The Perfect Japan Winter Itinerary For An Epic Trip
Heading to Japan soon? Winter is hands down one of the best times to head to Japan.
If you’re still undecided about where to go, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate Japan winter itinerary for 10 days.
In fact, we’ve put together two options for you to choose from.
One that covers the most popular spots, another that heads a little off the beaten track.
Either way, get ready for snowy landscapes, steamy hot springs, and iconic sights.
Here’s how to see six top places in Japan in under two weeks.
Off The Beaten Track Japan Winter Itinerary
Dreaming of a winter getaway to Japan? This 10-day itinerary takes you through Tokyo, Nagano, Hakuba, Takayama, Shirakawago, Gero Onsen, and Kanazawa.
This is the ultimate way to see popular cities, snowy mountains, soothing hot springs and a few days of skiing. Let’s dive into the ultimate winter journey!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Land in Tokyo and try to take in as many iconic spots as you can.
Head to Senso-ji Temple, Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku.
That night, tuck into some delicious street food in Asakusa or get lost in the cute little Japanese alleyways and izakaya’s of Omoide Yokocho.
- How to Get There: From Narita or Haneda Airport, catch the Airport Limousine Bus (60 mins)
- Or catch the train to central Tokyo (40–90 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay near Tokyo Station or Shinjuku for convenience. Tomorrow is the day you head off on our favourite day trip!
Day 2: Tokyo to Nagano (Snow Monkey Park)
Travel to Nagano and visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, one of the only places in the world where you’ll see wild monkeys bathing in warm natural hot springs surrounded by snow. The itty bitty baby monkeys are so CUTE!
- How to Get There: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano (90 minutes).
From Nagano Station, take the Nagaden bus to Yudanaka Station (45 minutes), followed by a 10-minute bus or 30-minute walk to the park. - Where to Stay: Stay in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen to enjoy the charming ryokan and onsen experience.
Day 3: Nagano to Hakuba
Make your way to Hakuba, one of the best and most popular spots for snowboarding and skiing. Hit the slopes for the day. That night, soak in an outdoor onsen under the stars.
- How to Get There: Take a direct bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba (75 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Choose a cozy ski lodge or resort in the Hakuba Valley.
Day 4-5: Hakuba Ski Day
Today you have the entire day to ski or snowboard at Hakuba’s world-class resorts like Happo-One or Iwatake.
If you’re not into skiing, you can always try snowshoeing or wander through the charming little winter villages.
- Where to Stay: Stay 1 more night in Hakuba.
Day 5: Hakuba to Takayama
Travel to Takayama, a picturesque mountain town that is well known for its Edo-period streets and taste of local culture.
Wander through the old town district, dig into a plate of Hida beef, then visit the historic Takayama Jinya.
- How to Get There: Take the JR Oito Line train to Matsumoto Station. From here, board the Highway Bus to Takayama Nohi Bus Centre (around 4 hours 50 mins)
- Where to Stay: Stay in a traditional ryokan or boutique hotel near the old town.
Day 6: Day Trip to Shirakawago
Take a day trip to the enchanting Shirakawago. This is our favourite winter destination.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The snow-covered rooftops create a magical winter wonderland.
Don’t miss a walk to the lookout overlooking Ogimachi Village! This spot is a must on your Japan winter itinerary.
- How to Get There: Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawago (60 minutes each way).
- Where to Stay: Head back to Takayama for the night.
Day 7: Takayama to Gero Onsen
This is where you get to unwind in Gero Onsen.
One of Japan’s top onsen towns for a reason, it has charming foot baths scattered around town and quaint riverside streets lined with gas lights.
At night, it transforms into a real-life winter wonderland.
- How to Get There: Take the JR Hida limited express train from Takayama to Gero Onsen (70 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay in a ryokan with onsen access.
Day 8: Gero Onsen to Kanazawa
Today you head to Kanazawa. When you arrive here, head to the well-preserved samurai and geisha districts.
Then spend the afternoon exploring Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens. After that, head to Kanazawa Castle.
- How to Get There: Take the JR Hida limited express train from Gero to Toyama, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa (5 hours).
- Where to Stay: Stay in Kanazawa city center near Kanazawa Station for convenience
Day 9: Explore Kanazawa
Today, you have an entire day to explore Kanazawa. Hop on the Kanazawa Loop Bus.
It’s specially designed for visitors and will take you to all the top destinations like Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen Garden.
- Where to Stay: Stay another night in Kanazawa.
Day 10: Kanazawa to Tokyo
Sadly this is where you wrap up your perfect Japan winter itinerary!
And where better to do that, than in Tokyo!
Use your last day to go shopping in Ginza or head to popular neighbourhoods like Harajuku and Akihabara before heading home.
- How to Get There: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo (2.5 hours).
