Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Winter Itinerary in Snowless Southern Japan: December 23 to January 7

Viewed by 305 travelers

Day 1: Explore Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on December 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Moka

Enjoy a hearty Japanese-style breakfast with fresh coffee and light pastries to start your day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit the iconic park dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. A sobering and important historical site open year-round.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous multi-story food building showcasing various vendors.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore a beautifully reconstructed Japanese castle with a museum inside, open from 9am to 6pm.
JPY370, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Nagata-ya

Enjoy fresh seafood and local Hiroshima cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 2: Miyajima Island Visit

Miyajima, Japan on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a Japanese-style breakfast prepared at your accommodation.
Included, 1h0m

9:15am

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Take the short ferry ride to Miyajima, famous for Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate.
JPY360, 0h30m

10:00am

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the iconic shrine with its famous red torii gate standing in the water, best explored before crowds arrive.
JPY300, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yakigaki-no-Hayashi

Enjoy fresh grilled oysters, a Miyajima specialty, at this popular local eatery.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Mount Misen Hiking or Ropeway

Explore forest trails and panoramic views atop Mount Misen. Ropeway operates 9:00am-4:45pm for an easier ascent.
JPY1800, 3h0m

5:00pm

Return ferry and dinner at Hiroshima Station area

Return to Hiroshima and have dinner at Hiroshima Station’s ekiben or casual restaurants serving local dishes.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Miyajima

Day 3: Travel to Takamatsu

Takamatsu, Japan on December 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before traveling.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Shinkansen and local train to Takamatsu

Take the bullet train to Okayama then transfer to a local train crossing the Seto Inland Sea to Takamatsu on Shikoku Island.
JPY6500, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Yakitori Hachibei

Savor perfectly grilled yakitori skewers at a popular local spot.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ritsurin Garden

Explore this sprawling, beautifully landscaped garden open 7:00am-5:00pm, perfect for a peaceful winter stroll.
JPY410, 1h30m

4:30pm

Takamatsu Castle Ruins

Visit the scenic castle ruins with surrounding park, open until dusk. Offers sunset views over the harbor.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sanuki Menbo

Enjoy Takamatsu’s famous Sanuki udon noodles in a casual setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Takamatsu

Day 4: Shikoku day trip

Shikoku, Japan on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day of exploration with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Naruto Whirlpools

Travel to Naruto to witness the spectacular whirlpools in the straits, best viewed from a sightseeing boat or the Bridge.
Boat ride JPY1500, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Naruto

Try local seafood dishes at a nearby restaurant specializing in fresh fish caught locally.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Otsuka Museum of Art

Explore this unique museum showcasing full-size ceramic reproductions of famous Western paintings, open daily 9:30am-5:00pm.
JPY3300, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Takamatsu and dinner at Marugame Seimen

Enjoy affordable self-service udon noodles perfect for a light dinner before resting.
JPY800, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Shikoku

Day 5: Travel to Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan on December 27, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast

Have a quick hotel breakfast to fuel your travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Fukuoka

Take a direct train from Takamatsu to Fukuoka city located on Kyushu island, a journey of approximately 3 hours.
JPY6000, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Taste one of Japan’s most famous tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen at Ichiran, open 24 hours.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Walk around the remains of the castle in Maizuru Park, offering lovely views and a peaceful park atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Canal City Hakata

Shop and stroll through this large shopping and entertainment complex, open late into the evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yatai Street Food Stalls

Experience Fukuoka’s famous street food stalls featuring grilled meats, noodles, and local delicacies.
JPY2000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

Day 6: Kyushu exploration

Fukuoka & Nagasaki, Japan on December 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for a busy day visiting Kyushu’s sites.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Nagasaki

Travel to Nagasaki by limited express train (approximately 2 hours).
JPY4000, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum

Learn about Nagasaki’s history and peace efforts, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY200, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shikairo

Savor Champon, a classic Nagasaki noodle dish with seafood and vegetables, at a traditional eatery.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Glover Garden

Visit Western-style residences and gardens with panoramic views over Nagasaki harbor, open 8:00am-6:00pm.
JPY610, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Fukuoka

Travel back to Fukuoka for overnight rest.
JPY4000, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hakata Motsunabe Yamanaka

Try a hot, hearty motsunabe (offal hotpot) popular in Fukuoka during winter evenings.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fukuoka & Nagasaki

Day 7: Explore Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Ohori Park

Enjoy a morning walk around the beautiful Ohori Park lake, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Kushida Shrine

Visit this historic shrine known for its role in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, open all day.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ganso Nagahamaya

Savor local seafood sushi and sashimi in a traditional environment.
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping in Tenjin

Explore the bustling Tenjin shopping district, famous for boutiques, cafes, and department stores.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Yakitori Tetsu

Enjoy expertly grilled yakitori (chicken skewers) paired with local drinks.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Fukuoka

Day 8: Travel to Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan on December 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a buffet breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Nagasaki

Travel to Nagasaki city (approx 2 hours by train).
JPY4000, 2h0m

11:30am

Dejima Island

Tour the historic Dutch trading post, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY510, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fukusaya

Try Nagasaki’s famed Castella sponge cake and light lunch items.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nagasaki Chinatown

Explore Japan’s oldest Chinatown with shops and cultural sites.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Mount Inasa Night View

Take ropeway to Mount Inasa for spectacular night views of Nagasaki city, open until 10pm.
JPY1280, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Shinchi Chinatown

Enjoy Chinese-Japanese fusion dishes in Nagasaki Chinatown.
JPY2500, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Nagasaki

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up for your long journey back to Tokyo.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train from Nagasaki to Tokyo

Take the shinkansen via Hakata and Shin-Osaka back to Tokyo, a long but comfortable trip of approximately 8 hours.
JPY23000, 8h0m

4:30pm

Arrival in Tokyo and check in

Arrive and settle into your accommodation, preparing for New Year festivities.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya with seasonal and festive Japanese dishes.
JPY3000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 10: New Year in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 1, 2026

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the new year with a relaxed breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

10:30am

Hatsumode at Meiji Shrine

Join locals for the traditional first shrine visit of the year; expect some crowds but a memorable cultural experience.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at nearby Komeda's Coffee

Enjoy a comforting and cozy lunch in a popular café chain, open during holidays.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll through Yoyogi Park

Relax with a winter walk in this peaceful park adjacent to Meiji Shrine.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Enjoy a festive meal in this lively izakaya known as the inspiration for the Kill Bill restaurant scene.
JPY4000, 2h0m
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 11: Tokyo cultural day

Tokyo, Japan on January 2, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Sample fresh seafood and traditional Japanese breakfast dishes at the market, open around 5am-1pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Edo-Tokyo Museum

Explore Tokyo’s fascinating history through immersive exhibits, open 9:30am-5:30pm except Mondays.
JPY600, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ramen Street, Tokyo Station

Taste a variety of ramen styles at this famous food area inside Tokyo Station.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and browse Nakamise shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Tempura Kondo

Indulge in expertly crafted tempura in a Michelin-starred restaurant, reservation recommended.
JPY8000, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Tokyo
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed