Dreaming of exploring Japan in winter? You’re in for a magical adventure. Japan had been at the top of my travel bucket list for years – and after spending three unforgettable weeks there solo in the middle of winter, I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation.
In this detailed 3-week winter Japan itinerary, I’ll walk you through my exact route, what I loved most, and what I’d do all over again. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or returning for more, this guide is packed with ideas for solo travelers, foodies, Disney lovers, and winter wanderers alike.
Have more time? Check out my 4-Week Japan Winter Itinerary with Hokkaido
Packing for Japan? Don’t miss my Ultimate Japan Winter Packing Guide
3-Week Japan Winter Itinerary Overview
| DAY | ITINERARY |
|---|---|
| Day 1-6 | Arrive Tokyo |
| Day 7 | Tokyo – Mt Fuji |
| Day 8 | Mt Fuji |
| Day 9 | Mt Fuji – Hakuba |
| Day 10-11 | Hakuba |
| Day 12 | Hakuba – Takayama |
| Day 13 | Takayama |
| Day 14 | Takayama – Osaka |
| Day 15-16 | Osaka |
| Day 17 | Osaka – Hiroshima – Miyajima |
| Day 18 | Miyajima – Kyoto |
| Day 19-20 | Kyoto |
| Day 21 | Fly Home |
Staying Connected in Japan
One of the best travel hacks for exploring Japan stress-free is making sure you’re always connected. From navigating the Tokyo metro to translating menus at a cozy izakaya, having reliable data is a lifesaver (and trust me, it saves you from a lot of awkward guessing games). Instead of hunting down a local SIM or juggling pocket Wi-Fi rentals, I used an eSIM from Airalo and it worked like a dream! I was online the second I landed, and topping up was super easy through the app. I’ve used this app for sim cards on all my travels since – would definitely recommend!
Days 1–6: Explore Tokyo in Winter (6 Nights)
Welcome to Tokyo! A city where ancient temples, futuristic tech, themed cafés, and pop culture collide. Kicking off your Japan itinerary in Tokyo gives you time to settle in, adjust to the time zone, and dive headfirst into Japanese culture.
Where to stay in Tokyo:
Base yourself in Shinjuku or Asakusa – both vibrant, central, and well-connected by public transport. I was lucky enough to be able to visit an old school friend who was living in Tokyo at the time, but if I were to book accommodation, I would definitely book a capsule hotel because… #wheninjapan
Luxury: Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel
Mid-Range: Toyoko Inn Tokyo Asakusa Kuramae No.2
Budget: 9h nine hours Akasaka sleep lab
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo & Get Settled
Welcome to Japan! Whether you land at Narita or Haneda Airport, both have easy access to the city via train. After checking into your hotel, take it easy – go for a local wander, grab snacks from a konbini (convenience store), and soak in that I’m finally in Japan feeling. Check out my 1-Week Guide to Tokyo here!
- Pocky
- Onigiri (rice balls—so many flavors!)
- Ichigo mochi (sweet rice cakes with strawberries)
Pro Tip: Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for smooth, cashless travel on trains and subways.
Day 2: Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple & Shibuya Crossing
Morning: Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple
Start your Tokyo adventures in the historic district of Asakusa. Walk through Nakamise Street, snack on taiyaki and ichigo daifuku, and take in the grandeur of Senso-ji – Tokyo’s oldest temple. You can explore solo or go on a guided walking tour.
Pro Tip: For an epic city view, head to the 8th floor of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko
Next, dive into the buzz of Shibuya – home to the iconic pedestrian scramble. Watch the chaos from the second floor of Starbucks, snap a pic with the Hachiko Statue, and explore the trendy shopping streets.
Evening: Tokyo Dome
End the day at Tokyo Dome for shopping and dinner. We grabbed sushi train which was delivered via mini bullet train and then enjoyed the illuminations around the area – a delightfully fun experience.
Day 3: Tokyo Disneyland
Disney fans, this one’s for you! Tokyo Disneyland combines the magic of Disney with Japanese attention to detail (and next-level snacks).
