road trip japan december

10 road trips that will show you the best of Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 7 min read

Hitting the road in Japan lets you take in spectacular landscapes, like those around volcanic Mt Aso in Kyūshū © grandspy_photos / Shutterstock

Want to see the best of Japan ? We suggest hitting the road.

Whether you’re swerving along the asphalt in the wild and expansive north, skirting the towering bluffs and wave-battered coasts of western Honshū , or winding through the archipelago of the Inland Sea, you can’t beat the freedom of being behind the wheel.

And as an island nation with nearly three-quarters of its terrain covered by mountains, Japan knows how to deliver epic scenic drives.

Buckle up: here’s the list of our 10 favorite road trips in Japan.

1. The Seto Inland Sea along the Shimanami Kaidō

Best road trip for scenic island-hopping via suspension bridges   Onomichi – Imabari; 70km (43 miles), allow one day

A popular cycling and scenic driving route, the Shimanami Kaidō traces lazy “S” shapes along the Seto Inland Sea via wind-whipped suspension bridges and island villages lost in time.

Drivers who move at a leisurely pace will be rewarded with watercolor views of the Inland Sea haze silhouetting the many humpbacked islands that dot its expanse. 

Detour: For a detour you won’t forget, check out Kōsan-ji , a singularly kitschy temple on the island of Ikuchi-jima. This garish religious monument fuses a litany of architectural styles, from Italian marble foundations to ancient Chinese iconography. 

2. Coast-to-coast Hokkaidō

Best road trip for gorgeous northern countryside Rausu – Hakodate; 700km (435 miles), 3–4 days

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaidō  is a driver’s dream: vast, untamed, sparsely populated and veined with quality roads (though they’re best avoided during winter’s copious snows).

The recommended coast-to-coast drive traverses over 400 miles (644km) of open road, from the UNESCO-recognized Shiretoko Peninsula in the east to the old colonial port town of Hakodate in the west. 

Given the wealth of natural scenery and worthwhile diversions, this is a worth savoring slowly savored,: the 17-mile (27km) pencil-straight “Road to Heaven” highway  (天に続く道); the calderas and primeval forests of Akan-Mashū National Park; the “Roller Coaster Rd,” which zigzags almost vertically through the pastoral farmlands of Biei; and Sapporo , a lively entertainment hub and the largest metropolis north of Tokyo . 

3. Shikoku’s 88 temples pilgrimage 

Best road trip for meditative magic, secret surf spots and solitude Naruto – Sanuki; 1200km (745 miles), two weeks

It may seem antithetical to embark upon a pilgrimage on four wheels. Yet with 88 individual temples to discover along 1200 kilometers of terrain on the Shikoku henro (pilgrimage) – dedicated to the founder of Shingon Buddhism, Kōbō Daishi – you’re going to want all the help you can get. 

We recommend entering from Kōbe along the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the world’s longest suspension bridge (its main span is 2km /1.25 miles): you’ll have jaw-dropping sea-to-coast vistas.

The temple route traverses all four of Shikoku’s prefectures, passes through its most bustling port cities, and encourages plenty of stops for bucolic forest walks, onsen soaks and short temple sojourns.

Local tip: If you get lost, keep your eyes peeled for pilgrims in white clothes and carrying bamboo walk sticks along the roadsides.

4. Izu Peninsula to Hakone

Best road trip for variety, from sea level to Mt Fuji highs Minamiizu – Hakone; 115km (71 miles), 1–2 days

The epic route from the Izu Peninsula to Hakone is a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

From the Izu Peninsula ’s southern tip, the coastal highway passes through Shimoda, a surfers’ haunt and historic port town, and Higashiizu, whose “Moon Road” – so called for dreamy view of waxing moons that trace a beam of light across the Pacific – supposedly imbues any witness with a divine energy.

Further north, the road hugs the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone , from which you’ll get scintillating views of Mt Fuji on a clear day. 

Finish this road trip in style on the Hakone Skyline, a famously twisty  tōge (mountain road) that served as an inspiration for the Hollywood movie  The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (though the actual mountain drift-race scenes in the film were shot in LA).

Local tip: The driftway is one of 30-plus “Melody Roads” in Japan – the name derives from the tactile grooves that produce a range of notes as they send vibrations up through your car.

5. Kyūshū: Mt Aso to Cape Sata 

Best road trip for soaking up subtropical volcanic vibes Mt. Aso – Cape Sata; 322km (200 miles), 2–3 days

Drive through the rolling grasslands of Kumamoto to find Japan’s largest caldera and active volcano, Mt Aso. The Aso Panorama Line offers the best course, weaving along the caldera’s outer rim and perpetually casting its gaze toward the belching volcano in the middle. 

From Aso, head south along the spine of Kyūshū  toward the most southern tip of Japan’s four main islands, Cape Sata.

Planning tip: Before you arrive at the observatory pinned to the Pacific coast, consider a night at one of the many onsen towns en route, or an overnight stay in the laid-back subtropical city of Kagoshima  to enjoy some black pork, sweet-potato shōchū (distilled liquor) and views of volcano Sakurajima seemingly floating on the bay.

6. The Noto Peninsula drive

Best road trip for dramatic coastal seascapes Takaoka – Kanazawa; 236km (147 miles), 1–2 days

From the picture-perfect sunrise of Amaharashi Beach to the bracing coastline of Ishikawa Prefecture, this road trip will take you past some of Japan’s finest coastal scenery.

The route centers around Noto, a dark, rugged peninsula that’s home to solemn shrines and dramatic seascapes. In west Noto, you’ll also find the Shiroyone Senmaida rice terraces tumbling down toward the sea, and the port city of Wajima, with its 1000-year-old morning market.

Finish the journey in Kanazawa , a former samurai stronghold and custodian of Japan’s traditional arts and crafts.

Planning tip: The city is home to a number of enlightening museums, including the impressive 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art .

7. Coastal Wakayama

Best road trip for  onsen , sacred trails and a castle Wakayama City – Shingu; 180km (112 miles), allow one day

Wakayama Prefecture sits on the bulbous Kii Peninsula south of the Osaka–Kyoto conurbation and is the gateway to the misty forests of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage trail. 

The 100-mile (160km) coastal road skirts Wakayama’s 16th-century feudal castle and the onsen (hot spring) resort town of Shirahama, where evening suns set behind the moon-shaped hole of Engetsu-tō Island.

The toothy rock features and soaring cliffs of Kushimoto in the south will both vie for your attention. The route culminates in Shingu on the Mie Prefecture border, where Kamikura-jinja shrine marks the spot upon which Japan’s Shinto gods are said to have first descended to the earth. 

8. Central Western Japan: Shimane to Kyōtango

Best road trip for cool geology, chill coastline and an ancient shrine Iino-Ura – Ine; 355km (22o miles), 2–3 days

The scenic drive from Iino-Ura (Shimane) to Ine (Kyōtango) snakes between dense forests and a sparsely populated coastline.

Along the way, you’ll hit Izumo, home to one of Japan’s oldest shrines ( Izumo Taisha ), the sparkling bay of Lake Shinji in Matsue City, and Japan’s only large dune system at Tottori’s San’in Kaigan Geopark. 

In the Kyōtango region, rolling hills and crystal-blue waters set the scene for your final destination: Ine, a picture-book village famed for its funaya (fishing boat houses) built on stilts above the waterline.

Best road trip for exploring rural backroads Fukushima City – Aomori City; 335km (208 miles), 2–3 days

Tōhoku , a region whose name means “northeast,” is webbed with immaculate roads that carve through its national parks, virgin forests, and towns and cities still recovering from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. 

The journey from Fukushima to Aomori swerves past the green-coated islets of Matsushima Bay – whose beauty is said to have put the 17th-century father of Japan’s haiku poetry, Matsuo Bashō, at a loss for words – and the foamy seascapes and knobbly sea stacks of the 1000km-long (621km) Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Detour: Top detours include the winding road to the large volcanic crater lake at Mt Zaō in Miyagi Prefecture, and the road circumnavigating Aomori’s pristine Lake Towada, whose serene waters you can paddle by kayak.

10. Tsushima

Best road trip for remote historic sites and isolated beauty Cape Tsutsu – Kankoku Observatory; 70km (43 miles), 1–2 days

Limited access to public transport and an abundance of lush coastal scenery make Tsushima perfect for exploring on a road trip.

This small island – off Japan’s west coast, in the middle of the Korea Strait – provided the backdrop for the critically acclaimed 2020 PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima . 

Though only 43 miles (70km) north-to-south, Tsushima brims with natural and manmade wonders: the Kaneda Fortress ruins, the lonely Watatsumi Shrine, islet-littered Asō Bay and the Korean-style Kankoku Observatory on the island’s northern tip.

(On a clear day, you can see  Busan in South Korea  in the distance.) Day hikers can summit one of Tsushima’s forested peaks, while its rivers and beaches offer plenty of inviting spots to relax along your island drive.

This article was first published Apr 19, 2021 and updated Mar 28, 2024.

Explore related stories

Feb 17, 2024 • 10 min read

South Korea might not leap out as the obvious place for a road trip, but the back roads reveal a different side to the peninsula. Here are our top trips.

Mar 21, 2023 • 8 min read

Jun 18, 2024 • 13 min read

Jun 12, 2024 • 8 min read

May 23, 2024 • 13 min read

May 3, 2024 • 14 min read

May 1, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 3, 2024 • 17 min read

Mar 31, 2024 • 7 min read

The Ultimate Japan Winter Itinerary (2 Weeks, 4 Cities)

02/27/2023 by Kristin Addis 2 Comments

When I think of the Japanese winter, I picture that feeling of being in a snow globe, or sitting in a steaming onsen (hot springs), or beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a tall order, to be sure, but like always, Japan delivered.

We recently spent two delicious weeks there, getting a taste of big cities, tiny villages, some of the most famous sights, and of course, delicious food. Honestly? I think we did a great job.

This is the ultimate two-week Japanese winter itinerary:

Table of Contents

Our journey began in Kyoto and finished in Tokyo. If you can book one-way flights, this eliminates a transit day. You can also consider taking the two-hour bullet train from Tokyo over to Kyoto for the start of your trip.

Though it’s never a guarantee that you will get snow in Kyoto — in fact, it’s a rarity — seeing some of the most famous sites with the white stuff was magical.

Day 1: Bamboo grove

Head to Arashiyama as early as you can to walk through the bamboo forest and check out some of the shrines. The earlier you go, the smaller the crowds should be — however, the bamboo is thick and it can be dark super early in the morning. Though the shrines often have entrance fees that are usually around ¥500, the bamboo is free to walk through and enjoy.

You’ll see busy stands selling snacks close to the entrance, but honestly, they were a bit on the pricey side, and we found better ones elsewhere.

Jet lag took up more of the early part of our journey than intended, but if you are able, try to see the Kinkaku-ji temple, a golden pagoda surrounded by tranquil gardens and a pond. Finish the day with sunset on the famous street leading up to Hokan-ji temple.

Day 2: Kaiseki and torii

Our second day began with an early journey to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine dating from 711 CE, with its famous walkways straddled by thousands of torii gates, and is free to enjoy. This and the bamboo forest were the sites I most hoped to see in Kyoto, and it was just as magical in person as I’d dreamed it would be.

It’s open 24 hours, as is the bamboo forest, so heading there early is a great idea. We happened to get there around 8am on one of the coldest, snowiest days of the year in the lowest season, and therefore had it almost to ourselves for a few minutes, but by 9am, busloads of people were showing up.

From there, check out the Kojingamine outlook for an overview of the city, followed by a visit to the Tō-ji temple, the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan dating back to the year 796.

Finish the evening with a stroll through the historic Gion district, or better yet, take a food tour. Ours involved a few hours of walking around, learning about the local culinary history, tasting traditional snacks and spices unique to Kyoto, and finishing with a kaiseki dinner, a ritual meal consisting of several courses created by a team of chefs. Each one features a different cooking style, though you can usually count on a rice dish, miso, sushi, and some kind of dessert. This is the highest level of dining in Japan and should not be missed! (The exact tour we took is no longer available, but you can book something similar .)

Day 3: Tea ceremony and shrines

Have you ever wanted to don a kimono? Participating in a tea ceremony is one of the best ways to get your chance. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the ritual around drinking green tea while wearing this traditional garment, plus get a photo doing so.

Finish the evening with sunset at Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple that is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where to stay : Kyoto has some gorgeous hotels like the Six Senses and four seasons. The charm of these places is amazing, and worth making it one of your trip splurges!

We Can Get You Perks and Upgrades at Luxury Hotels!

We’re part of a luxury travel agency and can help you get the best rates, free room upgrades, $100 resort credits, free breakfast, and late checkout! Click here to tell us your trip desires!

(Due to our desire to catch an event that I’ll discuss later on in the post, we could only spend three nights in Kyoto, but it deserved so much more! I’d recommend staying at least three, if not more.)

This adorable town full of friendly people is the gateway to the Japanese Northern Alps, as they’re called. We picked this town for its historic feel and famous food, and the likelihood of it being a winter wonderland (it was!).

Day 4: Journey to Takayama, known for delicious Hida beef

You’ll spend a good chunk of the day getting to Takayama, which is best accessed on Japan Rail (JR) via Nagoya. The ride there is beautiful, most of it alongside a deeply blue river. (Sometimes there’s also a direct bus, though, so be sure to check! We tended to use Google Maps for our planning, which I suggest doing when weighing your options.)

Spend the afternoon and evening sampling some local Hida beef, which is incredibly flavorful and tender, at Kyoya restaurant, where you cook your meal over a charcoal grill at your table! It was a delicious experience at a place we didn’t even realize was famous — we just stopped by, since it was near our Airbnb. Apparently a reservation is normally essential, so be sure to call ahead.

Day 5: Sanmachi and Hida no Sato folk village

Check out the historical houses (pictured below the subheading above) in Sanmachi, a neighborhood with traditional Edo-era architecture dating back to the 1600s through the 1800s. You’ll find small eateries, shops, and houses all along the way.

There’s a morning market along the river as well, where you can find food vendors. It’s perfect for an early stroll.

Spend the afternoon checking out the Hida no Sato folk village, an open-air museum featuring more Edo-era farmhouses. In the summer months, you’ll see grass growing on the thatched roofs, and in the winter, the village is famous for having feet of snow packed to the tops of the houses. It was magical to see them that way! Entrance is ¥700.

(The village also a great primer for the next stop, Shirakawa-go, a larger UNESCO World Heritage village from the same era.)

– Read More –

Traveling in Japan with a Baby

Day 6: Shinotaka ropeway or Gero onsen

Head out of town to the Shinotaka Ropeway (¥3,300 per adult), about a 1.5-hour bus ride each way, or consider heading to the town of Gero, south of Takayama, for a night. It’s one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan, known for its particularly smooth water.

(Due to my tattoos I can’t use most onsen , which I’ll discuss later, but for this reason, we opted to skip Gero.)

Where to eat: In Takayama, we loved the Tori Coffee and Sabou Usagi cafés, as well as Uemura for dinner. The latter is a truly tiny restaurant serving organic food the chef grows himself. I cannot recommend it enough! I messaged him via Instagram to book. Sakurajaya is also a fun experience, sitting at the bar and watching the chef make the food in izakaya fashion (informal, small dishes).

Where to stay : I loved our Airbnb here! It was the cheapest of the trip, at around $90/night, and had its own outdoor bathtub, which was magical with the snow!

Shirakawa-go

Day 7: UNESCO site Shirakawa-go

Light Up Shirakawa-go was the event I mentioned that caused us to leave Kyoto a bit earlier than I normally would have. Each winter, for six Sundays over January and February, Shirakawa-go lights up all of its buildings in the evening. If you are planning way ahead and can snag a reservation to stay overnight, do it, but if not, you can take a bus tour to the event from Takayama.

Tickets for this may sell out, as the number of visitors is capped. I logged on right when they went on sale in November and had to refresh the page for a couple of hours before finally getting through, but I’m happy to say that it was worth it. It truly felt like we were in a snow globe.

If you can’t get tickets for the light-up event, be sure to head there during the day. It is easy to access from Takayama via a bus that runs hourly (the bus costs ¥700, village admission is free). The village and buildings are quaint, there are a few museums you can enter for a couple hundred yen, and there’s an observation deck as well. The village would be delightful in every season, though I loved seeing it so snowy!

Stay: it’s possible to overnight in Shrakawa-go in the traditional houses . They book up well in advance for the light up event, though other times of year or other evenings would be easier. You’re only allowed to stay for one night in each house and they ask that you don’t bring large suitcases as there isn’t room for storage.

Day 8: Journey to Mt. Fuji

This was our longest travel day, making our way down to Yamanashi prefecture. It was so worth the journey, though, as staying on a lake with a view of Mt. Fuji was a highlight for us.

There were dozens of ways we could have chosen to get there, though we opted for the JR back through Nagoya, followed by a bus. (In 2023, the bus that runs between Takayama and Kawaguchiko was not running, but it would be by far the best and cheapest way in the future.)

Kawaguchiko

Wintertime is generally the clearest time of year and offers the best chance to see Mt. Fuji, one of the most famous sights in Japan.

When we were deciding between Kawaguchiko and Hakone, another popular spot an hour south, one of my Instagram followers suggested Kawaguchiko (and Takayama!), and I’m so glad we took her advice. We had gorgeous mountain views over the lake day after day.

Day 9: Chureito Pagoda

You can’t visit Kawaguchiko without seeing the Chureito Pagoda, which as one of the most iconic views in Japan.

That said, it was also my biggest heartbreak of the trip, having wanted to see this view of Mt. Fuji for years. The clouds rolled in just as we were getting off the train. C’est la vie!

The pagoda is free to visit. You’ll have to climb quite a few stairs to get there, though, but it’s worth it.

Consider also stopping by Oishi Park, which is easy to access from the sightseeing-loop bus, for another iconic Fuji view.

Day 10: Soak and stare at Fuji

We spent a good chunk of our tenth day hanging out at our hotel, to be honest. I recommend booking a place to stay on the opposite side of the lake from Mt. Fuji (the northern side), so that you can take a day or so to just relax and enjoy the view.

We booked Ubuya , a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms) that had private hot springs on the balconies. Since I have tattoos, this was the only way that I was going to get to enjoy onsen that are so iconic in Japan in the winter.

Due to tattoos’ association with gang culture, almost all onsen and even hotel spas in Japan ban those with tattoos, unless it’s very small and can easily be covered with a Band-Aid. You can’t cover them up with a swimsuit, either, as one is fully nude in onsen .

This ryokan was definitely a splurge for our trip, but it was worth it! We also ate breakfast and dinner in the hotel, the latter a kaiseki meal in a private room set up for us and the baby.

Day 11: Fuji ropeway and Asama shrine

Are you down for an Insta-famous photo opportunity? There are two big ones in the area, including the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. It’s a short journey, so I normally would not feel the ¥1,800 per person round-trip is worth it, since you can get a great view of the mountain from the lakeside. But you can get some pretty cool pictures swinging with Mt. Fuji at a swingset at the top. You’ll have to queue up and pay an additional ¥500 for the photo op, which we didn’t do, but part of me wishes we had.

Next, take the bus bound for the Asama shrine and either walk from there, which is a 30-ish-minute uphill climb, or take a taxi to Tenku no torii. They’ll ask for ¥100 per person at the entrance and there will be another queue, but I loved the photos we got! (pictured at the beginning of the Kawaguchiko section).

Note: The “suicide forest” is also in the Kawaguchiko area, but it’s generally regarded as disrespectful to visit. Please pick other activities instead. There are many other beautiful forests in Japan!

Stay : As mentioned above, we booked Ubuya and loved the experience. If it’s out of your price range, I re commend staying on the same side of the lake and booking another hotel nearby so that you can still get the Fuji view from your room.

Welcome to the largest city in the world! I am usually not a big-city person, but Tokyo is a different animal. It’s one of the most unique places I’ve ever been, and there’s almost a limitless supply of things to do. Though you can only ever scratch the surface, these are some of my favorites:

Day 12: TeamLab and Harajuku

Harajuku is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo — and for good reason. There’s awesome shopping, creative cafés, and some famous local culture to check out. If you’re looking for something more traditional, in the same area, you can walk around the Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine.

From there, pop by the Hie shrine for another opportunity to walk through a smaller version of the Kyoto torii gates, as well as view one of the lovelier shrines in Tokyo, featuring white walls and a green roof.

Finally, do not miss a TeamLab exhibit! This art collective’s immersive art experiences get me every time. They tend to only remain open for a few years; TeamLab Planets should be open for another year or so, and it’s a must-see. I highly recommend going in the hours before closing so as to have fewer people in your photos. Book your ticket ahead of time too: this one somehow let us skip the whole line! Entrance is ¥3200.

Day 13: Nakano, Shibuya crossing, and ramen

On our second-to-last day, I knew I wanted to do another food experience. There are a couple that I was looking at, including a walking tour in the famous Tsukiji fish market and a six-bowl ramen tasting . The latter just happened to fit better with our schedule, and it was delicious! We visited three ramen shops, all of which featured several unique flavors and styles. Garrett and I also shared each of our bowls, so that we could sample all of the flavors, so we ended up having 12 ramen samplings. Our favorite was the inventive pesto ramen, though I always love the curry version and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the squid ink as well.

Give yourself some extra time to check out Shibuya crossing, where the tour begins, which is the famous all-direction crosswalk that as many as 3,000 people use at a time! It’s quite a sight. If you want to see it from above, the Starbucks is a popular place to check it out.

We followed our ramen tour with a giant ice cream at Daily Chico at the Nakano broadway, pausing to take the photo featured above on one of the adjacent streets, which you can find by glancing to your right as you walk up the broadway.

Day 14: Imperial Palace, Disney, and unique kaiseki in Ginza

On your last day, you’ll have to make a difficult choice about what to see. I have a complete Tokyo itinerary here with a bunch of options. If our son were a bit older, we would have loved to go to Tokyo Disney or Disney Sea. Better believe it’s on the docket for the future!

Since our hotel was near the Imperial Palace, we opted to take a walk around the grounds. Keep in mind that you actually have to take a tour in order to get closer. The gardens are lovely, though, and the trees lining the streets near Tokyo Station are a great winter photo op.

I’d finish your trip with one of the most unique kaiseki experiences, in the high-end Ginza district of Tokyo: Tsurutokame , the only all-female kaiseki restaurant in Japan, featuring not only delicious food but incredible presentation. I was vegan when I visited a few years ago, and they even created a completely vegan menu for me! It was a highlight of all of my trips to Japan. It’s also popular, so book well in advance!

Where to stay : I splurged a bit on this part of the trip as well, booking us at the Prince Gallery Kioicho Hotel . The view from the room made it so worth it! The breakfast was delicious, and the location was central, but the best part about it was definitely the service, which was top-notch.

Although many of you won’t need to worry about this, it was also the only place we stayed in Japan that had a crib!

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost major island, is important to mention. Many people choose to ski its famous powder (known in the ski world as Ja-pow), during all or at least part of their winter trip.

From Tokyo, you can take the bullet train and be in Hokkaido in about four hours. Although it was under consideration for us, since we are not really ski people (who live in a ski town — it’s weird, I know) and had a baby with us, we passed.

But there’s good reason to visit. Sapporo, the largest city, has a snow festival each year that features massive ice and snow sculptures. It usually only lasts for a week, so plan your trip accordingly if you’d like to see it.

Getting Around

Getting around Japan was pretty straightforward using Google Maps. I would sometimes cross-reference with blog posts that specifically discussed the journey between certain destinations, just to be sure, but Google Maps was almost always correct. I also appreciated that it would usually give me the exact platform and even car to use in order to make a quick exit.

That said, both Kyoto Station and Tokyo’s larger metros can be confusing, although there were information desks scattered throughout, and they were super helpful — I would just show them where I was trying to go, and the staff person would point in the right direction.

To Rail Pass or not to Rail Pass?

Should you get the Japan Rail Pass ? Only foreigners are allowed to get this pass, which for a one-time fee gives you unlimited rides on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Japan Rail lines. If you are going to be taking long-distance trains between Kyoto and Tokyo or Hokkaido, for example, it could make a lot of sense.

We opted not to do it, however, since two of the towns we visited — Takayama and Kawaguchiko — involved bus travel. It didn’t work out to be financially advantageous for us, just barely. We did, however, get the Tokyo metro pass , and I recommend the Hakone pass if you opt to go there.

If you do plan to take trains during the high season, it will probably make sense to get the JR pass and book your seats ahead of time. There are only a few cars on each train that are unreserved, which only worked out for us because we were there during low season. Book highway buses ahead of time as well, either in person at the station or online. I hadn’t realized this was important — we were lucky to grab the last seats on our bus to Kawaguchiko, which would’ve been such a pain to have missed!

Also, be sure to have cash on hand. There are ATMs in most convenience stores and train stations. We found that the ticket machine did not take our foreign credit cards, but if we waited in line for in-person service, we could buy a train or bus ticket with a card. Many restaurants also prefer cash.

Language and other notes

Although I can read a bit of Japanese, thanks to my years studying Mandarin and the similarities between the two, I don’t speak it beyond hello ( konnichiwa ) and thank you ( arigato ). Thanks to Felix, I learned that the word for “cute” is kawaii .

I found that people were always willing to try to communicate, though, since Japanese people are friendly and wonderful hosts. So I highly recommend downloading Japanese on Google Translate before you go. That way you can access it offline if you need to show somebody something or ask a question.

Also keep in mind that people bow as a sign of respect, a greeting, or thank you. Be sure to bow back, fully facing the person.

Japan is easily one of my favorite countries to explore because it’s just so different from anywhere else on earth. You get the opportunity to travel back in time, to feel blasted to the future in the big cities, and the friendliness is incredible.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links to the hotels and activities that we participated in. Purchasing through these links supports us at no extra cost to you

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

06/21/2023 at 11:50 am

Hello! I enjoyed reading about your trip, the photos are amazing. I am starting to come around to the idea of going to Japan during winter. What dates/month did you travel?

Kristin says

07/01/2023 at 10:40 am

This was end of January into February 🙂

A Japan Winter Itinerary + 7 Unique Things To Do In Japan In Winter

Thinking of visiting Japan in winter? Don’t leave these unique experiences off your Japan winter itinerary.

A Japan winter itinerary is going to be packed with magical sights that most tourists don’t get to see.

That’s because winter in Japan is a truly unique time – and that means you can enjoy some of the most unique things to do in Japan when you visit during the winter season.

If you’re still deciding when to visit Japan, this winter itinerary might just convince you that the colder months are one of the best times to visit Japan.  

Even if you’ve visited Japan in the spring, summer or autumn, winter in Japan will be a completely new experience.

Here’s how to plan a trip to Japan in winter, including where to go, what to add to your Japan winter itinerary and must-know tips for visiting Japan in winter.

Is it worth visiting Japan in winter?

Japan 2-week itinerary: winter edition, the japan rail pass, tokyo in winter, day trips from tokyo in winter, hokkaido in winter, kyoto and osaka in winter, 1 – visit an onsen, 2 – slurp ramen, #3 make the most of indoor entertainment, 4 – stay in a traditional japanese house, 5 – indulge in the izakaya experience, 6 – go shopping, 7 – take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Just to let you know… This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associates links. I may receive a small commission from them at no extra cost to you.

First things first, you’re probably wondering if winter is even a good time to visit Japan.

After all, even if you’re only just starting to plan your trip to Japan , you’re probably well aware of the famous cherry blossom festival .

And while taking part in the annual hanami (flower viewing) tradition should be on every traveller’s bucket list, it’s also, understandably, peak travel season in Japan.

Given that many visitors time their trip for the spring and summer seasons, places generally get busier (and more expensive!) at these times.

As much as I loved witnessing the cherry blossoms turn the streets of Kyoto pink, I still feel winter is a totally underrated time to visit Japan.

Not only will most places be quieter and have fewer crowds during the off-peak months, but winter is when Japan may just be at its most enchanting of all.

Japan in winter itinerary

When it comes to planning a Japan winter itinerary, I would largely follow this itinerary for 7 days in Japan, with a few extras added in.

Those extras would be two of my favourite places in Japan and both are better in winter: Hokkaido and the snow monkeys hot springs at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

While both of these places can be enjoyed all year round, they really come into their own in the colder season when snow lines the ground.

The 2-week Japan itinerary below will help you see the best of Japan in winter in just a couple of weeks.

If you have more time, you could easily spend at least one more full day in each of the places included.

And if you don’t have a full two weeks to explore, I would reduce the number of city days and focus on spending a few days in Hokkaido.

While northern Japan has something to offer in every season, winter really is the best time to visit Hokkaido.

With heavy snowfall, snow festivals with snow sculptures – such as the Sapporo Snow Festival – and many of the best winter activities that Japan has to offer, it would be a shame to miss Hokkaido on a winter trip to Japan!

• Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo. Explore the city, including the eccentric Tokyo nightlife
• Day 2: Explore Tokyo
• Day 3: Day trip to Mount Fuji
• Day 4: Take the shinkansen to Hakodate
• Day 5: Explore Hakodate. Transfer to Sapporo for the night
• Day 6: Take a day trip to Noboribetsu and Jigokudani “Hell Valley”
• Day 7: Enjoy winter sports (or get cosy in one of the many ski resorts), visit seasonal events or take a day trip to a National Park
• Day 8: Travel back to Tokyo on the shinkansen
• Day 9: Take a day trip to see the snow monkeys (alternative: Hitachi Seaside Park)
• Day 10: Travel to Kyoto
• Day 11: Explore Kyoto during the day, then experience Kyoto at night
• Day 12: Visit Nara Park
• Day 13: Transfer to Osaka, visiting Himeji Castle on the way. Explore Osaka
• Day 14: Osaka/departure day

If one thing becomes abundantly clear when planning a 2-week winter itinerary for Japan, it is that the Japan Rail Pass is essential.

This handy little card gives you access to the entire network of high-speed trains (and some non-high-speed local trains) across the country, making it possible to squeeze much more into your winter trip to Japan.

If you plan to visit Hokkaido – I highly recommend it! – it will also save you a small fortune on the cost of travel in Japan.

It’s best to order your pass before you leave because it’s much cheaper than buying it once you arrive. Plus, it’s also much easier.

You can buy your pass on this website (the best place to buy!) and get free delivery to almost any country in 24-48 hours. If you prefer, you can also do as I did and pick your pass up when you arrive, but you’ll save time by getting it delivered.

Where to go in Japan in winter: in detail

Unlike other countries – like Spain or parts of the United States , for example – the fact that it’s winter won’t restrict you much in Japan.

If anything, it’ll mean you get to see a really special side to this already magnificent country.

Here’s a breakdown where to go during winter in Japan, including the places included in the winter itinerary above:

Most trips to Japan will begin with at least a few days in Tokyo since most international flights land at Narita Airport (or sometimes Haneda Airport).

Although you might not be able to enjoy strolling around the city’s expansive parks as much, there won’t be many things you’ll have to skip.

Even when it’s chilly outside, you can still enjoy all the city’s highlights, including Harajuku’s shopping street and Golden Gai’s unique nightlife . In fact, Golden Gai’s tiny bars are even cosier when it’s cold outside.

You also won’t have to skip the 24-hour karaoke, 24-hour sushi trains or the many ramen houses.

Insider travel tip

If you haven’t already booked your flights, I recommend using WayAway to find the best options. Not only do they aggregate the largest number of supplies and the best prices, but you can also get 10% cashback with a WayAway Plus membership!

WayAway Plus is one of my favourite travel hacks because you can save money on almost anything. You just use their search engine to find the best deals and get up to 10% of the cost back in cold hard cash (in your Paypal account).

I love it so much that I’ve teamed up with them to give Alajode readers an exclusive discount of 55% (less than $4 per month)! Sign up using this link and enter the code “ ALAJODE ” to save on your next travel bookings.

With a destination like Japan, you could save hundreds of dollars in just one trip.

The Japan winter itinerary above includes a couple of day trips from Tokyo.

While it’s possible to spend the night at most of these destinations, there’s really no need. As long as you have a Japan Rail Pass , it’ll be just as easy – or even easier – to head back to Tokyo at night.

My one tip would be to stay as central in Tokyo as possible. Being close to a train station – especially Tokyo station – will be super helpful when it comes to making the most of your time in Japan.

Plus, since winter in Japan can get quite chilly, it will minimise the amount of time you need to spend out in the cold.

Anywhere in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area will make a great base for exploring Tokyo and beyond via rail:

Recommended sustainable Tokyo hotels:

• Stay in the heart of the city in luxury: Imperial Hotel
• Apartment living with home comforts: Citadines Shinjuku Apart-Hotel
• A luxe stay with traditional touches: JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom
• Quirky and affordable: Book and Bed
• For unrivalled views of the city: Kimpton Shinjuku (by IHG)

While it’s not possible to hike Mount Fuji during the winter months, it’s still very possible to visit.

And it’s something you won’t want to miss!

