14-Day Japan Winter Snow Festival Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

You will land at Narita or Haneda Airport and make your way into the city to start your adventure.
Take the Narita Express or Airport Limousine Bus to central Tokyo.
JPY 2500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and seafood at one of the iconic vendors in the bustling market.
Head to Tsukiji Outer Market by subway.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Check into Hotel

Settle at your hotel and refresh before exploring more of Tokyo.
Take a taxi or subway to your hotel.
JPY 10000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tokyo Tower

Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city skyline, especially enchanting in winter light.
Take a bus or walk to Tokyo Tower.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gonpachi

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Gonpachi, famously known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill restaurant scene.
Take a subway to Nishi-Azabu.
JPY 5000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gromit Cafe

Start your day with a relaxing breakfast featuring homemade pastries and coffee.
Walk to Gromit Cafe nearby.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Experience traditional Japan at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and enjoy shopping on Nakamise Street.
Take the subway to Asakusa.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Ueno Park Snow Festival

Visit Ueno Park where winter festivities include snow sculptures; a delightful sight!
Take the subway to Ueno Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Isetan Food Floor

Treat yourself to a unique dining experience sampling dishes from various vendors in the upscale department store.
Subway to Shinjuku, then walk to Isetan.
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing and snap vibrant photos from designated viewing areas.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savor a delicious bowl of ramen in this unique dining establishment known for its booths.
Walk to Ichiran Ramen in Shibuya.
JPY 1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Sapporo

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your Tokyo hotel before heading to Sapporo.
Hotel dining area.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shinkansen to Sapporo

Travel via Shinkansen to Sapporo; anticipate beautiful landscapes along the journey.
Take the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
JPY 20000, 8 hours

5:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive in Sapporo and check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Taxi to your hotel.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Try the popular local dish of soup curry at GARAKU, famous for its rich flavors.
Walk to GARAKU.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Sapporo Ice Festival

Sapporo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Take advantage of the continental breakfast offered at your hotel.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Sapporo Snow Festival

Fully immerse yourself in the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, marveling at spectacular ice sculptures.
Take the subway to Odori Park.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Festival

Taste delicious local dishes at food stalls sprinkled throughout the festival.
Purchase food inside the festival area.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

More Festival Activities

Enjoy more of the winter activities, including snow slides and snowman making.
Wander around Odori Park.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ramen Sapporo

Indulge in hearty Sapporo-style miso ramen at this local favorite.
Walk to Ramen Sapporo.
JPY 1300, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Otaru

Otaru, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast in preparation for a day trip to Otaru.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Otaru

Take a quick train ride to Otaru, famed for its picturesque canal and charming port town.
Walk to Sapporo Train Station.
JPY 640, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Otaru Canal

Stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, discovering cozy cafes and unique shops.
Walk along the canal.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Otaru Sushi Street

Experience fresh seafood in one of the many sushi restaurants lining the street.
Walk to Sushi Street.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Y Ice Cream Shop

Enjoy a scoop of freshly made soft-serve ice cream from a local shop.
Walk back to the main street.
JPY 400, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Return to Sapporo

Head back to Sapporo to relax after your adventure at Otaru.
Train to Sapporo.
JPY 640, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Soup Curry Shop

End your day with a warm bowl of soup curry, perfect after a cold day out.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hakodate Exploration

Hakodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Savor a nutritious breakfast at your hotel in Sapporo.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shinkansen to Hakodate

Travel to Hakodate via the scenic Shinkansen, known for its beautiful views.
Walk to Sapporo Station.
JPY 10000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and check into your accommodation.
Taxi to hotel from the station.
JPY 1500, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Kanesaka

Taste authentic Hakodate seafood at Kanesaka, renowned for its fresh quality.
Walk to Kanesaka.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Goryokaku Park

Explore the history and beauty of Goryokaku Park including its star-shaped fort and surrounding landscapes.
Take a bus to Goryokaku.
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Himawari

Enjoy a delicious meal of Ikura (salmon roe) over rice at this local favorite.
Bus back to the city center.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nagano Bound

Nagano, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before you depart for Nagano.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Nagano

Head back to Hakodate Station to catch the Shinkansen to Nagano.
Taxi to Hakodate Station.
JPY 10000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and settle in to your Nagano hotel.
Take a taxi from the station.
JPY 2500, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Soba Takagi

Savor homemade soba noodles at this local gem.
Walk to Soba Takagi.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Zenko-ji Temple

