamoto)
http://www.ks-kaikan.com/index_pc.cgi (Budget hotel at Kumamoto)
http://nakashimaya.ikidane.com/ (Guesthouse at Kumamoto)
http://www.green-guesthouse.com/english.html (Guesthouse at Kagoshima)
http://www.cheaphotelasia.com/modules/tinyd0/index.php?id=29 (Guesthouse at Kagoshima)





Saturday, September 13, 2008

Sample Itineraries for Japan trip

Tips (will add more in time):
- Certain places are very crowded on weekends, see if you can re-arrange your itinerary to visit it on a weekday instead (like Disneyland/Disneysea, Universal Studios)

- Most hotels & ryokans charges a higher rate for weekend stays (Fri/Sat/Sun) so see if you can re-arrange your itinerary to fit that stay on a weekday on a cheaper rate (esp ryokans in popular places like Hakone, Miyajima, Noboribetsu, Nikko...etc). You would be surprised how much you can save on the difference.

- Many themeparks (except major ones like Disneyland/Disneysea/Universal Studios) & special trains (eg. Arashiyama Scenic Train, Asahiyama Zoo train...etc) do not operate every day, so it's best that you check their operation schedule on their respective websites before you go to ensure that it is available on the day of your visit.

- You can only purchase the nationwide JR Pass outside of Japan so remember to purchase it before you head for Japan.

- When using Hyperdia.com, there are some station with names that you might have problems searching for. Here's some examples: "SAGAARASHIYAMA" (JR Arashiyama station), "HAKATA" (Fukuoka's main station), "TOYA(JR-MURORAN)" (Lake Toya's station), "NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT" (Shin-Chitose Airport station), "KOBE(HYOGO)" (Kobe station).
Eg. In Osaka, Shinkansen only stops at Shin-Osaka station and not at Osaka station. In Yokohama, Shinkansen only stops at Shin-Yokohama station and not at Yokohama station. Therefore don't assume that Shin-Osaka and Osaka station is the same station because they are not.
(More info on how to use the Hyperdia website: here)


Sample Itineraries:
Places listed with " * " doesn't operate every day so check the operation schedule before you go
Nationwide JR Pass for 7 / 14 / 21 days: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html
Various other JR Passes: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357.html
Express Bus: http://willerexpress.com/bus/pc/3/top/
Train schedules: http://www.hyperdia.com/en/

Hokkaido:
(5 days)
Day 1: Singapore to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park/Odori Park/Susukino)
Day 3: Day trip to Otaru
Day 4: Sapporo to Lake Toya or Noboribetsu onsen town, stay for the night
Day 5: Head for Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Singapore

(7 days Winter) With 3 days JR Hokkaido Pass for Day 5 to Day 7
Day 1: Singapore to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park/Odori Park/Susukino)
Day 3: Day trip to Otaru
Day 4: Day trip to Sapporo Teine for skiing
Day 5: Sapporo to Asahikawa (Penguin march* in Zoo and take the Asahiyama Zoo train* from Sapporo to Asahikawa)
Day 6: Asahikawa to Lake Toya or Noboribetsu onsen town
Day 7: Lake Toya or Noboribetsu to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Singapore

(7 days Summer) With 5 days JR Hokkaido Pass for Day 3 to Day 7
Day 1: Singapore to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park/Odori Park/Susukino)
Day 3: Day trip to Otaru
Day 4: Sapporo to Asahikawa
Day 5: Day trip to Furano/Biei (Lavender fields)
Day 6: Asahikawa to Lake Toya or Noboribetsu onsen town
Day 7: Lake Toya or Noboribetsu to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Singapore

(9 days Winter) With 5 days JR Hokkaido Pass for Day 4 to Day 8, Fly in Shin-Chitose, Fly out Shin-Chitose
Day 1: Singapore to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park/Odori Park/Susukino)
Day 3: Day trip to Otaru
Day 4: Sapporo to Abashiri (Ice breaker cruise) Take Asahiyama Zoo train from Sapporo to Asahikawa, then transfer to another train to Abashira. If the Zoo train's tickets are sold out, then just take a direct train from Sapporo to Abashiri
Day 5: Abashiri to Asahikawa (Asahiyama Zoo)
Day 6: Asahikawa to Lake Toya or Noboribetsu
Day 7: Lake Toya or Noboribetsu to Hakodate (Goryokaku/Old Bricks Warehouse/Mt Hakodate)
Day 8: Hakodate to Sapporo
Day 9: Sapporo to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Singapore

