12-Day Cultural and Snow Fun Extravaganza in Japan for Friends

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on January 10, 2026

9:00am

Arrival at Tokyo Haneda Airport

Land in Tokyo via a safe, reliable airline offering spacious seating and tasty meals, ensuring a comfortable start to your trip.
Included in flight price, 0h30m

11:00am

Brunch at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a relaxing brunch featuring fluffy ricotta pancakes and fresh juices to energize your start in Tokyo. Open from 8:30am to 5:00pm.
JPY2500 approx., 1h

12:30pm

Meiji Shrine Visit

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at the serene Meiji Shrine nestled in a forested area, open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h

3:00pm

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Experience Tokyo street culture, quirky shops and vibrant fashion perfect for group fun and souvenirs.
Free to explore, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Savor classic Japanese dishes in a lively atmosphere famously known as the 'Kill Bill' restaurant, open until 11pm.
JPY3500 approx., 1h30m
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Day 2: Tokyo Cultural Immersion

Tokyo, Japan on January 11, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Indulge in fresh sushi or tamago at the bustling market, vibrant early morning spot open from 5:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000 approx., 1h

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and Nakamise Shopping Street with traditional snacks and souvenirs; temple open from 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try sukiyaki or shabu-shabu in an authentic setting, open 11:00am to 9:30pm.
JPY4000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Enjoy immersive digital art exhibitions that encourage interaction perfect for making memories with friends; open 10:00am-7:00pm.
JPY3200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Warm up with delicious ramen at this famous chain open until 11pm; spacious seating available for groups.
JPY1500 approx., 1h
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Day 3: Travel to Nagano and Snow Fun

Nagano, Japan on January 12, 2026

7:30am

Shinkansen to Nagano

Board the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station for a scenic and swift 1.5 hour ride to Nagano.
JPY8000 approx. one way, 1h30m

10:00am

Check-in and Drop Bags at Hotel

Settle in at a recommended hotel near Shiga Kogen ski area offering group-friendly rooms.
Hotel dependent, 30m

11:00am

Rent Ski Gear at Shiga Kogen

Pick up skis and snowboards from rental shops for your snow adventure, open from 8:30am to 6:00pm.
JPY4000 approx., 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chalet Chery

Enjoy hearty Japanese mountain cuisine with great views; open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
JPY2500 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Afternoon Skiing or Snowboarding

Hit the slopes for snow fun amongst picturesque mountains open until 4:00pm.
Lift pass JPY5000 approx., 2h30m

5:00pm

Relax in an Onsen

Unwind after skiing at an onsen with natural hot springs to soothe muscles; many open until 9:00pm.
JPY1000 approx., 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Taste regional Nagano dishes and enjoy drinks with your friends in a cozy setting, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3000 approx., 1h30m
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Day 4: Snow Adventure & Cultural Sites

Nagano, Japan on January 13, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nourishing Western and Japanese style buffet breakfast to prepare for the day ahead.
Included with hotel, 1h

9:30am

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Explore one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples with free admission, open 6:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Yamajiro

Dine on soba noodles reflecting Nagano’s culinary heritage; open 11:00am to 2:00pm.
JPY2000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Snowmobile or Snowshoe Trekking

Choose between guided snowmobile tours or snowshoe trekking through pristine snowy landscapes; activities run until 4:30pm.
JPY6000 approx., 2h

5:00pm

Return to Onsen

Relax and rejuvenate in hot spring baths available close to your accommodation for a soothing end of the day.
JPY1000 approx., 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Obasute Soba

Enjoy local soba paired with sake in a traditional mountain inn setting, perfect for socialising with friends.
JPY3500 approx., 1h30m
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Day 5: Scenic Travel to Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on January 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Hearty breakfast before departure including Japanese and Western options.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Kanazawa

Scenic train journey taking approximately 3.5 hours with a change in Toyama, showcasing Japan’s beautiful countryside.
JPY7000 approx., 3h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Fresh seafood and seasonal produce in this lively market reflecting Kanazawa’s culinary charm; stalls open around 9am to 5pm.
JPY2000 approx., 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Explore one of Japan’s top three gardens, famous for its beauty and tranquility. Open from 7:00am to 6:00pm in winter.
JPY320, 1h30m

4:30pm

Check-in Hotel

Settle into your Kanazawa accommodation offering traditional and modern comforts.
Hotel dependent, 30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zeniya

Experience Kaga cuisine using local ingredients in a refined setting; open until 9:00pm.
JPY4500 approx., 1h30m
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Day 6: Explore Kanazawa Culture

Kanazawa, Japan on January 15, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Well-rounded breakfast to fuel a day of cultural exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Enjoy innovative art exhibits in a unique circular building; open 10:00am to 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
JPY1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fuwari

