5-Week Winter Adventure in Japan: A Comprehensive Itinerary from Tokyo to Hokkaido

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese street food at this lively market, soaking in the local atmosphere. Open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, a stunning cultural site with beautiful architecture and traditional shopping streets.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try their famous melonpan bread and other Japanese snacks in a traditional setting.
JPY800, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll and Shopping in Ginza

Explore Ginza's high-end shops and department stores, perfect for picking up winter fashion and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine in the iconic restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill scene, specializing in izakaya-style dishes and grilled meats.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: History and Culture in Nikko

Nikko, Japan on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast to fuel your day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Nikko by train

Take the Tobu-Nikko Line from Tokyo, a scenic journey of approx. 2h.
JPY2700, 2h

11:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore this lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage site, the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
JPY1300, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy traditional soba noodles and local Nikko specialties in a cozy eatery.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Walk around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Relax with stunning winter views of the lake and frozen waterfall, beautiful in the colder season.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kanaya Hotel Bakery

Sample baked goods and light meals in Japan’s first Western-style hotel cafe, open till 7pm.
JPY2000, 1h
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Day 3: Skiing in Hakuba

Hakuba, Japan on December 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nikko hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel to the mountains.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Hakuba by train and bus

Journey via Nagano takes approximately 3.5 hours, providing mountain views along the way.
JPY4500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hakuba Goryu Restaurant

Enjoy hearty Japanese alpine cuisine ideal for winter's chill, located near ski slopes.
JPY2000, 1h

1:30pm

Afternoon Ski Session

Hit the slopes at Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, open 8am-4pm, featuring runs for all skill levels.
JPY4500 lift pass, 3h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Izakaya Kura

Cozy venue offering local sake and grilled dishes after a long day skiing.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Kanazawa's Art and Tradition

Kanazawa, Japan on December 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hakuba lodging

Enjoy a light breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Travel to Kanazawa by train

Shuttle via Nagano and Toyama approximately 3.5 hours, scenic route through the mountains.
JPY5500, 3h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Sample fresh seafood and seasonal produce straight from the market stalls in this busy foodie spot.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan’s most famous gardens, especially magical under a light dusting of snow.
JPY320, 2h

4:30pm

Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

See innovative art exhibits blending tradition and modernity, open 10am-6pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Kagaya

Experience exquisite kaiseki cuisine featuring local Kanazawa ingredients in a traditional setting.
JPY8000, 2h
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Day 5: Traditional Takayama

Takayama, Japan on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kanazawa hotel

Traditional Japanese breakfast to prepare for travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Takayama by train and bus

Scenic route through mountainous countryside, approx. 2.5 hours journey.
JPY3500, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Takayama Old Town

Walk the charming streets lined with Edo-period merchant houses, artisan shops and sake breweries.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Heianraku

Local Hida beef specialties served in a rustic, welcoming environment.
JPY2500, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Takayama Jinya

Visit the preserved government building from the Edo era showcasing historical exhibitions.
JPY430, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Suzuya

Enjoy fresh mountain river fish and seasonal dishes at this atmospheric traditional restaurant.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 6: Sapporo Snow Festival Prep

Sapporo, Japan on December 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Takayama hotel

Light breakfast to get ready for travel to Hokkaido.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Sapporo by train and flight

Take train to Nagoya then flight to Sapporo New Chitose Airport, approx. 5 hours total travel time.
JPY15000, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Yokocho Alley

Taste different styles of rich Hokkaido ramen, a warming local speciality in winter.
JPY1200, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Odori Park

Explore the park where the famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place, ideal for winter photos even off-season.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Soup Curry GARAKU

Sink into a warm bowl of Hokkaido’s signature spicy soup curry, perfect for cold evenings.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Sapporo Snow Festival & Hot Springs

Sapporo & Noboribetsu, Japan on December 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sapporo hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to begin your day of snow festival excitement.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Explore the Sapporo Snow Festival site

Experience impressive snow and ice sculptures, open daily from early December onwards with snow lighting displays at night.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hanamaru Sapporo Station

Fresh seafood donburi from one of Hokkaido's favourite conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Travel to Noboribetsu Onsen

Short 1-hour train ride to famous hot spring town for relaxation in natural mineral baths.
JPY1100, 1h

3:30pm

Relax at Noboribetsu Onsen

Enjoy soaking in outdoor and indoor onsens surrounded by snowy scenery, open 9am to 10pm.
JPY1200, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Onsen ryokan

Savour a traditional kaiseki meal at your ryokan, showcasing local seasonal ingredients.
Included in accommodation, 2h
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