Itinerary
Winter Wonders of Japan
11 days · 26 stops · ¥150,000–¥300,000
Explore the serene hot springs of Beppu, witness snow monkeys in Nagano, and soak in the winter illuminations and culture of Tokyo.
Days
Yasukuni Shrine
Tokyo
Schedule
Day 01 of 11🛬
Arrive 11:00 · first activity from 13:30
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
13:30
EXPLORE
靖国神社
Stay ~1h
Ichigaya Station
Visit Yasukuni Shrine for a serene introduction to Japan's complex history. Enjoy the peaceful grounds and reflect on the past.
~19 min by taxi (or metro)
17:00
EXPLORE
Event六本木ヒルズイルミネーション
Stay ~1h 30m
Experience the illuminated wonderland at Roppongi Hills, a perfect evening stroll among the lights. A quintessential Tokyo winter experience.
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.
Kanazawa & Noto → Tokyo central · Days 10–11
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 ~¥60,586 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–¥38,000 / person / day
¥245,000–¥420,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 25 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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Travel Safe
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