Visit this historic temple, known for its stunning architecture and significant cultural heritage.
Walk to Zenko-ji.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chada

End your day with a warm bowl of ramen at Chada, a local favorite.
Taxi to Chada.
JPY 1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Ski and Snowboard in Nagano

Nagano, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a good breakfast before heading out for winter sports.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Nagano Snow Resort

Spend the day skiing or snowboarding in the beautiful Nagano mountains.
Take a bus to the ski resort.
JPY 6000 (lift ticket), 8 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Soba Noodle Restaurant

After an exhilarating day, enjoy soba noodles at a nearby restaurant.
Take the bus back to central Nagano.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Matsumoto and Alpine Fun

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Refuel at breakfast before departing for Matsumoto.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Matsumoto

Take the train to Matsumoto, an essential stop in the Japanese Alps.
Walk to Nagano Station.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Matsumoto Castle

Visit the striking Matsumoto Castle, a historic site surrounded by the beautiful Alps.
Walk to Matsumoto Castle.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsumoto Station Restaurant

Grab a delightful lunch at one of the station's bento shops.
Walk back to the station.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Nakamachi Street

Stroll through charming Nakamachi Street, lined with historic buildings and shops selling local crafts.
Walk to Nakamachi Street.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Restaurant

Wrap up your day with grilled meat at a local yakiniku restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Takayama's Winter Festival

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before a scenic train journey to Takayama.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Takayama

Travel by train to the picturesque Takayama, known for its traditional wooden houses.
Walk to Matsumoto Station.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Takayama Winter Festival

Experience the local Winter Festival filled with vibrant floats, dance, and food.
Follow signs to the festival area.
Free, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Festival Stall

Sample delectable treats from the various food stalls present during the festival.
Purchase food inside the festival area.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Takayama's Old Town

Wander through beautifully preserved streets offering insights into Japan's history.
Walk to the Old Town.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy local cuisine at a quaint izakaya in Takayama, famous for Hida beef.
Walk to the izakaya.
JPY 3500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Shirakawa-go Village

Shirakawa-go, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before taking a trip to Shirakawa-go.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

11:00AM

Bus to Shirakawa-go

Transfer to Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional gassho-style farmhouses and breathtaking winter scenery.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Exploring Shirakawa-go

Wander through the village, taking in the stunning architecture and the snow-covered landscape.
Explore on foot.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Shirakawa-go

Try local soba dishes at a family-run restaurant in the village.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Takayama

Return to Takayama for dinner.
Bus back to Takayama.
JPY 2000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Wrap up your day with a delightful bowl of ramen at Ramen Nagi back in Takayama.
Walk to Ramen Nagi.
JPY 1600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Kanazawa City Tour

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Kanazawa.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Kanazawa

Catch a train to Kanazawa, known for its beautiful gardens and historic areas.
Walk to Takayama Station.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kenroku-en Garden

Visit one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, especially magical under a layer of snow.
Walk to Kenroku-en.
JPY 320, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savor fresh seafood and local dishes at the bustling Omicho Market.
Walk to Omicho Market.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Higashi Chaya District

Wander through Kanazawa’s historic geisha district with traditional wooden houses and tea shops.
Walk to Higashi Chaya.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Finish your day with a delicious kaiseki dining experience at this well-reviewed restaurant.
Taxi to Fuwari.
JPY 6000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Kyoto Cultural Experience

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before taking off for Kyoto.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Kyoto

Travel on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, ready to immerse yourself in the culture.
Walk to Kanazawa Station.
JPY 10000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check into Hotel

Arrive and check into your Kyoto hotel.
Take a taxi from the station.
JPY 2000, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Tsukimi Restaurant

Savor seasonal kaiseki dishes while enjoying the beautiful views.
Walk to Tsukimi.
JPY 4000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by picturesque gardens.
Take a bus or taxi to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 400, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Isshisoden Nakamura

Enjoy an exquisite kaiseki meal at this highly-rated restaurant.
Take a taxi to Isshisoden Nakamura.
JPY 8000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure from Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast before your departure.
Hotel dining area.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Pick up souvenirs or last-minute gifts in the nearby shopping areas before you leave.
Walk to local shopping district.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Check Out from Hotel

Check out and prepare for your journey to the airport.
Hotel front desk.
Free, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Transfer to Kansai Airport

Travel to Kansai International Airport for your flight home, cherishing memories from the trip.
Take a taxi or shuttle service.
JPY 4000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability