Itinerary
Winter Wonders: From Tokyo Lights to Beppu's Warm Embrace
11 days · 24 stops · ¥150,000–¥250,000
Experience the magic of Japan's winter with Tokyo's dazzling lights, Beppu's soothing hot springs, and the playful snow monkeys of Nagano.
Days
Yasukuni Shrine
Tokyo
Schedule
Day 01 of 11🛬
Arrive 14:00 · first activity from 16:30
2.5h customs + airport transit buffer
Land at HND · Sun, Dec 6 · from JFK · 1 traveler
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Tokyo · 4 nights
Sun, Dec 6 → Thu, Dec 10 · 1 guest
16:30
EXPLORE
靖国神社
Stay ~1h 30m
Ichigaya Station
Begin your journey with a visit to this significant shrine, which is particularly serene in the winter. Its historical depth offers a reflective start to your Japanese adventure.
~18 min by taxi (or metro)
18:18
EXPLORE
Eventカレッタ汐留イルミネーション
Stay ~1h
Witness Tokyo's winter magic with this stunning light display. The themed illumination provides a perfect introduction to the city's festive spirit.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Tokyo central · Days 1–4
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Beppu & Yufuin → Snow Monkeys & Nozawa · Days 5–9
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Tokyo central · Days 10–11
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Getting around
🚄
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
Close call — your rail estimates to ~¥46,277 vs ¥50,000 for the JR Pass (7-day). Rule of thumb: a 7-day JR Pass usually pays off only with 2+ long shinkansen round-trips (e.g. Tokyo→Kyoto→Hiroshima). Check the official fares for your routes.
Check official coverage →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →⛴️
Ferry required
At least one destination is accessible only by ferry. Book in advance — island ferries sell out weeks ahead in peak season (Apr–May, Jul–Aug).
Browse ferry options on Klook →01 / 11
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥22,000–¥37,500 / person / day
¥240,000–¥410,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 23 travel legs, 10 hotel nights and 3 ticketed events. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Everything else, sorted.
Stay Connected
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
Compare passes
Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
Browse ryokans
Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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Travel Safe
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