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10-Day Winter Adventure and Cultural Exploration in Japan: Snowboarding, Onsen, and City Highlights

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Day 1: Arrival and Shibuya

Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2025

5:00pm

Explore Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and see the famous Hachiko Statue nearby for a cultural photo ops.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at SUSHIHANAISEI (Omakase)

Enjoy a refined omakase sushi experience at SUSHIHANAISEI, known for its fresh seasonal fish selections and masterful chef skills. Reservation recommended as it can close by 10 pm.
JPY15000, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Snow Monkey and Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen, Japan on December 18, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nozawa Onsen and Check-in

Drive or take your rental car to Nozawa Onsen, about 3.5 hours from Tokyo. Check-in at your hotel and get ready for sightseeing.
Car rental cost, 3h30m

1:00pm

Visit Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen-koen)

Experience the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs. The park is open from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Be sure to wear warm hiking shoes as the trail can be snowy.
JPY800, 2h0m

4:00pm

Walk Around Nozawa Onsen Town

Explore the charming streets, traditional shops, and local onsen baths of Nozawa Onsen town.
JPY0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy the delicious traditional Japanese dinner provided at your Nozawa Onsen hotel.
Included in hotel, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a wholesome Japanese breakfast offered by your hotel.
Included in hotel, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Nozawa Onsen

Day 3: Snowboarding at Kawaichiya Onsen

Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan, Japan on December 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nozawa Onsen Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before the day of snowboarding.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan

Drive to Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan to enjoy a day of snowboarding in a relaxing hot spring setting.
Car rental cost, 1h0m

10:30am

Snowboarding at Kawaiichi Area

Enjoy full day snowboarding with picturesque mountain views in the nearby area serviced by Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan.
Snowboard lift passes approx JPY4000, 6h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan

Relax with a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner provided at the Ryokan after a day on the slopes.
Included in Ryokan, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan

Day 4: Snowboarding and Nagano Stay

Nozawa Onsen and Nagano, Japan on December 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kawaichiya Onsen Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to energize for morning snowboarding.
Included in Ryokan, 1h0m

9:00am

Morning Snowboarding at Nozawa Onsen

Return to Nozawa Onsen slopes for a fresh morning session on the snow.
Lift pass JPY4000, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Mahoro No Moto

Enjoy a cozy lunch with soba noodles and local delicacies in Nozawa Onsen town.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Nagano City

Head towards Nagano city, about 1-hour drive, to stay near JR Nagano station for good access to next day travel.
Car rental cost, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Visit Nagano’s famous Zenko-ji Temple, open until 5 pm, and explore its peaceful grounds and historical significance.
JPY300, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tempura Izuei

Dine on exceptional tempura dishes, prized locally for freshness and technique, just a short walk from Nagano JR station.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nozawa Onsen and Nagano

Day 5: Hakuba Shrine and Nature Walk

Hakuba, Japan on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nagano Hotel

Enjoy breakfast provided by your hotel before an active day in Hakuba.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hakuba

Travel approximately 1.5 hours to Hakuba ski resort area.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Hakuba Shrine

Explore the serene Hakuba Shrine, a beautiful place to learn about local culture and history.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at CROWD

Enjoy a hearty lunch at CROWD, known for its modern Japanese cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk through tall cedar trees at Jigatake Forest

Experience nature by walking through towering cedar trees near Hakuba, perfect for afternoon tranquility and photos.
JPY0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Check-in at Hakuba Kai Alps Hotel

Arrive and settle in at your hotel with included dinner and breakfast.
Hotel stay cost, Rest of evening

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner provided by the Hakuba Kai Alps hotel.
Included in hotel, 1h30m
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Day 6: Hakuba Snowboarding

Hakuba, Japan on December 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hakuba Kai Alps Hotel

Start your day with the hotel’s included breakfast before hitting the slopes.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:00am

Snowboarding at Hakuba

Spend the entire day snowboarding on Hakuba’s varied and beautiful slopes nearby.
Approx. JPY4500 lift pass, 6h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Tsugaike Otel

Head to Tsugaike Otel to rest for the night with dinner and breakfast included.
Hotel stay cost, Rest of evening

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with a warm and comforting Japanese dinner served at the hotel after a day on the slopes.
Included in hotel, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hakuba

Day 7: Snowboarding and Matsumoto Stay

Hakuba and Matsumoto, Japan on December 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsugaike Otel

Energize with breakfast before your early session of snowboarding.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Snowboarding in Hakuba

Enjoy morning snowboarding sessions on the excellent slopes.
Lift pass JPY4500, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hakuba Beer Pub

Have a casual lunch with great local craft beers and hearty food to recharge.
JPY2200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Matsumoto

Travel about 1.5 hours south to the city of Matsumoto.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

3:00pm

Check-in at Matsumoto Shiho 5-Star Hotel

Relax and enjoy the luxurious amenities before dinner.
Hotel cost, Rest of day

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Dine on exquisite Japanese and international cuisine offered by the hotel’s highly-rated dining options.
Included in hotel, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hakuba and Matsumoto

Day 8: Wasabi Farm and Kusatsu Onsen

Matsumoto and Kusatsu, Japan on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Matsumoto Hotel

Start with a delicious breakfast included at your hotel.
Included in hotel, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Daio Wasabi Farm

Explore one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms near Matsumoto. Open 9 am - 5 pm, enjoy scenic walks and wasabi products tasting.
JPY500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Tour the historic Matsumoto Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' for its striking black exterior. Open 8:30 am - 5 pm.
JPY610, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Nawate Dori Street

Enjoy local street food and snacks along this popular pedestrian shopping street.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Drive to Kusatsu Onsen

Travel roughly 2.5 hours to Kusatsu Onsen, a famous hot spring town.
Car rental cost, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kusatsu Onsen Ryokan

Enjoy traditional multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner at your ryokan in Kusatsu.
Included in ryokan, 2h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Kusatsu Ryokan

Start your day with a traditional breakfast included at your ryokan.
Included in ryokan, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Matsumoto and Kusatsu

Day 9: Karuizawa and Tokyo Outlet

Karuizawa and Tokyo, Japan on December 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kusatsu Ryokan

Enjoy breakfast at your ryokan before departure.
Included in ryokan, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Karuizawa

Head approx. 1.5 hours to Karuizawa, a charming resort town popular for shopping and sightseeing.
Car rental cost, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Shiraito Falls

Explore this stunning waterfall near Karuizawa, perfect for a scenic photo stop.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza

Enjoy lunch options at the shopping plaza with a variety of cafes and restaurants available.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Tokyo Mitsui Outlet Park

Approx. 2 hours drive to Mitsui Outlet Park near Tokyo for premium shopping experience.
Car rental cost, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in near Narita Airport

Stay at a hotel close to Narita Airport without dinner or breakfast required.
Hotel cost, Rest of evening
Find Hotels in Karuizawa and Tokyo

Day 10: Final Shopping and Departure

Near Narita Airport, Japan on December 26, 2025

9:00am

Morning Shopping

Spend your last morning shopping at local malls or airport premium stores nearby.
Varies, 5h0m

2:30pm

Prepare for Departure

Head to Narita Airport to allow 1.5 hours before your flight at 4 pm.
Airport transfer cost, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Near Narita Airport
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