Hokkaido + Tokyo:
(8 days) 
Day 1: Singapore to Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo (Shiroi Koibito Park/Odori Park/Susukino)
Day 3: Day trip to Otaru
Day 4: Sapporo to Lake Toya or Noboribetsu onsen town, stay for the night
Day 5: Head for Shin-Chitose Airport, Shin-Chitose Airport to Tokyo
Day 6: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 7: Tokyo (Asakusa/Ueno/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 8: Tokyo to Singapore

Tokyo:
(5 days)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 3: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 4: Tokyo (Asakusa/Ueno/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 5: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukiji market* in the morning if you have time)

(7 days)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya)
Day 3: Tokyo (Asakusa/Ueno/Akihabara)
Day 4: Tokyo (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 5: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 6: Tokyo (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 7: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukiji market* in the morning if you have time)

Tokyo + Hakone:
(5 days. Get Hakone Free Pass for Day 2 and Day 3)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone, stay at Hakone
Day 3: Hakone to Tokyo (Asakusa/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 4: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 5: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukiji market* in the morning if you have time)

(7 days. Get Hakone Free Pass for Day 2 and Day 3)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone, stay at Hakone
Day 3: Hakone to Tokyo (Asakusa/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 4: Tokyo (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 5: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 6: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 5: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukiji market* in the morning if you have time)

Tokyo + Karuizawa + Kawaguchi-ko
(9 days with 3 days JR Kanto Area Pass for Day 2 to Day 4)
*The JR Kanto Area pass will be changed to JR Tokyo Wide pass from 19 Dec 2015 onwards.
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo. Stay at Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo to Kawaguchiko. Stay at Kawaguchiko
Day 3: Kawaguchiko to Tokyo. Stay at Tokyo.
Day 4: Day trip to Karuizawa. Stay at Tokyo
Day 5: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*). Stay at Tokyo
Day 6: Tokyo. Stay at Tokyo.
Day 7: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower). Stay at Tokyo.
Day 8: Daytrip to Kamakura + Yokohama. (Kamakura + Cup Noodle museum + Chinatown). Stay at Tokyo
Day 9: Tokyo to Singapore.


Tokyo + Hakone + Kamakura + Yokohama
(7 days. Get N'EX + SUICA package for day 1 and day 7 if you are using Narita Airport )
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone, stay at Hakone
Day 3: Hakone to Tokyo (Asakusa/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 4: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 5: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 6: Day trip to Kamakura + Yokohama
Day 7: Tokyo to Singapore  (Tsukiji market* in the morning if you have time)

Tokyo + Osaka + Kyoto 
(7 days with 7 days JR Pass, Fly in Tokyo, Fly out Tokyo)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo to Osaka (Aquarium or Instant Ramen museum/Dotonbori in Namba)
Day 3: Day trip to Kyoto (Arashiyama scenic train*/Kiyomizudera/Gion)
Day 4: Osaka to Tokyo (Asakusa/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 5: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 6: Tokyo (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 7: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukuji market* in the morning if you have time)

Tokyo + Osaka + Kyoto + Nara + Hakone 
(10 days: with 7 days JR Pass for Day 1 to 7, Fly in Tokyo, Fly out Tokyo)
Day 1: Singapore to Tokyo (Shinjuku if you have time)
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone
Day 3: Hakone to Kyoto (Kiyomizudera/Gion)
Day 4: Kyoto (Arashiyama Scenic train*/Fushimi Inari shrine/Kinkakuji)
Day 5: Kyoto to Osaka, day trip to Nara + Evening at Osaka's Dotonbori, stay at Osaka
Day 6: Osaka (Universal Studios)
Day 7: Osaka to Tokyo (Asakusa/Akihabara) or (Imperial Palace/Ginza)
Day 8: Tokyo (Disneyland or Disneysea or Sanrio Puroland*)
Day 9: Tokyo  (Harajuku/Shibuya) or (Odaiba/Tokyo Tower)
Day 10: Tokyo to Singapore (Tsukuji market* in the morning if you have time)

Kyoto + Osaka + Nara
(6 days. With Haruka + ICOCA package for Day 1 and Day 6)
Day 1: Singapore to Kansai Airport, Kansai to Osaka
Day 2: Osaka (Universal Studios)
Day 3: Day trip to Nara + Osaka (Dotonbori in the evening)
Day 4: Osaka to Kyoto (Kiyomizudera/Gion)
Day 5: Kyoto (Arashiyama Scenic train* and bamboo groves/Kinkakuji)
Day 6: Kyoto to Kansai Airport, Kansai Airport to Singapore (Nishiki market or Fushimi Inari if you have time)

(9 days: With Haruka + ICOCA package for Day 1 and Day 9)
Day 1: Singapore to Kansai Airport, Kansai to Osaka
Day 2: Osaka (Universal Studios)
Day 3: Osaka (Aquarium/Instant Ramen Museum/Umeda)
Day 4: Day trip to Nara + Osaka (Dotonbori in the evening)
Day 5: Osaka to Kyoto (Fushimi Inari/Kiyomizudera/Higashiyama street)
Day 6: Kyoto (Arashiyama Scenic train* and bamboo groves/Kinkakuji)
Day 7: Kyoto (Philosopher's Walk/Ginkakuji)
Day 8: Kyoto (Nijo Castle/Nishiki market/Gion)
Day 9: Kyoto to Kansai Airport, Kansai to Singapore (Fushimi Inari if you have time)

Kyoto + Osaka + Nara + Okayama + Hiroshima + Miyajima + Kyushu
(13 days: with 7 days JR Pass for Day 4 to Day 10, and Haruka + ICOCA package for Day 1 and Day 13)
Day 1: Singapore to Kansai Airport, Kansai to Osaka
Day 2: Osaka (Universal Studios)
Day 3: Day trip to Nara + Osaka (Dotonbori in the evening)
Day 4: Osaka to Okayama (Kurashiki)
Day 5: Okayama to Hiroshima (A-bomb/Peace Memorial Museum/Hondori Street)
Day 6: Hiroshima to Miyajima (stay at ryokan)
Day 7: Miyajima to Fukuoka (Canal City Hakata/Foodstalls)
Day 8: Day trip to Nagasaki or Huis Ten Bosch
Day 9: Day trip to Kagoshima
Day 10: Day trip to Yufuin, then Fukuoka to Kyoto. Take evening Shinkansen to Kyoto. 
Day 11: Kyoto (Kiyomizudera/Higashiyama street/Gion)
Day 12: Kyoto (Arashiyama Scenic train* and bamboo groves/Kinkakuji)
Day 13: Kyoto to Kansai Airport, Kansai to Singapore (Nishiki market or Fushimi Inari if you have time)

Kyoto + Osaka + Nara + Okayama + Himeji + Kobe + Kinosaki onsen
(10 days: with 4 days JR Kansai Area Wide Pass for Day 4 to Day 7, and Haruka + ICOCA package for Day 1 and Day 10)
Day 1: Singapore to Kansai Airport. Kansai to Osaka. Stay at Osaka.
Day 2: Osaka. Stay at Osaka.
Day 3: Daytrip to Nara. Stay at Osaka.
Day 4: Daytrip to Kurashiki and Okayama. Stay at Osaka.
Day 5: Daytrip to either Himeji + Kobe. Stay at Osaka.
Day 6: Osaka to Kinosaki onsen. Stay at Kinosaki onsen.
Day 7: Kinosaki onsen to Kyoto. Stay at Kyoto.
Day 8: Kyoto (Kiyomizudera/Higashiyama street/Gion). Stay at Kyoto.
Day 9: Kyoto (Arashiyama Scenic train* and bamboo groves/Kinkakuji). Stay at Kyoto.
Day 10: Kyoto to Kansai Airport. Kansai Airport to Singapore.

Kyushu
(7 days: with 5 days JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass for Day 2 to Day 6)
Day 1: Singapore to Fukuoka
Day 2: Fukuoka to Huis Ten Bosch, Huis Ten Bosch to Nagasaki (take evening train to Nagasaki)
Day 3: Nagasaki to Fukuoka (spend the day at Nagasaki, then take evening train to Fukuoka)
Day 4: Fukuoka to Yufuin
Day 5: Yufuin to Beppu
Day 6: Beppu to Fukuoka
Day 7: Fukuoka to Singapore