Seeing Fuji capped in a layer of snow is a sight you’ll never forget, but is only possible for a few months of the year.

The best way to see Mt. Fuji is on a day tour such as this one that stops at several scenic spots. The bus picks up and drops off in Shinjuku, which is another reason to make it your Tokyo base.

Hotel deals in Shinjuku (updated live)

If you haven’t booked your Tokyo accommodation, these limited-time hotel deals are updated daily and many of them off free cancellation if you change your mind:

Shibu Onsen & Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

One place you won’t want to miss in Japan in winter is Shibu Onsen.

A short bus ride and hike from this small onsen town you’ll find the famous snow monkey hot springs . 

Winter is also the best time to see the Japanese snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs because the cold weather means they spend more time in the water. Which means more cuteness and even better travel photos !

The easiest way to visit is on a day trip from Tokyo. It’s a long(ish) journey, but joining an organised guided tour from Nagano station is the easiest way to take the stress out of logistics.

This one-day tour meets where the shinkansen arrives and will drop you off after, so you can make the most of your JR Pass. It also includes lunch and sake tasting!

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is an expansive garden that changes with the seasons.

The park has been designed so that each area has different plants and flowers in bloom at each time of year.

That means that, if you v visit in the winter, you’ll see a completely different spectacle to what you would see in the summer.

Even if it wasn’t set up to change seasonally, the design of this park is a piece of art worth seeing.

You can visit on a day trip from Tokyo , but stay overnight if you want to make the most of it and get the Japanese onsen experience .

Outside of Tokyo, Hokkaido is a must if you’re visiting Japan in winter.

In fact, winter in Hokkaido is a pretty magical experience and probably the best time to visit Japan’s northernmost island. And since Hokkaido has a much longer winter than the rest of the country, it’s well-equipped for winter travellers.

If you’re an avid skier, you’ll love Hokkaido’s ski towns and resorts. And even if you’re not, staying at one is a great way to unwind in the Japanese mountains.

Whether you head there or not, make sure you leave time for Noboribetsu. If you only do one thing in Hokkaido during winter, take a soak in the hot springs and enjoy the incredible views.

You can visit on a day trip from Sapporo or, if you want the full onsen experience, book a night at the Noboribetsu Grand Hotel (if there are any rooms still available – it books up fast!).

Hokkaido loves winter and has several festivals celebrating the colder months of the year.

The Hokkaido Snow Festival is the most popular of all, taking place in late January and/or early February every year. If you can time your Hokkaido trip around it, it’ll almost definitely be worth it.

And if it doesn’t, you can still enjoy the Sounkyo Ice Festival which runs all the way until March.

Japan’s other major cities, Osaka and Kyoto, both have their own unique charm during winter. You could visit both on a day trip or overnight adventure from Tokyo, but stay a little longer if you can.

Kyoto may just be the most photogenic city in Japan, and even more so in winter. The only thing more magical than seeing its narrow streets and towering temples is witnessing them covered in snow.

Kyoto gets incredibly busy during cherry blossom season and the warmer months, so winter is a great time to see it without the crowds. Plus, there’s even more nightlife to enjoy there.

Osaka doesn’t suffer from the freezing temperatures that other Japanese cities face during the winter, so it’s a great time to visit Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area.

You can still enjoy all the same shopping, restaurants and entertainment , but with smaller crowds than in peak season. As a foodie hotspot, Osaka is a great place to try some local delicacies in the warm .

In addition to that, Osaka also has its own share of light festivals and celebrations to enjoy throughout the winter.

Once again, I’d recommend choosing Osaka accommodation that is centrally located and/or close to a train station because travel distances can be significant.

Both Kyoto and Osaka make a great base for exploring nearby tourist attractions. Some of the best ones to explore during the Japanese winter include:

• Himeji Castle

Activities to add to your Japan in winter itinerary

Wherever your trip to Japan takes you, make sure you add these unique experiences to your Japan winter itinerary.

They’re all just a little bit better when it’s cold outside!

There’s nothing like slipping into a natural hot bath when it’s freezing out. If you can, find an open-air one and enjoy the fresh surroundings.

Just make sure know the onsen rules first!

Ramen is good at any time of year, but it’s the best when it’s cold outside.

There’s nothing like feeling the warm, yummy noodle soup heat you up from the inside out.

I’m yet to try bad ramen in Japan, but the best by far was in Hokkaido. But perhaps that’s just because it was coldest there…

Japan has no shortage of indoor activities. From robot shows to karaoke contests, there’s always plenty to keep you entertained when you don’t want to be outside.

Do a little digging and you never know what you might find.

Japanese homes may just be the most logical houses on the planet.

From sliding doors that can make the room as big or as small as you like, to dining tables complete with blankets to cover your legs, there’s nowhere cosier to stay during the winter.

There are plenty of ryokan style accommodation options on Booking.com, Hotels.com and Agoda , including both hotels and homestays, and it’s well worth spending at least one night in one!

Izakaya are informal bars that serve drinks and snacks similar to tapas.

Every visitor to Japan should try to visit one of these bars, especially in the winter. When it’s cold outside, the cosy atmosphere is a great place to warm up.

Alternatively, sign up for an izakaya cooking class to learn more about Japanese culture while trying some food yourself.

Japan is home to some of the best brands on the planet.

From electronics to fashion, there’s no shortage of unique places to shop – especially in the capital city, Tokyo.

During the winter months, prices are often reduced as stores prepare for the new season, so it’s the perfect way to escape the cold and experience a new side of Japanese culture.

Tea plays an important role in Japanese culture – and is also the perfect way to warm up on a winter day.

You’ll learn all about it while sipping a warm cup of ceremony-grade matcha.

Tea ceremonies are available in Osaka, Kyoto , Tokyo and almost every big city so there’s no reason not to add one to your Japan winter itinerary!

RELATED READ: Norway’s Lofoten Islands are another great winter trip – here’s why.

Japan Travel Planning

Even though I found Japan surprisingly easy to travel, it still pays to be prepared.

In fact, it’s one country where you’ll really save yourself some time and money (not to mention stress!) by having as much prepped in advance as possible.

Here is a checklist of things to have prepared before you go:

Shinkansen Tickets

The Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer for anybody who wants to see more than one part of Japan.

Booking in advance is super simple – much simpler than buying in Japan – AND comes with free 24-48 hour delivery.

I booked through JRailPass.com and can’t recommend them more for their price, efficiency and customer service.

GET YOUR TICKETS

Travel Insurance

The good news: things generally run smoothly in Japan and, when they don’t, the healthcare is some of the best in the world.

The bad news: when things don’t go to plan, it can be very expensive.

That’s why travel insurance is a must in Japan.

Since moving to Portugal, I use and recommend True Traveller because they cover a wide range of activities and circumstances.

If you’re resident outside of Europe, EKTA travel insurance offers affordable, transparent and extensive coverage all over the world.

WiFi/Sim Card

Getting a sim card in Japan is tricky (and expensive!). Unfortunately, I waited until I was there and learned the hard way, so I highly recommend arranging your WiFi situation before you go.

The best way to stay connected while travelling Japan is with an eSim that you can use right away or this local sim with unlimited data that you can pick up on arrival.

Save on flights to Japan

Did you know that you can save up to 10% on flights with a cashback service?

With WayAway Plus , you can find the cheapest flights, transfers and other travel services and receive part of your purchase back in cash. It goes straight to your Paypal account!

I use WayAway to book all my flights so that I can save extra and have secured an exclusive discount for Alajode readers to do the same.

Use this link and the code ‘ALAJODE’ to save a massive 55% on your yearly membership plan and start saving. That mean you’ll get up to 10% off all travel services for less than $4 per month. In just one trip to Japan, that could save you hundreds of dollars!

Not only does a VPN help protect you and your data while travelling, it can also help you access geo-locked content.

That’s something that comes in really handy in a place like Japan, especially if you don’t speak the local language!

NordVPN is the one I use and trust, and currently has this great deal available.

Airport Transfers

If you’ll be arriving late or staying somewhere fairly remote, consider booking an airport transfer on arrival.

This will take a whole lot of stress out of an already confusing situation when you land in Japan, especially after a long flight.

I’ve found this website has the best prices and the widest availability (sometimes in places where there aren’t even taxis!).

About Jodie Marie Dewberry

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. If you continue to browse you accept the use of cookies on our site. See our Cookie Policy for more information.

• Media & PR
• Meetings & Events
• School Groups
• Travel Trade
• Select Language 简体中文 繁體中文（香港） 繁體中文（臺灣） India (English) Bahasa Indonesia 한국어 ภาษาไทย Tiếng Việt Singapore (English) Philippines (English) Malaysia (English) Australia/New Zealand (English) Français Deutsch Italiano Español United Kingdom (English) Nordic countries（English） Canada (English) Canada (Français) United States (English) Mexico (español) Português العربية Japan(日本語) Global (English)
• India (English)
• Bahasa Indonesia
• Singapore (English)
• Philippines (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Australia/New Zealand (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• Nordic countries（English）
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States (English)
• Mexico (español)
• Global (English)
• Fujiyoshida
• Shimonoseki
• Ishigaki Island
• Miyako Island
• Kerama Island
• Tokyo Island
• Koka & Shigaraki
• Hida Takayama
• Ginza, Nihonbashi
• Beppu & Yufuin (Onsen)
• Ginzan Onsen
• Nagasaki Islands

• Kumano Kodo
• Shikoku Karst
• Amami Oshima
• Hachimantai
• Omihachiman
• Aizuwakamatsu

• Diving in Japan
• Skiing in Japan
• Seasonal Flowers in Japan
• Sustainable Outdoors
• Off the Beaten Track in Japan
• Scenic Spots
• World Heritage
• Home Stays & Farm Stays

• Japanese Gardens
• Japanese Crafts
• Temple Stays
• Heritage Stays
• Festivals and Events
• Theater in Japan
• Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Cultural Experiences in Japan
• Culture in Japan

• Local Cuisine Eastern Japan
• Local Cuisine Western Japan
• Local Street Food
• Japan's Local Ekiben
• Japanese Whisky
• Vegetarian and Vegan Guide
• Sushi in Japan Guide
• Japanese Sake Breweries

• Art Museums
• Architecture
• Performing Arts
• Art Festivals
• Japanese Anime and Comics
• Japanese Ceramics
• Local Crafts

• Scenic Night Views
• Natural Wonders
• Theme Parks
• Samurai & Ninja
• Iconic Architecture

• Wellness Travel in Japan
• Japanese Ryokan Guide
• A Guide to Stargazing in Japan
• Relaxation in Japan
• Forest Bathing (Shinrin-yoku)

• Experiences in Japan
• Enjoy my Japan
• National Parks
• Japan's Local Treasures
• Japan Heritage
• Snow Like No Other
• Wonder Around Japan

• Visa Information
• Getting to Japan
• Airport Access
• COVID-19 Practical Information
• Anime Tourism
• Countryside Stays
• Sustainable Travel
• Accommodation
• Sample Itineraries
• Travel Agents
• Deals and Tours

• Traveling by Rail
• How to Travel by Train and Bus
• JR Rail Passes
• Train Passes and Discounted Tickets
• Scenic Railways
• Renting a Car
• Yokohama Cruise Port Access
• Travel Brochures
• Useful Apps
• Accommodation Types
• Online Reservation Sites
• Eco-friendly Accommodation
• Luxury Accommodations
• Traveling With a Disability
• Hands-free Travel
• How to Book a Certified Tour Guide
• Volunteer Guides
• Tourist Information Center

• Japanese Manners
• Sustainable Travel in Japan
• Spring in Japan
• Summer in Japan
• Autumn in Japan
• Winter in Japan
• Seasonal Attractions
• Monthly Events Calendar
• Cherry Blossom Forecast
• Autumn Leaves Forecast

• Japan Visitor Hotline
• Travel Insurance in Japan
• Japan Safe Travel Information
• Accessibility in Japan
• Vegetarian Guide
• Muslim Travelers
• Safety Tips

• All News & Blog
• Travellers Blog
• Guides to Japan
• Stories of Japan
• The Other Side of Japan
• Media Releases
• JAPAN Monthly Web Magazine

My Favorites

${v.desc | trunc(25)}

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

GUIDE Road tripping in Japan: The checklist

Looking to take the road less travelled through Japan? Here’s everything every traveller needs to know before heading over and hitting the road. Plus, some of our favourite road trip destinations to inspire your next Japan adventure itinerary.

Before you go

The only thing you need to arrange before you head over is an  International Driving Permit . You can get one from your local motoring organisation such as the NRMA, RACV, RACQ or AA. 

There are plenty of  English-friendly car rental companies . If your Japanese isn’t that crash hot, save yourself some on-road stress by reserving a car with English-capable GPS before you go. You can also ask for a child seat or snow tires if needed. By law, children under six are required to use child seats and there are three different types depending on the age of the child. As for costs, there are no real surprises here: petrol, tolls and the usual taxes and insurance fee. Rental car companies will usually provide a 24/7 hotline to call in case of accident or emergencies.

Some car companies allow you to pick up and drop off the car at two different locations. NOTE: In most countries you enter an address into GPS. In Japan, you can enter a destination’s phone number or a 12-digit number called a ‘Mapcode’ as well as the address. Make sure you have the phone numbers of your accommodation and destinations handy to make it easier.

The electronic toll collection (ETC) card usually comes with your rental car. Similarly to Australia and New Zealand, your car will be wirelessly connected to all toll gates. Just look out for the  purple ETC lanes  on the expressway. If you are planning to use the expressways a lot, consider getting an  expressway pass  for your region, which allows unlimited use of expressways for a flat daily fee. 

Fuelling up is easy, as many full service petrol stations have staff that will fill up your tank for you. Just say ‘mantan’ if you would like a full tank. Be sure to check the type of fuel before filling up the tank! Fuel types are typically regular (red), high-octane (yellow) or diesel (green). 

Most rental car companies will expect you to return the car with a full tank, so make note of petrol stations (called ‘gas stands’) close to your return point and confirm the type of fuel your car needs before leaving the car rental shop. NOTE: many stations, especially those in rural areas, close at night so be sure to have a full tank if you’re driving through the night. 

Road signs and rules follow international standards, with most signs on major roads displayed in both Japanese and English. The basic ones you’re already familiar with include: 

• The legal driving age is 18 years old
• They drive on the left (phew!) with right-hand drive cars
• Using a phone (even if it’s hands-free) can incur a fine in Japan, so best not use it whilst you’re driving
• Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited
• Pedestrians have right of way

Although the rules and signs are similar to what we’re used to,  they aren’t identical .

There are signs and rules unique to Japan that you need to familiarise yourself not only for your safety, but also your confidence.

For example, do you know what this sign means?

Always better safe than sorry,  Japan Automobile Federation  (JAF) publishes an English guide to driving in Japan called “Rules of the Road”. These are available for purchase online and at JAF branch service counters throughout Japan. 

All level railway crossings require drivers to stop before continuing, so keep an eye out for the STOP sign there.

Parking is potentially the only thing about driving in Japan that you might find ‘challenging’. If you’re stopping over in major cities, there are a few things you should be mindful of. 

1. It isn’t cheap Parking in larger cities and popular tourist destinations can really add up. Don’t forget to factor it in to your budget!

2. It can be hard to find a park Especially if you don’t know where to look. In the larger cities, car parks and car-spots are often tucked away in narrow side streets, inconspicuously wedged between lots or even burrowed underground — be prepared to do a few laps of the town. If you are staying at a hotel, be sure to ask them about parking before arriving. Free parking at hotels is common in rural areas but not in cities. 

NOTE: Regardless of where or how you park, it’s normal to back into the car space, so be aware of drivers reverse parking in front of you as they may stop suddenly.

3. Car park types The two most common car park types you’ll encounter are elevator parking lots—they look like giant car vending machines—and lots that secure your car by raising a low barrier underneath your car (pictured above). To retrieve your car or lower the barriers, simply pay the correct amount at the central pay station.

4. Time limits Unless you’re parking in one of the pay-as-you-leave options, parking will often come with a time restriction—like 1P or 2P—so you might find yourself needing to occasionally duck out to move the car.

TIP: look for larger department stores or tourist parking that offer free parking.

Roadside Stations (Michi-no-eki)

There are over 1,160 Roadside Stations or rest stops located throughout Japan, each offering 24-hour parking and restrooms. You can usually find restaurants, markets selling local products and souvenirs, drinks, snacks and tourist information too.

Japanese drivers are very courteous drivers, and similar to our road rules, they follow the same driving etiquette.

• A flash of your headlights signals “after you”
• A flash of your hazard lights signals “thank you”
• Honking is exclusively reserved for serious situations 
• Let people merge or turn onto the road in alternating order
• Avoid tailgating
• Cars in front of you may also use their hazard lights to tell you there is traffic up ahead and to prepare to slow down

Popular road trips

Great drives can be had all over Japan, but here’s a list of scenic drives that’ll connect you to must-see destinations and take you through landscapes often unseen by travellers. 

Irohazaka Winding Road : Tochigi Prefecture

Mt. Aso : Kumamoto Prefecture

(occasionally closed due to increased volcanic activity. Please double check before entering.)

Shikoku Karst : Ehime and Kochi Prefecture 

Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge : Yamaguchi Prefecture

Bandai-Azuma Skyline : Fukushima Prefecture

Roller coaster road :  Hokkaido Prefecture

Metasequoia Tree-lined Road : Shiga Prefecture

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

Plan a Japan Winter Trip 2024: Top Experiences & 2 Itineraries

Winter (December to February) in northern Japan is like a white fairy tale world: white snow, colorful Christmas illuminations, and a relaxed atmosphere. Although Japan is cold in winter, it still attracts visitors with its unique winter experiences, fewer travelers, and cheaper costs.

Japan is a great place to spend Christmas holidays with your family: relax in an onsen (hot spring) in a traditional ryokan (inn) while appreciating the snowy scenery in Hakone, ski with your teenage kids at Hokkaido's best powder-snow ski resort, experience dreamy wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go, and see snow monkeys bathe in an onsen in Nagano.

In this article, we are going to look at how to plan a winter travel itinerary, which could be a memorable family holiday.

• Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan?

4 Top Japan-in-Winter Experiences

• Top 2 Winter Itineraries in Japan

Tips for Winter Travel in Japan

Winter weather in japan.

• How Much Does It Cost?

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Japan?

Japan restored its visa-waiver system from October 11th, 2022. If your country is on the Japan visa exemption list, like Australia, Canada, USA, UK and almost all European nations, you can visit Japan for 90 days (in most cases) without applying for a visa in advance.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Here are four top things to do that you should not miss in Japan in winter:

1) Relax in a Onsen in a Cozy Ryokan in Hakone

Staying at a ryokan with onsens (hot spring baths) is the most attractive experience to be had on a winter's day for many travelers from Japan and abroad.

Hakone is the home of onsens and has numerous natural hot springs, some of them are believed to have healing properties. A ryokan is a traditional-style Japanese form of accommodation where you can sleep on a tatami and enjoy high-class kaiseki (multi-course classical Japanese cuisine).

Nothing is better than to relax in an onsen with stunning snowy trees and mountains around you and your family to create unforgettable holiday moments.

Suggested reading: How Long Should I Spend in Japan

2) Ski with Your Kids in Hokkaido/Nagano

Japan has lots of family-friendly ski resorts offering quality powder snow, perfect surroundings, clear English signage, and excellent service. Japan has the best ski resorts in Asia, but it is still cheaper to ski there than in Europe.

Hokkaido's pistes are definitely some of the top Japan destinations in winter , where world-class ski resorts include Niseko and Rusutsu. Skiing in Hokkaido you can enjoy light and fluffy snow, icy mountain scenery, professional English-speaking skiing lessons for kids, teenagers, and families, and fresh seafood.

Nagano, just an hour and a half from Tokyo, is also a well-known ski resort. Once the main venue for the Winter Olympics, Hakuba Valley is Nagano's best family-friendly ski resort.

Check more details about plan a ski holiday with your family >>>

3) See Charming Winter Lighting in Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage site , a picturesque village known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, which have steep thatched roofs that are named after 'praying hands'. In recent years, Shirakawa-go has become popular with travelers for its beautiful countryside views and unique farmhouses.

These farmhouses are extremely charming when covered in snow and illuminated at night. The wintry lighting scenes can usually be seen from January to February, but the lighting-up time varies from year to year and stays require advance booking.

Contact our travel advisors and we can arrange it for you.

4) Watch Snow Monkeys Soak in Onsens in Nagano

Nagano is a city surrounded by mountains and is not far from Tokyo. It's well-known for its Hakuba Ski Resort and snow monkeys that soak in hot springs. It is a good place to go for family holidays in winter.

Monkeys (Japanese macaques) in Jigokudani Monkey Park are the only ones in the world who love to soak in hot springs in winter. Watching the snowflakes fall on the monkeys, each of them relaxing in hot springs to keep warm, would be a new and unforgettable memory of the trip.

Winter Itineraries in Japan: The Top 2 Options

Here are two winter itineraries that are hand-picked for families visiting Japan for the first time with two popular lengths of holidays (9 and 14 days) , both including relaxing in hot springs, seeing snow-covered shrines, enjoying a cup of steaming Japanese tea, and the option to go skiing with your kids.

1) The 9-Day Classical Route: Cover Major Highlights in Japan and Ryokan Experience

• Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka

This itinerary covers the top highlights of Japan: experience kid-favoured anime elements and an attractive Christmas atmosphere and illuminations in Tokyo, soak in onsens at a comfortable ryokan with snow scenery in Hakone, spend family time in Kyoto trying on kimonos and feeding friendly deer.

Here is a summary itinerary for you ( contact us for more details):

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (samurai, make sushi, anime center, and Asakusa)
• Days 4–5: Hakone (ryokans with onsens)
• Days 6–8: Kyoto (snow-covered shrines, geishas, sake, and feed deer)
• Day 9: Osaka and departure

It's also a great idea to spend an extra 2–3 days having a family ski time in Nagano, which is not far from Tokyo.

Suggested reading: 10 Days in Japan >>>

2) 14-Day Best Winter Experience Route: Skiing, Snow Monkeys in Onsens, Wintry Lighting in Shirakawa-go

• Sapporo–Otaru–Tokyo–Nagano–Shirakawa-go–Kyoto

You can get the best winter experience in Japan with this itinerary: ski and explore a famous chocolate factory in Sapporo — capital of Hokkaido, take a day trip to Otaru to enjoy a snowy view on the Otaru Canal, see the magical sight of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs in Nagano, and appreciate the wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go.

Here is a summary itinerary for your inspiration ( contact us for further details):

• Days 1–3: Sapporo (skiing, the most famous local chocolate factory and Sapporo Ice Festival)
• Day 4: Otaru (Otaru Canal and exquisite glass)
• Days 5–7: Fly to Tokyo (Tsukiji Market, Tokyo Tower, sumo, and anime)
• Day 8: Nagano (snow monkeys soaking in hot springs)
• Days 9–10: Takayama and Shirakawa-go (well-preserved townhouses and snow-covered gassho-zukuri farmhouses)
• Days 11–13: Kyoto (geisha, tea ceremony, sake, ryokan with onsen, feed deer in Nara)
• Day 14: Depart from Kansai International Airport in Osaka

To create a wonderful winter trip in Japan, here are some suggested tips to help you to avoid unnecessary hassles.

• Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest times in Japan. It's better to plan ahead and book flights and hotels at least 6 months in advance to reserve your favourite hotel/room.
• Winter in Japan is cold and snowy. You'd better take thick clothes to keep warm. We recommend you to bring a down jacket, gloves, and waterproof boots.
• Most ski resorts in Japan have rental shops to rent or sell ski equipment, so you don't have to take heavy ski equipment to Japan. Of course, it's okay to bring your own equipment. You can pay for a delivery service that will ship your skis directly to the ski resort.

Just let us know your interests and requirements , and we can help make it happen.

Winter in Japan is from December to February and the weather is cold and dry.

• In Sapporo on Hokkaido, the average daily temperature range is from 0°C (32°F) in the warmest part of the day down to -6°C (20°F) at night. While in Tokyo or Kyoto temperatures average above freezing, ranging from 2 to 10°C (36–50°F) on average.
• The average rainfall per month in winter is low in Tokyo/Kyoto at around 58 mm (2 in), but the average snowfall in Sapporo on Hokkaido is a moderate 104 mm (4 in) — and more snow falls at Hokkaido's mountainous resorts.

December sees the beginning of winter in Japan, with clear skies, and colder and drier weather. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo get into the festive spirit when celebrating Christmas and New Year.

January/February is the best time to ski in the white world of northern Japan. The high-quality powder snow is the most important feature of ski resorts in Japan, which attracts many skiers to come and enjoy it.

How Much Does a Japan Winter Trip Cost?

Japan rivals Europe both in terms of facilities and service standards, which means that travel in Japan costs more than in China or in Southeast Asian countries.

US$350-500 per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a family of 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, and a local 4-star hotel.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring 2025 Mini-Group Tour
• 2-Week Japan Private Family Vacation
• 12-Day Classic Japan Tour
• 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour
• Plan a Family Trip to Japan 2024/2025: Experiences and Itineraries
• Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip 2025, Dates and Avoid Crowds
• 12 Days in Japan: Top 4 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
• 1 Week in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025
• Japan Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in February 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in March 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in April 2024, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
• Japan Weather in May 2024: Travel Tips for a First Visit
• Japan Weather in June 2024: Coolest Summer Month, Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in July 2024: Full of Festivals, Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in August 2024: Travel Tips for First Visit
• Japan Weather in September 2024, Travel Tips (for First-Timers)
• Japan Weather in October 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers
• Japan Weather in November 2024: Best Autumn Month, Travel Tips
• Japan Weather in December 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

12-Day Shikoku Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Traveling Japan’s Hidden Gem

Last Updated April 28, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Travel Itineraries » 12-Day Shikoku Itinerary – Ultimate Road Trip Guide to Traveling Japan’s Hidden Gem

Sharing is caring!

• Facebook 34

Are you ready for an adventure that takes you off the beaten path in Japan? Look no further than Shikoku, a hidden gem that promises to leave you in awe. This stunning island, tucked away from the bustling crowds, offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil landscapes. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Japan’s smallest main island on this 12-day Shikoku itinerary. 

By using this guide, you’ll learn the intricacies of how a road trip around the island of Shikoku can look like. Through my personal experiences, you’ll get deeper insight into this region than anywhere else.

What You’ll Get Out of This Article

• Day-by-day breakdown that covers how to build a 12-day itinerary in Shikoku.
• Critical details for important activities and sights you won’t find anywhere else such as which locations are cash-only, how to make reservations, critical mistakes you don’t want to make, and more.
• Google Map of all locations on the itinerary.
• Downloadable access to the itinerary spreadsheet.

Table of Contents

My shikoku journey, how to use this shikoku itinerary, where is shikoku, itinerary day 1 – feel the energy of tokushima, itinerary day 2 – enter hidden iya valley, itinerary day 3 – uncover iya valley secrets, itinerary day 4 – from yokai to castles, itinerary day 5 – knife-making in shimanto, itinerary day 6 – adventure in nakatsu gorge, itinerary day 7 – mighty matsuyama castle, itinerary day 8 – memory lanes of ozu and uchiko, itinerary day 9 – climb to new heights in kotohira, itinerary day 10 – enter the mediterranean of japan, itinerary day 11 – art immersion on naoshima island, itinerary day 12 – experience okayama’s past, map of shikoku itinerary, why it makes sense to rent a car, why you shouldn’t rent a car, advice on renting a car in shikoku, car rentals in tokushima, how to save money on car rentals in shikoku, 1 – challenges of driving in the valley, 2 – go during the off season, 3 – get used to using your translation app, 4 – expect to use more cash than you think, 5 – prepare for changes in weather, how much did this trip cost, closing thoughts on 12 days in shikoku, frequently asked questions, read more japan travel content, best place to book hotels in japan.

Knowing that I’d be coming from a week in Tokyo and having done the Golden Route through our 12 day Japan itinerary , I asked experts I knew, where they’d recommend if I wanted to somewhere completely off-the-beaten-path. Shikoku was mentioned a few times and what I heard intrigued me.

From there, I started planning a journey through somewhere that I could tell hadn’t been discovered by the masses. Online information was sparse and not well consolidated. Thankfully Shikoku Tours was there to help fill in some of the gaps but I was determined to do it fully independently.

Digging in, I quickly realized that there are a few primary ways Shikoku is explored:

• Pilgrimage – Known as the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage or Shikoku Hendo , this involves travellers centering their trip around visiting many of the sacred Buddhist sites on the circular-shaped route. Most don’t do all 88 but do a selection of the highlights and combine walking with public transit, go with a private guide , or do special bicycle tours .
• Cycling – The second major interest in Shikoku is cycling, especially with the Shimanami Kaido route where you get to bike on Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, crossing the Seto Inland Sea. You can do day trips or multi-day cycling circuits .
• Road trip – Although not as well documented, it was clear from the outset that relying on public transportation would not be efficient. I ended up opting for this because I felt like it was closer to my interests and would allow me the flexibility to see everything in a neat 12 days.

I certainly didn’t expect to be doing a full-on road trip loop in Japan of all places, but I have to say that I was very happy with how it turned out.

This part of the trip was solo after spending a month with Chantelle in Hokkaido and Tokyo.

Special Promotion with Shikoku Tours

Putting together a trip to Shikoku but would rather have someone plan it for you? The folks on the ground that helped me and are the go-to tour company on the island is Shikoku Tours .

As a bonus, we’ve also partnered with them so that you’ll get a free Imabari towel, Japan’s highest quality towel and made from the Ehime prefecture of Shikoku.

How? All you have to do is mention “Going Awesome Places” when you submit your inquiry.

We created this itinerary with you, our readers, in mind. We put down as much detail as we can so that all of the information is one place. From there, you get to use it as is or make tweaks based on your own schedule and interests.

This is a road trip version of a Shikoku itinerary so many of the specifics relate to being able to drive from location to location. That said, we’ve tried to share alternative details where we can.

Pay particular attention to our boxes called “What you need to know”. These extract essential details about important points of interest and activity, while also injecting our own observations. Japan is one of those places where you can easily get caught off-guard if you don’t know about specific rules and quirks.

We also make sure we summarize every day and each of those have links to either review pages or where to book specific activities. Lastly, we have our trip map near the end of the article, which is great for the visual planners out there.

At Going Awesome Places, we are obsessed about building travel itineraries because that’s how we do our trip planning and it’s the kind of detail that is hard to find these days. You’ll see a lot of similarities with other ones we’ve created such as the Adventure in the Ozarks of Missouri , Easter Island itinerary , 10 days in Patagonia , and classic Egypt itinerary .

So where the heck is Shikoku? We’re sure that even if you ask 10 or even 100 foreign tourists in Japan about Shikoku, most would give you a blank stare.

Shikoku is a secret that you’re going to be glad to be in on.

Japan is comprised of 4 main islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. Shikoku is the smallest and least populated and that’s precisely why it’s unlike anywhere else in Japan.

The name Shikoku comes from the word shi (four) and koku (region) and as you guessed, there are 4 prefectures on the island: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima . To the south is the Pacific Ocean and to the north is the Seto Inland Sea.

Up until the mid-1980s, you could only get here by boat but luckily, modern engineering connected it to the mainland through 3 massive bridges. Then you have airports that serve each prefecture in the cities of Tokushima, Kochi, Matsuyama, and Takamatsu .

It’s worth mentioning that while this is a Shikoku itinerary, it does overlap with other regions. For one, there’s Setouchi region which covers all of the islands in the Seto Inland Sea and all adjacent coastal areas. The trip also ends in Okayama and this is outside of the island of Shikoku but is part of Setouchi .

As you’ll see really soon, there’s a real sense of mystery in Shikoku and with that, the excitement of uncovering the secret for yourself.

The Best 12-Day Shikoku Itinerary

You will hit the ground running in Tokushima with full day of adventure and cultural immersion. Ride the Bizan Ropeway for stunning city views, witness the captivating Naruto whirlpools on a boat tour, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of an Awa Odori dance performance in the evening.

Arrive in Tokushima

For this Shikoku itinerary, we recommend starting in the city of Tokushima and working your way around in clock-wise fashion. Tokushima is also a great place to start as it’s not overwhelming and quite easy to get around on foot.

You’ll most likely fly into Tokushima Awaodori Airport (TKS) which is primarily serviced by domestic airlines. In my case, I flew in directly from Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport via Japan Airlines.

After you land, you’ll catch the local bus which will take you right to the center of town, Tokushima Station .

TIP: At the far end of the airport is the bus ticket vending machine. The fare for Tokushima Station is ¥600 for adults and ¥300 for children. You can pay by cash or IC card only. Remember to tap “Receipt” to get a receipt printed.

First order of business – drop your off your bags at your hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima , which is conveniently right next to the station. Re-organize your daypack if you need to because you won’t be back until the afternoon.

