Itinerary
Winter Wonders: Tokyo, Beppu, and Nagano
11 days · 23 stops · ¥150,000–¥250,000
Explore the vibrant contrasts of Japan in winter, from Tokyo's illuminations to the soothing hot springs of Beppu and the enchanting snow monkeys of Nagano.
Days
Marunouchi Christmas Illumination
Tokyo
掬茶 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Schedule
Day 01 of 11🛬
Arrive 15:00 · first activity from 17:30
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
17:30
EXPLORE
Event丸の内クリスマスイルミネーション
Stay ~1h 30m
Start your journey with a stroll through the elegant Marunouchi district, where champagne-gold lights create a festive atmosphere. A perfect way to ease into Tokyo's winter charm.
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 ~¥46,796 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 / 11
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥22,500–¥39,000 / person / day
¥250,000–¥430,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 22 travel legs, 10 hotel nights and 3 ticketed events. 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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