Travels to Japan | Winter Edition
The Best 10–14 Day Itinerary Combinations
Pictured: Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture
Winter in Japan feels like stepping into a quieter, more cinematic version of the country— snowy landscapes in the north, steaming mountain hot springs, mild coastal cities in the south, and seasonal dishes that taste best in the cold. It’s the season of snow crab, kan-buri fatty yellowtail, oysters, and uni sea urchin, balanced with the warmth of a brothy oden, ramen, and hot sake after long days of exploring.
Yet planning a winter trip can feel overwhelming: wondering what to pack, weather changes, deciding what winter activity to chose from and the pressure to see everything can leave you exhausted.
The truth is simple, Japan in winter is best experienced slowly.
Choose two base cities and explore intentionally.
Japan’s winter shines brightest when you slow down, letting each region unfold naturally, savoring local hotpot dinners after cold days, and giving yourself space to actually enjoy the atmosphere.
Below is a preview of six winter itinerary combinations examples—four snowy routes for travelers who want classic winter magic, and two mild-weather options for those seeking a comfortable escape from the cold.
If you’d like your own personalized 10–14 day winter itinerary with tailored hotels, dining reservations, private experiences, and day-by-day planning, I’d love to design something just for you.
The following activities and seasonal dishes are examples— each itinerary can be tailored based on your interests.
1. Tokyo + Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hakodate, or Niseko)
The ultimate winter pairing—city energy + northern landscapes
What to See in Hokkaido:
› Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb)
› Otaru Canal winter illumination
› Hakodate night view (top 3 in Japan)
What to Eat in Hokkaido:
› Hokkaido Crabs; Red King Crab, Snow Crab, Horsehair Crab
› Uni, Scallops, and Fresh Sashimi
› Miso Ramen and Butter Corn Ramen
Perfect for: Families, winter lovers, snow sport enthusiast, seafood lovers, adventures
2. Tokyo + Zao (Bordering Yamagata and Miyagi Prefecture)
Zao’s juhyō—ice-covered “snow monsters” followed by soaking in the hot springs
What to See in Zao:
› Zao Ropeway & snow monsters
› Zao Onsen village
› Miyazaki Zao Fox Village
What to Eat in Zao:
› Yamagata Beef
› Imoni
› Fresh Soba
Perfect for: Escaping the city, snow sports enthusiasts, hot spring lovers
3. Tokyo + Kanazawa (Snow, Crafts & Seafood)
A serene winter city with Rich Culture and some of Japan’s best seafood
What to See in Kanazawa:
› Kenroku-en Garden in the snow
› Higashi Chaya Teahouse District
› A day trip to Shirakawa-go
What to Eat in Kanazawa:
› Nodoguro (Blackthroat Seaperch)
› Snow Crab
› Oden
Perfect for: Design lovers, foodies, historical sights, photographers, hot spring lovers
4. Nagano + Tokyo (Ski, Snow Monkeys & Mountain Onsen)
A classic Winter combination with smooth logistics from Tokyo
What to See in Nagano:
› Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
› Hakuba and Nozawa Ski Resort
› Matsumoto Castle
What to Eat in Nagano:
› Shinshu Soba
› Oyaki
› Seasonal and Local Hotpot
Perfect for: Snow sports enthusiasts, families, first-time travelers, hot spring lovers
5. Fukuoka + Beppu (Mild Winter + Onsen Steam City)
For travelers who want a winter escape without freezing temperatures.
What to See:
› The “Hells” of Beppu -steaming hydrothermal ponds
› Yufuin Onsen
› Oyster huts in Itoshima
What to Eat:
› Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
› Mentaiko
› Hot Spring Steamed Dishes
Perfect for: Wellness travelers, food lovers, mild weather, seasoned Japan travelers
6. Osaka → Hiroshima (stopover) → Fukuoka
Easy Shinkansen route + warmest climate among Japan’s major cities.
What to See:
› Hiroshima’s Peace Park and Miyajima’s Floating Torii Gate
› Fukuoka’s Yatai Night Stalls
› Ohori Park
What to Eat:
› Hiroshima oysters
› Kansai-style Sukiyaki
› Motsunabe Hotpot
Perfect for: Milder winter, cultural-travel, foodies, interested in exploring Southern Japan
The activities and dishes shared here highlight just a glimpse of what winter in Japan can offer. The most memorable moments often come from the smaller, quieter experiences—places chosen with your tastes, pace, and interests in mind. If you’d like a customized winter journey with thoughtfully selected hotels, reservations, and unique regional experiences, I’d be delighted to plan it with you.