See Tokushima From Above

One of the best ways to get oriented is at the top of one of the symbols of Tokushima – Mt. Bizan . At the summit, you’ll see how the city is situated at the mouth of the Yoshino River, pointing northeast.

Sharing the same building as where you’ll be watching the Awa Odori performance in the evening is the Bizan Ropeway . The view from the top gives you a stunning overlook of the area and as far out as Awaji Island and Kii Peninsula on a clear day.

In addition to the main viewing platform, there’s a large kaleidoscope art installation, a Burmese pagoda honoring the soldiers from World War 2, and an expansive park of cherry blossom trees.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• April 1 – October 31 – 9AM – 9PM
• November 1 – March 31 – 9AM – 5:30PM
• It is usually closed for several weeks between January to February for annual inspection.
• The ropeway takes 6 minutes and runs every 15 minutes (timetable in image above).
• The Bizan Cafe at the summit is open from 10AM – 7PM.
• The ropeway is closed the second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December. If any of these land on a public holiday, it’ll shift to the next day.
• Adults (Junior High School Student and above) – ¥620 one way, ¥1,030 round trip
• Elementary School Students – ¥300 one way, ¥510 round trip
• 3 set (Awaodori performance, museum, ropeway) – ¥1,830 for adults, ¥1,280 for children up to 15, and ¥810 for children up to 12
• 2 set (museum, ropeway) – ¥1,130 for adults
• 2 set (Awaodori performance, museum) – ¥1,000

Parking: There’s parking at the Awaodori Kaikan Theater (drive to the rear) for a fee. You can get your parking validated (1 hour free) if you purchase ¥3,000 or more at the shop on the main floor.

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, it’s an easy 15 minute walk to the ropeway station/theater.

Booking: You can only buy tickets in-person at the desk or vending machine. Machines are cash-only.

Website: Bizan Ropeway

• How much time do I need at the summit? If it isn’t sakura (cherry blossoms) season, you can easily see everything in 30-40 minutes.
• Where are the cherry blossoms on the mountain? From the summit, there is a walking path going away from the city that leads into the Bizan Park which has a cluster of cherry blossom trees.
• To take the ropeway, you need to take the elevator to the 5th floor. From there, you get into a queue.
• Since there are two gondolas that go up together, best view going up is in the second (bottom) gondola so you can see a clear view of the city below.

Cruise into the Naruto Whirlpools

Head back to the main station and take the 1-hour long bus out to the far northeast corner where a natural phenomenon of tidal whirlpools can be found in the Naruto Strait .

In this narrow passageway of water measuring 1.3 km (0.81 miles), massive amounts of water move in and out of the Seto Inland Sea twice a day creating a difference in water levels between the sea and the ocean. This causes water to rush through the channel at high speeds , and at specific areas, spirals in the water.

One of the best ways to see the Naruto Whirlpools is to join a sightseeing boat cruise. The Wonder Naruto races large groups of tourists to the Onaruto Bridge every 30 minutes. Standing at the edge of the boat, you patiently wait for swirls to form – some are small and some gush with intensity.

After the cruise, you can either check out more of the area (observation decks, park, Uzo-no-Michi Walkway , and Otsuka Museum of Art ) or head back to the city and check into your room.

We’ll be focusing on the Wonder Naruto but if you’re interested in the underwater observatory, check out the Aqua Eddy.

• Open all-year-round and runs 12 trips per day.
• Boat ride is 30 minutes and the exact departure schedule is posted on their Sightseeing Boat page .
• The best time of the day to go is at high and low tide (1.5 hours before and after). Using their monthly tide table , you’ll be able to see those peak times for the exact day you wish to go.
• Adults – ¥1,800
• Child (Elementary School and younger) – ¥900
• First class cabin is available for an additional ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children.
• Payment by credit card is possible.

Parking: There is plenty of parking (150 spots) at the whirlpool sightseeing boat dock and it is free.

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, go to bus stop number 16. You’ll be able to hop on any bus that stops here. Take the bus for 1 hour and 15 minutes until you get to the stop “Naruto Sightseeing Port”. It might be difficult to tell which stop it is but there’s a point in the route where it turns around. It is the first stop right after the turn-around point. Payment is made as you get off the bus. The fare is ¥720 and you can only pay by coins. There is a change machine as well but it only breaks ¥1,000 bills. For route map, timetable, and fare table, visit the bus for Naruto Park page .

Booking: You can only buy Wonder Naruto tickets in-person at their counter. You can buy Aqua Eddy tickets in advance (mandatory).

Website: Uzusio

Language: The commentary through the speaker is in Japanese.

• Do the tickets sell out? While the boat has a capacity of 399 people, it can sell out especially if there are large bus groups and you are going during high-season.
• How early should I arrive at the boat dock? We recommend that you come 1-1.5 hours ahead of the time slot that you’re targeting. Worst case, you can book the sailing after it.
• Is the Aqua Eddy recommended? We don’t recommend Aqua Eddy because there simply isn’t enough time to be running between the underwater observation and the main deck. As the whirlpools aren’t predictable and can be on either side, we feel that this would add additional stress and force you to pick what you want to focus on. For this, the additional cost, and shorter trip time, it’s not worth it.
• Is it worth upgrading to first class on Wonder Naruto? The advantage of first class is that there are fewer passengers up there, allowing you more freedom to move around. The other benefit is that you are higher in elevation, allowing you to get better view of the whirlpools developing below. If we were to do it again, we’d pay for the upgrade.
• They don’t announce that they ready for queueing (in English) so if you’re early, just get in line for Wonder Naruto before everyone else. The advantage of boarding early is that you’ll have your pick of the spot on the boat. That said, once you pick a spot, you’ll be surrounded by other people along the railing.
• There are actually two companies that run whirlpool sightseeing boats. The biggest one is the one that we ended up taking, called Uzusio (うずしお観潮船). There is another company called Uzushio-Kisen (うずしお汽船) which is a smaller but slightly cheaper boat. They also offer combo tickets to Uzu-no-Michi (a bridge with a glass floor). This is why there are two separate locations indicated on the bus map so don’t get them confused.
• The bus schedule time table isn’t the easiest to read but for Uzusio, the stop you’re looking for is 鳴門観光港 (fourth-last stop). If you’re interested in Uzushi-Kisen, the stop is 亀浦口 (second-last stop on the line).

Eat at a mouth-watering local izakaya

Local recommendations are the best. Domannaka is a short walk away from your hotel and features mostly locally-sourced ingredients and dishes that the region is best known for . You have to try their yakitori platter (depicted above), seared bonito ( katsuo no tataki ), and lotus root.

What Tokushima is best known for is Awa Odori , something you might’ve noticed not-so-subtly featured throughout the city.  This is perhaps Japan’s most famous dance festival that is said to have originated from the celebration when Tokushima Castle was completed.  While the official festival is performed in mid-August, the other way to see a performance is at the Awa Odori Kaikan , the same building as the Bizan Ropeway.

This 50 minute performance is the best showcase of what the Awa Odori festival is all about .  Accompanied by musicians, you’ll get to see men, women, children, and elders perform the traditional dance.  You’ll see and feel the energy, along with the intricacies of the dress of Awa Odori during the show. 

The show is also quite interactive, with a segment in the middle dedicated to having the audience learn some of the basic moves of the dance. At the end of the night, the entire audience is invited to get down to the theater floor to join the dancers, culminating in a fun and immersive night.

• Daytime Performances – 11AM, 2PM, 3PM, 4PM (40 minutes)
• Check the evening performance schedule to make sure they are not closed.
• There is a Google Calendar on the Awa Odori Kaikan homepage which clearly breaks down which performances are available for each day.
• The theater is closed the second Wednesday of February, June, September, and December. If any of these land on a public holiday, it’ll shift to the next day. It is also closed December 28 to January 1.
• Adults – ¥800 for daytime, ¥1,000 for evening
• Child (Elementary School and Junior High School Students) – ¥400 for daytime, ¥500 for evening

How to get here without a car: From Tokushima Station, the easiest way is to walk to the ropeway station/theater. It’s a 15 minute walk away.

Booking: You can buy daytime tickets at the vending machine. You can only buy evening tickets on the night of at 7PM in front of the theater entrance. Both cases are cash-only.

Website: Awa Odori Kaikan

Language: The performance is in Japanese and there are no subtitles but it’s pretty easy to catch on what’s happening.

• Can I buy tickets in advance? No, they don’t have online booking.
• What is the difference between daytime and evening performances? The main difference is that the evening performances feature rotating groups of famous Awa Odori troupes and the show is 10 minutes longer. The daytime show is performed by the theater’s own exclusive troupe.
• Do the tickets sell out? The theater has a seating capacity of 250 so there should be plenty of tickets but it’s always a good idea to show up early.
• Are seats assigned in the theater? No, the seating is first-come-first-serve.
• Are photos and videos allowed? Yes, there are no restrictions for photos and videos.
• Where are the best seats in the theater? The first row in the center section of the theater is the best especially if you want to take photos of the show.
• How early should I arrive? If you want your pick of seats, we recommend that you come 1 hours ahead of time.
• Is the performance the same as the Awa Odori Festival? The actual festival from August 12 -15 is a multi-day event that takes over the entire city. This show provides a condensed version it, focusing on the dance styles for both men and women. The performance also includes an instructional component where the audience is encouraged to dance. You’ll get a really good sense of the dress, dance, and energy from this show.
• They have a bit of a unique way of queueing at the theater. When you arrive, put a bag down in a straight line starting at the door. This way, you are free to go to the shop below, use the restroom, and walk around. It may seem a little strange at first but it’s quite a democratic way to hold your spot in a first-come-first-serve manner.
• The shop on the main floor is open until 8PM, allowing you to buy souvenirs before the evening show.

Day 1 Summary

What you’ll see & do:

• Bizan Ropeway
• Naruto Whirlpool Cruise
• Awa Odori Performance

Where you’ll eat:

• Lunch – Food from Tokushima Clement Plaza – This is the mall that’s attached to the city’s main train station where you’ll find plenty of food options including the bakery Vie de France, imagawaki (wheel cake), and local mochi cakes.
• Dinner – Domannaka – An elegant izakaya and yakitori restaurant that features local dishes and delicacies. Reservations are highly recommended here. They do not take online reservations so you’ll need to call to make reservations.

Where you’ll stay:

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokushima ( Agoda / Booking ) – Conveniently located adjacent to Tokushima Station, this is a comfortable, new, and spacious hotel. We recommend staying here because of it is seconds away from the bus stop, train station, shopping mall, restaurants, and even has a 7-Eleven downstairs.

It’s time to get the road trip started. You’ll start off going blue over the time-honored tradition of indigo dyeing. From there, you’ll drive into the heart of Iya Valley where you’ll quickly realize that you’re in a mystical place like no other in Japan.

Make your own indigo dyed creation

Shikoku is home to many traditional crafts and one of them is indigo dyeing. This is why you’ll see plenty of indigo-dyed goods along your journey.

Aizome refers to the traditional practice of indigo dyeing and there’s no better place to see how it works than to go to the region where the industry thrived for generations in Wakimachi and more specifically, the Udatsu Townscape .

Located in a charming and historically wealthy town thanks to indigo, is the Yamauchi Studio which preserves the tradition by teaching visitors how the dyeing process works by creating your very own handmade item.

What you’ll love about this experience is that you’ll come out with your own souvenir that was created using traditional indigo dyeing techniques . Your instructor will also allow you to design your own pattern. I thought this was the most interesting part, involving either marbles, special folding techniques, and lots of elastic bands.

• Duration – 40 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Hours – 10AM – 4PM (closed on Tuesdays)
• Bookable time slots: 10AM, 1PM, 2:30PM
• Small Handkerchief – ¥1,100
• Large Handkerchief – ¥1,650
• Scarf – ¥4,400
• Shopping Bag – ¥3,850
• Drawstring Bag – ¥1,650
• Socks – ¥2,200
• It is also to possible other items so if you’re not interested in these, you can ask on-site.

Parking: There is a free parking lot to the south of town but it does fill up quickly. The attendant on-site will help guide you to your spot.

Booking: You can book online but drop-in is definitely possible when it’s not a busy day.

Website: Reservation Page Through Nishi-Awa Tourism Association

Language: The instructor only speaks Japanese but has a handheld translation device to provide basic instructions. It’s relatively straightforward.

• How hard is it to learn how to dye? It is extremely easy and suitable for ages 5 and up.
• Should I make a booking ahead of time? If you’re on a schedule and want to fit this in a specific time, it’s better to make a reservation ahead of time. If you’d like to keep things flexible, you can try to drop-in. Worst-case, you can explore the Udatsu Townscape if they’re busy.
• How early should I arrive for the activity? There is not a lot of prep work required so you can show up 5-10 minutes ahead of time.
• Will my hands get dirty? No, you will be given an apron and gloves so your hands won’t turn blue.
• The English name of the store is “Yamauchi Studio” but on Google, you need to search for “Aizome Kobo, Waikimachi”.
• If you follow your GPS to the store, it will take you onto the pedestrian Udatsu Townscape street which will eventually trap you in (that was totally me). Instead, search for the “道の駅 藍ランドうだつ” or “Road station Airandoudatsu” parking lot. Our custom map have all of these marked.
• The studio doesn’t exactly run fixed workshop times. Instead, since there are at least 2 vats of indigo, they will get you started whenever you are ready.
• While the booking platform only shows 3 time slots per day, it doesn’t mean that the instructor will wait for everyone that booked that time slot to get started. It is simply a formality of the system. In reality, they get visitors going on a rolling basis of whenever people arrive.
• If you’d like to start earlier than your booked time slot, simply show up early.
• When you leave the studio, the handmade piece will still be damp so put it by the window of your car to let it dry.

Test your vertigo on the double vine bridges

Next begins your journey into Iya Valley. The small towns along the Yoshino River begin to disappear and are replaced with seemingly impenetrable emerald hills as you weave corner to corner and unknowingly passing around Mount Tsurugi.

Tucked away on the far eastern end of Iya Valley is Oku-Iya Niju Kazurabashi or the Double Vine Bridges . These are two of the last 3 remaining vine bridges in Iya Valley, where there were once 13.

The bridges are said to be connected to the story of the Heike Clan that took refuge in this area and built these as a way to get through the valley but could also cut them down if they were invaded.

What’s unique about this location is that there are two bridges, the larger one being male and the smaller being female . Crossing each is an adventure on its own as the bridges sway and the gaps between the planks of wood below are enormous. There’s also a hand-powered rope and trolley that you can also try if they’re operational.

What really sets this area apart are its tranquil and untamed surroundings with the trickling of the river below, the calm rustling of the forrest, and whispers of a nearby waterfall. It also helps that this is far-less visited part of Iya Valley because it’s not as accessible as the one you’ll visit tomorrow.

• April-June：9AM – 5PM
• July-August：8AM – 6PM
• September-November: 9AM – 5PM
• December-March: Closed
• Duration – Expect to spend 30 minutes to 1 hour here.
• Adults – ¥550
• Children – ¥350

Parking: Off the road, there are 30 parking spaces. Parking is free.

Booking: No online booking is available.

How it works: You pay your admission at the ticket booth on the main road. They’ll be a ticket and from there you walk down. There aren’t any turnstiles to enter so in a way, this is honour system. Unlike Iya-no-Kazurabashi vine bridge, there are no attendants by the bridge and you can cross them in any direction and as many times as you wish.

Website: No official website. Your best bet for an updated page is on Miyoshi Tourism .

• Are there bathrooms? There aren’t any facilities by the bridges but there are restrooms by the ticket office next to the road.
• Can you take a bus to the double vine bridges? This is serviced by the local bus that’s bound for Mt. Tsurugi and the Kazura Bashi Bus stop.
• Currently, the rope wooden carts of Monkey Monkey Bridge are not in operation.

Visit the oddly charming scarecrow village

Driving deeper into the valley, you’ll come across a sleepy riverside village that seems normal at first, until you realize that the people you see hanging around aren’t people. The population of Nagoro consists of life-sized scarecrows and outnumber their human counterparts 10 to 1 .

The Nagoro “Scarecrow” Village was started by Tsukimi Ayano, a resident that returned to her home village after living in Osaka for most of her life. It started with a scarecrow with her father’s likeness on her family farm. This evolved to becoming effigies of former residents to keep the spirit of the village alive.

The best way to appreciate all of Tsukimi-san’s work is to park your car and walk the village and see the vibrant population of scarecrows that are waiting at bus stops, working the fields, going to school, or simply hanging out.

Explore traditional thatched-roof houses

As you emerge from the mist and the twisty roads of the valley, you’ll enter into true heart of Iya Valley which consists of small hamlets that cling to the edge of the mountain slopes. It’s here that you’ll see enduring examples of ancient houses that date back well over 200 years.

The first you can visit is Koune-ke Historic House . Formerly of the Koune family, this is one of the simplest homes you’ll see, consisting of one room, garden, front space, and toilet in the middle front of the house. This is a small house so you can take a quick peek inside.

The other you’ll have time for is Nagaoka-ke Historic House . At an altitude of 610 meters (2001 feet) on a south-facing slope of Ochiai Village is a prime example of an upper-class clan of the village, featuring an asymmetrical 6-room floor plan. After taking off your shoes, you’re free to walk around. Make sure to ask the staff to show you the potato storage cellar accessed by a hidden hatch.

NOTE: Nagaoke-ke Historic House closes at 4PM.

Check into your traditional farmhouse

If you fancy staying in a living museum and getting a feel for what traditional Iya life is like, you have to do several nights in a restored farmhouse with jet-black beams, 130-year-old red-pine floors, sliding doors, and classic decor.

Your stay at Kouya is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Originally a tobacco farm in the hamlet of Kubo, this house has been kept within the family and now provides a farm stay experience for visitors by combining unique lodging with local-style meals and hands-on activities.

2 nights in Kouya are an absolute must. Hosts, Shinsuke-san and Mari-san welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to truly unwind and relax in this multi-room home that I had all to myself.

The best part are their dinners where they are slow cooked in the traditional way in their large iori floor hearth. Using locally-sourced ingredients, you’ll be treated to an aromatic feast for the senses. In additional to a wide variety of small dishes and rice cooked in the traditional way, you’ll get to try specialties such as Hirara-Yaki (wall of miso past encloses a stew of amego fish, tofu and vegetables), amego fish grilled around charcoal flame, and a hearty oden (pot of fish cake stew).

Details about how these farm stays or farmhouses work in Iya Valley so we thought it’d be valuable to go through the details of where we stayed and what to expect.

Time: Kouya accepts bookings open all-year round.

Price: Prices start at ¥13,000 per adult/night and includes 2 meals (breakfast and lunch), and hands-on experiences. If you book directly, you’ll have to pay by cash in person.

Capacity: There are 2 rooms and can house a maximum capacity of 7 people. Regardless of the size of your group, you will always get the full farm house to yourself.

• Large room (the one where we stayed) – 5 people
• Small room – 2 people

Parking: There is a parking in front of the house.

Booking: Reservations are recommended at least 4-6 months in advance, especially during the non-winter season because there are so few accommodation options in the area. Making a reservation is a bit more a challenge as you can’t do it online. The best way to do it is to email them at [email protected] or to use a tour operator like Shikoku Tours .

Website: Kouya

• Does the host speak English? No, the hosts, Shin-san and Mari-san don’t speak English but their hospitality is above all expectations. Shin-san puts in a big effort to have conversations with his guests even if it means using Google Translate.
• How far in advance should you book Kouya? 4-6 months in advance is ideal. The more time the better.
• Is there wifi in the Kouya farmstay? Yes, there is free wifi to use and it’s decently fast, measuring at 57.3 Mbps.
• Are there electrical outlets in the farm house? Yes, there are pop up outlets in the house, including the main bedroom which are suitable for charging your devices.
• Do the hosts live in the house with guests? No, the hosts live in an adjacent smaller house.
• Are there other guests with you during the farm stay? No, when you book Kouya, you get the whole house to yourself.
• Ultimately, I chose to stay at Kouya because I was looking for a farmstay that included meals. While I loved several others including Tougenkyo-Iya in Ochiai, the idea of needing to plan meals and not being able to eat traditional food of the region put me off. Kouya has it all built-in which I appreciated.
• The entrance into Kouya can be a little confusing as GPS isn’t the most accurate and is easy to miss if you can’t read Japanese. Look for the oval-shaped wooden sign with the words “紺屋”.
• In the dining area, seating is on the ground. They provide a tatami chair with a cushion but isn’t the most comfortable sitting cross-legged. Try different sitting positions to see what works.
• The host is great at providing directions and creating a plan for you so make sure to ask them any questions that you may have. Share your plans as well so they can plan the soba-making class around your schedule.
• If you have any dietary restrictions, let them know in advance.

Day 2 Summary

• Indigo dyeing experience at Yamauchi Studio
• Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge
• Nagoro “Scarecrow” Village
• Koune-ke Historic House
• Nagaoka-ke Historic House
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Eat konbini breakfast from the night before.
• Lunch – Aigura – Next to Yamauchi Studio in Udatsu Townscape is this charming cafe on the second floor is at the site of what used to be a warehouse for indigo. Their meals are made from local ingredients and their lunch menu incudes bao, curry, and nanban (fried chicken).
• Dinner – Kouya Farmstay – A true culinary experience where you’ll be able to dine in the most traditional way in Iya Valley while at your farm stay. Meals are cooked over a cast iron stove over fire in a sunken hearth using local ingredients and changes everyday. You’ll feel a real connection to the place as you sit on the wooden floor, eat, and chat with your host, while being warmed up by the charcoal fire.
• Kouya Farmstay – This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime-type of experience in Shikoku and one of the main reasons why you need to come to this region.
• I skipped Oku-Iya Monorail because it was under renovation in 2023 (and 2024 as well). If it’s open, it would be worth trying their 5km monorail.

Apps You Need To Download for Japan

Before you go to Japan, make sure you have these apps on your phone.

Iya Valley is often called one of the “three most remote places in Japan”. By being cut off from the rest of the country for so long, you’re treated to more examples of Iya Valley’s old world charm and a place teeming with natural wonders.

Tranquil breakfast around the hearth

Start your day by enjoying your your platter of numerous surprises for breakfast in peace. From the open sliding door, you’ll be able to watch the veil of fog lift from the valley.

For coffee lovers like myself, Shinsuke-san also offered to make a fresh pot of coffee for me the enjoy while sitting on their traditional wood veranda.

Get the best view of Ochiai

There are so many incredible photographs of Ochiai Village so when I asked the farmhouse host where I should go, he pointed on a part of the map that I never would have thought to have looked. This is on our Shikoku trip planning map .

The Ochiai Village Viewpoint is a well-built platform and provides a brilliant view of the historic houses, hillside farm plots, and switchback roads.

Learn Iya Valley’s history and visit a samurai house

One of the best ways to learn more about region is to visit the Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore (10AM – 4PM, closed on Wednesdays and weekends Dec to Mar, ¥410 adults, ¥100 child) . They have a comprehensive display of artifacts collected from all over the valley .

Thanks to their bilingual signage in English and Japanese, you’ll want to spend more time here to get a better appreciation of Iya Valley’s rich history. You’ll also learn the fascinating story of the Heike Samurai that took refuge here to hide from those that were pursuing them.

In connection to that story, you’ll drive over to the Bukeyashiki Kita-ke Historic House . This is by far the largest house you’ll visit. It was residence of the Kita Clan and built by the samurai headman of Oeda, a descendant of the feudal lord Kita Rokurosaburo.

From 9AM to 5PM (Apr 1 – Nov 30), this samurai residence is open to visitors (¥310 adults, ¥100 children) where you’ll be able to walk through its numerous rooms, see an example of samurai armor, marvel at its brilliant architecture, and also walk to its 800 year-old cedar in the garden.

Cross another legendary vine bridge

Take advantage of the third vine bridge of Iya Valley. Now that you’ve had some practice with two so far, you’ll hopefully be able to cross Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge with the swagger of Lara Craft or Indiana Jones. Not so much in my case as I clumsily staggered from plank to plank.

When you’re here, you can’t help but be at awe with a bridge constructed of 6 tones of vine cut from the valley’s forest, measuring at 45 meters long, 2 meters wide and hanging 14 meters above Iya River.

The difference between here and the Double Vine Bridge is that it’s a bit more of a tourist attraction with its big parking lots, large bus groups, and crowd control in the form of one-directional crossing.

Biwa Waterfall is just beyond the bridge’s exit. This is a modest 50 meter waterfall that’s surrounded by stone and lush greenery.

• April-June：8AM – 6PM
• July-August：7:30AM – 6:30PM
• September-March：8AM – 5PM

Parking: What caught us off-guard was the parking situation by the bridge. There are many different parking options and while it seemed like the main lot was the obvious choice, in this case, we think it makes more sense to use the private spaces instead of the municipal parking spaces. All locations are pinned on our Shikoku map so you know where to find them.

• Municipal lot – This is the official multi-story parking lot with space for 14 buses and 300 cars. Price is ¥500 per car.
• Private lots – There are several private lots along the road that curves before and after the bridge. While instinctively they might seem a bit sketchy, they’re ultimately cheaper and closer to the bridge, ranging from ¥300-¥400.

How it works: There is a ticket booth right when you enter the bridge. Once you pay, you are allowed to walk in one direction. Traffic only flows one way and they will control how many people are on it by limiting ticket sales when it’s busy. That said, they don’t usher people off the bridge. Once you get off the bridge, you can either turn left towards Biwa Waterfall or right to get back to exit and get back on the main road.

• Are there bathrooms? There are no bathroom facilities at or near the bridge. The one that’s most easily accessible is in the visitor center that’s connected to the municipal lot.
• Can you take a bus to the vine bridge? Yes, there is a highway express bus which stops at the municipal lot and a local bus that stops on the north side of the river. Iya Times does a great breakdown of the buses in the region in English.
• This bridge is considerably more popular than Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridges because it’s more central and easily accessible. As a result, this place can get very busy on weekends and holiday periods. If you can only choose one, we’d actually recommend the double vine bridges.
• The bridge is lit up at night from 7PM – 9:30PM if you’d like to see the bridge in a different atmosphere.
• Every 3 years, the bridge has to be rebuilt. The last repair was January 9 – February 23, 2024 so the next repair should be in 2027.
• There isn’t too much to the Biwa Waterfall. It’s a 50 meter cascade with some rocks to walk around but beyond that, it’s right next to the pedestrian path and you can’t hike around it. After you’ve seen the waterfall, you’ll turn around to exit the bridge area.

Explore the Old Iya Highway

As you go further along Route 32, you start driving through the lower reaches of the gorge and the road turns into the one-lane “Iya Highway”, twisting precariously high along the mountainside.

The two main sights to see are:

• Hinoji Bend/Iya River Bend Observation Point – Reminiscent of Horseshoe Bend in Arizona , Iya River below hooks around a mountain, creating a striking panorama.
• Peeing Boy Statue – At the precipice of a 200 meter drop is a daring statue of a boy. Built in 1968, this supposedly celebrates the boys that used to relieve themselves from this viewpoint. It’s a strange one that almost feels more of an homage to Manneken Pis in Brussels.

Soak in rejuvenating waters at the bottom of the valley

Your reward for making it this far is the soul southing power of Iya Onsen . There aren’t many other onsens like this where you descend to the bottom of a valley gorge by cable car in order to sink into a hot spring onsen with the swirl of the crisp mountain air around you and the tumble of Iya River in front.

While this is part of Hotel Iya Onsen, the secret is that they allow day guests which gives you access to the onsen below and also their indoor onsen. The water is alkaline pH water and rich in sulphur , meaning it’s great for relaxing and healing skin.

These are the details for the onsen at Hotel Iyaonsen as a day-use visitor.

• Open-air onsen hours – 7:30AM – 6PM (last entry is 5PM)
• Indoor onsen hours – 24 hours except between 10:30AM – 11:30AM for cleaning

Price: Fee for the open-air onsen hours include the indoor onsen.

• Adults – ¥1,900
• Children – ¥1,000
• A private onsen ( Yamagiri-no-yu ) can be booked for 60 minutes. You will need to ask the front desk for the rate.
• If you’re only interested in the indoor onsen, it’s ¥700 for adults and ¥300 for children.

Parking: There’s free parking at the hotel but it is limited as it’s shared with hotel guests. They officially have space for 37 cars. Once the official spots fill up, most people park on the side of the road, on the mountain side.

Booking: It is not possible to make reservations day-use visitors can simply drop-in.

Website: Hotel Iyaonsen

• Can you take photos of the onsen? As with all onsens, no photos are allowed in the changing rooms or in the onsen itself. That said, you are allowed to take pictures of the cable car, the terace on the banks of the Iya River, and at the cable car station at the top and below.
• Are there time limitations? They don’t do timed entries or limit the amount of time you can spend at the onsen.
• Are private onsens available? Yes, they have a private open-air onsen that can be reserved for a fee. However, we imagine that availability will be hit or miss as hotel guests will have the first opportunity to book these ahead of time.
• When is the best time to go to the onsen? The mornings are usually the quietest but honestly it’s great anytime of the day.
• How long does the cable car take? The cable car ride descends 170 meters and takes 10 minutes.
• How many people can the cable car fit? The Hotel Iya Onsen cable car can fit 20 people.
• They have them available for purchase but if you have your own onsen towel of your own or any small travel towel you’ve packed, remember to bring it with you as they don’t provide any for free.
• You don’t want to bring a backpack with you so it’s a better idea to have all of your belongings in a small drawstring bag. These drawstring backpacks are super handy for onsens.
• Lockers have keys built in so you don’t need to bring a lock.
• There are two baths – Keikoku-no-yu and Seseragi-no-yu . Since 2016, they alternate between male and female everyday.
• If you’d like to take pictures, it’s still worthwhile to bring your phone or camera with you to the onsen as it is quite picturesque from the terrace.
• Since this is a sulphurous hot spring, remember to take off your jewelry.

Head back to home sweet home

Even though you’ll be heading back to Kouya early, your day isn’t over! A stay in Iya Valley isn’t complete without a soba-making class .

Since Iya Valley is renowned for growing buckwheat, their soba is made of 100% buckwheat instead of a mix of buckwheat and flour. These noodles are also short and thick instead of its thinner cousin found in other parts of Japan.

In a separate building of the farm, you’ll make hand-made soba from scratch. Under Shinsuke-san’s guidance, you’ll kneed and roll out the dough, followed by hand chopping each noodle.

Afterwards, watch how rice is made using the traditional method of sticks and nurturing a flame with a bamboo blowing pipe.

Returning back to the farm house, you’ll be able to feast on the freshly made soba along with many other delights. As a solo traveler, it was nice to have Shinsuke-san join me for dinner where we tried our best to make conversation through Google Translate.

Day 3 Summary

• Ochiai Village Viewpoint  
• Higashi-Iya Museum of Local History and Folklore
• Bukeyashiki Kita-ke Historic House – Samurai Residence
• Manpu Gorge Wire Bridge (skip if you’re afraid of heights)
• Iya-no-Kazurabashi Vine Bridge
• Biwa Waterfall
• Iya River Bend Observation Point
• Peeing Boy Statue
• Hotel Iya Onsen
• Breakfast – Kouya Farmstay – This is a traditional Japanese breakfast served in the same dining room with multiple small dishes and rice. They also brew a fresh pot of coffee (or tea) for you to enjoy on the porch.
• Lunch – Iya Bijin – This is one of the locally-recommended restaurants that you’ll pass by along the way that’s best known for their soba.
• Dinner – Kouya Farmstay – For one of your nights, your host will run their own soba-making class which combines with another dazzling array of Iya Valley specialities.
• Kouya Farmstay – Dare I say, this is truly the best accommodation experience in Japan that truly transports you back to olden days of Japan. The house is equipped with a washer, dryer, and detergent that are free to use so this is a good time to get that done.

For your fourth day of this Shikoku itinerary, with many of its secrets uncovered, it’s reluctantly time to say goodbye to Iya Valley but not before you stumble upon another unusual delight. Spend the rest of the day seeing the main highlights of Kochi before detouring out to Shimanto.

Learn about the yokai

So far you’ve been focusing on the center and east end of Iya Valley. On the western side Oboke Gorge where you’ll find emerald green waters, white rock faces, and jutting cliffs. It’s here that legendary yokai take over.

Monsters, goblins, and spirits from local folklore are collectively called yokai . In olden days, this region was treacherous for people to residents and visitors and that’s how legends of yokai began as a cautionary tale.

While there are certainly a lot of adventure activities to do in the area, we think it’s worth your time to visit the Yokai House , a museum that’s part of Roadside Station Oboke. Inside are a collection of hand-made sculptures of mythical monsters, each with their own story and attributes.

It certainly helps that there are English signs here as well. Also, if you’re into gems, there’s an adjoining gem museum that displays gemstones found locally and around the world.

Seek out yokai monster statues

Now that you’ve got a good idea of what the yokai are all about, grab a map from the Tourist Information Center inside the roadside station and walk or drive the Yokai Village and try to spot all of the statues along Route 272 .

