Magical Winter Journey Through Japan: A 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the vibrant energy of Tokyo, ushering in your winter adventure.
Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to central Tokyo.
JPY 3000, 1-2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savor a delicious seafood lunch at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market where you can try fresh sushi, grilled seafood skewers, and more.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and enjoy exploring the Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs and traditional snacks.
Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Yakiniku Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty and warming dinner at a local yakiniku spot, barbecuing your own marinated meat at the table.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Depart from Tokyo to Nikko

Early morning train ride to Nikko allows you to visit its UNESCO World Heritage Site temples.
Take the Tobu Railway from Tokyo to Nikko.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

9:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Admire the intricate carvings and ornate architecture of Toshogu Shrine set amidst serene winter landscapes.
Walk from the train station.
JPY 1300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Restaurant

Relish a bowl of freshly made soba noodles in a cozy eatery near the shrine.
Walk to a nearby soba restaurant.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

If weather permits, enjoy the spectacular views of frozen Lake Chuzenji and the stunning Kegon Falls.
Take a bus from the shrine to the lake.
JPY 1000, 3 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Make your way back to the train station for your return ride.
Take the bus back to Nikko Station then train back to Tokyo.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a casual dinner at an Izakaya in the lively district of Shinjuku.
Take the subway to Shinjuku.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Winter Wonderland in Nagano

Nagano, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nagano

Catch the Shinkansen to Nagano, a city known for its winter sports and stunning natural beauty.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station.
JPY 8000, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you explore this historic Buddhist temple.
Walk from the station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Warm up with a bowl of Nagano-style ramen at a popular spot near the temple.
Walk to a recommended ramen shop.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani

Head to the famous Jigokudani Monkey Park to see snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs.
Take a train or bus to Yamanouchi, then walk to the park.
JPY 2000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner and Stay in Nagano

Enjoy a warm dinner at an onsen ryokan, indulging in a traditional kaiseki meal.
Stay overnight in Nagano.
JPY 15000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Discover Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Take a scenic train ride to Matsumoto, soaking in the winter sights of the Japanese countryside.
Take the train from Nagano to Matsumoto.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore the stunning Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure surrounded by a moat and winter scenery.
Walk from the station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Shop

Try some delicious Nagano-style soba noodles at a local eatery.
Walk to a nearby soba shop.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Stroll along Nakamachi Street, lined with traditional wooden storefronts and quaint cafes.
Walk from the soba shop.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Dinner and Stay in Matsumoto

Enjoy a warm dinner featuring local ingredients before relaxing at your accommodation.
Choose a ryokan or hotel.
JPY 7000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Traditional Takayama

Takayama, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Morning train ride takes you to the beautiful town of Takayama, known for its well-preserved Edo-period houses.
Take the train from Matsumoto to Takayama.
JPY 4000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Takayama Jinya

Explore the historic Takayama Jinya, a former government outpost, and learn about local history.
Walk from the train station.
JPY 600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Hida Beef Restaurant

Savor the famous Hida beef at a local restaurant for a top-notch culinary experience.
Walk to a recommended restaurant.
JPY 4500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wander through Sanmachi Suji

Stroll the traditional streets of Sanmachi Suji, filled with sake breweries, shops, and galleries.
Walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Takayama

Enjoy a wonderful dinner featuring seasonal ingredients at a local ryokan.
Choose a comfortable ryokan.
JPY 10000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Historic Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

A bus ride takes you through beautiful mountain scenery to Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Shirakawa-go Village

Wander through the picturesque village and enjoy the charm of snow-covered rooftops.
Walk around the village.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Try a local specialty for lunch, such as gohei-mochi (grilled rice cakes).
Walk to a nearby eatery.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Wada House

Step inside one of the historic gassho-zukuri houses to learn about traditional rural life.
Walk from the lunch spot.
JPY 500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Takayama for Dinner

Head back to Takayama in the late afternoon.
Take the bus back.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner in Takayama

End your day with a cozy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling local delicacies.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Enjoy a beautiful train ride to Kanazawa, known for its rich history and cultural attractions.
Take the train from Takayama to Kanazawa.
JPY 3500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Start your exploration at one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen, especially picturesque in winter.
Take a bus to Kenrokuen.
JPY 320, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Seafood Restaurant

Savor Kanazawa's fresh seafood, including sushi or kaisendon (seafood rice bowl).
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore 21st Century Museum

Visit this contemporary art museum that features works from both Japanese and international artists.
Take a bus or taxi to the museum.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Kaiseki Restaurant

End the day with a delightful kaiseki dinner that showcases the seasonal ingredients of Kanazawa.
Walk to a nearby kaiseki restaurant.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Board a Shinkansen to Kyoto, a city that is rich in history and culture.
Take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
JPY 8000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning structure of Kinkaku-ji, surrounded by beautiful garden landscapes.
Take a bus to the temple.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Yudofu Restaurant

Relax with a warm bowl of yudofu (tofu hot pot) popular in Kyoto’s vegetarian cuisine.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, capturing winter's magic as snow settles on the bamboo stalks.
Take a train to Arashiyama.
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Gion

Discover Kyoto’s Geisha district as you enjoy dinner at a traditional izakaya.
Take the train back to Gion.
JPY 4000, 2 hours
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Day 9: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

10:00AM

Travel to Osaka

A quick train ride takes you to Osaka, a city known for its food and entertainment.
Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY 400, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the iconic Osaka Castle and its extensive grounds, ready for the winter scenery.
Walk from the station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori for an exciting lunch of street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore Universal CityWalk

Spend the afternoon at Universal CityWalk, packed with lively shops and entertainment.
Take the subway to Universal CityWalk.
JPY 3000, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Kushikatsu Restaurant

Enjoy a fun dinner filled with skewered meat and vegetables, hitting the spot after a long day.
Take the subway back to Dotonbori.
JPY 3000, 2 hours
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Day 10: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Journey back to Tokyo for any final experiences and shopping.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo.
JPY 14000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Harajuku

Savor a trendy café lunch in the fashionable streets of Harajuku.
Take the train to Harajuku.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last-minute Shopping at Shibuya

Enjoy some shopping at the bustling Shibuya area before heading to the airport.
Take the train to Shibuya.
Free (depends on purchases), 2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at a Trendy Restaurant

End your adventure with a farewell dinner at a trendy restaurant, enjoying the exceptional Japanese cuisine one last time.
Choose a restaurant in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
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