Don’t miss:
- Unique Snacks: Garlic shrimp popcorn & Little Green Alien mochi… um YES.
- Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast (exclusive to Japan!)
- Happy Ride with Baymax (yes, there’s a fan dance!)
Where to Stay Near Tokyo Disneyland
First pick would be staying at a Disney hotel, but there are other options nearby as well:
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel
Mid-Range: Henn na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay (the hotel where dinosaurs check you in lol!)
Budget: ibis Styles Tokyo Bay
Day 4: Tokyo DisneySea
This park is only in Japan – and it’s incredible. With themed zones like Mermaid Lagoon and Mysterious Island, DisneySea feels like a fantasy world.
My favorite rides & eats:
- Matcha popcorn (don’t knock it till you try it)
- Journey to the Center of the Earth
- Mike Wazowski melon pan
Day 5: Art, Waterfronts & Yokohama
Morning: teamLab Planets
Step into an immersive art experience at teamLab Planets. It’s techy, trippy, and you’ll walk through water and mirrored rooms. Unmissable!
Note: You’ll need to remove your shoes and walk through knee-deep water in some of the exhibits, so wear clothes that can handle this!
Midday: Shiokaze Park
Enjoy waterfront views of Tokyo Bay, the Rainbow Bridge, and even a mini Statue of Liberty (yes, really).
Evening: Yokohama Chinatown
Catch sunset in Yokohama and head to its vibrant Chinatown for panda-shaped nikuman (steamed buns), street food, and souvenirs.
Day 6: Themed Cafes, Harajuku & Meiji Shrine
Start the day with whimsy:
We hit up both the Peter Pan Cafe and Peter Rabbit Cafe – adorable themed dining with surprisingly good food.
Midday: Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Wander Takeshita Street for fashion, purikura photo booths, and kawaii overload. Warning: sensory overload likely!
Afternoon: Meiji Jingu Shrine
End your Tokyo adventure with a serene visit to Meiji Jingu, tucked in a forested park. Don’t forget to write a wish on a wooden ema.
Some other fun Tokyo experiences you can add to your itinerary include channeling your inner Mario and going real life go-karting in the streets, watching a Sumo Wrestling Match or going on a day trip to Mt Fuji.
Day 7: Travel to Mt. Fuji (Fujikawaguchiko)
It’s time to leave the bustle of Tokyo and head to the peaceful lakeside town of Fujikawaguchiko, a prime spot for winter Mt. Fuji views.
Getting There:
It takes about 2–3 hours by bus or train from Tokyo. Note: The JR Pass does not cover this route, so be sure to buy a separate ticket.
Why winter is the best time to visit Mt. Fuji:
- Clearer skies = better views
- Stunning snow-capped peak
- Cozy ryokan vibes and onsen options
Top tip: Book 2 nights here to increase your chances of seeing Mt. Fuji on a clear day!
Breathtaking Views of Mt. Fuji
Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is hands down one of the best places to see Mt. Fuji. I spent hours mesmerized by the mountain as it changed with the light – from soft pink sunrises to golden sunsets. You can explore independently, or join a guided e-bike tour around the lake for a more in-depth experience.
Another fun activity is the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, which takes you to a higher viewpoint. While the view wasn’t dramatically better than from ground level, it was still a fun ride and worth doing if you have time.
Where to Stay Near Mt. Fuji
If you’re planning to spend the night (which I highly recommend), try to book a room with a Mt. Fuji view. Waking up to that mountain? Bucket list vibes all the way.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Maruei
Mid-Range: Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato
Budget: HOSTEL MICHIKUSA-YA
Day 8: Kawaguchiko Adventures
Chureito Pagoda
Time to chase that postcard-perfect shot of Mt. Fuji behind the Chureito Pagoda. To get there, you can take the train from Kawaguchiko Station to Shimoyoshida Station, then follow signs for Arakura Sengen Shrine. It’s about a 10-minute uphill walk (with plenty of stairs), but 100% worth the effort.
Narusawa Ice Cave & Fugaku Wind Cave
I didn’t plan to visit the ice caves, but I’m so glad I stumbled upon them! Located in the Aokigahara Forest, these lava tubes are filled with surreal ice formations. You can visit the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, which are connected by a scenic 20-minute forest trail.
You can get there via a hop-on, hop-off bus (I booked this through my hotel). Note: if you’re claustrophobic, some narrow parts of the cave system may not be for you.
Day 9: Travel to Hakuba
From Fuji to the Slopes
Your winter Japan adventure wouldn’t be complete without some snowy alpine magic! Start with a bus to Kofu, then take the train to Hakuba, a top-tier ski resort nestled in the Japanese Alps.
Stopover in Matsumoto
Break up your travel day with a visit to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful historic fortresses. Store your bags at the station, grab an onigiri from a konbini, and enjoy a picnic with castle views – one of my favorite castle moments of the trip.
Where to Stay in Hakuba
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba
Mid-Range: Hotel Hakuba
Budget: Hakuba share
Day 10: Skiing in Hakuba
Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a total beginner (like me), Hakuba is a fantastic place to hit the slopes. I booked a 1-day lift pass with gear rental included and stuck to the baby hills—and still had a blast!
Not into skiing? No worries. You can explore the charming village, sip on hot cocoa, or unwind in a traditional onsen while snowflakes fall around you.
Day 11: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Temple
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Bucket-list moment: seeing wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs! I joined this day tour that included a scenic hike through a snowy forest to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Watching them relax in the steamy water was both hilarious and heartwarming.
Tip: Wear waterproof boots and crampons or grips – it’s icy on the trail.
Zenko-ji Temple & Traditional Lunch
After the monkeys, we headed to a delicious Japanese-style lunch (one of the best meals I had!) followed by a visit to Zenko-ji, a peaceful and beautiful Buddhist temple in Nagano. A perfect way to end a magical winter day.
Day 12: Hakuba to Takayama
On Day 12, hop on a train to Matsumoto, then a bus to Takayama – a charming mountain town known for its Edo-era architecture and peaceful vibe. Takayama quickly became one of my favorite stops on this trip.
Spend your first afternoon wandering through the Old Town on a guided walking tour, lined with traditional wooden buildings and sake breweries. Grab some mitarashi dango (grilled rice dumplings) from a street vendor for a tasty local snack.
Where to Stay in Takayama
Takayama is the perfect place to try a traditional ryokan stay, complete with tatami floors, sliding paper doors, and a cozy futon bed. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or splurging on luxury, there are great options:
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Sumiyoshi Ryokan
Mid-Range: Rickshaw inn
Budget: Hida Takayama Hodakaso Yamano Iori
Day 13: Explore Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Miyagawa Morning Markets
Start your day with a wander through the Miyagawa Morning Markets, where you’ll find handmade crafts, fresh produce, and tempting street food.
Shirakawa-go Village
Next up: a magical day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its fairy-tale-like gassho-zukuri houses. Blanketed in snow, this village is straight out of a storybook – check out my full guide here.
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Winter Light-Up Festival, the village transforms into a glowing wonderland. Tickets are limited and sell out fast, so plan ahead!
Extra Time? If you have an additional day in Takayama, consider taking a trip to Shinhotaka Ropeway or Kamikochi, or join a tour around the historic Hida Village.
Day 14: Takayama to Osaka
Say goodbye to the peaceful charm of Takayama and hop on a direct train to Osaka. The journey takes about 4 hours and whisks you straight into one of Japan’s most energetic cities.
Afternoon in Osaka: Osaka Castle
Spend your afternoon diving into the city’s history on a a walking tour then head over to Osaka Castle Park. Surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens, the castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and a perfect intro to Osaka.
Where to Stay in Osaka
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: MONday Apart Premium OSAKA NAMBA WEST
Mid-Range: Joytel Hotel Namba Dotonbori
Budget: APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
Day 15: Nara Park + Dotonbori
Morning: Nara Park
Time for a deer encounter! Just under an hour from Osaka, Nara Park is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. You can explore on your own or join a guided tour.
Tip: Only feed the deer the special crackers sold in the area – human food can harm them. And remember, they’re still wild animals, so no chasing!
Evening: Dotonbori
Back in Osaka, head to Dotonbori, the city’s famous neon-lit entertainment district. This is the place for foodies – grab some takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and soak up the buzzing street scene. #onlyhereforthesnacks
Day 16: Universal Studios Japan
A full theme park day! I was especially excited about Super Nintendo World – at the time, it was the only one in the world. Between rides, character photo ops, and countless ‘?’ blocks to hit, it was a childhood dream come true. Oh, and don’t skip the Butterbeer.
Day 17: Osaka → Hiroshima → Miyajima
Today’s a big travel day! Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 2.5 hours), then hop on a ferry to the magical island of Miyajima.
Morning: Hiroshima
Start with a visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum – an important, moving experience that offers deep reflection and context about the city’s past.
Afternoon & Evening: Miyajima Island
Then it’s off to Miyajima Island, home of the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its floating torii gate. It was hands-down my favorite place in Japan. At night, after the crowds leave, the island feels tranquil and deeply spiritual.
Explore the shrine, walk along the shore, take the Miyajima Ropeway for panoramic views, and browse the charming shopping street. Don’t forget to try Momiji manjū, the local maple-leaf shaped sweet – so good!
Where to Stay on Miyajima
While many visit as a day trip from Hiroshima, staying overnight on the island was a highlight of my trip. Once the last ferry leaves, Miyajima transforms into a peaceful sanctuary.
Accommodation Recommendations (by price range):
Luxury: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto
Mid-Range: Aki Grand Hotel & Spa
Budget: Miyajima Coral Hotel
Day 18: Miyajima → Kyoto
Take the ferry back to Hiroshima, then hop on the Shinkansen to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan.
Afternoon: Kiyomizu-dera & Higashiyama District
Begin your Kyoto adventure at Kiyomizu-dera, a spectacular temple perched on a hillside. The sweeping views from the wooden stage are unforgettable.
Then stroll through the Higashiyama District, with its narrow streets, traditional teahouses, and the beautiful Yasaka Pagoda – an Instagram favorite. Even the Starbucks here blends into the historic style!
Evening: Yasaka-jinja Shrine
End the day with a peaceful visit to Yasaka-jinja Shrine, lit by lanterns and rich in tradition. On your way back, treat yourself to taiyaki, those addictive fish-shaped treats #obsessed
Where to Stay in Kyoto
Whether you’re splurging or saving, Kyoto has accommodation options to suit every budget:
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae Natural Hot Spring
Mid-Range: Ryokan Sanga
Budget: Ryokan Nakajimaya
Day 19: Kyoto Highlights
Fushimi Inari Taisha
One of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, Fushimi Inari Taisha is known for its thousands of red torii gates. Hike through the serene forest trail up the mountain – it’s a peaceful, almost meditative experience. We even got a light flurry of snow at the top!
Kinkaku-ji & Ginkaku-ji
Next, visit two incredible Zen temples:
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A golden temple reflected on a tranquil pond—absolutely breathtaking.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): Not actually silver, but its subtle beauty and peaceful gardens make it just as memorable.
Day 20: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
On your final full day in Kyoto, head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early to beat the crowds. Walking through the towering bamboo stalks feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie.
Afterward, relax at Arashiyama Park or take a scenic boat ride along the Katsura River. It’s the perfect slow-down moment after a packed trip.
Planning to stay longer? I highly recommend adding Hokkaido to your itinerary. Check out my 4-Week Winter Japan Itinerary for ideas on how to spend a week in Japan’s snowy north!
Day 21: Sayonara, Japan
And just like that, your winter adventure through Japan comes to a close. This solo journey through serene temples, snowy mountains, and buzzing cities was a dream come true. Japan will forever have a piece of my heart – this trip was unforgettable.
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Jess at Sea 
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