Relax with traditional Kanazawa dishes served in a homely atmosphere; open 11:30am to 2:00pm.
JPY2500 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Nagamachi Samurai District Tour

Walk through preserved samurai residences showcasing Japan’s feudal past, open to public all day.
Free entrance, some houses entrance fee JPY300-500, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Higashi Chaya District

Explore traditional teahouses and artisan shops perfect for souvenirs and tea tasting.
Free to wander, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kanazawa Maimon Sushi

Enjoy fresh, authentic sushi prepared with local seafood; open until 10:00pm.
JPY4000 approx., 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on January 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple yet fulfilling Japanese breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Kyoto

Take the Thunderbird Limited Express train to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours.
JPY4000 approx., 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample local street foods and shop for unique Kyoto souvenirs; market open 9am to 6pm.
JPY2000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Check-in Hotel

Settle into a well-located ryokan or hotel offering cultural ambience.
Hotel dependent, 30m

2:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple and its gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Explore Gion District

Wander Kyoto’s historic geisha district with tea houses and traditional architecture.
Free to explore, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a vibrant dinner scene with multiple restaurants offering Kyoto specialties; open nightly until late.
JPY3500 approx., 1h30m
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Day 8: Kyoto Friendship Experiences

Kyoto, Japan on January 17, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony together to deepen cultural understanding and friendship bonding; reservations recommended.
JPY3500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Enjoy hand-pulled udon noodles in a tranquil setting near the Kodai-ji temple; open 11:30am to 3:00pm.
JPY2200 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the famous thousands of red torii gates path, open 24/7 and free to explore at your pace.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Kyoto International Manga Museum

Explore manga art and history, perfect for fun group interaction, open 10:00am-6:00pm, closed Wednesdays.
JPY800, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kichi Kichi Omurice

Watch an energetic chef prepare famous omurice, creating a joyful dining experience; open until 8:30pm.
JPY1500 approx., 1h
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Day 9: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on January 18, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick breakfast to prepare for the day’s excursion.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Train to Nara

Short 45-minute train ride from Kyoto to Nara, known for its deer park and temples.
JPY800 approx., 45m

10:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue and historic temple grounds, open 7:30am to 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Try mochi making and tasting at this famous shop, open 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Nara Deer Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Feed friendly deer and visit ancient shrines located in the peaceful park.
Free to enter park; shrine JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax on the train back to Kyoto after a fulfilling cultural day.
JPY800 approx., 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station

Choose from numerous eateries inside the station complex offering casual dining options.
JPY2000 approx., 1h
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Day 10: Travel & Relax in Hakone

Hakone, Japan on January 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat a filling breakfast before the longer travel day.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Train to Hakone

Travel from Kyoto to Hakone via Shinkansen to Odawara Station (about 2.5 hours) and local transport to Hakone.
JPY7000 approx., 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Enjoy craft beer and grilled dishes in Hakone’s Gora area; open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
JPY3000 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Check-in and Relax Onsen

Unwind in your ryokan’s private or public onsen to soothe your muscles after travel.
Included or JPY1500 approx., 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal and regional ingredients.
Included or JPY6000 approx., 2h
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Day 11: Explore Hakone & Nature

Hakone, Japan on January 20, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Traditional Japanese breakfast to start a day full of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani

Ride the ropeway offering spectacular views of the volcanic valley and Mt Fuji; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1600 round trip, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Bakery & Table Hakone

Light lunch with lake views, including freshly baked goods; open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY2000 approx., 1h

1:30pm

Lake Ashi Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt Fuji, operating 9:00am to 4:30pm.
JPY1000 approx., 1h

3:00pm

Visit Hakone Shrine

Serene lakeside shrine known for its iconic torii gate standing in water.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return to Ryokan

Relax for the evening with a dip in the onsen.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ryokan

Another exquisite kaiseki dinner to celebrate your trip’s final full day.
Included or JPY6000 approx., 2h
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Day 12: Return to Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on January 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Final traditional breakfast in Hakone.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Travel back to Tokyo

Take train from Hakone to Tokyo via Odawara and Shinkansen, approximately 2 hours.
JPY4000 approx., 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Choose from multiple ramen shops offering diverse styles for a memorable last meal, open 11:00am to 10:00pm.
JPY1500 approx., 1h

2:00pm

Last Minute Shopping at Ginza

Explore luxury shopping and department stores before heading to the airport, stores generally open 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Varies, 2h

5:30pm

Head to Haneda Airport

Take transportation to Haneda Airport allowing sufficient time for check-in and relaxation before your flight home.
JPY1000 approx., 1h

7:30pm

Flight Departure

Depart Tokyo on your preferred safe airline with comfortable seating and entertainment for your journey home.
Included in flight cost, N/A
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