Land at Haneda at 12:10; allow 45–90 minutes for immigration, luggage and transport. Pick up a Suica/Pasmo card at the airport for easy trains and buses.
Take the Keikyu+Tokyo Metro or airport limousine depending on your hotel area; choose a hotel near Tokyo Station, Asakusa or Ginza for best outbound options. You'll want time to rest before afternoon exploring.
Stroll the historic Senso‑ji temple and Nakamise shopping street; winter offers crisp atmosphere and fewer crowds late afternoon. Great first glimpse of traditional Tokyo without busy Shinjuku/Harajuku areas.
Walk along the Sumida riverbank toward the Tokyo Skytree area for evening lights; the Skytree observation deck is open late (typically 8:00–22:00) if you want a city panorama.
Recommended: Sushi Zanmai (Asakusa/Ginza) or Tempura at local specialist (e.g. Irokawa in Asakusa) for a warm, high‑quality winter meal. Both areas have late opening restaurants; check exact opening times.
Catch an early limited express / highway bus from Tokyo area (e.g. Shinjuku/Tokyo station to Kawaguchiko). Travel time approx 2–2.5 hours; depart early to maximise sunlight and clear Mt Fuji views.
Walk lakeside for classic winter views of Mt Fuji reflected in the water (clear mornings give best photos). There are multiple viewpoints and short photo‑friendly strolls.
Take the Kachikachi Ropeway for elevated panoramas of Mt Fuji and the lake; ropeway typically runs from about 9:00–17:00 but check seasonal times before you go.
Warm up with Hoto, a hearty noodle soup local to the Fuji area — excellent on a cold winter day and widely available near the lake (shops usually open 11:00–15:00 for lunch).
Relax in a local onsen with Mt Fuji views (many day‑use onsen and hotels offer paid access). Open times vary — many open through the evening; confirm reservations if required.
Head back to Tokyo by early evening coach/train; dine near your hotel. Aim to arrive before 21:00 if possible to rest for the long Shirakawa‑go day tomorrow.
Board an early shinkansen to Kanazawa (approx 2.5–3h). This is a long day; leave early to give you time in Shirakawa‑go and for the Shōgawa Yūran cruise. Confirm train times and reserved seats in advance.
Take the Nohi or Kaetsuno bus from Kanazawa to Ogimachi (Shirakawa‑go); travel ~1.5 hours. Buses run several times daily but are busier in winter — book seats where possible.
Wander the UNESCO‑listed village, visit open gasshō‑zukuri houses and the local museum to learn about mountain farming life; winter scenery with snow creates a storybook effect.
Try local soba or mountain cuisine at a village restaurant; many eateries operate typical lunchtime hours ~11:00–15:00, but hours can be shorter in winter.
Board the Shōgawa Yūran sightseeing boat to enjoy riverside scenery and, depending on route, tranquil winter landscapes; typical operations run roughly 9:00–16:00 but schedules vary seasonally — confirm times and boarding point in advance.
Short climb to the Ogimachi lookout for the classic bird's‑eye view of the village with snow‑capped roofs — superb late afternoon light in winter if weather is clear.
Catch the scheduled bus back to Kanazawa, then board an evening Hokuriku Shinkansen back to Tokyo — expect to arrive late in Tokyo (be prepared for a 12–14 hour travel day).
Travel by direct highway bus from major Tokyo hubs (Shinjuku/Shibuya/Tokyo station) to Gotemba; journey about 1.5–2 hours. Buy tickets in advance for busy weekends.
Arrive at the outlets when they open (typical opening 10:00; winter hours can vary). Enjoy branded outlet shopping with potential clear views of Mt Fuji on crisp winter days.
If you prefer relaxation, some nearby day‑use onsens allow a soak before returning to Tokyo; otherwise continue shopping. Confirm opening/availability in advance.
Leave Gotemba by mid‑evening to ensure you reach a hotel near Haneda or the airport area in time for check‑in; travel to Haneda from central Tokyo takes 30–60 minutes depending on route.
Have an early dinner and finish packing. For a midnight flight (00:05 on 2026‑02‑05) plan to be at Haneda by about 22:00–22:30 for international check‑in and security.
Head to your departure terminal and complete check‑in, security and immigration. Your flight to Jakarta departs Haneda at 00:05 on 2026‑02‑05 — keep passports and boarding passes ready.