Itinerary
From Tokyo's Lights to Beppu's Springs: A Winter Journey
10 days · 23 stops · ¥180,000–¥320,000
Experience Japan's winter magic with Tokyo's dazzling lights, Beppu's rejuvenating hot springs, and the playful snow monkeys of Nagano.
Days
Marunouchi Christmas Illumination
Tokyo
掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 10🛬
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
17:00
EXPLORE
Event丸の内クリスマスイルミネーション
Stay ~1h 30m
A stunning display of champagne-gold lights along Naka-dori, perfect for a winter evening stroll in Tokyo. Be sure to explore the nearby Michelin-star restaurants offering exquisite dining options.
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 · Days 5–7
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Nagano & Matsumoto · Day 8
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Snow Monkeys & Nozawa · Day 9
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Tokyo central · Day 10
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Rental 1: Beppu & Yufuin · Days 5–7
Rental 2: Snow Monkeys & Nozawa · Day 9
Separate rentals — you fly (or ferry) between these regions, so return each car before you leave it.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
🚄
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
Close call — your rail estimates to ~¥46,027 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 →01 / 10
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥22,500–¥38,500 / person / day
¥225,000–¥385,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 22 travel legs, 9 hotel nights and 1 ticketed event. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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