This trail mostly follows the paved road so you can either walk it or if you were tight on time like myself, drive it, and make stops along the way. To give you an idea, it’s a 2 km (1.24 mi) walk from the roadside station to Fujinosato Park.

We suggest you go as far as the Konaki-jiji statue (depicted on the right). This is a famous yokai monster featured in the manga comic, GeGeGe no Kitarō , by Shigeru Mizuki.

Climb the Kochi Castle

Exiting Iya Valley, you’ll drive into the heart of Kochi and visit your first of many incredible castles in Shikoku.

Kochi Castle was constructed in the 17th century and has the unique property of being the only one in Japan where both the original castle tower and main keep are intact . It’s also 1 of 12 castles in Japan where the main keep is intact.

On your visit, you’ll start from the perimeter of the castle grounds, enter through the main Otemon Gate, make your way around its towering stone walls, enter the main keep ( honmaru ), and finally all the way up the five-story castle tower ( tenshu ). At the very top, you’ll be able to walk the outside and get a full panoramic view of the mountains to the north and city to the south .

• Hours – 9AM – 5PM (last entry at 4:30PM)
• Open everyday except from December 26 – January 1.
• Duration – Expect to spend roughly 2 hours here.
• Adults – ¥420
• Under 18 years old – free
• If you plan on going to the Kochi Castle Museum of History, you can buy a combo ticket from the vending machine for ¥900.

Parking: The official parking lot for Kochi Park is quite large. When you arrive, they’ll assign you a specific numbered spot. The first hour is ¥370 and every extra 30 minutes is ¥110. You pay on the way out. 

Booking: You can buy a Kochi Castle ticket in advance or you can use the vending machine at the base of the tower. The machine is cash-only only accepts bills up to ¥2,000.

Website: Kochi Castle

• Which part of the castle requires admission? There’s no admission required to enter from the castle grounds. However, you’ll need a ticket once you get to the top where you’ll get access to Kochi Castle Watchtower, Kaitokukan Palace, and Main Compound Honmaru (including the corridor and Higashitamon East Wing).
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? It’s not necessary as you can pay for your ticket at the booth before heading into the castle. On a busy day however, you can save some time by buying your ticket in advance.
• Are there English-speaking guides at the castle? Yes, the Kochi SGG Club offers free guided tours on Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and when cruise ships are in Kochi. You can also book private guided tours.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it at the Kochi Castle tower counter where you’ll be able to use their stamp from 9AM to 5PM.
• Before entering the keep, you’ll need to take off your shoes and put them in special shoe lockers. These are free to use.

Enjoy views from Godaisan Park

For lunch, Hirome Market is just a short walk from the castle. As a food hall, there are plenty of stalls to choose from and tons of seating as well. If you haven’t yet, make sure to try katsuo no tataki or fire-seared bonito.

Back on the road, on the outskirts of the city is a small mountain and park that overlooks Kochi City. The best view is from the wooden observation deck within Godaisan Park where you’ll get a clear view of the city, Urado Bay, and the Kochi Plain.

While you won’t be doing much of the famed pilgrimage trail on this Shikoku itinerary, this is your opportunity to visit temple number 31 of 88 – Chikurinji Temple , which is within the grounds of Godaisan Park.

This ancient temple is surrounded by sweeping Japanese maples and is deeply serene as you walk its moss-covered approach, make your prayers at the main temple buildings, and walk up to the brilliantly red five-storied pagoda.

Make your way to Shimanto

If you look at the map , it seems unusual to detour all the way out to the city of Shimanto, especially when Nakatsu Gorge is in the other direction. It’ll all make sense tomorrow.

It’s a long 2 hour drive from Kochi to Shimanto so we recommend taking a break somewhere along the middle, such as the Roadside Station Nakatosa .

Once you arrive in Shimanto, check into Hotel Sunriver Shimanto , grab dinner at Ichimonya located in the same plaza, and get some early rest.

Day 4 Summary

• Yokai House
• Yokai Village
• Kochi Castle
• Godaisan Park
• Chikurin-ji Temple
• Roadside Station Nakatosa
• Breakfast – Kouya Farmstay – Your last chance to enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors, textures, colors, and a stunning view of the valley.
• Lunch – Hirome Market – A short walk from Kochi Castle is a large food market with an array of stalls. If you haven’t had it yet, seek out katsuo no tataki or fire-seared bonito.
• Dinner – Ichimonya – Conveniently located in the same plaza as your hotel, this is a casual local restaurant with a wide selection of popular dishes including the aforementioned bonito, pork katsu , and unagi (eel).
• Hotel Sunriver Shimanto ( Agoda / Booking ) – A modest business-style hotel that shares a parking lot with the plaza that it’s part of which makes it convenient to walk to restaurants, groceries, and Family Mart.

• There’s barely any information online about the Yokai Village walk with locations of all of the statues. The above is a scan of the pamphlet that has them all marked. It’s in Japanese but it should give you an idea of the potential routes you can do and where they are.

Japan Trip Planning Essentials and Discounts

If you’re in the middle of booking your trip to Japan, here are the most important places you need to go to book:

• JR Pass – The two most reliable places we always check are JRailPass and JRPass . If you are taking long distance Shinkansen across multiple region, get the full JR Pass . If you’re focusing on one specific area, you only need a JR regional pass .
• Shinkansen – The JR Pass prices have gone up and for many of you, it’ll make more sense to book tickets individually. The secret is that when you buy your Shinkansen tickets through Klook offers special vouchers for Don Quijote and BIC when booking. Their tickets are super easy to redeem as well. Right now, use code SKS10OFF to save $10 USD off.
• Hotels/Ryokans – In Japan, the best website for accommodations, hands down is Agoda . When we’ve compared them against Booking , Agoda consistently came out cheaper.
• Tours – While Viator and GetYourGuide are our go-to’s, Klook and KKDay are much popular in Asia so it’s always worth comparing across all of them to make sure you get the best price.
• Pocket Wifi – While we do love eSIMs, having a pocket wifi is great for sharing data with a large group. The most popular is NinjaWifi which is easy to pick up at the airport. Use code AWESOME15 to save 15% (automatically applied). Alternatives are offered by JRPass and JRailPass but they aren’t as cheap. For a more global solution, consider Solis and PokeFi .
• eSIM – The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting the Japan region eSIM and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. From now to Feb 29, the 10GB package is half price as well! Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
• Car Rental – Big companies like Budget , Avis , and Enterprise operate in Japan but they’re usually the most expensive. The best companies are the local Japanese ones such as Toyota Rentacar, Nippon Rentacar, Orix Rentacar, Nissan Rentacar, and Times Car Rental. To make things easier, use Rentalcars and Klook to compare prices all in one place. Don’t forget, you need an IDP to drive in Japan so get one before you leave your home country.
• Learn Japanese – It helps to know even a bit of the language before you go. Start your learning with Rosetta Stone Japanese .
• Cash or credit – Cash is still very important to have in Japan but when you use credit cards, make sure you’re not getting charged those extra exchange rate fees. The best card right now is the Wise Multi-Currency Card which is actually a debit card where you can convert at favorable rates beforehand. This cuts out any sneaky transaction fees.
• Travel Insurance – Make sure you’re covered in case something happens. Get quotes from Insured Nomads and if you’re from Canada, get quotes from RATESDOTCA .
• Shopping – Discovering Don Quijote is a quintessential part of the Japan experience. The secret for tax-free shopping is that they have a coupon that can help you save 10% off + additional 5% off if you spend ¥10,000 or more.

The theme of hidden secrets weaves its way around the entire 12-day Shikoku itinerary and Workshop Kurogane is a prime example of its many pleasant surprises. Nestled alongside the undisturbed natural beauty of Shimanto River, you’ll find the truly one-of-a-kind knife-making experience .

Forge your own kitchen knife

Deep in the Kochi mountains, Nobuya-san focuses on an ancient forging technique that dates back 1500 years. Taking from his own philosophy of connecting with nature and the old-style of living, he says “I focus on crafting one-of-a-kind knives that reflect my unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as the bold beauty of Kochi’s countryside that can’t be found anywhere else.”

The only reason why I knew about this activity was because it popped up on Viator during my trip planning process . My initial instincts were that this didn’t quite flow with how the itinerary was laid out, but I knew this was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I eventually re-organized what would’ve been an extra day in Kochi and included this experience.

The best way to get a feel for what the knife-making workshop is like is to watch our Shikoku video in the video player. You can also check out or 12 Days in Shikoku video on YouTube .

Your one day class starts with a raw piece of Blue Paper #2 steel. Step by step, you’ll create the shape of the blade and forging it through hammering, grinding, sanding, hardening, and tempering. The final steps involve the handle, name carving, and sharpening with a whetstone.

Beyond the meticulous knife-making steps, you’ll enjoy getting to know the master, Nobuya Hayashi and his apprentice, Jesse from Canada. Unlike most knife-making workshops, Nobuya-san doesn’t come from a line of knife-making masters but instead, inherited the workshop from his late master, after coming to him with a passion blacksmithing in his second life.

This is why you’ll find that there’s a refreshing modern approach to running a knife-making workshop here, whereas other workshops in Japan are typically more conservative and cookie-cutter. Here, you can make any type of knife you want and you get to be involved in quite a number of steps.

We believe that the Workshop Kurogane knife-making class is for everyone . You don’t need to be an expert craftsman or a connoisseur of Japanese knives. As long as you have an appreciation for learning the Japanese way of creation, enjoy being hands-on, and have use for a knife back home, this is a no-brainer.

Address: Use “Workshop KUROGANE” on Google Maps when navigating here.

• Operating days – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Duration – 8-9 hours
• Start time – 9AM
• One-day knife making class (with pre-made magnolia handle) – ¥34,000
• Custom-made wooden handle (i.e. bubinga, walnut) with ferrule (brass or copper) – ¥8,000
• Worldwide shipping – ¥4,000 for up to two knives, ¥6000 for up to six knives to one address.
• Engraving (up to 3 characters) – free

Parking: Workshop Kurogane has enough spots on their driveway for cars.

Booking: You can book your experience through Viator or email [email protected] / [email protected]

Language: Master Nobuya-san and apprentice Jesse-san both speak English.

Website: They have an old website but it is out of date so the best way to connect is through Master Nobuya’s Instagram and Apprentice Jesse’s Instagram (typically more responsive) accounts.

• How far in advance should you book? It’s recommended you book at least 3 months in advance. As more enthusiasts and travelers learn about this experience in Shikoku, spots are filling up quickly.
• Do you need prior knife making experience? You do not need any prior skills or knowledge of knife making before coming here.
• How challenging is the class? This class is meant to be for all skill levels and the instructors are very good at adapting the experience to how much you want to put into it. From a physical perspective the hardest part is the hammering out of the steel. It is quite the fun process but can get tiring. Overall, expect this to be a very hands-on experience but anything you’re not able to do, the instructors can do for you.
• Is lunch provided? No meals are provided in this experience so you’re expected to pack your own. For most, it’ll be the easiest to go to stock up at the Family Mart next to Hotel Sunriver Shimanto or other convenient store to load up on bread, onigiri, and other snacks.
• What equipment is provided by the workshop? They provide gloves, apron, and safety goggles.
• What type of steel is used? The base steel is Blue Paper #2 which is pre-laminated. This is carbon steel which is incredibly strong and more durable but is less corrosion-resistant.
• Is it okay to travel by plane with the finished knife? You won’t be able to have it in your carry-on but you can absolutely travel with this knife in your check-in luggage. Alternatively, you can always ask them to ship the knife to you.

• Before going, we recommend that you research the type of knife that you’re interested in making. To help with that, it might be worth picking up a book like handbook on Japanese knives and sharpening techniques which we saw in the workshop. There isn’t much time to think about this so come in with the style in mind or have a sketch ready.
• If you didn’t book this ahead of time and find yourself wanting to join last-minute, it doesn’t hurt to reach out by DM’ing Jesse on Instagram to see if there’s a way to fit you in.
• If you are tight on time, they can also offer a half day program where you don’t get involved in the grinding, and see the remaining steps of sharpening and attaching the handle. Instead, you the sensei finishes the knife and you pay extra to have it mailed to you.
• For those that are Tamahagane knife lovers, you should definitely consider extending your Shikoku itinerary and do their 4-day Tamahagane knife making class where you go even further back in the process and see a very traditional smelting method of creating precious steel from ironsand.

The hard part about incorporating the blacksmithing experience is that you then have to make the 2.5 hour drive back to Kochi City. It’s not ideal, but this way, you have a much shorter drive the next day into Nakatsu Gorge.

Have dinner at a traditional Japanese restuarant in Ishoku Club Jyunya and have much-deserved rest at Comfort Hotel Kochi .

Day 5 Summary

• Kurogane Knife Making Workshop
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – You’re going to want to head out ASAP to get to your 9AM knife-making class start time so it’ll be easier to eat something quick in your room or as you drive up to Kurogane Workshop.
• Lunch – Konbini Lunch – Since lunch isn’t included with the class, pack something with you.
• Dinner – Ishoku Club Jyunya – This was another local-recommended Japanese restaurant that serves all of the Kochi specialities. The hostess here is extremely friendly and may even offer to sit down with you to share what Okyaku culture of Kochi is all about including drinking etiquette and games which I did not expect.
• Comfort Hotel Kochi ( Agoda / Booking ) – While the brand isn’t as well-regarded in North America, this Comfort Hotel is quite respectable, modern, and with a bit more character than the basic business hotel. The best part is that breakfast is included. One thing to note is that they don’t have the largest parking lot and fills up quickly.

Interested in more off-the-beaten-path Japan?

Similar to Shikoku, Hokkaido is another place in Japan that deserves a lot more attention. If you love the outdoors, wildlife, Indigenous experiences, and seafood, you need to check out our adventures in Far East Hokkaido

Enter Nakatsu Gorge. You’ll once again delve into the mountains valleys of inner Shikoku, where pristine turquoise water, ancient moss, dramatic waterfalls, and giant boulders await.

Seek out canyoning thrills

We’re firm believers of seeking experiences that let you try something new or push your boundaries. In the case of Nakatsu Gorge Canyoning , you get both!

With Niyodo Adventure , you’ll be guided through an exclusive part of the Nakatsu Gorge that can only be explored by floating on your back, jump into the water, abseiling down cliffs, ducking behind waterfalls, and climbing giant rocks.

In the spray of the water and surrounded by ancient rock, you get another sense of Shikoku’s natural beauty. Add this to the growing list of secrets you’ve unlocked.

• Duration – 3 hours total with 2 to 2.5 hours inside the canyon to get through a 200 m (0.12 mi) stretch.
• Time slots – 8:20AM and 1:15PM
• This trip runs throughout the year.
• Canyoning tour – ¥8,500

Parking: There are two parking lots. One is the larger lot below the old elementary school and the second is further up and on the same level as the Niyodo Adventure shop itself. Parking is free and you can continue to park here for your Nakatsu Gorge walk afterwards.

Booking: You can book directly on their website. Since they don’t have staff at the store the whole time, it would not be reliable to try to drop in. When reserving online, you’ll first make the request by providing your e-mail. You will then receive an email with a link to fill out your detail and provide a credit card for payment where it will be processed right away.

Website: Niyodo Adventure

Language: They have guides that speak English so make sure to request this when you fill out the reservation form.

• How challenging is canyoning in Nakatsu Gorge? Canyoning is definitely a more physically challenging excursion that will put you through several thrilling situations such as jumping into the water from height, going down a natural slide, ducking behind a waterfall, and letting go of a rope after abseiling. Skill-wise, you only need basic swimming skills and is designed to be for first-timers but you need to be fit enough to get up on rocks and up and down stairs.
• How cold is the water? The water stays roughly around 12-13°C (53.6 – 55.4°F) which means it’ll be chilly initially but the wetsuit does a good job at keeping you insulated so you stay relatively comfortable.
• What equipment is provided? They provide helmets, 5mm full-length wetsuit, water shoes designed for canyoning, and life jacket.
• Does the canyoning trip overlap with the Nakatsu Gorge hiking course? No as you’ll be going into in a part of the gorge that you can only get to by canyoning. The end part of the trip is right below the Ishibashira Stone Pillars, the uppermost part of the hiking course.
• How large are the groups? The maximum group size is 7.
• Is there a minimum group size for tours to run? No, the canyoning trip will run even if it’s only one person.
• What is the refund policy? 7 days prior, it’s 100%, 2-7 days is 70%, and 1 day prior is 50% refund.
• Is canyoning suitable for children? If you have smaller children (6+), there is a Family Canyoning Trip product available.
• Are photos and videos available for purchase? What’s really nice about this trip is that the guide will use their GoPro to take photos and videos at no extra cost.
• Can you bring a water bag into the canyon? If you own a dry bag , you can bring it with you but they’ll want you to put it in a separate backpack that they can provide for free. You don’t really need much gear with you in the canyon but if you’d like to have water or larger camera gear, they’ll allow it.
• Are there change rooms in the shop? Yes, there are male and female change rooms in the Niyodo Adventure store. There are separate bathrooms in the building as well.
• Make sure to pack a towel, swim suit, change of clothes, and camera ( serious / casual ) for Nakatsu Canyoning. Keep in mind that your swim suit will be wet so either have a bag for it or spread it out to dry in your car.
• If you aren’t providing your own GoPro for the guide to use, make sure to have an extra high-speed Micro SD memory card .
• I was able to ask if it was okay to bring my own camera gear which they were okay with. I ended up testing out the Insta360 X3 with the unicorn helmet mount which worked out really well to stay hands-free.
• Only one or two of their helmets have GoPro mounts so we’d recommend bringing your own adhesive mount in-case.
• If canyoning isn’t your thing, a new adventure activitiy that opened in the region is called Niyodo Fly High .

Hike the Nakatsu Gorge walking course

After you’ve dried up from your canyoning adventures, it’s time to head into Nakatsu Gorge on foot . This gives you a different perspective of surrounding nature because this time, you’ll be able to see more of the details of this magnificent scenery.

Meander your way through the well-built path and concrete bridges, following Nakatsu River as you pass by a shrine, statues of gods, massive fallen bounders, pools of Niyodo Blue , the ethereal surrounding forest, and eventually the thunder of Uryu Falls.

• Duration – Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here to walk the 2.3km trail. Budget another 30 minutes if you’re planning to go all the way to the stone pillars (#5 in the picture above).
• Open all-year-round.

Price: Free

Parking: The best place to park are the same lots you’d use for Niyodo Adventure. The walk from the parking to the start of the walking course is 230 meter and takes 4 minutes.

Website: Nakatsu Gorge from Niyido Blue Tourism Council

• How challenging is the walk through Nakatsu Gorge? Walking Nakatsu Gorge (also called Nakatsu Valley) is mostly gentle along its 2.3 km path (1.4 miles). It’s a special laid path but does include several staircases. The path ends at Uyru Falls but continues onwards involves a long continuous staircase up towards Ryugubuchi which can be quite taxing.
• Are there bathrooms? There are bathroom facilities at the beginning of the walk but there are none in the valley.
• Can you swim in the gorge? No, swimming is prohibited.

• There is a variety store at the start of the path which is stocked with several vending machines and sells a variety of things including food and snacks if you want to stock up.
• There are railings in some sections of the walk but there are sections on the concrete path without so be careful where you step.
• All of the literature says the walking path is 2.3km however this only goes up to Uryu Falls. Beyond Uryu Falls, there’s a wooden platform which looks down on the valley, Ryugubuchi, and then Stone Pillars which is furthest away.
• Stone Pillars are the same ones that you see from the base of the canyon at the end of your Niyodo Adventure canyoning so if you’ve done this already, there isn’t as much of a need to walk all the way here.
• There are 7 Gods of Fortune scattered around the path so be on the lookout as some are quite hidden.

Lunch at Cha Cha Asurano

There aren’t too many restaurants in the area but one spot that’s highly recommended is Cha Cha Asurano . They specialize in delicious set meals accompanied with one of the region’s specialties – Sawatari tea.

Decompress at Seirannosato

It’s been a busy couple of days so it’s at this point in the itinerary where you have the rest of the day to recharge and relax. Enjoy the tranquility of being in the middle of nowhere.

Taking the winding mountain roads, you eventually make it to the town of Tsuno, lodged so deep in the Kochi mountains that even locals would have a hard time pin pointing exactly where it is on the map .

Your accommodations for the night is at the newly re-developed Seirannosato . Once a basic ryokan, they’ve built quite the remarkable modern lodge featuring 6 rooms, rooms with private patios that face Shimanto River, and a fusion of Western and Japanese design elements.

Dinner at Seirannosato

For dinner, enjoy a continuous stream of regional Kochi dishes that will have you completely satisfied at the end.

Day 6 Summary

• Nakatsu Gorge Canyoning with Niyodo Adventure
• Nakatsu Gorge Hiking Course
• Breakfast – Comfort Hotel Kochi – An excellent buffet breakfast that’s free for all guests.
• Lunch – Cha Cafe Asunaro – One of the more popular restaurants in the Niyodo Gorge area and located next to Odo Dam. They offer various set meals and feature local ingredients and Sawatari tea leaves (tea-growing region along Niyodo River). For those on the go, they have smoothies, lattes, soft-serve and waffles available for takeout.
• Dinner – Seirannosato – When you book with this hotel, it includes breakfast and dinner service, which you’ll be glad to have as there isn’t much else nearby. Dinner is a multi-course Japanese meal featuring Kochi cuisine and homemade financier for dessert.
• Seirannosato ( Rakuten Travel ) – Deep in the Kochi mountains and at the source of the Shimanto River, this is a newly-built lodge that has a nice fusion of Western and Japanese design. This is the type of place where you can rewind and get connected to nature. Staying in one of the 6 rooms, make sure to take advantage of their private patio that faces the tumbling river. Lastly, they have a free-to-use laundry machine and dryer so bring your own travel detergent sheets if you want to use it.

Spending time in Tokyo?

With over 100,000 restaurants in the city to choose from, how do you pick where to eat? Our Tokyo restaurant guide makes it easy by picking the best places to eat.

It’s time to turn your attention to the north and Ehime prefecture where a legendary castle, mikan, and onsen await!

Breakfast at Seirannosato

Enjoy a filling breakfast at Seirannosato with a blend of a traditional Japanese breakfast set and also buffet items such as pastries, curry, toast, and more.

Make your way up to Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is a historic Japanese castle situated atop Mount Katsuyama in Matsuyama City. It’s renowned for its architectural grandeur, strategic location, and layers of defense. Joining the likes of Kochi Castle, this is also on the list of the 12 castles that have come out of the post-feudal era intact.

Thanks to its steep hilltop location, the visit starts with a choice of taking either a chairlift or gondola to help with the ascent. From there, you’ll be winding your way through a labyrinth of gates, courtyard kill-zones, stone turrets, and impenetrable walls.

After passing through a line of cherry trees on the hill’s plateau, you’ll finally arrive at the main keep which houses the castle tower. As you climb the tour, make sure to enjoy the in-depth displays of feudal Japan including numerous katanas and armor on display, a samurai photo opportunity, and virtual reality station.

When you arrive at the top of the tower, relish how commanding of a position the castle has with its bird’s eye view of the city and also the Seto Inland Sea .

Before you go, have a refreshing cold glass of mikan juice and soft-serve .

What is mikan: From juice drinking stations, soft-serve toppings, cute bear mascots resembling oranges, and special Pocky Stick boxes, mikan is everywhere in Matsuyama. What’s the deal? Well, these are basically a type of mandarin orange and is extremely popular because they are easy to eat, is extremely sweet, and has a pleasant scent. The best quality Mikan comes from Ehime prefecture which is why you’ll see them everywhere.

Ropeway – Takes 3 minutes and departs every 10 minutes.

• Feb – Jul – 8:30AM – 5:30PM
• Aug – 8:30AM – 6PM
• Sept to Nov – 8:30AM – 5:30PM
• Dec to Jan – 8:30AM – 5PM

Lift – Takes 6 minutes and is constantly running.

• All year round – 8:30AM – 5PM
• Closed if there is rain or chance of rain.
• Children under 6 may not ride the lift.

Castle Tower – Takes 10 minutes to walk from ropeway/lift.

• Feb to Jul – 9AM – 5PM
• Aug to 9AM – 5:30PM
• Sept to Nov – 9AM – 5PM
• Dec to Jan – 9AM – 4:30PM

NOTE: Since last entry to the castle tower is 30 minutes before closing, you should be on the ropeway/lift 50 minutes before closing.

Price: You’ll need to pay separately for the castle tower and ropeway/lift.

Ropeway/Lift

• Adults – Round-trip is ¥520 and one-way is ¥270
• Elementary school students – Round-trip is ¥260 and one-way is ¥140
• Up to two children under 6 are free with parent/guardian.

Matsuyama Castle Tower

• Adults – ¥520
• Elementary school students – ¥160

NOTE: Cashless payment (credit card and IC card) for Matsuyama Castle Tower and ropeway/lift ends at 3:15PM. Also, combo tickets are no longer sold anymore.

Parking: The official parking lot for Matsuyama Castle has enough space for 26 cars. This is first-come, first-serve and costs ¥420 for 2 hours and ¥100 for every additional 30 minutes. This lot fills up quite quickly so you’ll likely have to try to find a spot in one of the small mini lots that are scattered in the area. These require the use of vending machines which only take coins and ¥1000 yen bill. The cost is 100 per 30 minutes. In this type of lot, you pay on your way out by pressing the spot number, paying the amount indicated, wait for the flap to go down, drive away within 3 minutes. The two parking lots are marked on the Shikoku trip map .

Booking: You can’t buy tickets online ahead of time so you’ll have to do it on-site. The first is to buy your ropeway or lift ticket. Both are the same ticket so you can choose which one you want to take. The other ticket you’ll need is for the castle tower which you can do at the entrance (credit card and IC card accepted).

Website: Matsuyama Castle

• Can I get to the castle without the ropeway/lift? There are 4 different ways to walks that you can take to Matsuyama Castle’s main enclosure which you can find in their climb guide .
• Which part of the castle requires admission? There’s technically no admission to get into the castle grounds. The ropeway/lift is optional although we recommend taking it to save time and energy. From the grounds, the one area that requires admission is the castle tower.
• Do I need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Matsuyama Castle in advance.
• How long do I need at Matsuyama Castle? Expect to spend roughly 3 hours here.
• Are backpacks allowed on the lift? Yes, you are allowed to have a backpack with you but you need to carry it strapped in front of you.
• Be prepared for very steep stairs up the castle tower.
• If the weather is good, we recommend taking the chair lift because it’s such a unique experience and there’s no waiting. You can also try both – one on the way up and the other on the way down.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it on a table next to the the Matsuyama keep ticket booth.
• Before entering the keep, you’ll need to take off your shoes and put them in special shoe lockers. Green slippers are available but completely optional. These are free to use.
• While you’re at Matsuyama Castle, don’t miss out on trying mikan juice that you can pour from the tap (¥500) and iyokan orange-topped soft-serve ice cream (¥500).

After eating lunch at the popular Gansui Taimeshi Stand near the base of the castle, drive over to the neighbourhood of Dogo Onsen and check into Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten . This will allow you to park your car and settle in.

Dogo Onsen is the name of Japan’s oldest and most well-known hot springs and is surrounded by numerous bath houses and ryokans. In the past, the Imperial family came here to vacation but today, it’s the tourist hub of Matsuyama.

Check out the Botchan Train Museum

For 67 years from 1888, a tiny steam locomotive ran in the city. What makes it endearing is its lack of speed and inability to turn. In fact, since it’s not a circular route, train crew dressing as they did 100 years ago, have to to manually lift and rotate it around by hand. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can ride in the carriage of a diesel-powered replica of the original Botchan Train . They run between JR Matsuyama, Shieki Station and Dogo (¥1,300 per per person).

Your schedule might not line up with the train or it might be suspended so if you’re interested, you can always head over to the Botchan Train Museum hidden inside a Starbucks which has more history, artifacts, and a full-sized replica.

Feel the energy of a local izakaya

Get fired up for a local-recommend spot for dinner, Yumenoya Hanare , where izakaya meets local specialties and Western fusion. If you’re feeling adventurous, make sure to try raw chicken which is completely safe to eat, mackerel that’s flame-seared in front of you, and the charcoal-flamed chicken.

Experience Dogo Onsen classics

Dogo Onsen is a true onsen town and when you’re here, do as the locals (actually mostly tourists these days) do. In your hotel room is a cotton yukata robe, outdoor slippers, and bag. It is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, encouraged, to wear your yukata around town.

The beauty of this neighbourhood is that everything is a short walk away and interconnected by several large covered shopping arcades. Drop by its many shops and make sure to drop by the Botchan Karakuri Clock which comes alive every hour from 8AM to 10PM (every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays).

A trip to Dogo Onsen wouldn’t be complete without going to its original onsen, Dogo Onsen Honkan . It’s said that this was the inspiration for Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away”.

After you’ve gotten a feel for what a traditional bathhouse is like, head back to your own hotel and go for another soak to experience some of the differences between one from ancient times to something a little more modern. You’ll be an onsen expert in no time.

Not a bad way to end the day!

Day 7 Summary

• Matsuyama Castle
• Botchan Train Museum
• Botchan Karakuri Clock
• Dogo Onsen Honkan
• Breakfast – Seirannosato – In addition to serving a Japanese-style breakfast, they also have a buffet of additional dishes such as curry, rice, fruit, yogurt, bread, and pastries.
• Lunch – Gansui Taimeshi Stand – Popular restaurant that’s walking distance from Matsuyama Castle Ropeway station. The must-order item is the uwajima taimeshi which is rice topped with sea bream sashimi and eaten with a special sauce that’s comprised of soy sauce and egg yolk.
• Dinner – Yumenoya Hanare  – An izakaya where their energy is infectious and you have to order their charcoal-flamed chicken, seared mackerel, and tamago made with award-winning eggs. It’s also one of the few places you’ll be able safely have raw chicken.
• Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten ( Agoda / Booking ) – Located almost immediately next to the original and historic Dogo Onsen, this property is classic in its own elegant way and gives you the best of both worlds, being able to comfortably walk in a yukata to the original onsen and also use the hotel’s own as well (which we found to be much better). While the rooms are small, you can choose between Western and Japanese-style rooms. A pleasant surprise is that the Western rooms have their own massage chair. When staying here, don’t forget to get your free blue charm that they give out if you ask at the front desk. Parking is through a valet service but it is completely free.

Go on an exquisite cultural journey in both the charming town of Ozu and the picturesque village of Uchiko. In Ozu, you’ll find the Ozu Castle and historic streets from a bygone era. Meanwhile, Uchiko captivates with its well-preserved machiya residences and traditional kabuki theater.

See a smaller but a unique Ozu Castle

You’ve been to two impressive castles up until this point so the bar is set quite high. Instead of having you visit another one that’s on the list of 12 intact keeps, we’re going a different direction.

Ozu Castle met a tragic end in 1888 when its keep was completely demolished because it was rapidly deteriorating. In a turn of events, the community rallied around a project to have it reconstructed in 2004 using old photographs, maps, and discovery of a model. However, instead of using concrete, they used primarily wood and traditional construction techniques . The result is a castle that looks like the original from the outside and inside as well.

Coming here in the morning, appreciate the fresh glaze on the golden timber, no iron nails in sight, and a beautiful view of the city and river below.

• Open every day
• Children (Junior high school students and under) – ¥220
• Children under 5 – free
• Combo tickets are available for Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (Adults – ¥1,100, Children – ¥440)

Parking: The closest parking lot for Ozu Castle is also called “Ozu Citizen Hall Paid Parking Lot” and costs ¥150 for the first hour and then ¥80 per additional 30 minutes.

Booking: You can’t book tickets to Ozu Castle in advance.

Website: Ozu Castle

• Which part of the castle requires admission? To enter the castle, you need to pay admission. Otherwise, the grounds are free to explore.
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Ozu Castle in advance.
• How long do you need in Ozu Castle? Expect to spend roughly 1 to 1.5 hours here.
• If you’re collecting Japan’s 100 Famous Castle Stamps, look for it on a table next to the the Matsuyama keep ticket booth
• If it’s been your dream to sleep in a Japanese castle, you can be a lord of a castle with an Ozu Castle Stay .

See where extraordinary architecture meets Japanese beauty

Next, you’ll drive over to an impressive villa overlooking Hijikawa River that took 4 years and 9000 artisans to build. Garyo Sanso Villa truly epitomizes the union of nature and tea. 

When you’re here, it’s not hard to slip back in time with its extraordinary architecture, fine details, and aesthetic concept of “wabi-sabi” that sees the beauty in imperfection.

• Combo tickets are available for Ozu Castle and Garyu Sanso (Adults – ¥880, Children – ¥330)

Parking: There is very limited parking here. Next to Garyu Sanso are 4 spots. There is a lot across but it’s only meant for restaurant guests. Alternatively, there’s parking below Ozu Shrine that has a good 5-6 spots. Both parking sites are free. We’ve marked these on our Shikoku trip planning map .

