Itinerary for 10 day trip to Japan

Japan in winter is a magical experience, especially with the snow-covered landscapes and cozy ryokans. Here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that includes all your must-see spots: , , the , and of course, some lovely stays in ryokans. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in

Morning: Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in .
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and freshen up. Head out to explore the vibrant streets of Shibuya. Don’t miss the famous !
Evening: Enjoy dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) in . Try some yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sake!

Day 2: to

Morning: Take the Limited Express Hida train from to (about 4-5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way!
Afternoon: Arrive in and check into a ryokan. After settling in, explore the beautifully preserved old town, , with its traditional wooden houses.
Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, a multi-course Japanese meal that’s a feast for the senses!

Day 3: Day Trip

Morning: After breakfast, take a bus from to (about 50 minutes). This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Afternoon: Spend the day wandering around the village, taking in the stunning winter scenery. Don’t forget to visit the for a glimpse into traditional life!
Evening: Return to and enjoy a relaxing evening at your ryokan.

Day 4: to

Morning: After breakfast, take a bus to the train station and then a train to (this will involve a transfer in Yamagata).
Afternoon: Arrive in , a picturesque hot spring town. Check into your ryokan and soak in the onsen (hot spring) to unwind.
Evening: Stroll through the charming streets lined with traditional ryokan and enjoy a delicious dinner at your ryokan.

Day 5: Relaxation

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your ryokan. Spend the morning soaking in the onsen and enjoying the serene winter atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore the area around . You can take a short hike or visit the nearby silver mine museum.
Evening: Another delightful dinner at your ryokan, followed by a soak in the onsen under the stars!

Day 6: to

Morning: After breakfast, check out and take a train to , then transfer to a bus heading to the (this may take a few hours).
Afternoon: Arrive at the and take the cable car up to the stunning viewpoints. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the !
Evening: Head to a nearby ryokan for a cozy stay. Enjoy a warm dinner and relax after a day of adventure.

Day 7: Shinhotaka to Matsumoto

Morning: After breakfast, take a bus back to and then a train to Matsumoto (about 2-3 hours).
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit , one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, especially stunning against a backdrop of snow.
Evening: Explore the local dining scene and try some soba noodles, a specialty of the region.

Day 8: Matsumoto to

Morning: After breakfast, take a train to (about 1 hour). Visit the , a significant Buddhist temple with a beautiful approach lined with shops.
Afternoon: If you’re up for it, take a day trip to the to see the famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs!
Evening: Return to and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some local sake!

Day 9: to

Morning: After breakfast, take a shinkansen (bullet train) back to (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Spend your last full day in shopping in or exploring the historic district and .
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in . Consider trying sushi or a teppanyaki experience!

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure. Don’t forget to grab some omiyage (souvenirs) to take home!

And there you have it! A cozy, wintery adventure through Japan that balances relaxation in ryokans with exploration of beautiful sights. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌸❄️