10 Day Japan Winter Itinerary
For our winter holidays, we wanted to experience the magic of Japan. While spring and fall are the most popular seasons, we liked the fact that December to early January was a low season with comfortable cool weather (50 to ’60s) and little to no snow.
As first-timers, we no doubt wanted to hit the “Golden Route” (Kyoto and Tokyo) of Japan, mix it up with some day trips and immerse in local cultural activities. We started with the temples of Kyoto, immersed in local culture with matcha tea making and a calligraphy class in local “machiya” or townhome; got a history lesson in Hiroshima; enjoyed hot springs (“onsens”) and the iconic Mount Fuji in our day trip to Hakone and finally celebrated New Years in glittering Tokyo.
Trip Highlights
Duration - 10 Days | Kyoto - 5 Nights — Tokyo - 4 Nights
Places - Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Hakone
Best for - First-time travelers to Japan who want to enjoy the low-season, winter holidays without the winter sports (ski. snowboarding ..sorry) and get a taste of the old (Kyoto) and modern (Tokyo) Japan.
Travel Pace - Our family of 3 is easygoing. We don’t over-pack our days. We like a nice mix of full-day activities, definitely freedom-free choice days, and stay at least 4+ nights in each of the two major cities to enjoy and absorb the sights and culture. For first-timers, I recommend at least a 10 day trip to Japan to really enjoy both the old and modern Japan.
Season - Winter - New Year (Hatsumode) holidays (Dec 25, 2019, to Jan 4, 2020)
Experiences - 2 Full Dayside trips (Hiroshima and Hakone/Mt Fuji) + 2 Tours/Classes (Matcha Tea Making and Calligraphy in Kyoto)
Trip Cost - Approximately $500/person/day. Included premier international airfare, JR Rail Pass, Transportation, Five Star hotels, food, experiences & activities
Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Kyoto: Arrive in Kyoto
Day 2: Kyoto: Higashiyama and Gion District
Day 3: Kyoto: Old Southern Kyoto (Food & Culture)
Day 4: Kyoto: Day Trip to Hiroshima
Day 5: Kyoto: Half Day Arashiyama + Free Rest of Day
Day 6: Tokyo: Travel to Tokyo
Day 7: Tokyo: Hatsamode in Old Tokyo (Asakusa) + Akhibara (Electric City)
Day 8: Tokyo: Day Trip to Hakone + “Onsens”
Day 9: Tokyo: Full Day Western Tokyo (Harajuku, Ginza) Fashion and Fun
Day 10: Tokyo: Departure
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel to Kyoto
Arrive at NRT Airport, Shinkansen to Kyoto, Check-in and relax in the hotel
Evening
You will likely arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT) though some international flights go into Haneda International Airport (HND) which is closer to Tokyo City. Upon arrival, you will have several items to check off. From JR pass exchange to getting a bento box for your night ride! See our full post of your Arrival Checklist
Tip - If arriving in NRT (after 4pm) and traveling to Kyoto the same evening, note last NRT Express to Tokyo Station is around 8pm. The JR East Travel folks were nice enough to let us move up in the line to make it just in time! How to get there:
Take the airport transfer from NRT to Shinagawa (Narita Express) as our connection to Kyoto was from there! From Shinagawa to Kyoto (Shinkansen - Hikara train). Trains run every 30min
You will be tired and jet-lagged, so catch some ZZZzzz through the full 2+ hour bullet train ride!
Trip Total time: 3:30 hrs (NRT airport to Kyoto Station)
Stay @ Kyoto
Kyoto has some fascinating options from design hotels, traditional “ryokans”, hip budget hostels to Airbnb, and other alternative accommodations. It was almost midnight when we checked-into Kyoto Yura M Gallery Hotel by Sofitel - an ultra-cool, Japanese modern designer hotel near Gion District and next to Sanjo Station. Easy access to trains and walking distance to all places of interest. At $250/night, there is so much to love here. Designer rooms, tatami seating, illy espresso pods, comfy pajamas, and stunning bathrooms and cozy lobby bar (1867). We got two rooms as part of the family offer for 3 (great deal from accorhotels.com). Other things we liked were complimentary bikes and umbrellas. Read my Tripadvisor review
How to get there: Take a taxi cab from Kyoto Station. About $40. Note: Cab drivers don’t speak much English - Our hotel had sent us the address and directions in Japanese which was a huge help. You can always use Google translate app :)
After a fabulous check-in, suggest you stay at the hotel and grab a bite, and crash in your wonderful room. Rest up as you have an exciting day ahead walking in Kyoto!
Tip of the day: Before you travel, have your hotel email you directions in Japanese for your taxi driver!Day 2 Kyoto - Higashiyama & Gion District
Temple Run! Walking tour of temples and local Gion District
Recover from jetlag and start the day with a late breakfast at the hotel or head to Ogawa Coffee for delicious coffee & egg and toast! Today explore Eastern Kyoto. Old Kyoto culture, famous temples, cafes, and markets in the Higashiyama District. Start at Kiyomizu-Dera temple on top of the hill, then take the "preserved historic steps" of Ninansaka and Sannensaka, join a Tea Ceremony Class at Camilla Flowers and visit few more temples on the way to Gion. Wrap the day walking around and grabbing early dinner in the historic Gion district, famous for Geishas. This whole area is easily covered by foot, but since it’s wintertime for us we will use a quick 10min train ride to get to our starting point.
Duration: Half Day (4-5 hours)
Activity Level: Low to Moderate walking (some steep streets and steps to temples)
Good To Know: Most temples close by 5 PM in winters. So start the day no later than 11 AM!
Cost: Some temples have fees of $5 to $10 / person. Trains are covered by your Suica or Icoca pass
How to get there:
Kyoto Yura Hotel —— 4 min walk ——Sanjo Station — 3min Train Keihan Line, Platform 3, 2 stops - Kiyomizu Gojo Station — 20 min walk — Kiyomizu Temple
Late Morning and Afternoon
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Perched on top of a hill, the temple is famous for its large wooden terrace providing great views of Kyoto. Don’s miss drinking from the 3 bamboo water fountains for luck, academics, and love.
60 - 90 minutes
Afterward, walk 10 minutes towards Higashiyama District
Higashiyama District
Walk down from Kiyomizu-Dera temple on the famous preserved steps of Ninensaka and Sannensaka onto the streets filled with traditional shops and cafes. Pick up some souvenirs like lacquered bowls and chopsticks.
Eat lunch @ Okutan, a 375-year old Japanese tofu restaurant in a traditional Japanese garden setting. Yes, it’s completely Vegan!
60 - 90 minutes
Then take a 5min walk and head to your Matcha Making Class @ Camilla Flowers (we reserved at 4PM!)
Matcha Class @ Camilla Flowers near Kiyomizu Temple
We had booked for a small group (4-6) person matcha-making class at Camilla Flowers. It was located in a cozy Japanese “machiya” or townhouse behind the main steps of Ninensaka. This a must-do experience!
60 min (get there 5min before your reservation!)
Note: Camellia has two shops in Kyoto. Please do not get mixed up. Camellia FLOWER is located on the east side of the city, near Kiyomizu temple.
Head to Kodaiji Temple, a short 10min walk
Kodaiji Temple
Arrive at the beautiful zen temple with a rock garden and two tea houses at the back of the tea pavilion designed by famous tea master Sen-no-rikyu. in a very expansive temple complex. Simply beautiful to just walk around. Remember you have to take a flight of steps to get to the temple!
30 min
Note - We skipped tea as we already did match class and was getting cold and dark in the early winter evening! Suggest come back another morning in this itinerary as its a short walk from the hotelWalk 5min to Yasaka Shrine - second to last stop for the day!
Yasaka Shrine
Arrive at this 1350-year-old shrine. A popular stop as you make your way back to the hotel from Kiyomizu Temple. Lanterns start to light up in the evening and enchanting at night!
30 min
Tip - Shrine always open. I came back for a quick early morning jog (in rain)(10min from our hotel in Sanjo) on Day 4. It was quite and mesmerizingEvening
Gion District
Wrap up the half-day temple run by strolling in the streets of wooden merchant shops, tea-houses, cafes, and restaurants. This is in the direction of our hotel. So nice way to end the day and have dinner here (we choose to come back another day)
Tip - Its worth coming back another day for a night walk - its enchanting and you might see a Geisha or a MakoWalk back to Hotel from here or catch a taxi ride (especially in the wintertime!)
Kyoto Yura M Gallery Lobby Bar 1867
End the long day with some sake and small bites.
Day 3 Kyoto - Old Southern Kyoto
Culture & Foodie Experience Old Southern Kyoto + Downtown Kyoto
You will still be a bit jet-lagged so grab a quick espresso and a bite at the hotel. Today, head to South Kyoto to visit the iconic shrines and most instagramable location in Kyoto - Fushimi-Inari Shrine. It is famous for thousands of vermillion "torii" gates (Senbon Torii) where each gate is a donation from a business or an individual. Explore the mountain trails and I suggest hiking to the halfway point of Yotsutsuji intersection and back to the shrine entrance (about 30-45min). Grab quick inexpensive early lunch (udon noodles, fried tofu, or sushi) from several restaurants and street vendors along the trail. Wrap up the day with the calligraphy class and drinks at the hotel lobby bar and dinner at the local Gion district or Pontocho alley.
Tip - If time permits do Sake tasting in this Fushimi District area after lunch. Some places have coffee, tea and cafes too. To get there take Keihan Main line train (11min) to Chushijima station and walk 5min to destinationDuration: 2-3 Hours (Morning to Afternoon) + Evening 1.5 Hrs Calligraphy class
Activity Level: Moderate walking/hiking (steps /climb at the shrines hiking trail)
Good To Know: Shrine is open all day but if you plan to hike to the summit you need 2-3 hours
Cost: Shrine Admission Free. Trains covered by you Suica or Icoca pass
How to get there:
Kyoto Yura Hotel —4 min walk— Sanjo Station -----10 min Train Keihan Line, Platform 4, 6 Stops --— Fushimi-Inari Station ---- 3 min walk ——Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Late Morning (say 11am ish!)
Take a short walk from Kyoto Yura hotel into the Nishiki Market area to grab some Japanese French Toast (with salad!) + coffee in this rather tiny yet eclectic cafe! Note: It was quite new so did not show up on google maps. So will just need to walk around
Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto-Shi, Kyoto
45 - 60min
head back towards Sanjo Station (its next to our hotel:) to catch a short train ride to Fushimi-inari shrine
Afternoon
Fushimi-Inari “torii gates” hiking trail + Lunch
Behind the main shrine is the entrance to the “torii” gate-lined hiking trail. Enjoy this beautiful wooded trail. It will take you about 20 min to 30 min (depends upon how many times you stop to take pictures!!) to get to the half waypoint
Tip - Winter mornings even in December holidays gets busy but as you hike up the trail, the crowds start to thin out. Photo by Neal Chopra
At this crossing turn right to the “half way point” for some nice views of Kyoto City. You will pass this sign on your return
Start walking to the shrine entrance… it was 10-15min for us as we stopped to get some quick bites to eat.. Stop for hot pork buns as you make your way back to the entrance. Then wrap up the afternoon with Hot Ramen lunch (so nice!!)
Head back to the Fushimi-Inari Station and head back to hotel for some rest before the evening activities.
2 - 3 hours
Evening
Calligraphy @ Ami Kyoto 知ふみ書道
A must do experience in Kyoto. Ami has over 30 years experience with japanese calligraphy and speaks fluent English and Japanese.
In a cold winter evening it was cozy and magical to take this class in Ami’s own town house “machiya”. After a warm welcome, we took off our shoes (very common in Japan when visiting a house) and walked up to the main area, setup with our calligraphy paper, ink and pen. It was just our family of 3 ..so it was almost like home. Ami gave us some great history lessons on the origins of this art. We wrapped up with sweets and tea and got to take our artwork back home!
It was a short 10 min walk from our hotel in Sanjo.
Tip: Book With Tripadvisor. Allows easy 24hr cancellation if you plans change.1.5 hours
It had started to rain so we made a quick dash back to the hotel for a nice drink (old fashion) and stayed back indoors for dinner. This bar is fab! Both the bartenders - Shiho and Hajime prepared out cocktails with typical Japanese exquisite detail and passion.
Tip: To eat dinner you can always head to Pontocho Alley (Downtown Kyoto) for Yakatori (opens after 5pm) or Gion. Note: choices are limited if past 8pm in winter!Rest up… its Hiroshima early next morning for a side day trip!
Day 4 Kyoto - Day trip to Hiroshima
Full Day in Hiroshima
Grab quick coffee or tea in the hotel (get food later at the train station) and get ready for a day trip to Hiroshima. Today you will see the remains of the atomic bomb (1945 WW II) and how the city rebuild itself. Cover the 3 main sites (Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum & Atomic Dome) in Hiroshima. Also consider taking a short 45 min ferry or tram ride to Miyajima (optional & weather permitting). It is famous for the huge "torri gate" that appears to float in water at high tide. It is among the 3 top attractions in Japan. Conclude this trip at downtown Hiroshima. Eat at the famous hiroshima okonomiyaki at the southern end of Hondori and Aoii streets.
Tip: you will get to visit the other "torii gate" in Hakone/Lake Ashi later in this itinerary. We did not do Miyajima as it was closed for repairs in December.Duration: 7- 8 hours (includes 4 hours roundtrip travel time)
Activity Level: 2 (Low to Moderate walking + train)
Good To Know: Museum, Memorial Parks close 5PM in Winter. Also Dec 30th, 31st, they are closed. (Hence we went on Dec 29th!
Cost: Fees $2 to $5. Train and Miyajima ferry - covered by JR Pass. Local tram use Suica or Icoca Pass
How to get there (JR pass covers it!)
Kyoto Yura Hotel —— 4 min walk ----- Sanjo Station — 16 min --- Kyoto Station ----- Shinkansen (Kodama) 8:52am 14min —-- Shin-Osaka ----- Shinkansen (Sakura) 1Hr 29min --—- Hiroshima Station —- Street car 1 or Bus # 6 —- Atomic Bomb Dome (starting point)
Late Morning/Afternoon
Atomic Bomb Dome
Remains of the building that did not collapse from the Hiroshima atomic bombings. There is beautiful river running through that you would take to get to Mijiyama. Walk around and take pictures and absorb whats around you!
30 - 45 min
Walk for 5 min along the path towards the Memorial Museum
Peace Memorial Museum
Museum providing the full history of Hiroshima atomic bombings. Lots to see, listen and observe. Take a moment to sit down in one of the big hallways with large windows and relive what transpired in this city 75 years ago!
60 -90 min
Chuo Park / Downtown Entrance
Walk out of the museum and follow the path to the memorial park ..heading back to the starting point (Chuo Park). It would be time to hit the side streets and the market to grab a late lunch!
30 min
Walk about 10 min to Okonoyamaki Village for late lunch
Evening
Okonoyamaki Village (Downtown Hiroshima)
Stroll around for a few and grab a bite to eat the local speciality - Okonoyamaki - its savory japanese pancake.
Eat @ Okonomiyaki Hiroshima oyster tsukemen
Tip: They have vegetarian Okonomayaki too!60 min
Head back to Hiroshima Station - 16min street car ride. Plan to catch the 6PM or earlier shinakansen (hikari/sakura for JR Pass - requires 10 min transfer at shin-osaka)
Day 5 Kyoto - Arashiyama
Half Day Arashiyama and Rest of Day Freedom Free Choice!
This is the last night in Kyoto. Start the day with a morning temple and Bamboo forest stroll In Arashiyama. Get some hot tea and breakfast. Then head North from the groves to experience the peace and quiet of the mountain side Jojakkoji Temple.
Head back to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon - its freedom free choice - rest of the day! It is a must have after busy 4 days! Wrap up last day evening in Kyoto with family dinner and a night cap (adults only) in Gion District!
Tip - Schedule luggage delivery from your hotel to Tokyo (if needed). With our JR pass green class, there is ample room behind the seats for 2 large suitcases.Duration: 2-3 Hours (Morning /Early Afternoon)
Activity Level: Moderate walking
Good To Know: Temple open 9AM to 5PM (4:30PM last entry). Sagano Scenic train runs till Dec 29th (9 to 4). So if you must do this then you will have to flip some of the days in this itinerary.
Cost: Temple entrance $5. Sagano scenic train is $6 / person.
How to get there:
Kyoto Yura Hotel — 4 min walk— Sanjo Station -----12 min Train Tozai Line, Platform 1, 12 Stops --— Usumasa Tenjingwa Station ---- 4 min walk —— Randen-Tenjingawa Station —- 14 min Rendan (local) —- Arashiyama Station —- 10 min walk —- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Morning
Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove)
Stroll the beautiful and peaceful bamboo groves and take some stunning pictures. Later Winter is lest touristy.
30-45 min
Jojakkaji Temple
Walk north of the bamboo groves to experience this quiet and beautiful mountain side temple. Its our last stop here so take some time to enjoy the peaceful morning.
30-45min
Head back to Arashiyama Station to take the train back to the hotel
Afternoon
Freedom Free Choice Afternoon!
Freedom free choice. Stay @ hotel , go for massage + onsen or go revisit some temples. It was drizzling that afternoon so we took short walk to Nishiki Market area and found this rather cute coffee shop - stellar!.
Evening
Gion Tatsumi Bridge
Last night in Kyoto! Take a short walk from Kyoto Yura M Gallery Hotel and stroll around this beautiful Gion Tatsumi Bridge and surrounding streets. Stay here and grab dinner at a surprising place!
Hard Rock Cafe - Gion, Kyoto
First time in a Hard Rock Cafe for us anywhere in the world. Yes, if you craving for some American food and with teenagers… then Eat @ Hard Rock Cafe, Gion - it is not your typical hard rock cafe!
Day 6 Tokyo - Travel Kyoto to Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Celebrate New Years Eve in Tokyo
Morning
Today is travel day. Check out by 9:00am so that you can get half a day of sight seeing in Tokyo and celebrate New Years Eve in glittering Tokyo!. The Kyoto Yura M Gallery hotel front desk is super nice and efficient. Take either an uber ride or local taxi (front desk helped us) to Kyoto Station (15min).
Take the Shinkansen (Hikari) 516 @ 10:32am (for JR Pass this is the only option) from Kyoto Station to Shinjuku Station (we were staying in that area). There are 2 quick stops on this train route. If you miss this you can take the next Shinkansen (11:32am). Total Trip time 3hrs
Tip - You can take a later train since most hotels in Tokyo don’t allow check in till 3PM. But remember, it's December 31st, and it gets cold and dark early in the evening and most shops and restaurants close by 6PM on New Years eve!Afternoon
Stay @ Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Tokyo has amazing neighborhoods and districts several options from designer, luxury hotels, hip hostels to airbnbs. For first timers (like we were), I recommend Shinjuku or Ginza.
Check-in around 3PM at
Keio Plaza Hotel - Shinjuku . A very popular, high tower, mid-luxury hotel. Easy access to trains and walking distance to all places of interest. The hotels location (bustling Shinjuku) was key to us and one of the few that had rooms for 3. The room and hotel was pretty average. However, we got a great deal on Booking.com even though it was New Years’ Eve!
How to get to there: 3 min cab ride ($8-$10) or walk 10 min with luggage (2 wheely suitcases)
Good To Know: On December 31st most shops and restaurants close by 6PM.
Relax and settle in. Suggest grab a quick hot Ramen Bowl (late Lunch)..getting dark and a bit cooler.
Head to Shibuya see the Winter Illuminations and famous crossing
Evening
Winter Illuminations - New Years Eve, Shibuya Crossing
Its New Year's Eve! Enjoy the famous Winter Illuminations from several options around the city including one near JR Shinjuku station (south terrace) as it was easy for us to get to from our hotel. In my view the best is in Shibuya. You get to see the famous “Shibuya Scramble” crossing. (3000+ people cross each other at the same time!) and Shibuya NYE Countdown
Best place to watch the Scramble - @ Starbucks 2nd floor. Street level view, but its free and open: 06:30 to 28:00 (4:00am next day!!)
Tip - Stay till midnight for the Shibuya Crossing NYE countdown. Note: We choose to head back to hotel by 7pm for dinnerHow to get there: Easy 6min local rain ride on JR Yamanote Line - Shinjuku Station to Shibuya Station
Eat @ Dou Fourchettes, Keio Plaza Hotel
Get back to the hotel at ate some simple nice warm pizza with wine and classic Italian Tiramisu.
Tip - or Eat @ Omoide Yokuchu - an alley with several hundred eateries/bars. But no real sit down place. Good to Know: On New Years Eve many places may not be open.. so best to reserve dinner in a hotel restaurant.
Photo Credit: Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 7 Tokyo - “Hatsumode” in Asakusa + Akhibara
Celebrate “Hatsumode” (New Years Day) in Asakusa + Akhibara (Electronic City)
Start late morning and follow the Japanese New Year’s day tradition of “Hatsumode”, which translates to first (“hatsu”) visit to a shrine or temple (“mode”) and pray for good luck in the New Year!. Grab some coffee and light breakfast at Shinjuku Station and head to Senso-ji Buddhist Temple in the traditional East Tokyo district of Asakusa. Experience Nakemesi Dori, a traditional temple street shops selling everything from souvenirs to tasty bites. This street leads up to the temple.
Note: If open, you can walk around the old neighborhood shops of Dempoin Street. Spend the afternoon in Akhibara (open on New Years day!), the famous electronic city - video gaming haven (Sega Arcade must visit) & center of Otaku culture (anime, manga), game cafes and arcades to collectibles.
After Akhibara, do a quick stop and walk in Ginza area, as we had to change trains here before heading back. It is a popular and trendy shopping district . Note: We come back on day 9, as most shops are closed on January 1st.
Duration: Half Day
Activity Level: Moderate walking
Good To Know: Senso-ji temple is extremely popular and crowed on New Years day! There are lines to get in..so be patient! Also remember, many shops and stores are closed on New years day. Thats why we picked Asakusa and Akhibara.
How to get there:
Keio Plaza Hotel — 7 min walk— Shinjuku Station -----10 min Train JR Chou Line --— Kanda Station (T/R to Ginza line) 10 min —Asakusa Station
Late Morning
Coffee @ Verve Coffee Roasters
Grab a perfectly Japanese crafted pour over and a cappuccino + waffle just before you take your train from Shinjuku Station. P.S We were thrilled to see our local California coffee roaster in Tokyo and open on New Years Day!
45 min
Senso-ji Temple - Asakusa
This is Tokyo’s oldest temple and extremely busy and popular, especially on New Years Day.
60 - 90 min
Afternoon
This is a must stop if you have teenagers - Club Sega Arcade Building 3 (has VR). Play some video games, grab some souvenirs.
60 - 90 min
Walk 25 min towards Akiba Square to grab some lunch from several options
Eat lunch @ Sapana - North Indian Food in a nice cozy setup.
Tip - There are several other places to eat including the touristy AKB48 Cafe! but being New Years day your choices are limitedEvening
Glitzy Ginza!
Make a quick stop as we changed trains here to head back to the hotel. A quick stroll on the beautiful New Years’ day evening in the glitzy streets of Ginza! While most shops were closed, there was still a lot of buzz.
Tip - We came back 2 days later (day 9 - below) to spend a few hours herePhoto by Neal Chopra
Ramen - in Shinjuku (Near Keio Plaza Hotel)
There are several hole-in-the-wall places to eat on this narrow street close to Keio Plaza Hotel. On a cold winter evening, this was perfect. Food is always delicious at any Japanese eatery!
Day 8 Tokyo - Day Trip to Hakone
Full-Day in Hakone + “Onsens” (Hot Springs)
Today, make a day trip to the beautiful Hakone area, famous for hot springs (Onsen's) and close-up views of Mt Fuji (Winter is the best time). Take the beautiful Limited Express Romance Car and arrive at Hakone-Yumoto. Since its winter and transport options are limited, skip the Hakone Loop and take a bus ride to the shores of Lake Ashi. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. Stroll for along the shores leading up to Hakone Shrine. Before heading there you can choose to grab lunch at a nearby bakery. Then catch a bus and head back to the final stop - Bath in the hot springs of the famous Tenzan Onsen in Hakone-Yomoto.
Tip - Take the Super Hakone, Limited Express Romance Car Train, its worth the extra money even if you have a JR pass. It's beautiful and saves you 30 min, which is helpful in a day trip to Hakone.Duration: Full Day (Start around 8:30 AM)
Activity Level: 2 (Low to Moderate walking + train)
Good To Know: 1. If Tozan Train not operational or you don’t want to take the cable car due to bad weather, then use this route. Winter days are very short anyway. 2. Pack 2 towels (small+large) from the hotel for hot springs bath
Cost: Limited Express Romance Car (Shinjuku to Hakone-Moto) $25/pp each way. Hakone local transport uses Suica or Icoca Pass or Hakone. Tenzan Onsen - about $13-15 /pp.
How to get there:
Keio Plaza Hotel — 7 min walk— Shinjuku Station -----Super Hakone 90min--— Hakone-Yumoto— Bus H or K 45min —Moto-Hakone
Morning
Super Hakone Express - Romance Car
Board the 9 AM, Super Hakone (Limited Express Romance Car) to Hakone. This is a beautiful yet fast train. Enjoy some car while on the train.
You’ 'll arrive (around 10:30 AM) at Hakone-Yumoto Station. Take the H or K bus for a 45 min beautiful hillside drive to Lake Ashi!
135 min
Afternoon
Hakone Jinjya Torii Gate @ Lake Ashi (Hakone Shrine)
Upon arrival at Moto-Hakone, grab a soft-serve ice-cream cone and enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji (Winter has super clear days!)
Stroll along the shore towards Hakone Shrine (10 min) and make a stop at this very popular “instagrammable” photo op. It is busy, so get in line for photos. It is well worth it!
60 - 75 min
Tip - You can choose to hike up from here to the actual Hakone Shrine (about 30 min round trip). Remember you have to catch the 2:20PM bus back.. 
Take Bus K and get off at Okuyumotoiriguchi Bus Stop. Walk down the hill for 5 min to the entrance on Tenzan Onsen. You will need to pay at the vending station before the entrance.
Relax and enjoy outdoor onsen located in this beautiful traditional Japanese-style building on a wooded hillside.
Note: No clothes while bathing and no cameras allowed once you are inside the hot springs !!
After a nice bath, get some hot tea + toast with butter and honey in the cute eatery inside the lobby entrance
120 min
Catch Bus 328 for a short 10 min ride back to the Hakone-Yumoto station to take the Romance train back to Shinjuku.
Evening
Upon arrival, stroll down Shinkjuku Terrace (few minutes from the main station) and enjoy the winter illuminations and grab Ramen Noodles (Thai style) + Vietnamese vegetarian spring rolls and nice cold Tsingha beer for dinner at this wonderful modern Asian restaurant.
Day 9 Tokyo - Western Tokyo (Harajuku, Ginza)
Full-Day Experience of Youth Culture and Fashion in Western Tokyo
Today explore the trendy center of teenage fashion and shopping in Harajuku (Takeshita Dori Street - make sure to hit the back streets) and high fashion at Ginza. Start the day with the famous Meiji Shrine in the middle of the bustling city. These three areas are along the JR Yamanote line and easily accessible by foot and quick subway rides.
Duration: 6-8 hrs (or adjust to pace)
Activity Level: 2 (Low to Moderate walking + subway)
Good to know: Meiji Shrine and some parts of Harajuku are open on New Year’s day too!
Cost: Only for Shopping!
How to get there:
Keio Plaza Hotel ------walk 7min----- Shinjuku Station -------- Train JR Yamanote Line (inner loop for Osaki), 4 min -------- Harajuku Station
Tip - Schedule Luggage Delivery to NRT (Narita Airport) If not taking Uber/taxi; 2. Reserve seats on NRT express Late Morning
Meiji Shrine
Enter the shrine through its main gate (2 min from the station). Stroll the beautiful forested shrine dedicated to the Emperor of Modern Japan. These beautiful empty decorative Sake barrels or “Kazaridaru” have great spiritual significance in Japanese culture.
30 - 45 min
..walk back to the main entrance, cross the street and enter Takeshita Dori Street - You cannot miss it!
Takeshita Dori
This area while touristy is a Must visit to experience the center of teenage fashion. The street is lined with trendy shops, cafes, and boutiques. Grab some souvenirs (we got Tokyo T-Shirts of course), stop at the flagship Asics store!
60 - 90 min (no rush!)
Eat @ Marion Crepes
…and before you head out of Takeshita Dori Street, don’t forget to eat these iconic Japanese crepes!
Afternoon
As you wrap up Takeshita Dori Street walk…head to close by Laforet Harajuku to grab lunch. It has got several choices (like a small food court). You can also choose from delicious street food options if you walk about 5 min on Meiji-Jingumae Street, heading towards Harajuku Station.
Alternate Option: Head to Cat Street (5 min from here). Hip, upmarket fashion street, and cafes. Stop at Roastery by Nozy to get a cappuccino + soft serve ice cream. You can choose to explore upscale Ometsando Shopping district or head to Ginza like we did.
Evening
Ginza - Shopping!
Last night in Tokyo..Head to Ginza to enjoy the upscale shops, cafes, and a must-visit to Uniqlo’s 12 story Flagship store!
Tip - 12th floor is dedicated to Japanese artist inspired t-shirts - only place to find them!2 - 3 Hours in the area
Head back to the hotel - Take the train - Ginza line back
Eat in
Omoide Yokuchu Area
Get some quick bite at any of the Izakayas in this famous alley..close to our hotel in Shinjuku.
Day 10 Tokyo - Depart to NRT. “Sayonara” (Goodbye) Japan!
Goodbye Japan! The flight was until 5 PM. However, suggest Check out by 11 AM (most hotels can extend max to 12 or 1 PM). Get breakfast at Shinjuku Station. Eat @ Dean and Deluca. Once at the airport, grab some lunch, enjoy final sake tasting and sink into your comfortable United Premier Class seats for a 12-hour trip back to San Francisco.
Before you leave, quick checklist.
Confirm baggage delivery to NRT is on schedule (if scheduled) and pick from a delivery counter at the respective terminal
NRT express seats reserved
Drop Pocket Wi-Fi In any mailbox in the pre-paid envelope provided
How to get there
Train - Narita Express (Shinjuku to NRT)at 12:40 or 1:10 using JR pass.
Train Trip Duration: 1hr 19min
Sayonara!
Before You Go
For this itinerary, I put together a brief guide to help you plan. See my Japan Guide.
See my Before You Go Checklist - packing list, tech, gear, visa, passport, wi-fi hotspot & more.. to make a hassle-free trip.
If you are traveling to several cities, get a Japan Rail (JR) Pass and see why it’s worth it!
Arrival into Japan can be overwhelming and disruptions happen in a 10-day winter trip. See my Arrival and Departure Check List for hassle-free arrival and departures.
For booking hotel/ ryokan/other accommodations in Kyoto and Tokyo, with flexible cancellation and no upfront payment consider Booking.com and Accorhotels.com (we got to use our points for instant cash discounts!)
Map It!
See where you are day by day on the map with a clickable list of pins indicating experiences, accommodations, restaurants, activities, airports, stations for this itinerary. All color-coded!
Green: Attractions and Experiences Purple: Shrines Maroon: Temples Blue: Hotels/Hostels/Airbnb/Ryokans Orange: Transport (Airport, Stations) Yellow: Paid Activities Burnt Orange: Restaurants, Cafe, Bars Pink: Shops/Stores
Recommended Additions
Here are some helpful alternatives to add /swap in this itinerary and to accommodate for changes due to disruptions weather, etc. It happens!
Kyoto - Tea Ceremony at Jotokuji Temple (book it on Tripadvisor/Viator)
Kyoto - Sake Tasting - Add on to you Day 2 when in the Fushimi District area after lunch. Some have coffee, tea, and cafes too. To get there take the Keihan Mainline train (11min) to Chushijima station and walk 5min to the destination
Kyoto - Kuruma-Dera mountain temple, hiking, and onsen in Kuruma (North Kyoto) - This is a mystical mountain Buddhist temple in North Kyoto. Visit the town and temple, hike to the Kifune shrine, and enjoy the beautiful small town. Head back and soak in an onsen close to Kurama town. Also has the closest indoor/outdoor hot spring (Onsen). Its 30min from Sanjo Station to Kuruma Station and then a few minutes walk to the temple
Kyoto - Sagano scenic train - Runs till Dec 29th, 9 to 4 PM, 620yen, 25 min ride, walk straight after Bamboo Groves (Tottokyo Arashiyama station). Torokko Kameoka Station, the terminal station of the sightseeing train, is a five-minute walk from Umahori Station on the JR Sagano Line from where you can take a train back to Arashiyama (7 minutes, 200 yen) or Kyoto (25-30 minutes, 320 yen).
Tokyo - Mount Takao - Side day trip from Tokyo. Stunning Mountain temple, famous Monkey Park, great views of Mt Fuji, hot springs, trails, and very popular later November. In December it is less crowded. A good option for New Years Day!
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Plan Your Trip
Take this itinerary as is or if you like to make some tweaks you can cherry-pick from this itinerary to create a 3, 5, or 7-day trip as well. If you have questions about planning your trip, leave us a comment below.
