14-Day Winter Wonderland Adventure in Japan: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on January 8, 2025

09:00AM

Arrival at Narita International Airport

Arrive at Narita International Airport and take the Narita Express train to Tokyo.
Narita Express train (approx. 1 hour)
JPY 3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savor fresh sushi and seafood at the bustling Tsukiji Outer Market, a treat for any foodie.
Taxi or subway to Tsukiji (30 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Visit Tokyo Tower

After lunch, head to Tokyo Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city and chance to spot Mount Fuji in the distance.
Subway to Akabanebashi Station (20 min)
JPY 1200, 2 hours

04:30PM

Explore Roppongi Hills

Stroll around Roppongi Hills for shopping and enjoy the winter illuminations before heading back for dinner.
Taxi (10 min)
Free, 1.5 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Have dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, famously known as the 'Kill Bill' restaurant for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious izakaya food.
Taxi (10 min)
JPY 4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 9, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at Sumo Yokozuna

Start your day with a hearty chanko nabe breakfast popular among sumo wrestlers.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 1500, 1 hour

09:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Visit Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Asakusa.
Subway to Asakusa (30 min)
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa's Namiki Street

Enjoy tempura or soba noodles at one of the local eateries along Namiki Street.
Walking (5 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Explore the Ueno Park

Take a walk in Ueno Park and visit some of the museums and the winter beauty of the park.
Subway to Ueno (15 min)
Museum entry fees vary, 2.5 hours

05:00PM

Dinner at Kaminari-Hashi

Wrap up your day with a warm bowl of ramen at Kaminari-Hashi in Ueno area.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on January 10, 2025

07:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel to fuel up for the day.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Head to Nikko by Take the Tobu Limited Express train, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
Tobu Train (2 hours)
JPY 2500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture surrounded by serene forests.
Bus (30 min)
JPY 1300, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Yuba Shokudo

Taste Nikko's specialty, yuba (tofu skin) at Yuba Shokudo, known for its fresh and delicious dishes.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:30PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Experience the spectacular views of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, particularly beautiful in winter.
Bus (30 min)
JPY 1000, 2.5 hours

05:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for the evening.
Tobu Train (2 hours)
JPY 2500, 2 hours

08:00PM

Dinner at Shibuya's Uobei

Enjoy sushi at Uobei, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant where you can order via touchscreen and enjoy the fast-paced dining experience.
Subway to Shibuya (30 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Hakone Exploration

Hakone, Japan on January 11, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your Tokyo hotel before heading to Hakone.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Travel to Hakone via the Odakyu Romancecar train, which provides stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Romancecar (1 hour 30 min)
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the outdoor sculptures and indoor exhibitions at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery.
Taxi (15 min)
JPY 1600, 2.5 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Ramen Nagi

Enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at Ramen Nagi, known for its rich broth and customizable flavors.
Taxi (15 min)
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

03:00PM

Ride the Hakone Ropeway

Experience breathtaking views as you ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani volcanic valley.
Bus (30 minutes)
JPY 1300, 1.5 hours

05:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

End your adventurous day with a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring) to unwind and revive your spirits.
Taxi to onsen (15 min)
JPY 3000, 2 hours

07:30PM

Dinner at local izakaya

Dine at a local izakaya to experience a wide variety of small dishes along with sake.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on January 12, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel in Hakone before heading to Kyoto.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen for a quick one-hour journey.
Shinkansen (1 hour)
JPY 20000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore the stunning Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf that looks magical against the winter landscape.
Bus (30 min)
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kyotanokai

Enjoy a traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki meal at Kyotanokai to sample seasonal ingredients.
Bus (15 min)
JPY 6000, 2 hours

03:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene pathways of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, capturing the unmatched beauty of towering bamboo.
Bus (30 min)
Free, 2 hours

05:00PM

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to understand the significance of tea in Japanese culture.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

07:00PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Enjoy Kyoto-style yakitori at Gion Kappa in the historic Gion district.
Taxi (15 min)
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Historical Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on January 13, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before exploring more of Kyoto.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Wander through the iconic thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, a must-see in Kyoto.
Train (15 min)
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Koji

Taste inari sushi, a local specialty, at the Inari Sushi Koji, a charming eatery in the area.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Explore Gion District

Stroll through the Gion district, famous for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture.
Walking (15 min)
Free, 2 hours

04:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering gorgeous views of Kyoto and beautiful winter scenery.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Omen

End your day with udon noodles at Omen, known for its rich broth and homemade noodles.
Taxi (10 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on January 14, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your Kyoto hotel before heading to Nara.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Train to Nara for a short ride filled with anticipation.
Kintetsu Train (45 min)
JPY 1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Explore Nara Park, famous for its free-roaming deer and lush greenscape even in winter.
Walking (10 min)
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Magurodonya

Savor fresh seafood dishes at Magurodonya, famous for its tuna rice bowls.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Walking (20 min)
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

04:00PM

Stroll through Naramachi

Explore the traditional streets of Naramachi, filled with historic buildings and local shops.
Walking (15 min)
Free, 1.5 hours

06:00PM

Dinner at a local izakaya

Indulge in regional Nara delicacies at a local izakaya.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

08:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto after a delightful day in Nara.
Kintetsu Train (45 min)
JPY 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Hiroshima Historical Day

Hiroshima, Japan on January 15, 2025

07:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel in Kyoto, ready for a historical journey.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

08:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, reflecting on the history to come.
Shinkansen (1.5 hours)
JPY 20000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Honor the victims of the bomb with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
Walking (15 min)
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a famous food destination.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Take in the history and beauty of Hiroshima Castle, set against picturesque landscapes.
Walking (20 min)
JPY 600, 2 hours

04:30PM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry to beautiful Miyajima Island to see the iconic Floating Torii Gate.
Train and ferry (1 hour)
JPY 2000, 1 hour

06:30PM

Dinner at a local izakaya on Miyajima

Have a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood and local specialties on Miyajima.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

08:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima after an enchanting evening.
Ferry and train (1 hour)
JPY 2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Miyajima and Return to Hiroshima

Miyajima, Japan on January 16, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel in Hiroshima before heading to Miyajima for a full day of exploration.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the ferry to Miyajima Island for a picturesque morning.
Ferry (30 min)
JPY 1000, 30 min

10:00AM

Explore Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the renowned Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating Torii Gate, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 300, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Indulge in fresh oysters and other local seafood dishes at a seaside restaurant.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 2000, 2 hours

02:00PM

Hike up Mount Misen

Hike to the summit of Mount Misen, offering breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Walking (60 min)
Free, 3 hours

05:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima after a fantastic day in Miyajima.
Ferry (30 min)
JPY 1000, 30 min

06:30PM

Dinner at Hassei

Enjoy a classic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Hassei, indulging in layers of savory deliciousness.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Okayama Peace and Nature

Okayama, Japan on January 17, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with breakfast at your Hiroshima hotel before traveling to Okayama.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:30AM

Travel to Okayama

Take the Shinkansen to travel to Okayama.
Shinkansen (1 hour)
JPY 10000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Okayama Korakuen Garden

Admire the stunning Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens, even in winter its beauty is striking.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hokasan

Enjoy local Okayama cuisine at Hokasan, renowned for its fresh ingredients.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Visit Okayama Castle

Explore Okayama Castle, known as the 'Crow Castle' because of its black exterior.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

04:30PM

Travel to Kurashiki

Travel to Kurashiki, known for its beautiful canal and historical significance.
Train (15 min)
JPY 300, 30 min

05:00PM

Explore Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Stroll through the atmospheric Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter lined with old warehouses and quaint shops.
Walking (10 min)
Free, 1.5 hours

07:00PM

Dinner at Local Kakushi

Indulge in Kakushi, a specialty of Okayama, and bring an end to the day.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Takayama Discovery

Takayama, Japan on January 18, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Takayama.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Take the Hida Limited Express train to Takayama for a scenic route.
Train (2 hours 30 min)
JPY 5800, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ajikura Tengoku

Delight in a bowl of Takayama ramen at Ajikura Tengoku, a local favorite.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Visit Takayama Old Town

Wander through the charming streets of Takayama Old Town, showcasing Edo period buildings.
Walking (10 min)
Free, 2 hours

04:30PM

Experience Takayama Festival Floats

Learn about the Takayama Festival and its floats at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 700, 1.5 hours

06:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, tasting local craft beers and dishes.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Shirakawa-go, Japan on January 19, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast in Takayama to fuel up for your day trip.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:30AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Bus (50 min)
JPY 2000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Wander through the charming villages of Shirakawa-go, experiencing a winter wonderland.
Walking (5 min)
Free, 3 hours

01:30PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Have lunch at a traditional eatery, sampling regional delicacies.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

03:00PM

Visit Gokayama

After lunch, visit the Gokayama village which is similar in style to Shirakawa-go.
Bus (30 min)
JPY 1500, 2 hours

05:30PM

Return to Takayama

Head back to Takayama in the evening.
Bus (50 min)
JPY 2000, 1 hour

07:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Finish the day with a lovely meal at a local izakaya in Takayama.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Cultural Immersion in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on January 20, 2025

07:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start with breakfast at your Takayama hotel before heading to Kanazawa.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:00AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Catch the train to Kanazawa, enjoy the scenery along the way.
Train (2 hours)
JPY 5000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Marvel at Kenroku-en, one of Japan's three top gardens, adorned in winter's snow.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 400, 2 hours

01:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Delight in fresh seafood and local produce at Kanazawa's famous Omicho Market.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

02:30PM

Learn about Gold Leaf Crafting

Experience the unique gold leaf crafting from Kanazawa, and maybe even try to make your own.
Walking (5 min)
JPY 3000, 2 hours

05:00PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Explore the historical Kanazawa Castle, offering elegant architecture and winter scenery.
Walking (10 min)
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

07:00PM

Dinner at Fuwari

Conclude your Kanazawa visit with a satisfying dinner at Fuwari, specializing in sushi and local dishes.
Walking (15 min)
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 21, 2025

08:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Kanazawa at your hotel.
In-house dining
Included in stay, 1 hour

09:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo via Shinkansen for your last day in Japan.
Shinkansen (2.5 hours)
JPY 20000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa

Savor a meal at Asakusa to reminisce about your trip, allowing a choice among various local dishes.
Subway (30 min)
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

02:00PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Spend time shopping and exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya, the heart of Tokyo.
Subway (20 min)
Free, 2 hours

04:30PM

Final sights in Tokyo

Catch any last-minute sights you want to see, such as the Meiji Shrine or the bustling streets of Harajuku.
Subway (30 min)
Free, 2 hours

06:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Kappo Shin

Finish your Japanese adventure with a farewell dinner at Kappo Shin, offering traditional multi-course dining.
Subway (20 min)
JPY 8000, 2 hours

09:00PM

Departure

Head to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences amassed throughout your journey.
Airport Limousine Bus (1 hour)
JPY 5000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability