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

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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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