- Where to Stay: Stay near the airport or in central Tokyo, depending on your flight schedule.
Epic 12 Day Japan Travel Itinerary for Winter
12 Day Itinerary Of Iconic Sites And Attractions
If winter in Japan is high on your bucket list (it absolutely should be!), this 12-day Japan Travel Itinerary for Winter takes you from the neon streets of Tokyo to the hot springs of Hakone, through the snowy beauty of Nagano, and the must see spots of Kyoto, onwards to Osaka, and Nara.
Don’t miss the breathtaking views of Mount Fuji along the way. We promise you, this itinerary has the best of both worlds!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Begin your adventure in Tokyo, Japan’s capital and by far our favourite city.
Visit some iconic landmarks like Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the fun filled streets of Shibuya, or head to Shinjuku.
Wrap up your day with Tokyo’s incredible street food scene (Omoide Yokocho needs to be seen) and head to the top of Tokyo Skytree for views over the city.
- How to Get There: From Narita or Haneda Airport, catch the Airport Limousine Bus (60 mins)
- Or take the subway to central Tokyo (40–90 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay in Shinjuku or Tokyo Station for easy access to transportation.
Day 2: Tokyo to Hakone
Head to Hakone where you get to soak in Japan’s famous hot springs and take in stunning views of Mt. Fuji.
Head up the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views, visit the Open-Air Museum, and relax in an onsen. You can also take in the Hakone Shrine by Lake Ashi.
- How to Get There: Take the Odakyu Romancecar train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (60 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay in a ryokan with an onsen for a traditional experience.
Day 3: Hakone to Nagano (Snow Monkey Park)
Travel to Nagano and visit the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, one of the only places in the world where you’ll see wild monkeys bathing in warm natural hot springs surrounded by snow.
- How to Get There: Take the Shinkansen from Odawara (near Hakone) to Nagano (2.5 hours). From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka Station (45 minutes), followed by a 10-minute bus or 30-minute walk to the park.
- Where to Stay: Stay in Yudanaka or Shibu Onsen.
Day 4: Nagano to Hakuba
It’s snow ski time! Continue on to Hakuba for a few days in Japan’s top ski location. Hit the slopes or enjoy the cozy alpine atmosphere, relaxing in front of a fire.
- How to Get There: Take a direct bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba (75 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay in a ski lodge or resort in the Hakuba Valley.
Day 5: Hakuba Ski Day
Spend a full day skiing, snowboarding, or exploring Hakuba. Resorts like Happo-One are perfect for every skill level, and the views of the Japanese Alps are pure magic!
- Where to Stay: Stay the night in Hakuba.
Day 6: Hakuba to Kyoto
Today is the day you travel to Kyoto!
Once you arrive, head out to see Kyoto’s beautiful temples and shrines, and walk the cobbled streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka.
Other great spots include Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Head to the food alleyways of Pontocho Alley.
- How to Get There: Take the Highway Bus to Nagano, then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, followed by the Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto (4 hours 40 mins).
- Where to Stay: Stay in Downtown Kyoto or close to Kyoto Station.
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka
Spend the morning in Kyoto seeing all the sites you couldn’t fit in yesterday, then travel to Osaka on the Shinkansen.
Visit Osaka Castle, shop in Shinsaibashi, and dive into delicious street food at Dotonbori.
- How to Get There: Take the JR Special Rapid train from Kyoto to Osaka (15 minutes).
- Where to Stay: Stay in Namba or Umeda for easy access to attractions.
Day 8: Osaka to Nara Day Trip
Take a day trip to Nara. This is where you get to meet the famous bowing deer and explore Todai-ji Temple. Head back to Osaka for the night.
- How to Get There: Take the Kintetsu train from Osaka to Nara (40 minutes each way).
- Where to Stay: Stay another night in Osaka.
Day 9: Osaka to Tokyo via Mt. Fuji (Optional Stop)
On your way back to Tokyo, stop in at Mt. Fuji. Visit the Fuji Five Lakes area and see Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda, and Oshino Hakkai.
- How to Get There: Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo (2.5 hours). Get off at Mishima or Odawara Station. Then continue on to Tokyo
- Where to Stay: Stay in Shinjuku or near Tokyo Station.
Day 10: Tokyo
Spend your last day exploring any must-see spots you missed earlier.
Shop in Harajuku, visit the Meiji Shrine, or see the 3D Cat Billboard in Shinjuku.
Wrap up with a farewell dinner and a Street Kart ride around the city.
- How to Get There: Hop on a Tokyo subway or metro train
- Where to Stay: Choose a hotel near Tokyo or Narita airport for a hassle-free departure.
And that’s a wrap on the perfect Japan winter itinerary!
We hope you found these helpful in planning your trip to Japan.
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