Booking: You can’t book tickets to Garyu Sanso in advance.

Website: Garyu Sanso

• Are there bathrooms at Garyu Sanso? No but outside of the villa is a public bathroom facility.
• Do you need to book tickets ahead of time? You don’t need to buy tickets for Garyu Sanso in advance.
• How long do you need in Garyu Sanso? Expect to spend roughly 30 to 45 minutes here.
• When is the tea service available? On Sundays from April to October (excluding August), tea is served in Furo-an for an additional fee. However, these days aren’t indicated.
• There are many hidden architectural details that are easy to miss. It’s worth reading these Garyu Sanso details ahead of time so you can pick them out.

Tap into the nostalgia of “Old Japan”

If you happen to be here on a Sunday, make sure to go to Pokopen Yokocho , a vintage flea market that’ll surely take you back in time.

It’s not a big area but you can’t help but be fascinated by countless displays of enamel advertising plates, retro toys, travel pamphlets from the 1950s, and simple kids games . In the back, there’s also a Showa period museum packed with more memorabilia from the time of Emperor Hirohito’s rule.

The adjacent red-brick building is Akarengakan , where you’ll find local-made crafts such as candles, washi paper, ceramics, and other mementos. The building also houses an exhibit about brick-making around the world and a museum featuring old movie cameras and model trains.

Slip back in time in Uchiko

Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the town of Uchiko that seemingly froze in time from the Edo (1603-1867) and Meiji (1868-1912) periods. It’s a town made its mark in the 18th century with its thriving wax trade

Uchiko’s wealth and influence shows with its well-preserved streetscape where machiya , or traditional wooden townhouses, line the main thoroughfare where sharp eyes will notice the use of pale yellow lime plaster, wooden lattices, and dark kawara roof tiles. It’s truly an open-air museum here .

When you’re here, don’t miss the last remaining candle shop where you can see how they are continuing the tradition of making them using ancient techniques. You’ll also be able to see a real-life kabuki theater at Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater with its hand-powered stage elevators and rotating stage.

Above all, I was continuously reminded of Kyoto, not so much in visual similarities but I kept thinking “this is what Kyoto must’ve been like before mass tourism”. That’s why I loved Uchiko so much.

Indulge in the onsen one more time

Return back to Matsuyama and Dogo Onsen. Use this as free time to walk around Dogo Onsen, try other onsens such as Dogo Onsen Annex , or simply enjoy your own hotel’s onsen with its free snack and sake bar.

Day 8 Summary

• Garyu Sanso Villa
• Pokopen Yokocho
• Akarengakan
• Uchiko Yokaichi & Gokoku Historical Districts
• Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – If you didn’t purchase breakfast with your stay, you’ll want to plan to buy some food at a convenient store the night before so you can hit the ground running.
• Lunch – Charme Bakery – A modern Japanese bakery located in the historic district of Uchiko with comfortable seating for guests.
• Dinner – Iyo Shokudo Otora – This restaurant is a short walk away from the hotel and serves a variety of local Japanese dishes.
• Dogo Onsen Yamatoya Honten ( Agoda / Booking ) – The best part about this hotel are the onsen facilities found in the basement. While you’ll be tempted to go to the original Dogo Onsen Honkan or the newer Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu , the one found here is still the best, especially when you consider that it’s included with your stay, you can shuffle down in your slippers from your room, has a free sake and snack bar (open 3PM – 10PM and 7AM – 10AM), and has foot massagers to wind down afterwards. They also have a Noh Stage “Senjuden” free photo spot on the 4th floor from 3PM to 9PM.
• Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater offers English-speaking guides. The entrance fee is ¥400 but the guide is included.
• When navigating to either Ozu Castle or Uchiko town, make sure to put in directions for the parking lot.
• The Uchiko main parking lot costs ¥300 and is good for the whole day. Again, this is marked on our Shikoku itinerary map .

Start your day in Ehime Prefecture and end off in your final prefecture within Shikoku – Kagawa. Your main goal for today is to not only visit a legendary Shinto shrine but to also get some good cardio in.

See where mochi meets mikan

As you drive along the northern coast, drop by the confectionary shop, Seikodo located in Imabari . They have a long and storied history but their recent claim to fame is their mochi-wrapped mikan or their full Japanese name, ichifuku hyakka marugoto mikan daifuku .

When it first came out, it was laughed off as something that would never work but they proved their naysayers wrong and are now a hit all across Japan.

What makes it so delicious is its blend of substantial chewy and melty outer layer with a bite-sized mikan that’s sweet and tart at the same time , clean of pith and seedless. Since they come frozen, if you defrosted it, but not fully, you get another layer of textures to it that work quite nicely.

In addition to the mochi mikan, they have a traditional red bean with hints of shiso encased in a boat-shaped crisp and fruit-flavored mochi popsicles that will blow your mind .

Climb all 785 steps to get to Kotohira Shrine’s main hall

Halfway to the top Mount Zozu stands a shrine that pilgrims have visited since ancient times to worship “the God of the Sea”. There’s one catch though, its main hall is up a long staircase of 785 steps that isn’t necessarily hard, but you just might break a sweat.

Kotohira-gu or Kotohira Shrine is commonly known as Kompira-san since it is the head shrine of multiple Kompira shrines all over Japan dedicated to the safe navigation for sailors. Over the centuries it’s flip-flopped between being Buddhist and Shinto until being declared a Shinto shrine in the Meiji period. This explains why there are elements of both religions visible.

The steps start from the base of the mountain in the town of Kotohira. Before you get to the main gate, your path is flanked with everything from udon restaurants, souvenir shops, teahouses, confectionary shops, and cafes.

At step 365, you’ll enter the shrine grounds . While it sounds daunting, the climb up is a mix of gradual walks uphill and pure stair climbing. Along the way are there are several auxiliary shrine buildings, religious elements, and even a stable for special white horses known as shinme .

When you hit 785 steps, you’ll make it to the main hall , a significant achievement for most that come here. In addition to a beautiful view of the plains below, visit Ema Hall, make a wish, get your fortune, and purchase a Yellow Charm of Happiness.

For those that are interested, you can do the full 1,368 steps along a forested path to make it to the small inner shrine ( Okusha ).

• Shrine grounds – Open every day and all hours.
• Main shrine prayer shop – (Apr – Sept) 6AM to 6PM, (Oct – Mar) 6AM – 5PM
• Duration – The walk up to the main shine takes on average 45 minutes but if you factor the walk through the main street prior to the steps, expect to spend 3 hours here.

Price: There is no admission required to enter.

Parking: There aren’t any official parking lots for the shrine. Instead, there are a mix of public and private lots. While it might be tempting to drive around to look for the cheapest lot, it’s not worth it as the traffic and complicated local streets will only frustrate you. Park closest to the entrance to the main street.

Interestingly, some of the closest lots are associated to souvenir shops. The rate is ¥500 but the kicker is that it’s free if you make a ¥1,500 purchase from their store.

Since they cram in a ton of cars in one lot, they’ll need to take your car keys so they can move car.

Booking: There’s no need to book anything since the shrine is free.

Website: Kotohira-gu Shrine

• Is Kompira-san the same as Kotohira-gu? Yes, they refer to the same shrine. Kompira-san is the alternative name to Kotohira-gu. The English name is Kotohira Shrine.
• How many steps are there to get to the main hall? There are 785 total steps to climb to get to the main hall.
• Is it worth going to the inner shrine? If you can muster the extra 583 steps, for a total of 1,368, to get to the top, the red-painted inner shrine isn’t necessarily large but a meditative place of spirituality and peacefulness. Being higher, it also offers a more elevated view of the Sanuki plain.
• Do you need to go to the inner shrine? This depends on if you have the interest and energy but we’ll say that the majority of visitors to Kotohira-gu only go to the main hall.
• Are there bathroom facilities along the way up and in the shrine area itself? There are 4 restrooms spread out throughout the shrine including a baby changing area where the main shrine is located. Prior to the shrine, we did not notice any bathrooms.
• Do the 785 steps include the shopping arcade leading up to the entrance to the shrine? Yes, the stone steps start counting once you start climbing any steps from the main thoroughfare upwards. In fact, by the time you get to the main gate of Kotohira Shrine, you would have done 365 steps already.
• Are there porters that can take you up? There used to be a porter service where you could be taken up in a palanquin but this has been discontinued since the early 2010s.
• What souvenir should you buy in Kotohira? To commemorate your visit to Kotohira-gu, the best souvenir is the Yellow Charm of Happiness. This is a golden protector that prays for health and happiness. The individual amulet is ¥1,000 and the package including a mini Konpira dog is ¥1,500.

• There are traditional bamboo walking sticks for rent near the base of the steps. These are self-serve honor system stalls and costs ¥100 per stick.
• When you reach the main hall don’t miss Ema Hall. Located next door, you’ll see the mini sub, Malt’s Mermaid amongst displays of plates, and pictures of ships, battleships and space rockets.
• Horses are important part of your visit to Konpira-san. Mid-way through the shrine, you’ll find a small stable with special horses known as shinme . These are offerings to the gods in Shintoism as these are meant for the gods to ride. Throughout the day, the horses are brought out for a walk, doing circles in front of the giant golden propeller.
• A quality map of the shrine grounds is impossible to find online so below we’re attaching a photo of the map they have on-site which indicates not only the path but also the number of steps you would have taken at specific junction points, and location of restrooms.

Treat yourself after all of those steps

After you climb all of those stone steps, treat yourself with soft-serve ice cream topped with oiri , a local sweet traditionally given out as gifts when couples marry.

An easy-to-miss spot on the main street is a free foot onsen that’s free for everyone to use, the perfect remedy for tired feet.

Your final stretch of driving is ahead of you. In 45 minutes, you’ll reach the city of Takamatsu . Return your car and pay the money owed for tolls (more on that in the car rental section ). Take the local Kotoden train to your hotel and get yourself checked in.

Eat the extremely rare olive wagyu

Olive wagyu is a type of steak that not many people get to have because they’re made in such micro-batches that many would say this is one of the rarest types of wagyu (Japanese beef).

It comes from an inspiring story on the island of Shodoshima nearby where through much experimentation, it was discovered that cows fed a diet of toasted olives resulted in beef with marble, rich, and nutty umami flavor . In addition, it has the highest levels of healthy fats, at 65.2% oleic acid content.

I learned about olive wagyu through Adam Waxman of Dine Magazine but as I dug into where I could have it in Takamatsu, I quickly realized I was out of my depths as there isn’t exactly an online guide for the best olive wagyu restaurants in the city. Again, with the help of Shikoku Tours , they helped me with a reservation at the steakhouse, Ichigo .

In my own private room, I had the most divine steak I’ve ever had. Ordering a set meal for 150 grams of the lamp cut of olive wagyu, I cooked the beef to my liking on a hot stone. Every bite was magic, with texture where its marbling was soft and delicate but layered with a meat that was bold and nutty.

This certainly isn’t a cheap dinner but considering how hard it is to find olive wagyu not only globally, but even within Japan, it is totally worth it.

Day 9 Summary

• Kotohira Shrine
• Kotohira Foot Onsen
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Again, with no breakfast at the hotel, your best bet is to buy your own food from a convenient store.
• Lunch – Snacks in Kotohira – There aren’t any specific restaurants to plan for as your schedule will be pretty fluid based on how long you take climbing Kotohira-gu so it might be best to snack on your own food and other goodies you find along the way.
• Dinner – Ichigo – You’d think that olive-fed wagyu is easy to find in Takamatsu given that they are from the nearby island of Shodoshima but it’s not that obvious where to go, especially for foreigners. Ichigo claims to be the first restaurant on Shikoku specializing in olive wagyu so I was sold. When reserving, make sure to instruct them to order a set course as well because you can’t do that on the day of. If you don’t, you’ll have to order off of their a-la-carte menu which still includes corn soup, salad and rice. Since they add a 20% service charge, expect to spend a pretty-penny here. My meal including a pint of beer cost ¥7,720.
• Hotel Wing International Takamatsu ( Agoda / Booking ) – A modern business hotel that opened in 2021 outfitted with a comfortable bed and is strategically located in a part of Takamatsu with tons of restaurants.
• Pack a small towel if you plan on using the foot onsen.
• Initially, I wanted to make a reservation for the restaurant at Royal Park Hotel Takamatsu but they wouldn’t take reservations for 1 person.
• The local Kotoden trains in Takamasu are very easy to take and accept all IC cards including Suica, PASMO, and Kitaca.
• If there’s one regret, it’s that I didn’t get to fit in Ritsurin Garden which is highly spoken of. This is something that you might want to try to fit in.

Now you could simply end your trip here but you’d be missing all of the amazing islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The one that has received international recognition is the art island of Naoshima and is one that you should definitely visit if you’ve made it this far.

Kagawa prefecture used to be called Sanuki which is why you’ll see that term used in various places including their udon. In fact, Sanuki udon is ranked among Japan’s top 3 famous udon noodles .

For brunch, head over to Sanuki Goyashiki where you’ll be able to taste what makes udon here special – chewy and firm texture with square shape and flat edges.

Take the ferry to Naoshima Island

The restaurant is located right at Sunport Takamatsu , a revitalized business and shopping area near JR Takamatsu. This is also within striking distance of Takamatsu Port , the original entry point into Shikoku by ferry and your best connection to the Seto Inland Sea Islands.

Whether you soak in the warmth of the sun from the upper deck or enjoy the comforts of the main deck inside, you’ll make it to in just 50 minutes. One thing you’ll remark when you arrive is 1) Takamatsu stays in sight the whole time so you’re really not that far away and 2) The Red Pumpkin is literally the first thing you see when you arrive.

Here are some details for taking the ferry from Takamatsu to Naoshima. Since most visitors will be taking the standard ferry, we’ll be focusing on this but we’ll also mention a few details about the high speed ferry.

Location: The ferry terminal for Naoshima is the one that is labelled with a large number 1 and 2. It also has signage that says in English that it is for ferries going to Shodoshima and Naoshima. Note that this is for the standard ferry. The high speed ferry is at an adjacent pier and has a separate ticket office as well. Check the board pier page.

• Timetable – For the most up-to-date schedule, visit the Shikoku Kisen timetable page. For the Takamatsu – Naoshima (Miyanoura) route, they standard ferry runs 5 times a day and the high speed boat, 3 times a day.
• Duration – Standard ferry is 50 minutes and high speed boat is 30 minutes.
• Standard Ferry – ¥520 for adults and ¥260 for children (6-12)
• High Speed Boat – ¥1,220 for adults, and ¥610 for children (6-12)
• One child (1-5) per adult is free
• Tickets only get sold 40 minutes before departure. You can’t purchase tickets in advance.
• Only cash is accepted.
• You can either buy a ticket from the vending machine or the attendant at the booth.
• Tickets only get sold 30 minutes before departure.
• If you are taking the last boat of the day (8:30PM), those tickets are sold on the boat.

Booking: You can’t book ferry tickets online in advance and you can’t buy them in person in advance either. You can only purchase ferry tickets 40 minutes from departure.

Website: Shikoku Kisen

• What is the difference between the three Naoshima ports? The island of Naoshima has Miyanoura, Honmura and Seto ports. Don’t worry about Seto Port as this services the industrial part of the island. If you’re coming from Takamatsu, Miyanoura is the only port you can access. When leaving, you’ll have the choice of Miyanoura and Honmura ports. Miyanoura is on the western side of the island and Honmura is on the eastern side of the island. Miyanoura Port has significantly more frequency but ultimately choose the one that is the most convenient, is close to your hotel, and has the best departure timing.
• What amenities are available on the standard ferry? On the standard ferry, there are bathrooms, drink vending machines, select electrical outlets, and elevator.
• Is there a cafe on the ferry? No, there isn’t a cafe on board.
• Is the high speed boat worth it? If you’re willing to pay the extra cost (more than double the cost of the standard ferry), can take advantage of the 20 minute time savings, and fits your schedule, it might be worth it.
• Is there a luggage storage area? No, there’s no special compartment for larger suitcases and bags. The expectation on the ferry is to keep it with you.
• When does boarding start? Boarding starts 10 minute prior to departure.
• Does it make sense to take a rental car to Naoshima? While this is a car ferry, there’s really no advantage to having a car on the island as it’s quite small and the bus, shuttle, and bikes are very efficient transit options. If you brought one, it’d most likely sit in your accommodation’s parking lot.

• Unlike the Greek ferries , you have to take your luggage up to the passenger decks. There is an elevator but it’s only on one side of the ship and if you happen to board on the wrong side, you’ll miss it completely.
• If you would like to use the elevator, board on the left side of the ferry.
• Since there are only drink vending machines, bring your own food to eat on board.
• The best seats on the ferry are the ones that face the window on the right side of the main indoor deck.
• There are electrical outlets but they weren’t designed for passengers. You’ll find them on the sides of the ship but use-able in a pinch.
• The top deck is a great place to sit on your ferry ride. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have any cover so it’ll be very sunny and can get get windy as well.
• There are lockers at the Takamatsu ferry terminal for Naoshima. It has 27 in total, of which 2 are oversized (¥800), and 4 are large (¥700).

After you disembark, you’ll be tempted to take photos of Yayoi Kusama’s Red Pumpkin like I was, but I think the smarter move is to head straight to your hotel, so you’re not trying to keep your luggage in sight while taking selfies.

The walk to Sparky’s House is slightly uphill but you’ll be on the side of the paved road so it’s not too bad. Get checked in and grab your e-bike rental. You’ll immediately feel a new jolt of energy (pun intended) as having a bicycle is quite liberating on an island such as Naoshima.

Watch the sunset at Miyanoura Port

Ride back down to Miyanoura Port and enjoy the backdrop of the sunset reflecting on the calm waters and shimmering off of the Red Pumpkin .

Under the night sky, you’ll notice the illumination of Naoshima Pavilion and Bunraku Puppet sculptures so ride around to them to snap a few photos.

For dinner, hopefully you’ve made reservations ahead of time through Sparky’s House but if not, you’ll have to bike around to the recommended restaurants. In my case, every single one was packed except for Cin.na.mon . Stepping in there, they initially said no since it was quite full but I noticed an empty table. I told them it was only for 1 person and they eventually said OK.

Day 10 Summary

• Red Pumpkin
• Naoshima Pavilion
• Bunraku Puppet
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – Since we didn’t pay extra for the breakfast at the Hotel Wing International Takamatsu, we got our usual favorites at the nearby 7-Eleven which includes onigiri , bread, and yogurt.
• Lunch – Sanuki Goyashiki – Takamatsu is in the Kagawa Prefecture and they’re famous for their Sanuki udon which is characterized by its square shape, flat edges, and chewy texture. Come to this restaurant near the ferry pier for your chance to try it.
• Dinner – Cin.na.mon – Every restaurant seemed to be booked solid but this was one that had one table remaining when I dropped by. This is a Japanese restaurant that has excellent sashimi, fried chicken, curry, and craft beer from Naoshima Story.
• Sparky’s House ( Agoda / Booking ) – A relatively new property on the island that’s a combination of container-style accommodations and a house converted to separate rooms on the second floor. While small, the rooms are comfortable, new, clean, and have the benefit of a full kitchen on both the first and second floor of the house. They offer e-bike rentals (adults only) for ¥1,500 for one day, ¥2,000 for two days. They also offer luggage storage for ¥500 (maximum 4 items). All payments are cash-only.

• When you arrive at Miyanoura port, get inside the terminal building and look for the “Naoshima Area Map”. This map is actually quite useful as it has all of the updated ferry, bus, and shuttle times, in addition to a handy map with English descriptions of all art sites.
• The Red Pumpkin next the Miyanoura port gets very busy near ferry departures and arrivals. While it’ll be temping to take photos right when you get off, it’s a better idea to drop off your luggage at your accommodations first and then take the bicycle back down at sunset when it calms down.
• Since there are limited number of restaurants and a ton of visitors these days, you need to make reservations. If you don’t, you’ll find that most of the popular restaurants won’t take walk-ins. To book, reach out to your hotel to make a reservation. If you book with a platform like Booking.com , you can conveniently use their chat feature to ask them to help make reservations. Recommended restaurants in the Miyanoura area are in the photo above.
• On Naoshima, the 7-Eleven closes at 9PM so pick up your supplies early.
• We found free wifi throughout Naoshima under the SSID “KAGAWA-Wifi”. You can join up to 8 times a day and allows you to be connected for 30 minutes.
• If you had to choose, we believe Miyanoura is a better location to be based just because it’s closer to the ferry. This gives you more options because you can always walk to the port.
• Just an observation, but this is the first and only place on the itinerary that felt touristy. This is the most evident when trying to take photos of popular sculptures like the Red Pumpkin where you’ll need to be quite a bit more patient.

At only 8 square kilometers, Naoshima is home to some of the very best of contemporary art and architecture in the world, featuring the likes of Yayoi Kusama, Tadao Ando, Claude Monet, and James Turrell to name a few. Discover the artwork scattered throughout island. The only catch is that you have to leave the island at the end of the day so make the most of it.

Enjoy Miyanoura Port at sunrise

There’s something alluring about the pumpkin sculptures and not wanting to let any moment slip, I recommend that you head back to Miyanoura Port early in the morning so you can have the Red Pumpkin all to yourself .

Have an immersive art experience at Chichu Art Museum

Welcome to the Chichu Art Museum . This architectural masterpiece seamlessly blends art and nature, offering a unique experience for everyone. Designed by Tadao Ando , the museum itself is a work of art, mostly built underground to harmonize with the island’s landscape. As you approach, you’ll be awed by the museum’s minimalist concrete exterior, which hides its many artistic treasures within.

Once inside, ditch your phone and camera (since they’re not allowed) and open your mind to a carefully curated collection of contemporary artworks . The museum focuses on the works of renowned artists, Claude Monet, Walter De Maria, and James Turrell.

Beyond the individual art pieces, this is more about the immersive space itself , blending in natural and artificial light, optical illusions, the delicate tiling of the floor, and thought-provoking sculptures.

This is easily my favourite museum on the island which is why you need to secure those tickets as soon as they are available online.

• For Golden Week, they open at 9AM
• October 1 – last day of February – 10AM – 5PM (last admittance at 4PM)
• Closed on Mondays (except it’s on a national holiday, in which it closes the following day).
• The Chichu Store hours align with the museum hours.
• They are also closed on maintenance days so make sure to check their calendar .
• Duration – You can see this movie in 1.5 hours.

Price: ¥2,100 for adults and free for children 15 and under. When booking online, only credit cards are accepted.

How to get here: There are two directions you can take to get to Chichu Art Museum. What’s important to know is that biking is forbidden from the stretch of road between Benesse House Area North Gate and East Gate. This is why it’s critical to understand how to get around .

• Counterclockwise by bike or foot – Logically this seems to be the obvious way on foot or bicycle. The town bus does not go this direction. If on bike, park at the Chichu Art Museum Ticket Center. Locals mentioned that this bike ride is slightly more challenging because it’s uphill. From Miyanoura Port, by bike is 15-25 minutes and on foot is 30 minutes.
• Clockwise by bike – The longer way would be to take the bicycle or Naoshima Town Bus all the way around to the Tsutsuji-so bus stop. Park your bike at the specialized lot and from here, wait for the free shuttle bus which will take you to Chichu Art Museum. This is what we did and found the route to be quite pleasant and passes through the town of Honmura which you can explore on your way back. From Miyanoura Port, by bike is 20 minutes + 7 minute shuttle.
• Clockwise by bus – For those that don’t have a bike, the Town Bus runs between Miyanoura Port and Tsutsuji-so. The fare is ¥100 for adults and ¥50 for children (coins only). Check the official timetable . From Miyanoura Port, the bus take 12 minutes.
• Shuttle – There is a simple free shuttle that runs between Tsutsuji-so and Chichu Art Museum (where bikes aren’t allowed). These are small mini buses with a capacity of 26. You can get on and off at any stop (except Hiroshi Sugimoto Gallery). Their timetable does their best to line up with the ferry schedule. Lastly, this shuttle doesn’t run on days when the Chichu Art Museum and Lee Ufan Museum are closed (Mondays). To get from one end to the other takes 7 minutes.

Arrival procedure: Once you arrive at Chichu Art Museum, if you have tickets already, head directly to the Chichu Art Museum main gate and not the ticket center. They will scan your digital tickets and hand you a see-through handbag. You’ll take the path will take you down the narrow passage to the Square Courtyard, and up into the souvenir shop. Once you’re pass this point, cameras are no longer allowed. The bag is meant to store your things and camera.

Museum rules:

• Online tickets are valid for 30 minutes from the reservation time, after which they are automatically cancelled.
• If you have large objects (suitcases, umbrellas, tripods, large backpacks), you will need to put them in the coin lockers at the museum or left at the ticket center.
• Use of cellphones is prohibited (although this is mainly around taking photos and being disruptive).
• Other than in the cafe, you can’t eat or drink in the museum.

Booking: You need to buy your tickets online in advance. These are timed tickets where you choose to enter at intervals of 15 minutes. Time slots for a month become available 2 months ahead of time. For example, the block of May tickets open up on Friday March 8th at 10AM JST (local time).

Website: Chichu Art Museum (as part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima)

• Are photos or videos allowed in Chichu Art Museum? No, photography and videography is strictly prohibited.
• How many seats are on the shuttle bus? These are mini buses and has a capacity of 26 people.
• Does the museum have audio guides? No, there are no audio guide devices available.
• Is there a limit to how much time you can spend in the museum? No, they only have specific entry time slots but you can stay for as long as you’d like.
• Are drones allowed? You can’t use drones anywhere in the Benesse Art Site area.
• Can you enter the Benesse Art Site by bike on the Chichu Art Museum side and exit from the Yellow Pumpkin side? This might seem like a logical counterclockwise route but if it simply doesn’t work if you have a bike because you can’t even walk with your bike inside museum grounds. The farthest you can take your bike is the North Gate Bicycle Parking Lot. Conversely, you can’t take your bicycle around the island clockwise either.
• Does Chichu Art Museum have wifi? Yes, they have free wifi under the SSID “chichuartmuseum”.
• The museum is quite minimal when it comes to signage and explanations and they don’t offer so we found it very handy to buy the Chichu Handbook (available in English) at the souvenir shop before heading in.
• The free shuttle bus fills up very quickly especially at the Tsutsuji-so stop. Resist the temptation to explore the beach especially when it’s close to departure of the bus.
• The Claude Monet Space and James Turrell’s Open Sky require you to take off your shoes. If you want to make things easier, wear shoes that you can easily take on and off.
• Cancellations are allowed 1 hour before reservation time using their cancellation form without penalty.
• If it fits in your schedule, check to see if the Open Sky Night Program is a possibility (only Fridays and Saturdays). Reservations open 3 months ahead of your desired date and allows you to go to James Turrell’s Open Sky installation at sunset.
• When walking to and from the museum, you’ll pass by the Chichu Garden. Notice how the trees and flowers here are very similar to the ones planted at Giverny that served as the location for Claude Monet’s Water Lilies .

Explore the wonders of Benesse Art Site

Intentionally designed for pedestrians (and their free shuttle bus), set out on foot and choose from the litany of outdoor art spaces, museums, and art pieces.

Depending on your interests, you can head inside Lee Ufan Museum . In our case, I couldn’t fit it in but I made sure to walk around their collection of outdoor sculptures.

Next is Valley Gallery which is under the same ticket as Benesse House Museum. Built along a valley that starts with small pond and narrows inwards, there’s an symbiosis between the work and surrounding nature. The most recognizable piece is Narcissus Garden by Yayoi Kusama which features large chrome balls. This is a much larger version of what we saw in the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in our Arkansas itinerary .

Lastly, there’s a Where’s Waldo of art pieces along the island’s southern coast so keep your eyes peeled!

Enjoy Benesse House Museum

The central hub and largest museum on the island is Benesse House Museum which was also designed by the legendary architect Tadao Ando. Inside is an impressive collection of contemporary art that seamlessly blends into the natural light and surroundings.

• Hours – 8AM – 9PM (last admittance at 8PM)
• Open year round
• Museum shop hours – 10AM – 5PM
• Duration – You can finish this museum in an hour.

Price: ¥1,300 for adults and free for children 15 and under. They accept cash or credit card. You can pay at the entrance to Valley Gallery where they have a small temporary tent set up. This ticket includes access to both Valley Gallery and Benesse House Museum.

How to get here: As an extension to Chichu Art Museum’s details, here are two possible places you could be coming from. Our recommendation is to catch the initial bus to Chichu Art Museum after parking your bike at Tsutsuji-so and then walk the rest of the way back as it’s a pleasant and easy walk, with opportunities to see plenty of outdoor works.

• Coming from Chichu Art Museum – If you came by bicycle you won’t be able to go any further. The rest is on foot to the museum or you can take the museum shuttle. The walk is 20 minutes and the bus takes 4 minutes.
• Coming from Tsutsuji-so – The walk from the bus station takes 20 minutes. By bus, this is 4 minutes.

Arrival procedure: Benesse House Museum operates more like your standard art museum. When you arrive, they’ll check your ticket and if you haven’t purchased one yet, you can buy one at the ticket desk.

• If you have large objects (suitcases, umbrellas, tripods, large backpacks), it isn’t clear if there are any lockers at the museum. That said, it may be possible to leave items behind with the museum hotel’s desk.
• Use of cellphones is prohibited (although this is mainly around being disruptive).
• Other than in the cafe, you can’t eat or drink in the museum (that includes candy and gum).

Booking: No booking is required and it is not possible to book ahead of time. Luckily, there isn’t any stress entering this museum as they don’t have capacity limits.

Website: Benesse House Museum (as part of Benesse Art Site Naoshima)

• Are photos and videos allowed at Benesse House Museum? Officially, photos, videos, and sketches aren’t allowed in the museum. That said, we didn’t know this when we entered as there aren’t visible signs for this rule and their FAQ has information that says photos of most artworks are allowed. We found local Japanese and visitors alike were freely taking photos in the museum.
• Does the museum have audio guides? No, there are no audio guides available.
• Are there water fountains in the museum? No, we did not see any but outside of the museum is a spout for tap water.

• Museum Restaurant Issen and Museum Cafe don’t take reservations and fill up quickly so expect to have to queue.
• If you’re an art enthusiast and would like to have a more extensive experience, Benesse House is also a hotel in 4 different buildings, each providing special perks. For instance, the only way to see the Oval is by being a guest there. If you stay in the adjoining rooms to Benesse House Museum, you can stay in the museum past standard hours until 11PM (instead of 8PM).
• There’s also a “Cultural Melting Bath” Bathing Experience Program which is only available to hotel guests on Sundays and requires reservation.

Make your way to the Yellow Pumpkin

Being mindful of time, make sure you leave enough time to continue walking along the pedestrian path that hugs the coast, checking out the numerous Benesse House Museum Outdoor Works , and eventually arriving at the icon of Naoshima and Yayoi Kusama, the Yellow Pumpkin .

Sitting solemnly on an old pier is Kusama’s largest pumpkin to date and what separates it from the others that have ever been produced, this one was uniquely designed with its location in mind . The vibrant yellow stands out amongst the sea and coastal mountains.

“Art is an Endless Struggle, Art is Love, Art is Life” Yayoi Kusama

Make a quick stop in the town of Honmura

Grab your bike from where you parked it at Tsutsuji-so and ride to the town of Honmura which is along your way back.

Art is truly all around you on Naoshima . Even as you park your bike in Honmura, you enter a pavilion with a smattering of translucent spheres resembling a cumulonimbus cloud.

Take a break by grabbing a refreshing cup of gelato from Naoshima Gelato and if you skipped lunch like I did, One Stop is a nice pitstop as well for small bites.

Take the ferry to Uno

If your timing is right, you’ll be able to return your e-bike rental at Sparky’s House, get your stored luggage, have them drive you to the port, buy your ferry ticket, and be on your way to Uno.

The ferry ride from Naoshima to Uno is a swift 20 minutes. To get to Okayama Station, you’ll then need to take a JR train which is another hour into town. Luckily, it seems like the departure of the JR train is timed to the arrival of the ferry so you should be able to link them up nicely.

After you arrive in Okayama, it’s a short walk away to your hotel, Abest Grande Okayama .

There are plenty of restaurants nearby but for something hearty and quick, you can never go wrong with ramen at Nicoichi .

Day 11 Summary

What you’ll do:

• Chichu Art Museum
• Lee Ufan Museum
• Valley Gallery
• Benesse House Museum
• Yellow Pumpkin
• Honmura Town
• Breakfast – Kombini Breakfast – With an early morning back at Red Pumpkin, check-out, and needing to bike clockwise to Tsutsuji-so, it’s best to keep it simple and grab something from 7-Eleven the night before.
• Lunch – Kombini Lunch – With how crunched for time you’ll feel throughout the day, it’s best to save the time needed for a proper lunch and just eat food you pack with you.
• Snack – Naoshima Gelato – Perfect stop for a break to see the Naoshima Port Terminal bike-stand art piece. They have creative gelato flavors such as sweet potato milk gelato and roasted green tea milk gelato. They have various benches and tables available for their outdoor-only seating.
• Snack – One Stop – If you’re feeling hungry, this is cute small cafe with a patio deck that overlooks the main street running out of Honmura. Their menu is rather basic but they have a selection of drinks, waffles, sausage, noodles, and curry.
• Dinner – Nicoichi – You’ll be pretty exhausted after a long day so this is the perfect night for ramen. Found in the basement of a non-descript building where you’ll typically find a small line up of locals for this 10-seat restaurant that is known for their Hakata ramen .
• Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ( Agoda / Booking ) – This hotel was quite the gem to find on Agoda. While unusual in how challenging it was to find the elevator to take you up and how they also offer pod rooms, this was easily the largest room on the trip, they surprisingly also had their own onsen, and they had their own version of a happy hour with free drinks from 3PM to 9PM.

• If your accommodations doesn’t have a luggage storage option, the Miyanoura Port terminal area has quite a few lockers of varying sizes available. Prices range from ¥200-¥300.
• The ferry from Naoshima to Uno from Miyanoura Port is ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children.
• While 1 day is certainly enough to see the key highlights and museums, there are plenty of galleries and museums that I missed. If you’re interested in seeing more, a second night is definitely recommended.
• The Uno JR Station isn’t directly connected to the port so follow the crowd of people heading there.

Your whirlwind trip in Shikoku is coming to a close and while technically you’re now on the main island of Honshu and Okayama prefecture, take this final day to continue the trend of awesome experiences and charming towns.

Customize your own Betty Smith jeans

Not knowing much about Okayama, I initially thought that this would be a short overnight stay before flying out but as I did more research, I learned about the region’s deep connection with denim and that’s what lead me to the discovery of Betty Smith’s jeans making experience .

Now buying Japanese jeans off the rack in Tokyo is boring but customizing jeans from the factory where the denim movement started in Japan is quite exciting.

Start your day by taking the train down to the town of Kojima, birthplace of Japanese denim, and take the cab to the venerable jeans company, Betty Smith .

Granted, the name of the experience is a bit misleading. You don’t make jeans from scratch but instead, you get to pick the button, rivets, and leather label to go on the high-end Betty Smith jeans. Once selected, you’ll be the one to drive in the selected buttons and rivets using a special tool. The skilled craftsman will do the rest.

The beauty of this is that you get to learn how the finishing touches to jeans are made, and you come away with your own custom pair to take home.

• December to February – Monday only 9:30AM – 5PM
• March to November – Daily 9AM – 6PM. On weekdays they take a 12PM – 1PM lunch break.
• Jeans making time slots – Normally at 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 2PM, 3PM, and 4PM
• Duration – 1 hour

Price: The price depends on the jeans that you purchase. The jeans available for customization are their Omiyagi jeans (regular straight) which start at ¥8,800 and their DENIMWORKS line (slim straight, slim straight stretch, and button fly straight) and starts at ¥17,600. Interestingly, the price increases with waist size. We’ve attached a gallery of photos that show their pricing since you can’t find them anywhere online. Credit cards and IC cards accepted.

How to get here:

• Going there – The inconvenient part about Betty Smith is that it is not close to the JR station. Since Kojima doesn’t really have good public transit that runs that way, your only option is to get a taxi. The good news is that there’s a taxi stand at the station so you can easily catch one. This is a metered rate and cost us ¥1,300 for the 10 minute ride.
• Leaving – The coming back part will require you asking the Betty Smith staff to call a cab for you. Our rate to get to Kojima Jeans Street was ¥1,400 and another 10 minute ride.
• Note – Taxi’s here don’t take IC card or credit card so treat them as cash-only.

Booking: Reservations are recommended. Counter-intuitively, they are the busiest on weekdays because large school groups come in. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book ahead of time. The easiest way to do this is through Klook but you can also book directly if you’re willing to navigate their Japanese booking engine. No payment is required to book.

Language: They don’t have English-speaking instructors. For us, Oshima-san had limited English but he was very patient and we used a combination of Google Translate and hand signals.

Website: Betty Smith Museum Jeans Making Experience (Japanese only)

• Is it possible to drop in? If it isn’t a busy day, you could drop in without a reservation. Similar to the Indigo Dyeing experience, they don’t seem to strictly follow the booking schedule. They just start when you show up and they’ll spend as much as time as you need to get the jeans done.
• Do they hem the jeans for me? Yes, the instructor will measure the length and hem the jeans for you on the spot.
• Do they have Hello Kitty patch or buttons? Klook mentions Betty Smith’s collaboration with Hello Kitty but when we went, we did not see any Hello Kitty patches or buttons. This may have been a limited-time collab.
• If I don’t want to make jeans, are there other hands-on experiences? If you’d rather make a pencil case, stationary bag, pouch or key chain, you can drop by to make these without reservations. They only take 10 minutes as the main step is the attaching of a few rivets.
• Is there a Betty Smith store? Yes, there is a full store in the campus and it’s located on the 1st floor of the head office building.
• Does the jeans making experience building have a change-room? Yes, there is a single change room at the back.
• Are there restrooms in the building? No, they don’t but there are restroom facilities in a building behind.
• Between the jeans making and museums, how much time should I expect to spend here? The experience is officially 1 hour but it might take longer. There are multiple museum buildings and depending on your interest, this could be 30 minutes or an hour. On average, we think you should budget 2 hours at Betty Smith.
• Do I get to sew in this experience? No, all of the sewing is done by the instructor.
• The location of the the experience isn’t super clear when you get there because they have so many different museums and buildings. The exact one is pinned on our Shikoku itinerary map .
• What I really struggled with was selecting the jeans. It helps to speed things up if you have a budget in mind or whether you want stretchy jean material or regular.
• If you can’t fit this in on your Shikoku itinerary, they also run this jean making experience in their Tokyo location in the neighborhood of Ebisu.
• After your jeans making experience, make sure to drop by their factory where there’s a clear view of an active sewing floor, Jeans Museum 1 (foreign denim production), and Jeans Museum 2 (domestic denim production). These are free.

Learn about the history of jeans

Before you leave, make sure to visit the two free museums they have on-site. Jeans Museum 1 focuses on international denim including its origin and etymology. In the larger Jeans Museum 2 , you’ll see how denim was brought to Japan and insight into the manufacturing process.

Stroll down the iconic Jeans Street

Next, take a taxi to Kojima Jeans Street which is lined with over 30 shops selling denim products. You most likely will not have heard of any of these brands but it’s fun to be able to pop into a few of them to see what the trends are and what makes Japanese denim special.

The walk back to the Kojima Station is 15 minutes. From there, you’ll take the JR train back up to Okayama and then transfer to another train that’ll bring you to Kurashikishi Station .

Enjoy an afternoon exploring Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter

As you walk from Kurashikishi Station to the Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter, you’ll see the gradual transition from modern buildings and shopping arcades to Edo-period architecture and picturesque canals.

Similar to Uchiko, this is another example of a well-preserved prosperous town that’s retained many of its traditional white-walled merchant houses. Spend your time strolling down the narrow-lined streets and popping into its shops, galleries, and cafes.

There is a ton to see here. Don’t miss the renowned Ohara Museum of Art , the first Western museum in Japan. Explore the historic Kurashiki Ivy Square , a former cotton mill transformed into a cultural complex. Take in the scenic beauty of the willow-lined canal with a traditional punting boat ride . For the curious, step into the quirky Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum .

And when you’re hungry, there are plenty of well-known cafes and snack stands to try including pudding from Yuurin-an Cafe , award-winning croquettes from Kinsho Croquettes Kurashiki , and yummy warabimochi from Kamakura Kurashiki .

TIP: Most shops close unusually early at 5PM.

Eat dinner at Kappa Tonkatsu

Before heading back to Okayama, you’d be remiss to not have dinner at Kappa Tonkatsu , a restaurant that specializes in crispy and tender cutlets of pork smothered in special demi-glace. It’s a easily one of the best tonkatsu I’ve had in Japan.

TIP: This restaurant is cash-only.

Before you head close off your 12th day on this Shikoku itinerary, here are a few things you need to know when you leave Okayama.

• While there is a taxi stand near the hotel, it’s safer to ask hotel reception to book a taxi. The 30 minute ride is metered and cost us ¥8,200.
• If you don’t have an early morning flight, there is a 30 minute bus from Okayama Station to the airport.
• Okayama Momotaro Airport (OKJ)’s hours are 6AM – 10PM. This means that they actually close their doors outside of these hours. If you have an early morning flight (i.e. 7:05AM), there’s no need to go to the airport before 6AM.

Day 12 Summary

• Betty Smith Jeans Making Experience
• Kojima Jeans Street
• Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
• Canal Boat Ride
• Ohara Museum of Art
• Kurashiki Ivy Square
• Kurashiki Piggy Bank Museum
• Breakfast – Konbini Breakfast – It’s a packed final day so you’ll find it most efficient to grab some convenient store food the night before to have in your room.
• Snacks – Yuurin-an Cafe – This is a cafe that’s connected to their guesthouse. They’re best known for their Happy Pudding which is creamy and soft. If you’re looking for food their Tamago-kake Gohan which is rice topped with raw egg and a special soy sauce.
• Snacks – Yamau Coffee Stand – A no-nonsense coffee shop that specializes in espresso-based drinks. They also make a great tea soda.
• Snacks – Kinsho Croquettes Kurashiki – Small stall in the Bikan quarter that sells award-winning croquettes.
• Snacks – Kamakura Kurashiki – Delicious and freshly-made warabimochi.
• Dinner – Kappa Tonkatsu – One of two amazing tonkatsu restaurants in Kurashiki. The tonkatsu is crispy and the katsu sauce with the perfect amount of umami. Uniquely, this restaurant is run primarily by women. They are cash only. The alternative restaurant is Misokatsu Umenoki , which does a baked version of tonkatsu.
• Hotel Abest Grande Okayama ( Agoda / Booking ) – Their check-in staff is great and it was this lady that helped me sort out book the early morning cab to the Okayama Momotaro Airport.
• The name Kurashiki can get a bit confusing. On its own, Kurashiki refers to an entire district of Okayama Prefecture and this includes both Kojima and the Kurashiki Bikan Historic Quarter. However, the commercial center of the district is commonly called Kurashiki as well. Typically when someone says Kurashiki, they are referring to Bikan and surrounding area.

To help with your Shikoku trip planning, this map will be instrumental in identifying all of the locations mentioned on this itinerary and also some nitty gritty details like parking locations.

Japan, more than anywhere else in the world, we’ve found it important to have places pre-pinned on a map because some places just don’t show up when you search their English name.

HOW TO USE THE MAP: You can use the Shikoku itinerary map as is but if you’d like to do more with it, expand the map and create a copy in your logged-in Google account. With this copy, you’ll be able to access it in your Google Maps app under the Saved tab. Scroll to the bottom and look for the “Maps” button. Keep in mind that you need data to access this map. For an offline solution, use the offline Google Maps feature and individually save location pins on your primary map.

Renting A Car in Shikoku

This region is all about the blending of the sea, mountains, valleys, and islands with art, spirituality, history, and culinary. While some can be found in the cities, most of it’s gems are nestled in areas that require a car.

We think that the best way to see Shikoku is with a rental car but it might not be for everyone. Let’s breakdown the reasons for and against so you can make the best decision. For those that end up deciding on renting a car, we also list out what we learned from our experience.

• Can get you anywhere – Public transit including trains don’t have the best coverage around the island of Shikoku, especially when you talk about places such as Iya Valley and Nakatsu Gorge.
• Save time – Technically, you can visit everywhere with buses and trains but the coordination effort would be high and wasted time would be enormous.
• It’s cheaper than you think – Everyone thinks Japan is expensive but car rentals prices are very reasonable. 9 days cost ¥65,230 which comes out to $440 USD or $48.89 per day.
• Plenty of parking – You won’t encounter any situation where you can’t find parking
• Driving is easy – Sure, there are some trickier roads through the valley but overall, it’s just not a very busy place and so there’s barely any traffic and Japanese drivers are so courteous.
• Some challenging driving – The drive through Iya Valley and Nakatsu Gorge aren’t dangerous but there are sections of it that narrow down to one car-width. This may dissuade those that are not confident drivers.
• Left side – In Japan, you drive on the left side of the road. If you’ve never done it before, it’ll take a few days to get used to. Again, this shouldn’t hold you back but something to note for anyone that gets anxious easily.
• You have a guide – If you end up booking a tour or are able to connect various excursions together, it might not be necessary to get a car.
• Tiring – The biggest drawback of driving is that there are quite a few long stretches required on this itinerary (i.e. Kochi to Shimanto and Nakatso Gorge to Matsuyama). It’s definitely easier to have someone to do the driving for you so you can nap along the way.
• Budget travel – If you’re looking to squeeze the most out of your budget, you could combine the Shikoku Rail Pass ( buy here ) where it’s ¥20,000 for 7 days plus the cost of local buses.
• IDP – You need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to rent cars in Japan. Make sure you get one from your home country before you come here. In Canada, that means dropping by a CAA and in the United States, AAA .
• ETC – When renting a car, you’ll have an option to rent an ETC card with your vehicle. This is an IC card that’ll allow you to use the ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) lane on expressways that have tolls. This allows you to drive right through the gate without stopping. For this Shikoku itinerary, there are tolled highways in and out of the main cities. If you don’t want to deal with the stress of trying to avoid them, paying cash at toll gates, you should just pay it. ETC card rental is only ¥300.
• No ETC Passes – Shikoku doesn’t have any tourist-friendly, multi-day ETC passes (available in Sapporo) so no need to ask. This means that you’ll be paying each toll a-la-carte.
• Slow check-in – The car rental check-in process is very slow. For Times Car Rental, I had to fill out a new set of forms with my personal information, list of all hotels and their phone numbers (it’s fine if you don’t have them). After all was said and done, it took 45 minutes from arrival to driving off the lot. Luckily returning a car is much faster.
• No English – Don’t expect any of the car rental agents to speak English. Have your Google Translate app ready.
• Alternative booking sites – Booking through third-party platforms is perfectly safe and reliable. In fact, you can often find discounted rates through something like Klook . That said, we did not find any results for one-way rentals in Shikoku. Similarly, we tested RentalCars and DiscoverCars and while they have round-trip rentals, the could not display one-way results in Shikoku.
• One-way fee – If you do a one-way rental (i.e. Tokushima to Takamatsu), some companies charge a fee. In Times Car Rental’s case, it cost ¥6,000.
• Toll charges – When you return the car, they will be able to immediately pull the toll charges from the account. You’ll pay for these extra charges on your way out. For this particular 12-day Shikoku itinerary, I paid ¥9,690 in tolls.
• Insurance – They will offer insurance and it will be up to you whether you need it or not. If you have a credit card that includes car rental insurance coverage, make sure you charge the rental to your card and to decline their insurance package.

The following are the companies that you’ll find in the city and also at the Tokushima Airport.

• Budget Car Rental (airport only)
• Times Car Rental
• Orix Rent-A-Car
• Toyota Rent-A-Car
• Nippon Rent-A-Car
• Nissan Rent-A-Car (their website is quite buggy and requires multiple refreshes)
• JR Rent-A-Car (only shows up on the Japanese site)
• Niconico Rent-A-Car (airport location requires a shuttle)

Ultimately, the company that had the cheapest price was Times Car Rental even after doing a quick search on Klook and RentalCars .

• For our specific dates, Times Car and Toyota were the closest in rates compared to the others so start your search there.
• Car rental coupon codes are not commonplace in Japan but they’re worth a try.
• It’s worth checking out the Times Car deals page which is the only company that does offer seasonal deals.
• Anecdotally, I found the best prices when searching through Klook or booking direct with Nippon, Times, and Toyota with car rentals all over Japan.
• It’s always a good idea to book your car as early in advance as possible even though Shikoku never gets too busy. From our experiences, prices only go up as supply dwindles.

5 Shikoku Travel Tips

I learned so much from this trip to Shikoku. So far we’ve already covered specific tips for attractions, activities, hotels, restaurants, and car rentals but there are a few more general pieces of advice that I think you’ll be glad to know upfront instead of being surprised when you get here.

The two places where you’ll have to be on your toes is in Iya Valley and the Nakatsu Gorge area.

The reason why it’s challenging is because in various parts of the valley, there are areas that narrow down to one single lane that has to be shared with both sides of traffic.

When you get to these sections of road, I took the approach of driving more slowly, flicking my high-beams if it was dark, utilizing the mirrors that placed at every bend in the road, and relying on strategically constructed pulloffs. I found that it also helped to not be the lead car, and instead, trail behind someone else so they can spot oncoming cars.

If you get into a situation where you’re stuck because you’re staring at an oncoming car and there’s nowhere to go, first assess your surroundings and see if you’re able to back up. There’s usually a wider part of the road built-in deliberately to help in these situations. The oncoming driver might also be more experienced and make the first move, in which case you can take their lead. Another tip is to fold in your side mirrors if you’re worried about a particularly tight squeeze. Watch our Shikoku video to get an idea.

That said, don’t read this as this being a treacherous drive at all. For the most part, the roads are single or double lane, there are stretches where you can pass cars, and everything is marked clearly. Roughly 20% of the road narrow down to one lane and the rest are perfectly normal.

This just about applies to every single trip but in Japan, you should be aware of some of their big holidays which are:

• Golden Week – Roughly around April 28 – May 8
• Obon Holiday – August 10 -16

Other spikes in domestic and foreign visitors are during these seasons:

• Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) season – Late March to early April
• Northern hemisphere summer holidays – July to August
• Fall colors season – Mid to late November

While Shikoku is certainly not as busy as other popular destinations in Japan, you’ll certainly see a relative swelling of tourists during these periods. This can mean large crowds and wait times at main sights, and accommodations get booked out.

Beyond this, weekdays are always better than weekends.

Being the least visited parts of Japan, it should come as no surprise that your English won’t take you very far in Shikoku. You’ll come across the one odd person that will speak a little but a majority won’t understand a lick of English.

The good news is that technology has come a long way since our early days of travel blogging and there are tools like Google Translate that do a decent job at translating languages. It’s not perfect, but it can certainly help break the ice.

Similar to what we had to do with our limited knowledge of Spanish in our month in Chile , I downloaded the Japanese language for offline use and mostly used a combination of live translations through the camera when trying to read menus or signs, and one-off translations of English sentences to Japanese.

In Shikoku, there will also be many instances of trying to have longer conversations with someone and that’s where Google Translate’s “Conversation” feature. This tries its best to allow you to go back and forth between English -> Japanese and vice versa in rapid succession.

Unfortunately, this feature has a long way to go as it gets tripped up quite easily. To help, here are a few tips to take away:

• Speak simply and be clear and concise in your sentences. Avoid slang and idioms.
• The app takes longer pauses as an end of your part of the conversation so you’ll need to speak in one continuous thought.
• Often times, its the person you’re speaking to that will have the most issues so it’s worth explaining how the feature works and sharing your tips with them ahead of time (which will also need to be translated). Otherwise, it becomes one big frustrating mess.

This is something we constantly preach across all of our Japan travel guides . Japan is much more cash-heavy than you expect it to be so don’t get caught off-guard.

In our itinerary above, we’ve tried our best to identify anything that is cash-only. As you read through it, you’ll realize that more places only take cash than you expect.

Based on our costs, we’d recommend at least $500 USD worth of cash converted to Japanese Yen.

Shikoku goes through dramatic climate changes depending on where you are and what time of year it is. We won’t breakdown every scenario but here’s why you want to be prepared:

• The valley areas are several degrees cooler than being on the coast.
• The southern part of Shikoku (i.e. Kochi) gets much more rain than the northern part of the island.
• You can get really hot days in the summer (extends into September) and while Iya Valley may be cooler, remember that lack of air condition in many places will mean interiors will be even hotter.
• There are two times that you’ll be on the boat – Takamatsu for the Naruto Whirlpools, and on the Naoshima Ferry. These can get cold and breezy.
• On Naoshima, you’ll be biking and if there are no clouds, exposed to a lot of sun so it can be one of the hottest days of your trip.

We recommend the following items to help you stayed prepared on your trip:

• Mornings can be chilly so a good active fleece or mid-layer jacket . These are all handy pieces to have for any layering strategy.
• You never know when it’s going to rain. For us, we always travel with an Arc’teryx shell and light waterproof pants .
• For travel, breathable and lightweight active-wear is always great to have especially when it’s hot outside or you’re cycilng around Naoshima Island.

When we put together our itineraries , one question that we always get is how much it costs. That’s why we’ve included these cost breakdowns to help give you an idea of what kind of budget you need for a vacation like this.

Below is a table of the costs converted to USD. Keep in mind that this does not include the flights.

With a total spend of $2,497 USD, that’s a daily spend of $208 USD/person/day.

Comparing to the Far East Hokkaido trip which was a $431 USD/day, this trip was effectively half the price.

For other points of comparison, a week in Sapporo in the winter cost $318 USD/day, 1 month in Chile averaged out to $308 USD/day, 3 weeks in New Zealand was $353 USD/day, and 10 days in Egypt was $204 USD/day.

What To Pack for A Trip To Shikoku

We’ve covered some of this in our 5 Shikoku Travel Tips but we believe that they key for a trip like this is to remain as versatile as possible when it comes to clothing and gear.

This list isn’t meant to be comprehensive but we’ll list out some of the more important pieces and why. The links are mainly to mens products but you’ll be able to find equivalents. You’ll also notice that we wear a lot of Arc’teryx gear – not because we’re sponsored by them or because they’re from Canada, but because we love their quality and functionality.

• Jacket – Arc’teryx Beta Shell – It’s a windproof and waterproof layer that you can wear on its own or in combination with the other layers. This is something you’ll want handy because you never know when you might encounter a rainy day.
• Waterproof pants – Arc’teryx Beta Pant – Along the same lines, you don’t want rain to ruin your day.
• Mid-layer jacket – Arc’teryx Atom Hoody – A great all-purpose jacket that provides warmth, feels incredibly soft, and packs down to a small size.
• Active fleece – Delta Hoody – This is a thin fleece that is your go-to long-sleeve when it’s just not warm enough to wear a t-shirt. It also layers well with everything else.
• Travel pants – Outdoor Research Ferrosi Joggers – These are seriously the most comfortable pants and perfect for travel with their zippered back pocket, elastic cuff hem, elastic waist, and quick-drying material.
• Shoes – Altra Lone Peak 7 – The number keeps incrementing every year but these have consistency been awesome for travel because they are light, provide tremendous traction, and dry very easily even though they are not waterproof. I’ve really come to enjoy zero drop shoes but they might not be for everyone.
• Active t-shirt – Cormac Crew Shirt – These high-performance tees are life changing. They have the qualities of a quick-dry shirt but is ridiculously light and breathable.
• Long-sleeve sunshirt – Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie – Ultralight long-sleeve fabric that’s meant to be used during warm weather but gives you full sun protection.
• Hat – Ciele GOCap – These are light, quick drying, packable, and fun-colored hats that are great for travel.
• Sunglasses – Maui Jim – The current model I’m wearing is discontinued but you can’t go wrong with anything they have. They also have the best lenses on the market according to our optometry friends.
• Swim trunks – Any swim wear – This one’s easy to forget but you’ll need it for your canyoning excursion.
• Luggage – Db Journey Ramverk Luggage – Chose the medium size of this niche brand mainly because they use one of the best and largest wheels on the market (60mm Hinomoto) which makes them silent and so easy to move around.
• Backpack – Shimoda Action X50 V2 – The ultimate photography backpack for active travellers.
• Messenger bag – Everyday Sling – The 3L and 6L slings are amazing for travel, especially on days you don’t want to carry a full backpack but still want your camera with you.
• Travel towel – Microfiber Towel – We always recommend having these in your suitcase. These can also double as an onsen towel. That said, every accommodation was good about having towels available. The only exception is Hotel Iyaonsen where you needed to have your own. Most likely, you’ll just repurpose a free onsen towel from another location.
• Packing cubes – Eagle Creek Pack-It Cubes and Compression Cubes – Keep organized in your suitcase.
• Sunscreen – Sun Bum SPF50 for face and body – Make sure you’re protected every day.
• Bug spray – Repel 100 – I did not encounter any bugs in October but other seasons may be different.
• Reuseable tote – Peak Design Packable Tote – Super handy when shopping, have a lot of loose things that temporarily need to be moved together, and to keep all your snacks together in the car.
• Tripod – Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod – This is our go-to tripod for our travels and we’ve reviewed it extensively .
• Camera – OM System OM-1 – This is honestly the best camera system if you love to travel, need something rugged for adventures, and shoot wildlife.
• Lens – OM System M.Zuiko Pro 8-25mm – I had to be selective with my lens choices for this trip and ended up using this one the most.
• Powerbank – VEEKTOMX 10000mAh – So good that I travel with 2 of these now with one set up in the backpack and another in my pocket if I need it. What’s important with this one is that it’s thin, small, and can properly quick charge.

Shikoku won’t be on your radar but really should be. It’s the kind of place where the name doesn’t necessarily stand out from the travel pamphlets (if they still make those) but is the type of place where you can fittingly say “if you know, you know”.

These 4 thoughts encapsulate what makes this such a special place.

You can have it all to yourself – I loved my Golden Route experience 10+ years ago but going back to places like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto this year, I’ll be honest, some of that joy was sucked away by huge hoards of tourists and needing to strategize around it. Shikoku was the polar opposite experience where I never had to worry about crowds and I could appreciate each place with intention and peace.

Authentic experiences – Shikoku is more than just sightseeing but there are so many ways where you can get your hands dirty. From knife-making to indigo dyeing, there are so many experiences that will give you a deeper appreciation of how serious they take their respective craft.

Beautiful blend of food, nature, art, and religion – There’s a zen-like quality of how well everything blends and interplays with each other in Shikoku. More than anywhere else I’ve been to in Japan, there’s a completeness to what you can see, do, and eat in Shikoku.

Amazing people – Don’t get me wrong, there are amazing people all over Japan but consistently, language barrier or not, it felt easier to make deeper connections here. Thanks to the freedom of pace and going to places that don’t get as many visitors, locals seemed to be more open to sharing their story.

Perhaps what it all comes down to is that strong sense of authenticity that permeates throughout Shikoku. It’s a feeling and vibe that doesn’t always come through in the marketing but I can tell you that it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve been.

If we’ve done a good enough job of convincing you, our hope is that you’ll make Shikoku part of your upcoming trip to Japan.

The beauty of Shikoku is that it’s beautiful all-year round. While it’s never too busy, you certainly want to try to avoid big holidays and festivals. Similar to other parts of Japan, cherry blossom season and the autumn leaves are great times to go for the most scenic foliage.

Shikoku is the least visited of the main islands of Japan and that alone makes it unique because it retains a raw and authentic quality to it, combining well-preserved architecture, rich cultural heritage, bountiful natural wonders, and is steeped with a sense of mystery because it’s a place few get to experience.

The best way to see Shikoku is by car. The road infrastructure on the island of Shikoku is very good and cuts through its many interior valleys and mountains. That said, it can be challenging for those that are driving on the left-hand side for the first time and certain stretches where you share the road to both sides of traffic on a single lane in the mountains.

While Shikoku is the smallest of the 4 main islands, it has a lot to explore. As a result, we recommend a minimum of 8 days to see Shikoku, and ideally 12 days.

For tourism, Shikoku is best known for the Shikoku Pilgrimage route where you visit some or all 88 Buddhist temples on the island. Thanks to its many bridges connecting to island, it is also a well-known place for cycling enthusiasts. Other things Shikoku is known for are mikan oranges, the Awa Odori Dance, Naoshima Island, Sanuki udon, and olive wagyu.

Yes, you can rely on trains and local buses to get around the island. Many utilize the Shikoku Rail Pass which is exclusive to foreign visitors that is valid on JR trains and also regional train companies such as Kotoden, Iyotetsu, Tosaden, Tosa Kuroshio Railway and Asa Kaigan Railway. It also gives you free access to ferry to Shodoshima and the the buses on the island.

This Shikoku itinerary occurred in the middle of October to give you an idea of the time of year and season.

Shikoku is very pleasant in October. It’s a relatively dry month and is mostly t-shirt weather. The exception is in the valleys and mountains where it’s generally cooler and can get chilly at night. Make sure to have a sweater for these areas of Shikoku.

The Shikoku Pilgrimage route or Shikoku Henro is an amazing experience and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That said it’s not necessarily for everyone. For those that aren’t as interested in the spiritual aspect of it or interested in walking for long stretches, and want to see a broader scope of what makes Shikoku special, a road trip of the island might serve you better.

• 9 Days in Far East Hokkaido
• 12 Day Japan Itinerary
• Best Apps To Use In Japan
• Best Food Souvenirs To Buy in Japan
• Our Best Japan Articles
• After considerable testing between Booking.com , Expedia , and Agoda , ultimately Agoda is the cheapest and has the advantage in terms of having more inventory of hotels in Japan.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100% .

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card . Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature . Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

Data: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices like PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are so good and you can use it globally but recently, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. The best one is Airalo . Save money by getting region-specific eSIMs and use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase. Ubigi is another one that we’ve had success with where they uniquely offer 5G coverage. Use code AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts . The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. TripAdvisor is also useful for reviews and bookings.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental.

Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

• Insured Nomads – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
• RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
• SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
• Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
• InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

This trip was in partnership with Visit Shikoku but all opinions are our own.

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Find us on social media

Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in December

Best things to do and places to visit in Japan in December

December is one of the best months to visit Japan as there are numbers of special events held across the country from big Christmas celebrations to gorgeous winter illuminations. If you need some travel tips,  check out my list of the 10 best things to do in Japan in December!!

Japan in December

In December, the beginning of winter, both domestic and international people enjoy seasonal events including Christmas Market and New Year’s countdown parties in Japan as well as skiing and snowboarding and Onsen hot springs. Towns are lit up by colorful illuminations in December. You will see hot pot dishes and other Japanese delicacies perfect for winter as well as weird tradition like celebrating Christmas with KFC in Japan. The average daily temperature in December in Tokyo is 6-10°C (42.8-50°F). Of course, it is colder in snowy areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku Region and the Japan Alps while it is warmer in Okinawa and other southern prefectures.

1. Winter Illumination

Winter illuminations are definitely Japan’s top attraction in winter months. Numbers of illumination events are held at cities across the country, and you should definitely visit and see the spectacular illuminations as many as you can! Typically illumination events are available until Christmas day, but nowadays many events run after new year, even until spring following year.

Please check out the links below and find the best illumination events in your area!

Tokyo ▶ Tokyo Winter Illumination Guide Kanto area ▶ Best Winter Illuminations near Tokyo Western Japan ▶ Best Winter Illuminations in Western Japan Hokkaido ▶ Best Winter Illuminations in Hokkaido Japan ▶ Japan Illumination Map: Best Winter Illuminations

2. Christmas Markets

The best way to celebrate the winter holiday season is by drinking hot wine and munching some German sausages, don’t you agree?? There are several authentic Christmas Markets in Tokyo open during Christmas season where you can simply have a good time with delicious Christmas food, hot wine, Christmas tree and decorations.

3. Ice Skating

Ice skating is one of most wintry and festive activities this season, and Tokyo has several outdoor ice skating rinks in a central area. Have a great time with festive ice skating rinks with hot snacks, drinks and illuminations.

Onsen is one of must-do things in Japan for every tourist through the year, but the best season to enjoy it is winter. The hot onsen bath feels so much better when outside is cold, and even better when the bath is outdoor. In the mountains and the northern part of Japan have numbers of Onsen spots where you can enjoy watching snow while bathing!

Best Onsen Spots in Japan:

5. Chichibu Night Festival

Chichibu Night Festival or Chichibu Yomatsuri (秩父夜祭) is a traditional festival held in Chichibu City from 1st to 6th December annually. The takes place at Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture which can be accessed around 90 mins from central Tokyo. The festival lasts for 6 days, but the main events are held on 3rd December displaying a parade with massive floats and fireworks

Official Website: https://www.chichibu-omotenashi.com/en/festivals.html

6. Ski/Snowboarding

Japan is one of the best countries for snow activities, and ski and snowboarding are a huge attraction even for foreign visitors. There are several world-class ski resorts offering great courses and fine quality powder snow especially in Hokkaido and Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture). There are several great ski resorts accessible from Tokyo , too!

Check the links below for best ski resorts in Japan! ▶  Best Ski Resorts in Japan

7. Hasedera Autumn Leaves Illumination

Hase Temple (or Hasedera) is a temple in Kamakura City, founded in 8th century. The hill-top temple complex is home to a gorgeous Japanese garden with maple trees, and it is surrounded by the beautiful nature. In autumn, the view of the historical temple and colourful autumn leaves can be enjoyed, and the special light-up is held from late November to early December annually.

Official Website: https://www.hasedera.jp/

8. Disney Christmas

Numbers of special events are held at Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland and DisneySea) through the year, but the best one comes at the end of the year! Disney Christmas brings 100% Christmas vibes as the whole park will be decorated with the Christmas theme from early November to 25th December.

9. Hot Pot Dishes

There are several winter seasonal foods in Japan, but our favourite is definitely hot pot dishes. Hot pot dish is called Nabe in Japanese which comes with multiple ingredients in various kinds of flavours. Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki are also popular dish which are kind of hot pot dish.

Shabu Shabu & Sukiyaki Restaurants in Tokyo:

10. Countdown Events

Don’t miss the grand finale of the year on New Year’s Eve! Celebrating the coming year is one of the most exciting things in winter. There are numbers of parties and events from 31st December to 1st January including Universal Studios Japan countdown party and Tokyo Bay cruise with fireworks!

Countdown events in Tokyo : Best New Year Countdown Events in Tokyo

Countdown events in Japan :  Best New Year Countdown Events in Japan

▽Check out this Japan Bucket List of 30 Best Things to Do throughout the year!▽

▼ Check the Travel Info in Japan in January!▼

▽How to Get Internet Connection during traveling in Japan▽ ▶︎ Perfect Guide to Get WiFi Connection in Japan ▶︎ Which Pocket WiFi Rental is the Best in Japan? ▶︎ Which SIM card Option to Choose in Japan? ▶︎ How to Find and Use Free WiFi in Japan

How did you enjoy the list?? If you are planning to visit Japan in winter season, please check out these articles, too!

▽Related Articles▽

▼Editor’s Picks▼

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

• Things to Do

• Inspiring Bucket-List Adventures
• Start a Travel Blog
• Work With Us/Contact Us

• South Korea
• United States of America
• Falkland Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• Northern Ireland
• Book New Zealand Activities

Asia , Japan

Japan itinerary – 14 days of our incredible japan winter itinerary.

Last modified on October 16, 2021

Japan is an incredibly diverse country.  With amazing nature, traditional architecture and a distinctive mix of ancient and modern culture, there’s really nowhere else in the world like it!  Maximise your time with this Japan itinerary 14 days and prepare for the time of your life.  Amazing in any season, this reflects our Japan winter itinerary, but can just as easily be applied to spring, autumn or summer (with just one or two t weaks).

Towering skyscrapers, incredible technology, pop culture, ancient traditions, unusual places , wildlife, food and so, so much more.  Japan literally offers something for everyone.

Having spent two incredible weeks in the ‘land of the rising sun’, we’re pleased to share our honest thoughts on everything we did (and a few things that we didn’t have a chance to do ourselves too)!

Having visited the island of Honshu in late December/early January, this post is first and foremost a Japan winter itinerary, but the activities and ideas we share are largely transferrable to any season.

We intentionally visited a number of well-known tourist destinations (being our first trip, we didn’t want to miss out), along with some off-the-beaten-path Japanese highlights .  The two have combined to bring you this awesome itinerary.

Just as Japan packs a punch, so does this itinerary!  Be sure to use the table of contents box that follows should you want to jump to one section in particular (though we’d always suggest you start by skim reading the entire post).

Jump straight on in...

Getting Around Japan on Your Japan Winter Itinerary – Plan Transport for Your Japan Itinerary – 14 Days

Japan is renowned for its incredible transport system.  Trains, in particular, making travelling in Japan an absolute breeze.

It is possible to travel through Japan by bus, rental car and plane too, but in our experience, trains generally end up being the best bang for buck (in regards to time vs cost).

Though its rail system isn’t particularly cheap, it is efficient, fast and convenient and though we initially questioned the value in our JR Passes (as they were far from affordable), we came away from our 2-week itinerary as complete converts.

When travelling to Japan, we suggest pricing up the train transport you require before comparing that total with the price of a JR Pass – that way you’ll be able to figure out the most cost-effective way for you to travel across the country.

Plan Your Own Japan Itinerary – 14 Days on Your Japan Winter Itinerary

Japan is an incredibly diverse and exciting country, that combines both ancient cultures and modern life in a manner that we’ve not experienced anywhere else in the world.

It is a place that has to be seen and experienced to be believed.

To help make life easy for you, we’ve broken down where we stayed and what we did in each of the key locations we visited.

From the incredible history of Hiroshima and Kyoto, to the buzz of Tokyo (and everywhere in between), this Japan Itinerary 14 Days covers many of the key highlights in Japan whilst taking a well-considered route.

Back your bags and great ready to hit the road!

Top Tip: Japan is amazing at any time of year! If you’re headed there earlier in the year, be sure to consult this Autumn packing list .

Osaka (1 Night) – The Start of Your Japan Itinerary 14 Days

A vibrant, buzzing city, Osaka is known for its nightlife, incredible street food and it modern architecture.  It also serves as a great entry or exit point to Japan, when combined with Tokyo – do as we did and fly into one city and out of the other, to save both time and money.

Osaka is a large port city and commercial centre on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife and hearty street food. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle, which has undergone several restorations, is its main historical landmark. It’s surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees. Sumiyoshi-taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

Though we didn’t have long in the city, it’s easy to spend much longer; even with four days in Osaka , you won’t be wanting for things to do.

What to Do in Osaka

Visit dotonbori – the heart of osaka.

There you’ll find countless neon signs (which are best viewed at night) lining a beautiful canal.  There is also a 580m long shopping street that connects Dotonbori to Shinsaibashi – it’s the best place to go to try local street food dishes.  You’ll be spoilt for choice there!

Admire the Osaka Castle

As beautiful as it is important, the Osaka Castle is a must-see whilst in the city.  This castle is recognised as one of the most famous landmarks in all of Japan as it played an important part in being to unify Japan in the sixteenth century.  It has since been decimated by fire and rebuilt and repaired a number of times; existing in its current form since 1931.

Our favourite time to visit is at night when it is illuminated (which just so happens to be when you see it on the go kart tour).

Check out Tsutenkaku – The Osaka Tower

This 100m+ observation tower boasts beautiful views of Osaka.  Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to check out the restaurants and shops in Shinsekai.

Hit the streets on a Go Kart!

If you’re looking for a good time (and we know you are), you’ve got to jump in a go kart in Japan!  We’d heard mixed things about just how appreciated the go karts are in Tokyo (and by that, I mean we’d read some horror stories), but that’s absolutely not the case in Osaka.  We donned onsies and had the time of our lives!

Our guide did a great job of explaining how to safely drive the go karts on the open road, ensured we felt comfortable the entire time and zipped us around all of the key sights in the city (including the Osaka Castle, Namba, Dotonbori, Osaka Tower and the stunning Christmas illuminations).  Be prepared to feel like a celebrity though; we couldn’t get over how many people were waving and snapping photos of us.

If there’s one thing you do in Osaka, make sure this is it!  It really is the perfect way to get a sense of Osaka whilst having a good giggle.

Additional Things to do in Osaka:

Spend a day at universal studios japan.

A world renowned theme park brand, with rides and attractions based on Hollywood blockbusters, Universal Studios Japan (or USJ as it’s known by fans) appeals to guests of all ages.  If you’re wondering whether it’s worth paying the Japanese park a visit (when you’ve already been to one elsewhere), the answer is yes; not only do they have an incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but they also have Japanese favourites like Sailor Moon, Godzilla and Attack on Titan – attractions you don’t see anywhere else in the world.  They’ve also got one of my Universal favourites – Jurassic Park: The Ride!

Visit the Kuromon Market

This is the most famous market in Osaka and where you’ll find endless fresh seafood, meat, fruit and more – Osaka is known for its regional street food and this is one of the best places to find it.

Spend some time at Kaiyukan – Japan’s Largest Aquarium

Osaka is home to one of the biggest aquariums in the world .  There you’ll find whale sharks, rays, seals and over 600 other species of fish and marine animals.  If you’re looking for a low-key wall to fill your time or entertain younger travellers, this is a great way to do so.

Where to Stay in Osaka

Kaja Hotel .  Modern and funky, this surf-inspired hotel represents excellent value for money.  With each self-contained suite built within a shipping container, it’s far from a traditional Japanese hotel but that doesn’t make it any less memorable.  The Kaja Hotel is also close to a local light rail station, making it incredibly easy to get in close to the action of Osaka (and out of it again when it’s time to rest.

Hiroshima (1 Night)

Made famous for all the wrong reasons, Hiroshima was all but destroyed when an atomic bomb was dropped on it during World War II.  Having worked hard to rebuild itself, it is an a modern city that draws in tourists from all around the world, looking to reflect and observe a glimpse into its difficult past.

What to Do in Hiroshima

Visit the peace memorial park.

The Peace Memorial Park spans the worst affected part of Hiroshima; the first city in the world to fall victim to a nuclear attack.  It serves to remember those affected by this atrocity, both directly and indirectly.

Once home to the busiest commercial and residential district in the city, it is now an expansive park where you’ll find the A-Dome, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, countless monuments and more.  Unfortunately, the museum was closed during our visit (what are the chances when it’s only closed two days a year – the 30th and 31st of December) but we have heard it’s well worth seeing.

The A-Bomb Dome is on display year-round and is a moving reminder of the physical damage that atomic bombs cause in a community.

Check out Hiroshima Castle

Another beautiful example of Japanese architecture, the Hiroshima Castle is also known locally as the Carp Castle.  Though it was originally built in the late 16th century, it was sadly destroyed, along with the rest of the city, by atomic bomb in 1945.  In 1958, the castle was rebuilt as an exact replica – this now houses a museum to help inform visitors about life in Hiroshima before the war.

Additional Things to Do in Hiroshima

Enjoy shukkei-en – formal japanese gardens.

Shukkei-en (which means ‘shrunken scenery garden’ in English) is a great example of traditional gardening in Hiroshima.  It includes a pond, tea houses and a range of scenery which is represented in miniature form (including mountains, valleys and forests).

You’ll find the garden connected by a path which works its way around the pond.  We suggest you follow this pathway to ensure you see all of the miniature scenes.

Visit Miyajima

There are many day trips that are possible from Hiroshima but the most well-known is Miyajima (which is formally known as Itsukushima) .  Miyajima Island is recognised as one of the most scenic locations in all of Japan thanks to it’s incredible.  This ‘island of the Gods’ is home to the iconic orange Great Torii Gate, which appears to float above the water at high tide.  Whilst visiting this island, visitors are also able to enjoy museums, temples and gorgeous forrest trails.  Though we were short on time in Hiroshima, we will certainly be back to visit Miyajima.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima

Nest Hotel Hiroshima Hatchobori .  Another excellent find, Hiroshima’s Nest Hotel is conveniently located in the shopping district of Hatchobori.  Even better, the free JR tourist bus has a stop literally right outside!  The hotel itself is modern and conveniently appointed, again offering privacy and comfortable whilst being superb value for money.

Nara (Day Trip)

A fantastic day trip from Kyoto, Hiroshima or Osaka, Nara is a quiet little town that surges to life each day as the tourists arrive.  The town itself is beautiful but it’s the deer, shrines and temples which you’ll find just outside of town that are the main attractions.

What to Do in Nara

Feed the wild deer.

The best-known attraction in Nara was certainly our favourite; Nara Park where you’ll find hundreds of wild (but surprisingly tame) deer.

At the park, you’re able to buy deer crackers, but be warned – some the deer just love and some they won’t even touch.  We arrived late in the afternoon when the deer were full and really didn’t feel the need to buy crackers for them – it was awesome just to be there, in amongst the deer.

For animal lovers, Nara is a real highlight on this Japan itinerary 14 days.

Visit Nara’s Temples and Shrines

As you walk along the main road to Nara Deer Park, you’ll find countless Japanese temples and shrines.  They’re all beautiful and worth swinging up as you walk back from your visit to the deer.

Kyoto (3 Nights)

Widely recognised as ground zero for Japanese culture, if there’s one place to go to get a glimpse into the past, this is it.

Falling within the list of Japan’s ten largest cities, it has a population of 1.5 million, which swells exponentially due to tourism.

Once the capital city and home to emperors from 794 to 1868, the city was spared from atomic bomb during WWII due to its incredible history.  Thanks to that decision, tourists and locals alike can enjoy many priceless original shrines and temples; more so in Kyoto than anywhere else.

Kyoto is just one of many beautiful places to visit in Japan and is a must-see on your itinerary.

Pro tip: We were there over the New Year period when the city was frantically busy; it’s still possible to avoid crowds in Kyoto (most of the time).

What to Do in Kyoto

Wander through fushimi inari taisha.

A key Shinto shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous and ancient in all of Japan.  Known for its orange torii gates, its mountain trail winds up Mount Inari, paying respects to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.  On your hike along Fushimi Inari, you’ll notice an abundance of foxes, thought to be Inari’s messengers, and smaller shrines off to the side of the gates on occasion.

It is possible to hike to the summit of Mt Inari over the course of 2-3 hours, but it is certainly possible to stop and turn around at any stage.  The further you walk along the mountain trail, the fewer torii gates you’ll see and the further apart they are; this means that from a photographic point of view, the first 30 minutes or so of the hike is the most interesting.

Did you know?  The gates that you’ll walk through have all been donated by Japanese citizens and companies.  The smallest gates start at approximately JPY400,000 (USD3,635/NZD5,515) and larger ones require payments of over JPY1,000,000!  In the small shrines that sit off to the side of the main trail, you’ll also spot mini torii gates which have been donated by people with smaller budgets.

Visit Arashiyama

Explore the arashiyama bamboo forest.

One of the most photographed parts of Kyoto, a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is practically a must on your Japan itinerary 14 days.  With a number of pathways, the forest is free for visitors to access, and even on a busy day, it’s magical.  The sound of the breeze russling through the bamboo is unbeatable – to the point that that Ministry of the Environment has recognised it as part of the official soundscape of Japan!

Visit Monkey Park Iwatayama

On the opposite side of the Ōi River (to where you’ll arrive by bus or train), you’ll find a group of almost 200 wild Japanese macaque monkeys.  Food can be purchased at the park, where you can enjoy some quiet time with our distant relatives.

Though we made the decision not to visit Iwatayama Monkey Park whilst in Arashiyama (as we knew we’d see the snow monkeys later in our Japan itinerary 14 days), we had been told that it was amazing!

Enjoy the township of Arashiyama

A stunning old village, Arashiyama is now home to countless authentic souvenir shops, street food vendors and restaurants.  It is the perfect place to meander and soak in what makes Japan so special.

Wander Higashiyama

Check out sannenzaka and ninenzaka.

Two of the most iconic streets in Kyoto, a visit to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka is a must.  These two lanes slope gently down, past teahouses, beautifully preserved buildings and, at the right time of year, one of the most incredible displays of cherry blossoms you’ll see in the city.

If you follow these two ‘slopes’, you’ll find yourself at the beautiful Kiyomizudera Temple.

Admire the Kiyomizudera Temple

Build way back in 780, Kiyomizudera (known as the “Pure Water Temple”), is one of the most celebrated in the whole country.  It is best known for its large wooden stage which provides incredible views out over Kyoto.

So you’re in the know…  The Kiyomizudera Temple is currently being renovated; this work is expected to be completed in 2021.

Roam Gion on the look out for Geishas

Known across the world for their incredible ability to entertain (dance, culture, poetry – you name it, they can do it), geishas are unique to Japan.

In Gion , geisha’s learn their craft, so if you keep your eyes peeled (and have a little luck) you may find one wandering the streets.

Hire a traditional kimono

Though I went back and forth about dressing in a kimono and wandering the streets of Kyoto, it ended up being one of the real highlights from our trip!

To start, I selected my silk kimono (a difficult task in a sea of stunning options) and the team got to work on me.

If you’ve never been dressed in a formal kimono, it’s hard to explain just how incredibly involved the process is.  It involves two women working together, towels, cord, tape and layer after layer of material, all whilst they natter away in Japanese.  It is an amazing experience and one that I highly recommend!

Once you’re kitted out in your kimono, you’ll pick your hairstyle and accessories before setting off for the streets of Kyoto, ready to explore and snap photos.

Walking around the old streets of Kyoto, I felt a little like a Japanese princess!

Discover local eats on a food tour

A firm favourite for us whenever we travel, food tours are an amazing way to get to know locals, meet new travelling friends and chow-down on a variety of local dishes.  In a country like Japan where meals are often foreign (not to mention, presented in a different language), having a Japanese guide order on your behalf is a godsend!

We tried a variety of meals on our tour, ranging from those that were fairly familiar to ones that we wouldn’t ever have thought to order (cold soba noodles, anyone?) but that is precisely what food tours are all about.  Every dish was a treat and the company was even better.

We loved our time with Arigato Food Tours and will certainly be back when we next travel to Japan.

Additional Things to Do in Kyoto

Admire kinkaku-ji – the golden pavilion.

One of the most beautiful buildings in all of Japan, a visit to the Golden Pavilion is a highlight for many.  This Zen Buddhist temple (which is officially named Rokuon-ji) has two floors completely covered in gold leaf – it is just stunning!

Where to Stay in Kyoto

M’s Inn Sanjo Omiya .  Another fantastic hotel, M’s Inn Sanjo Omiya wasn’t as affordable as the aforementioned hotels, but when you’re visiting Kyoto over the New Years period, nothing is cheap!  When compared to other properties, it was a great day though, and it certainly delivered on comfort and convenience.  Located in a fairly local part of the city, it was away from the madness of central Kyoto (which we appreciated) but still well-connected both by bus and train.  The rooms themselves were well-appointed and comfortable and though reviews online talked about some frustrations with the automated check-in, we didn’t have any issues (and found their staff to be very helpful).

Matsumoto (Day Trip)

The perfect day trip on the way from Kyoto to Nagano (and then on to Yudanaka), Matsumoto is a small town that packs a mighty punch!

What do Do in Matsumoto

Admire matsumoto castle.

One of the most important castles still standing in Japan, the Matsumoto Castle is a stunner.

With only three premier historic castles left in the country, it really is worth hopping off the train to see Matsumoto Castle for yourself.  Best of all, access to the grounds are free and as it’s a relatively small town that doesn’t get as many tourists as other spots, you’ll be guaranteed an amazing view of the castle.

Snap a photo by the Seikando Bookstore

Sandwiched between two modern buildings, you’ll find the Seikando Bookstore .  This incredible little building was modelled after the Matsumoto Castle and is home to an incredible collection of second-hand Japanese books.  Unfortunately the store was closed when we visited, so we didn’t get a chance to explore inside, but the building itself is well worth seeing – even if you don’t step foot inside.

Yudanaka (1 Night) – Winter Paradise on this Japan Winter Itinerary

The gateway to the Snow Monkey Resorts Park, this is as close as you can get to them by train.  Sleepy and quaint, Yudanaka provides a glimpse into rural life in Japan.

What to Do in Yudanaka

Visit the snow monkeys.

Winter icons in Japan, we loved visiting the snow monkeys just out of Nagano.  Though they can be seen any time of year, it’s best to see the snow monkeys whilst on your Japan winter itinerary.

After completing an easy hike (which takes approximately 25 minutes), you’ll climb up to the geothermal home of the wild Japanese macaque troupe.  There you’ll find the snow monkeys swimming, bathing, grooming and getting up to all sorts of general mischief!

It’s a must-do if you’re visiting Japan in the colder seasons and for us, was a real highlight on our Japan itinerary 14 days.

Relax in an onsen

If you’re looking for the perfect way to relax your tired, travelling muscles, an onsen is the perfect place.  You’ll find these traditional Japanese hot springs throughout Japan, but they are especially popular in this region.

If you want to use the public onsens, you’ll need to be prepared to enter naked with only your own gender.  It’s also important to check that tattoos are allowed at your onsen of choice, as they often aren’t.

Should you prefer to swim clothed or with your hetro partner it is possible to hire private onsens for periods of time.  This is also a great solution should you have tattoos that cannot be covered (and onsens that are not tattoo-friendly).

Where to Stay in Yudanaka

Guest House Honami-Kaido .  If you’re looking for a real taste of what it is to live in Japan, look no further!  Yoshirou, the owner of this guest house, goes above and beyond to ensure his guests have a fantastic stay.  What he lacks in English, he certainly makes up for in enthusiasm and kindness!  Though the guest house is a little out of town, Yoshirou includes three return journeys each day and will happily drop you into town, to the famed onsens and also to the snow monkeys.  It’s worth noting that as this is a traditional guest house, you will be sleeping on futons on the floor, but it’s all a part of the Japanese experience.  This snuggly guesthouse is the perfect place to stop off for an evening or two on your Japan winter itinerary.

Shiga Kogen (2 Nights): Another Japan Winter Itinerary Highlight

Shiga Kogen (which means Shiga Heights in English) is all about the snow.  Perfect for all skiers and snowboarders, it is close to the snow monkeys and to Nagano and is especially known as being an ideal spot for intermediate snow-bunnies.  It first came into the spotlight internationally as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics and is now a favourite amongst locals and in-the-know travellers.

For snowboarders and skiers, no visit to Japan is complete without a stop off at the mountains, as part of a Japan winter itinerary.

What to Do in Shiga Kogen

Ski and snowboard up a storm.

Shigan Kogen is the second highest ski resort in Japan and one of the largest too.  With 19 different interconnected ski fields, it’s easy to cover a lot of ground in a very short amount of time – both via ski lift and their bus system.  As all of these lifts and buses can be accessed using the one ski pass, multi-day skiing and boarding really is a breeze.

In total, you’ll find more than 80 kilometres of trails (wow!) that span an elevation of 980 metres, serviced by almost 70 lifts, gondolas and chairs.  This is a serious ski resort by any standards, but add in a might dose of infamous Japanese powder (japow, anyone?) and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

After being dropped off at the Giant ski field (which was nice and handy to our accommodation), we spent the day snowboarding Hoppo Bunadaira and, my personal favourite, Nishidateyama .  Though visibility wasn’t great for us on the mountain, we were blessed with the most incredible powder that fell right throughout the day.

We’d never experienced snowboarding in such incredible snow but now really do understand why people hunt the world for powder!

Where to Stay in Shiga Kogen

Hotel Astoria .  Owned and run by a fabulous Japanese couple, Kyoko & Satoshi really make Hotel Astoria the kind of place that you could return to time and time again (made all the more magical when you’re cuddled up inside at night as the powder falls outside).  Though the hotel is a little dated now, it all adds to the charm.  Located well in Shiga Kogen, you’ll find yourself close to countless ski fields.  The evening meals (cooked by Kyoko) were fantastic and offered an amazing selection of food and Satoshi really went out of his way to help us throughout our stay.  Ski and snowboard gear is conveniently available to rent onsite (everything from waterproof clothing right down to snowboard bindings ) and Satoshi will gladly take you to and from the ski fields each day (at no additional cost and at the times you choose) – plus he’ll collect you from the nearby bus station too.  This is another hotel that offers true Japanese hospitality!

Fujiyoshida (1 Night)

With Mt Fuji looming in the background, Fujiyoshida is a small, quiet city that services Japan’s tallest peak (at almost 3,800m high).

What to Do in Fujiyoshida

Get your scream on at fuji-q highland.

Widely recognised as the best rollercoaster theme park in Japan, Fuji-Q Highland calls adventure-seekers from all around the globe.  With giants like Eejanaika (a 4th dimension hypercoaster, like X2 at Six Flags Magic Mountain – one of my favourite coasters of all time), Do-Dodonpa (maximum acceleration) and Takabisha (with a record-breaking inverted drop-hill), Fuji-Q Highland really does play with the big boys.

Though it would be next to impossible to compete with the quality thrills of Six Flags Magic Mountain and Cedar Point , or the theming of Disneyland , Fuji-Q Highland provides an awesome introduction to serious coasters (even if many of them are getting on a little in age now).

Where to Stay in Fujiyoshida

Hostel Fujisan YOU .  If you’ve new to hostel life, this is the perfect place to start (though it’ll probably ruin you for any future hostel!).  With a full breakfast (including fresh bread, cooked daily), a lovely quiet atmosphere, comfortable beds and an impeccably clean and well-appointed bathroom setup, it’s exactly what a hostel should be.  Better still, it’s so affordable that we didn’t think twice about getting a private room.

Tokyo (4 Nights); The Last Stop on Your Japan Itinerary 14 days

The beating heart of Japan, Tokyo really does have to be seen to be believed.  With its busy streets, vibrant pop-culture, ancient traditions and towering buildings, no trip to Japan is complete without paying this amazing city a visit.

What to Do in Tokyo

Be wowed at the robot restaurant (shinjuku).

I thought I knew what to expect walking into the Robot Restaurant but truth me told, nothing can prepare you for the insane spectacle that you’ll experience.

It’s loud, it’s bright, it’s manic and over-the-top.  Above all else though, it is an amazing glimpse of modern Japanese pop-culture and a must-do in Tokyo!

Though food is available for purchase, it’s fairly expensive and of questionable quality (especially when compared with the incredible food everywhere else in the city) but contrary to the name, this spot’s all about the show.  Go in with an open mind and ready for a good time and you’ll come out buzzing.

Whilst in Shinjuku, be sure to spend some time wandering the streets – it’s one of the most vibrant and exciting parts of Tokyo!

Take a supercar for a spin in the home of street racing!

Considering the supercar scene in Tokyo, there really is no better place to put a fast car through its paces.

We booked in to drive a Ferrari F430 and spent two hours weaving in and out of inner-city streets, racing along the motorway and stopping off at key landmarks.  The highlight of it all (besides driving in an incredible car of course), was our stop at a local carpark – there, dozens of car enthusiasts would meet up to show off their amazing rides.

It was a taste of the good life that we’d love to experience again!

Treat yourself to a dinner cruise

A surprisingly local experience, we really enjoyed our dinner cruise .  As the only obvious tourists onboard, we really felt like we stumbled across a surprise Japanese gem!

Based on the menu you choose, you’ll be served an outstanding multi-course meal all whilst sailing through Tokyo Bay. Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy live music and have the opportunity to take to the deck to enjoy incredible city views (and to snap the odd photo of course).

Maybe you have a special occasion to celebrate?  Or maybe simply being away is reason enough to treat yourself?  Either way, an evening dinner cruise is the perfect combination of sightseeing and fine food & wine.

Chow down on world-class steak

Apologies, first of all to our vegetarian and vegan readers – we suggest you skip right on past this suggestion.

Assuming you do eat meat, you absolutely have to try Japanese steak whilst visiting the country – it really is unlike anywhere else.

If Japan has the best steak in the world (and it really does), then Misono really is the best of the best.  Established in 1945, this restaurant created the concept of teppanyaki steak – where delicious high-grade steak is cooked by master chefs right infront of your eyes.

Without doubt, it will be the most memorable meal of your trip!

Be amazed at TeamLab Borderless

A triumph of art and technology, TeamLab Borderless is a favourite amongst tourists and for good reason – it is incredible!

TeamLab Borderless is divided into five different sections; Borderless World, Future Park, Forest of Lamps, Athletics Forest and the En Tea house.  Each and every part of this must-see attraction is mind-blowing.

To avoid the crowds, we suggest pre-purchasing your ticket and aiming to arrive as TeamLab Borderless is opening.

Even if you can’t be amongst the first to enter for the day, we still highly recommend popping along – crowds or not, you’ll have an incredible experience.

… and again at TeamLab Planets!

Another amazing light and art installation, TeamLab Planets is different enough to Borderless that it’s still more than worth a visit.

More physically immersive, you’ll even take your shoes and socks off to stand in knee deep water, amazed as projected fish swim right past you.

Both of these museums blew our minds! They’re a must-see on any Japan itinerary 14 days.

Don your Disney ears and hit DisneySea

One of two Tokyo Disney parks , and widely recognised as the most extravagantly themed park in the world, DisneySea is a sight to behold.  This is the most unique of all the Disney theme parks, so for us, it was a must-see whilst we were in Tokyo.  The park, however, can be crazy busy so it’s important to plan appropriately so you don’t spend more than you need to and to avoid spending all day in line.

To help organise our visit to DisneySea, we used two different  booking planners  to find the quietest possible day to visit and went ahead and pre-purchased our tickets at a discounted price .  Instead of picking up our tickets at the gate, we met a travel agent at the final train station (where you’ll get off to transfer to either Disneyland or DisneySea) and got our tickets from him.  Our tickets were original tickets (exactly the same as we’ve received when visiting the original Disneyland and Disneyland Paris ) and were accepted at the front gate without any problem at all; they are genuine tickets just offered at a lower price.

Visit the Shibuya Crossing

The one crossing in the world that really needs no introduction, the Shibuya Crossing is absolutely frantic.

Though it’s awesome any time of the day, we recommend visiting around sunset and people-watching before heading off to dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Check out Gōtokuji Temple – The Cat Temple

Located outside of central Tokyo, you’ll find Gōtokuji Temple.  Though you’ll find incredible traditional Japanese gardens there, there’s one more unique feature that people visit for – the thousands of lucky cats on display!

Known in Japanese as maneki-neko (which means beckoning cat), these good luck charms are left by locals and tourists alike.

Not only do these gorgeous little cats bring luck to those that leave them behind, they also provide a great photo-op and free afternoon’s entertainment.

Without a doubt, this is one of the most unique things to do in Tokyo !

Visit some of Tokyo’s most exciting districts!

Harajuku; home to pop culture and cosplay in japan.

If there’s one place in Japan where you’ll can expect to see all things cute and colourful, Harajuku is it!

I must admit though, I went expecting to see people dressed in costumes, but realised pretty quickly that this isn’t the Harajuku of old.

Instead, we were greeted by countless crêpe shops, souvenir stands and the odd whacky-dessert vendor.

Was it bright and colourful? Absolutely.

Was it as amazing as I’d hoped for? To be honest, no.

Though I’d always considered Harajuku a must-see part of Tokyo, having now visited, I wouldn’t hurry back, nor would I miss seeing something else in favour of a visit to this district.

Be wowed as you visit Akihabara

Home to manga, Japanese anime and gaming, Akihabara buzzes with energy.  This vibrant shopping hub is where you’ll want to head if you’re keen to pick up electrical gear to take home.  Even if you’re not actively shopping, it’s worth a visit though.

Looking for the centre of Akihabara?  Head along to Radio Kaikan where you’ll find 10 floors, filled to the brim with trading cards, collectibles and toys (for all ages!)

Additional Things to Do in Tokyo

Visit the happiest place on earth; disneyland tokyo.

A perpetual favourite, Tokyo has its very own Disneyland (which just happens to be right beside DisneySea).  Modelled after the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California (which we have visited a number of times), we decided to check out DisneySea instead. If you’re never been to Disneyland though, we’d definitely encourage you to pop along.  As an added bonus, Disneyland Tokyo has significantly less crowding than DisneySea!

Check out the best views in Tokyo

Whilst visiting the Shibuya crossing, why not head to the top of Shibuya Scramble Square , where you’ll find Shibuya Sky .  230 metres above the city below, this open-air observation deck offers incredible 360° views.

As you’d expect though, be warned if you’re afraid of heights!

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Hotel Park Side Ueno .  Located right in the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Hotel Park Side is nearby fantastic restaurants, bars, shops, whilst enjoying the calm of its neighbouring park.  With a selection of options, including traditional Japanese rooms and their beautiful sakura rooms (cherry blossom themed), there’s something to make everyone in this hotel.  Our personal recommendation is the sakura room – with a beautiful cherry blossom decal blooming right across the walls, it’s distinctly Japanese (without the need to sleep on the floor).  Hotel Park Side also offers a delicious cooked breakfast each morning – it was easily the best Western breakfast that we had on our 2 week visit in Japan!

Henn Na Hotel Tokyo Asakusabashi .  If you’re looking for a techy hotel in Japan, look no further! The Henn Na Hotels are known for innovative use of technology, both in improving guest experiences and in making their stay a lot more fun.  From your check-in with an android (available in a number of languages), through to freshening up your gear with the LG Clothes Styler , Henn Na manages to combine technology with convenience and service.  As an added bonus, their Asakusabashi hotel is literally minutes walk from the train station (but we never once heard a train from our room).  They’ve also got a restaurant downstairs that caters to all tastes, offering a Western, Indian (my personal recommendation there – yum) and Japanese breakfast.

And there you have it, your action-packed Japan itinerary 14 Days, ready to go!

Japan is an incredible hive of energy and a powerhouse of juxtaposition.  Whether you visit for the shopping, food, activities, pop-culture, history, religious sites or the outdoors, this incredible country is widely recognised as one of the most desirable travel destinations in the world for good reason!

What is it about Japan that will inspire your visit? And most importantly, how soon can you get there?

Pin this post to return to this Japan winter itinerary…

Sarah - Exploring Kiwis

Sarah is a teacher and passionate traveller from New Zealand. Thirsty for adventure, she has just returned from two years in Abu Dhabi and six months travelling around South America with her husband, Nathan. She has worked in the past for an international airline and as a tour manager - travel and adventure is her passion! Sarah hopes to inspire others to push their boundaries and make new discoveries through travel too.

3 thoughts on “ Japan Itinerary – 14 Days of Our Incredible Japan Winter Itinerary ”

My girlfriend and I are both Kiwi’s looking to go to Japan this New Year period (roughly Dec 30 – Jan 15), and we were wondering how you found it over that period in terms of restaurant/shops/attractions being open or closed? I’ve read in a few places that a lot of places close over this time. Was this your experience? And where do you think would be best to go to ‘minimise’ the impact of these closures?

Hi James, how exciting! Retail shops were closed on New Year’s Day but it’s like that in much of the world. We just took it easy that day and visited a beautiful garden and temples. We didn’t have any issue getting food though. I really wouldn’t let it worry me 🙂 If it’s helpful, I can give you a promo code to save some money on activities over there too?

Hi! My partner and I are heading over in the 2022-2023 new year period. You mentioned to the previous comment that you had a promo code? Would it be possible to get that from you? And how do you go about using it?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• WHERE TO GO
• CHERRY BLOSSOMS
• FALL COLORS

10 day Japan winter itinerary ⛄ How I did the Japanese Alps ⛄ Tokyo Nagano Hakuba Takayama ⛄ Backpacking Japan travel blog

This is basically part 1 of my Japan winter itinerary and almost exactly what I did. (Part 2 is winter in Hokkaido !)

This starts off from Tokyo, and then heads to places where you can visit the mountain range called the Japan Alps or Japanese Alps.

This is how I did it anyway in early 2019.

I started at the very end of February and was in these places through March.

This was actually a little late in terms of winter landscape, as some places I visited didn’t have the packed snow as seen in pictures. The snow was melting.

So if you have flexibility in your dates, it may be better to try to go earlier in the season than I did. Although they did say the season I went was unseasonably warm so snow was melting earlier than usual. In pictures below that you don’t see packed snow, google winter pictures of these places!

But even with places that did have snow melting, you’re sure to have a very Japan experience by following this winter itinerary!

There are some places on this list that aren’t necessarily winter-specific destinations, but since you are in the area, they can be a perfect way to experience more of Japan!

First, the quick list of the best places to visit for winter in Japan when starting your trip from Tokyo.

Then, the quick list of the 10 day trip itinerary to go to these places with 1-2 weeks in Japan.

Then, a little bit about where to stay.

And then, a bit more about getting around Japan, specific to these places, by bus or train!

3 best places to visit for winter in Japan in 10 days

…when you’re making a loop from tokyo.

• Nagano City

These are the places to spend your nights!

And then from these places…

9 best things to do in Japan in 10 days

1. nagano city.

2. Jigokudani snow monkey park

3. Shibu onsen hot spring town

4. Obuse chestnut town

5. Hakuba Valley

6. Matsumoto

• Kumano Kodo ancient pilgrimage trail (temples and shrines through the mountains)
• Must-see sumo show
• Traditional yukatabune dinner cruise
• Fun ninja lesson
• Koyasan pilgrimage temple town

7. Takayama

8. Shinhotaka ropeway

9. Shirakawago

So how to make these things a part of your trip to Japan?!

Here is the quick list of the Japan winter itinerary!

Day 1: Tokyo to Nagano

• Tokyo to Nagano by bus  (4 hours)
• Overnight in Nagano

Day 2: Nagano

• Jigokudani snow monkey park
• Shibu onsen

Day 3: Nagano

• Zenkoji Temple

Day 4: Nagano to Hakuba

• Nagano city to Hakuba by bus (1.5 hours)
• Overnight in Hakuba

Day 5: Hakuba ski resort

• Happo-one ski resort (gondola ride for winter landscape of snow-capped mountain views if you don’t ski!)

Day 6: Hakuba ski resort

• Iwatake ski resort

Day 7: Hakuba to Takayama

• Hakuba to Matsumoto by train  (1.5 hours)
• Matsumoto walk , including to Matsumoto Castle
• Matsumoto to Takayama by bus  (2.5 hours)
• Overnight in Takayama

Day 8: Day trip to Shirakawago

• Takayama to Shirakawago by bus
• Visit Shirakawago
• Walk around Takayama Old City

Day 9: Day trip to Shinhotaka Ropeway

• Takayama to Shinhotaka ropeway by bus
• See winter mountain views around the Shinhotaka ropeway

Day 10: Takayama to Tokyo

• Takayama to Tokyo by bus or train
• Overnight in Tokyo

There’s a bit more on how to get around Japan below, but first…

Where to stay in Japan

There are maps and links below (partner websites) to search for hotels in the overnight cities that are a part of this itinerary. Put in future dates into the map, and have a look at hotel prices and reviews!

Since this itinerary uses the snow monkey pass (more on this in a bit) to go places from Nagano city, it can be convenient to stay near Nagano Station which is where you can find the train station and bus station.

I stayed at this hostel that also has private rooms that will give you a Japanese feeling.

For Hakuba, it can be helpful to first decide what it is you want to do here. The ski resorts are kind of spread out, so it will save you time if you stay in an area that will be closest to some of your activities. Some ski resorts might be a 30 minute to 1 hour shuttle ride away.

I stayed at this hostel that also has private rooms. It was located within walking distance of a shuttle bus stop, and they offered a free ride to the train station too.

If you follow this itinerary by going to the suggested day trips, then it will be convenient to stay near the bus station (which is also near the train station).

I stayed at this hostel that also has private rooms, and also gives you a bit of a Japanese feeling. This was a 5-10 minute walk from both the bus station and the old city area. If that’s all booked up, this hostel is a sister property of that one, also in a good location.

To be safe, it would be best to book your flight out of Tokyo on the day after you arrive back. Winter travel can mean an increased risk of delays. You don’t want to feel stressed about having to make it back by a certain time for your flight! (Although this could be a good reason to have travel insurance for those weather related delays !)

Shinjuku is where the main long distance terminal is located, and it’s also the location of a major train station too. This is also a popular Tokyo neighborhood for tourists.

In Shinjuku, I’ve stayed at this more modern hostel . In another area of Tokyo, I’ve also stayed in this hostel right near the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo that offered free group activities like cooking classes, and I would also recommend having a look at this hostel that is in Asakusa. This neighborhood can also be nice if you’ll be further exploring Tokyo.

And now…

A few more details about getting around Japan!

Getting from Tokyo to Nagano

To get from Tokyo to Nagano, it’s possible to take a shinkansen train if you want to use your JR pass .

But it’s also possible to get there for cheaper, at least when it comes to individual tickets. (Tokyo to Nagano shinkansen train vs Tokyo to Nagano bus.)

I basically just showed up at the Shinjuku bus station in Tokyo (THE main bus station in Tokyo) and bought a bus ticket to Nagano. I don’t always recommend this approach as it depends on season and destination (you might not get a seat), but it worked out for me at the end of February! The bus was fairly empty.

See more about my trip from Tokyo to Nagano by bus .

Getting around Nagano city area

Day 2: Nagano city

• Shibu onsen, small hot springs town

Day 3: Nagano City

• Obuse, the small chestnut town

Nagano is the name of a prefecture (similar to a state or province), and there’s also a city by the same name. This region was home to the 1998 winter olympics.

When in Nagano city, I bought the 2-day snow monkey pass  which is around 3,500 yen (US$30). This included all necessary transportation to and from the famous Jigokudani snow monkey park (there’s a direct bus), and it includes the entry too. This is where you see snow monkeys in the onsen hot springs.

The snow monkey pass also includes transportation to Shibu onsen , which is a small hot springs town. You can visit Shibu Onsen on your way back from the monkey park. (It is kind of a long walk, but I walked there from the monkey park.) The pass also includes transportation to Obuse , which is a small town known for chestnuts. Visiting both of these places can give you a quieter small town Japanese experience.

You can buy the snow monkey pass once you arrive in Nagano, in the basement level of the train station. Follow signs for the Nagano Dentetsu Station.

When you’re in Nagano city, also be sure to visit Zenkoji Temple. This is a famous temple in Nagano.

Nagano is also known for the Japanese noodles called soba . While you can find soba all over Japan, since it’s a specialty here, be sure to have soba in Nagano! You might be able to see them prepare the soba  from the street too.

I stayed at a hostel in Nagano which can give you a Japanese feeling type stay – see my photos !

Also see my photos for:

• How to spend 2 days in Nagano
• Walk through streets of Shibu Onsen
• Walk through streets of Obuse

Getting from Nagano to Hakuba

There is a direct bus from Nagano City to Hakuba.

You need to buy a bus ticket before you board the bus. The Nagano bus station is right next to/at the train station. You can buy bus tickets at a store near the place to catch the bus to Hakuba. (You’ll see signs.) It can be better to buy a ticket as soon as you arrive in Nagano, just so you don’t have to worry about tickets selling out. I bought mine on the same day I was leaving though.

Getting around Hakuba

• Happo-one ski resort

Hakuba is a popular ski destination in Japan, as well as a popular snowboarding destination.

Hakuba Valley located in Nagano prefecture, and is a part of what’s called the Japanese Alps or the Japan Alps.

There are a number of ski resorts and snow fields that make up Hakuba, and there’s a Hakuba Valley mountain area pass. This will give you access to all 10 mountains that make up Hakuba Valley including the gondolas and ski lifts, as well as free rides on the shuttle buses that run between the various ski resorts. You can go for 1-day ticket, starting at around 6,100 yen (US$60), through a 7-day ticket.  Here are updated prices for the ski lift pass.

You can find ski rentals and snowboard rentals in Hakuba.

Even if you don’t ski, Hakuba can be worth a visit if you are seeking winter landscape! Have a look at taking the gondola at either the Iwatake ski resort (get snacks or a beer at Hakuba Mountain Harbor) or the Happo-one ski resort. You’ll need to buy a round-trip gondola ticket. And without a ski lift pass, the way you’ll get around the various Hakuba ski resorts will also be the shuttle, but that will be around 500 yen (US$5) per ride.

Some of the bigger ski resorts have free shuttles running around the areas too.

I stayed at a hostel in Hakuba that was a short walk from a Hakuba shuttle stop, and it’s also near a train station. See my photos!

Getting from Hakuba to Takayama

To get from Hakuba to Takayama, Matsumoto is basically along the way. Matsumoto has a famous castle, so it could be a convenient stop when you want to visit a castle in Japan!

See more about my trip from Hakuba to Takayama .

Getting around Hida Valley (Takayama area)

• Takayama to Shirakawago by bus (1.5 hours)
• Takayama to Shinhotaka ropeway by bus (2 hours)
• See winter mountain views

Takayama’s old city is a relatively small area you can walk that will give you that “very Japanese” feeling.

Takayama also makes for a good base for day trips by bus. You can make a trip to the UNESCO world heritage site and historic village of Shirakawago. (Google winter pictures for Shirakawago!)

You can also make a trip to Shinhotaka ropeway for more snow-capped mountain views if you didn’t get enough in Hakuba. If you’re interested in winter hiking or snowshoeing, this is a good area to start a trail too. You need to bring your own gear though! Otherwise if want just a casual winter hike, you can walk for 10-15 minutes on the snow-packed trails and then turn around!

See more about my trip to Shinhotaka ropeway on a cloudy day .

Takayama has a specialty “ Takayama ramen ” so be sure to have some of this type of Japanese noodles when in Takayama!

I stayed at a  hostel in Takayama , which is another place that can give you a Japanese feeling type stay! It’s also a short walk from the bus station, which is convenient for those day trips!

Getting from Takayama to Tokyo

• Takayama to Tokyo by bus (6 hours)

There is a direct bus from Takayama to Tokyo. It’s best to buy this bus ticket at the bus station as soon as you get to Takayama so you don’t have to worry about bus tickets being sold out.

Otherwise, train is another way to get from Takayama to Tokyo, although it will require a train transfer and will be more expensive. If you plan on further exploring Japan like the traditional Golden Route tourist trail , this might be a time consider activating a JR pass . If riding the shinkansen bullet train is on your bucket list for Japan, this is a time you can take it. (You can also take it at the beginning of this Japan itinerary, from Tokyo to Nagano.)

For the end of the trip, instead of heading back to Tokyo, I moved on to Hokkaido for more of winter in Japan. There was plenty of snow to be seen in Hokkaido even at the end of March!

I went from Takayama to Nagoya by bus to get to the Nagoya airport, and from there took a flight to Hokkaido. (I almost didn’t get a bus ticket, so I would definitely say get this in advance if you’re headed to the airport!)

HAPPY 10 DAYS OF WINTER IN JAPAN!

How to spend winter in Japan

• 10 day winter itinerary with the Japan Alps
• 7 day winter itinerary in Hokkaido

If you're looking for a route for winter in Japan, here are some ideas!

• 10 day Japan winter itinerary
• Tokyo to Nagano bus
• 2 days in Nagano with snow monkey pass // Stay at  this Nagano hostel  (private rooms available)
• A few days in popular ski resort area Hakuba (go here for at least a day even if you don't ski for the winter landscape in the mountains!) // Stay at  this Hakuba hostel  (private rooms available)
• Hakuba to Takayama  ( Hakuba to Matsumoto train  / a few hours  in Matsumoto  /  Matsumoto to Takayama bus )
• A few days in Takayama with day trips: Shirakawago / Shinhotaka ropeway on a sunny day // Stay at  this Takayama hostel  (private rooms available) and  eat regional Takayama ramen
• Takayama back to Tokyo OR Takayama to Nagoya airport to fly to Hokkaido for more winter landscapes!

Hokkaido winter itinerary  (train to get around - there are JR Hokkaido passes available, and you can use a  regular JR pass  too)

• Sapporo to Asahikawa  (Asahikawa for penguin walk at zoo)
• Asahikawa to Abashiri (Abashiri for drift ice cruise)
• Abashiri to Obihiro (night in Obihiro and go to  Lake Shikaribetsu ice village  the next day)
• Obihiro to Sapporo
• Sapporo to Noboribetsu onsen hot spring town  (day trip)
• Sapporo to Hakodate  // Stay in  this Hakodate hostel
• Hakodate to Tokyo on shinkansen bullet train through the underwater tunnel! ( Regular JR pass  will be worth it if you take this train ride along with one more long distance train ride within 7 days)

Is a JR pass worth it?!

• Google maps can make it easy to figure out whether or not you should get a JR pass!
• In google maps, type in your departure and arrival city, and choose the transit icon. The route will come up, and so will the estimated cost at the bottom!
• Here is an example of a train route with cost on google maps.
• So do that for all of your long distance routes to figure out how much it might cost.
• Next, go here to see how much a JR pass costs from an official JR pass vendor (and partner of this website).
• And compare!
• Not all forms of public transportation are JR, but long distance shinkansen bullet trains are, and that's where the most cost savings will come.

Best of Kyoto (and Japan!)

• Best temples to visit in Kyoto
• Japanese gardens in Kyoto

Japan Travel & Culture Guide

9 Days in Hokkaido Winter Itinerary | Dec-Jan

A lot of Japan enthusiasts from all over the world would like to visit Hokkaido this winter . This is arguably the best winter holiday destination in the land of the rising sun, and one of the top in the world .

Are there any other competitors throughout Japan who could beat it?

With its stunning winter activities, such as skiing , snowmobiling, snow rafting, snowboarding, ice fishing, dog sledding, drift ice sightseeing cruising, horse riding, and including participation in the snow festivals, the area is stunningly mind-boggling. Please note winter scenery here takes your breath away.

Hokkaido is a land best known for its picture-perfect mountains, winter festivals , drift ice, lavender flowers, sea foods, and wild animals. In winter, you will miss the majestic views of lavender farms , but the rest of things are awaiting you.

Whether you embark on a trip to Hokkaido in early winter (Late November to Early January) , or during its peak winter season (Mid January to early March), you will be familiar with the winter traditions that belong to locals.

This suggested Hokkaido itinerary is for the ones who dream of visiting the area in February . But this one that you are reading right now, is especially crafted for travelers who are supposed to spend their Christmas and New Year’s Holidays in Hokkaido .

Travelers coming to Hokkaido in mid January , or after the end of the snow festivals may also follow this suggested itinerary. This is also a perfect itinerary for travelers coming from Honshu, who intends to leave Hokkaido by trains.

Read about the best things to do in Hokkaido , which shares the best activities!

A 9-Day Suggested Itinerary for Hokkaido (Early Winter)

Before we get to the main point, which I mean the suggested itinerary, there is something to share with you. Bear in mind as I always say, the island is big and offers a list of incredible places to go.

It will be unrealistic to think of visiting all the places within 8 days. That’s the truth. However, you have the right to modify this itinerary to make the best of your winter vacation.

There are many ways you can start your trip. You may begin your trip from Sapporo, or Hakodate. According to my experience, the best way to start off your trip is from the capital city – Sapporo .

But this time I would suggest you to begin your expedition from Niseko , a perfect place to see snow in December. So, let’s get started now!

Please note if you wish to explore Hokkaido’s winter attractions from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) via Aomori to Hakodate. And if that is so, start your dream trip from Hakodate !

Day 1 – Chitose->Niseko

If you arrive in New Chitose Airport in the morning, there is a chance of taking a half day trip around the area of Grand Hirafu resort , Niseko. You can take Chuo Bus to reach Niseko. Click here to see the departure time of the buses.

Check in at The Vale Niseko , a top recommended hotel, which is located at the base of Niseko Annupuri Mountain , and takes a 10-minute drive from JR Kutchan Station . There you can find a nice ski rental shop.

It’s always lovely to walk around Grand Hirafu resort and the restaurants you find there are very good. Night skiing/snowboarding can be enjoyed on the slopes of Grand Hirafu .

Go for it, if you love skiing and snowboarding! If you are not in the mood for skiing, and searching for alternatives, I would suggest you to enjoy a gondola ride there, and spend time on exploring nature.

In addition, a visit Niseko Milk Kobe is also recommended because there you can find a list of delicious fresh dairy products such as cake, soft-served ice cream, yogurt, cheese, pastries and so on.

Day 2 – Niseko->Sapporo

Today you will take a half day trip to Niseko Village , one of the notable ski resorts in Niseko. Get on the shuttle bus to reach Niseko Village . Visit this page to see the timetable of the shuttle service.

Apart from skiing in this resort town, visitors are offered to experience various outdoor activities including horse riding, snowmobiling, snow rafting, reindeer sledding and so on.

Before you get on the bus to Sapporo, you may want to try some fresh seafood at Ezo Seafoods . The restaurant is well known for eating fresh seafood in Niseko. Get back to your room, pack your things, and then check out!

Leave for Sapporo! Say goodbye to Niseko.

In the evening, you may consider taking a walk in Odori Park , where the Sapporo White Illumination takes place. Without doubt, this could be your best place to enjoy Christmas Eve.

Stay overnight at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo .

Day 3 – Sapporo and Otaru

For day three, interesting places to visit are some of Sapporo’s iconic attractions , and Otaru city .

Learn some ideas on how to spend a day in Sapporo . As you are supposed to head over to Otaru today, you’d better cancel visiting Mt. Moiwa tonight. Accessing Otaru from downtown Sapporo is not a daunting task; it’s super easy.

Otaru is a 30 minute train ride from JR Sapporo Station. Multiple trains run hourly between Otaru Station and Sapporo Station. Taking this into account, you should catch the train to Otaru before 16:00.

If you expect to see some other sightseeing attractions of Otaru such as Otaru Museum, and Otaru Aquarium , then you better get there early.

You can spend a lifetime of holidays in Hokkaido, and it will not be a great adventure if you don’t pay a visit to a port city, Otaru, especially in the winter.

It has a picture-perfect canal (Otaru Canal), lit up with lights breathtakingly every evening during the winter months. One little secrete to share that roaming around city in the evening is fabulous than doing it before the sunset.

Have your lunch there and get back to Sapporo by train. Goodnight!

Day 4 – Sapporo->Asahikawa->Sapporo

Hokkaido is home to different species of wild animals including birds (migratory and non-migratory). Brown bears, Hokkaido ezo deer, red foxes, red-crowned cranes, white tailed eagle, and Steller’s sea eagle , are said to be found throughout the region, especially in eastern part of the island though.

Not many visitors to Hokkaido have time to go to the east to see its unspoiled nature and wildlife.

Considering all this fact, you ought to visit Hokkaido’s number one zoo, called Asahiyama Zoo , in Asahikawa. You are offered to see a list of endangered animals such as polar bears, red pandas, Japanese cranes, and other species .

There, an exciting penguin parade can be observed from Late December to mid March every year, usually happens twice a day. I hope you don’t miss this hilarious experience.

With reserved seating option, there are limited express trains that connects Sapporo with Asahikawa every 30 mintues. If you have a Japan Rail Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass , you don’t need to buy any tickets.

Just hop on the train, enjoy the ride until it stops at JR Asahikawa Station. From there, you will take the bus to reach Asahiyama Zoo .

If you are traveling with kids, then DAY 4 will be definitely a top-notch holiday experience for the whole family.

Return to downtown Sapporo with a lot happy memories.

Day 5 – Sapporo->Jozankei

Your today’s expedition is a full day trip to Jozankei , a hot spring resort town with many public foot-baths and onsen , is located on the outskirts of Sapporo city.

If snowy winter weather is a rare thing in your home town, a day trip to Jozankei would be the experience of a lifetime. Here, winter scenic magnificence greets you in every direction.

Excellent onsen bath and beautiful surroundings would inspire you to travel here year round. So, don’t you think it’s worth a visit during winter? The best way to get to this hot spring resort from Sapporo is by bus.

Day 6 – Sapporo->Noboribetsu

Every hot spring resort town in Hokkaido has its own unique features to offer. More than just an attraction, Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort town that boats of its Jigokudani (Hell valley – a place to see real volcanic activity).

You can reach Noboribetsu by limited express trains that stop at Noboribetsu Station. Is there any other alternative? Yes there is! You have to make a ryokan reservation at Dai-ichi Takimotokan .

It does not only provide traditional Japanese style guest rooms with perfect hot spring bath facility but also provides a shuttle bus service for its visitors from JR Sapporo Station .

Departure time is at 14:00. This hassle free bus ride is about two hours. Enjoy the ride, explore the hell valley, and relax your body and mind taking an onsen bath.

Learn about the most popular onsen resorts in Hokkaido .

Day 7 – Noboribetsu->Hakodate

After you check out, you should get to the station and wait for the train to Hakodate. It’s always a good decision when you decide yourself staying in a hotel located adjacent to Hakodate Station. So would you mind checking in at Comfort Hotel Hakodate ?

Before you make your way to the Hakodate ropeway , I would tell you to visit the Red Brick Warehouse and I think you will not regret walking down the street of Motocmachi neighborhood .

The neighborhood looks stunning during the time of Hakodate Illumination . The area is packed with historical buildings and a stroll along the streets will take you back to the past.

Take the ropeway to climb Mount Hakodate , and enjoy Hakodate City night view from the observation deck. Spend all the evening there and then get back to your hotel. Call it a day!

Day 8 – Hakodate

On your last day, spend your morning exploring the Hakodate Morning Market . And then move to Fort Goryokaku (A Star Shaped Western Style Citadel), one of must see attractions in Hakdoate, which was build in 1855 during the Edo period .

Please note the area is said to be one of the best places to see cherry blossom in Hokkaido.

You must visit Goryokaku Tower’s observation deck for experiencing a picturesque bird’s eye view of the giant fortress. For a little bit of history, pay a visit to Hokkaido Hakodate Museum of Art .

In the evening, head over to Motomachi again and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll. That will be an experience of a lifetime.

Day 9 – Hakodate to Chitose

If you are leaving Hokkaido for Honshu, hop on a train as per schedule. And if your flight time is in the afternoon, take the early morning train to reach Chitose Airport from Hakodate. Have a great journey!

Have you liked this suggested itinerary? Are you still confused about your Hokkaido trip, contact us to get some useful travel guides.

If you are looking for a best pocket wifi to stay connected to the internet when traveling around Hokkaido, use this one . You can read my review on this pocket wifi before you look for an alternative.

Thank you for reading this post.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Hello there, looking to plan your next Japan adventure? You’re in the right place! We’re your go-to source for all things travel-related, especially when it comes to exploring Hokkaido. We share Hokkaido travel tips and free itineraries to make your trip truly memorable. Read our guides and for further inquiries, feel free to contact us!

Follow us on Facebook

Hot spring bath with great views of Mt. Fuji!!!!

• Destinations
• Travel Resources

Select Page

Japan Winter 12-day Itinerary

Asia , Destinations , Japan

Our Japan winter trip was all about enjoying the fun things to do in Japan during winter. On this 12-day trip, we were able to do certain things that we could only experience during a Japan winter season, such as marvelling at the biggest winter illuminations in Nagoya, watching a winter show at the Osaka castle, visiting snow monkeys in their natural habitat, enjoying  the Hakone hot springs and playing with snow at a ski resort.  

Below is our 12-day itinerary.

Day 1: Tokyo

We arrived in Tokyo and spent our first evening exploring Shibuya and watching people criss-crossing at the Shibuya crossing. The nice part about visiting Tokyo in winter was the light decorations all around the city. Read more about our  Tokyo  trip.

Day 2: Hakone

We travelled to Hakone known for its hot springs and amazing views of  Mt Fuji . We took a cable car, a ropeway across steaming volcanoes and stayed overnight in a traditional Japanese ryokan with a hot spring bath. Read more about our  Hakone  trip.

Day 3: Hakone – Osaka

We explored the volcanic valley, and then took a sightseeing pirate ship across Lake Ashi. In the afternoon, we took the bullet train to Osaka and enjoyed an evening in the lively Namba area. Read more about our  Osaka  trip.

Day 4: Osaka Aquarium and Castle

We visited the Osaka Aquarium, had some fun at the Tempozan marketplace, and then visited Osaka Castle in the evening for an outdoor show. Read more about  Osaka .

Day 5: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Day 6: Kyoto

We went on a day trip to Kyoto from Osaka as we didn’t get to see the famous red Torii gates at Fushimi Inari and the geisha district in Gion the last time we visited Kyoto. Read more about  Kyoto .

Day 7: Winter Illuminations

One of the best things to do in Japan during winter is to enjoy its winter illuminations and one of the best was at Nabana No Sato near Nagoya.  Read more about  Winter Illuminations in Nabana No Sato .  

Day 8: Hakuba Ski Resort

A winter holiday is not complete without a chance to play with snow. We headed north to Nagano and spent the afternoon at the Hakuba ski resort.  We spent the night at Hakuba Sun Valley with the Goryu snow park right at its doorstep.

Day 9: Jigokudani Snow Monkeys

We took a bus to see the Jigokudani snow monkeys who only make an appearance during the colder months to soak in the warm bath prepared by the locals.  In the late afternoon, we took the bullet train to Tokyo.

Day 10: Tokyo

We visited the famous Tsukiji fish market, Pokemon centre, and spent the evening in Shinjuku, with a hearty ramen dinner at Menya Gaijin. Read more about  Tokyo .

Day 11: Tokyo

We took a stroll down Harajuku street, famous for trendsetting fashion; Akihabara, a haven for electronic goods and Asakusa for sightseeing, shopping as well as sushi at Sushi-ken. Read more about our  Tokyo  trip.

Day 12: Narita Airport

Planning for this trip.

As this trip was our second trip to Japan, planning was comparatively easier this time round.  I hope that you find the tips below useful for your planning.

Accommodation

For our trip, we stayed at different types of budget-friendly and family-friendly accommodations:

• Hotel Empire in Shinjuku – We stayed overnight in this budget-friendly family accommodation that is a 3-min walk from JR Okuba station, 1 stop away from Shinjuku. 
• Hakone Gora Kanon – We stayed overnight at this traditional family ryokan up the Hakone mountain resort with private hot spring baths. They were also able to order for us dinner (tempura prawn udon) from a nearby restaurant.
• Wafu Ryokan Uehonmachi – We stayed in this budget-friendly Japanese-style accommodation in Osaka for 4 nights.  It is within walking distance to Uehonmachi station, just 1 stop away from the lively Namba area. 
• Hotel Mystays Nagoya – We stayed overnight here after visiting the illuminations. We chose this because it was only 3 stops from Nagoya station, from where we were to depart for Hakuba the next . near a restaurant with halal food ( Taxim ). We couldn’t find a family room in Nagoya, so we booked 2 rooms. 
• Hakuba Sun Valley – We chose this accommodation because it had an option for a muslim-friendly menu, was close to Hakuba Goryu Ski resort and there was snow right outside the accommodation.  
• Haru Hotel – We stayed 3 nights at this budget-friendly accommodation that is within walking distance from JR Okuba station and 1 stop away from Shinjuku

Tickets and Tours

You can get attraction tickets, tours and even restaurant bookings for Japan through Voyagin.com .

Getting around with Luggage

Transportation

• Express train from Airport to Shinjuku
• JR Yamanote from Shinjuku to our hotel in Shin-Okubo
• RomanceCar  from Shinjuku at 09:27am and arriving at Hakone-Yumoto at 11:04am. 
• Hakone Free Pass – Tozan railway to Gora (39 min), cable car to Sounzan (10min), ropeway to Togendai and bus to Gora (see bus schedule ) and cable car to accommodation at Naka-Gora.
• Hakone Free Pass –  cable car, ropeway to Owakudani, ropeway to Togendai, pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi (40 min) and a bus back to Odawara. 
• We activated our Japan rail pass and took the bullet train from Odawara at 14:08, arrived at Shin-Osaka at 16:26 and changed to the Osaka Loop Line and a local Kintentsu line to our accommodation at Osaka-Uehonmachi . Refer to the Osaka Train Map .
• Train to Kintetsu-Nipponbashi to have dinner at the Dotonbori area.
• Train to Osakako to visit the Aquarium using the  Osaka Kaiyu Ticket   which  included entry to the Aquarium and unlimited rides within Osaka city for the day.
• Train to Osaka station, then to  Osakajokoen to see the castle
• Train on JR Yumesaki line to Universal City
• Universal Studios Japan tickets
• Train to Shin-Osaka, Shinkansen train from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto (15 min), then took the JR Nara Line to Inari (1 stop)
• Travelled by bus around Kyoto , and took Shinkansen back to Osaka.
• Shinkansen to Nagoya (about 1 hr)
• Two-way shuttle bus from Meitetsu Bus Centre (near Nagoya station) to Nabana No Sato (each way about 1 hr)  (1,780 Yen) or train from Nagoya to Kuwana via JR Kansai Line (24 min) and shuttle bus from Kuwana station to Nabana No Sato  
• Nagoya City Subway from Nagoya to Sakae(Aichi) f or dinner and hotel
• Nagoya City Subway from Sakae(Aichi) to Nagoya 
• Limited Express (Wide View) Shinano from Nagoya at 08:00, change at Shiojiri at 10:15 and Limited Express Azusa train to Hakuba, arriving at 11:28
• Bus from Hakuba to Nagano (1hr 5 min)
• Nagano Dentetsu Bus to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and return, by purchasing 1-day Snow Monkey Pass from Nagano station (2,900 Yen per adult)
• Shinkansen from Nagano at 17:55 to Tokyo (79 min)
• 1-day Metro line pass (paid at station). See Tokyo Metro map . – Note that there are 3 types of day pass (1) Metro line only (2) Metro + Toei Line (3) Metro + Toei + JR.  Decide your route before buying the pass.
• Train to Airport   (fastest at 36 min), Private shuttle van to Airport  or   Shuttle bus (cheapest).
• You must purchase the JR pass and receive the Exchange Order before entering Japan.  You can purchase it online at klook.com .  At the airport, there is a JR pass exchange office where you can turn in the Exchange Order and show your passport to get the JR pass.
• You can make seat reservations for free at the JR stations.
• You can check train schedules on hyperdia.com .

Other Useful Tips

• There are many great bakeries and Japanese snacks around Japan that are reasonably priced.  You can find some of them at the basement level of shopping malls or at train stations.
• There are many souvenir shops at Narita Airport selling Japanese snacks in nicely-wrapped boxes.  You can save on taxes when buying them from the airport.
• You may wish to consider getting a sim card to be used during your Japan trip, but you need to use it on a handset that supports 3G.
• Rental of Wifi devices are also available at the airport. You can book it online at Voyagin.com .
• It is useful to install an English-Japanese language translator on your mobile phone for communication with a local who might not be well-versed in English.
• If you have to bring electronic products like kettles or irons, get the travel ones that can be adjusted to 100V.  Those that are fixed at 230V will not work properly in Japan.
• Last but not least, muslim travellers can find a number of halal food or muslim-friendly restaurants around Japan.  Read more about Must-try Halal food in Tokyo ,   Must-try Halal food in Kyoto  and Must-try Halal food in Osaka .
• In Nagoya, Taxim restaurant, near where we stayed (Hotel MyStays Nagoya), serves halal Turkish and Italian cuisine.
• Our accommodation in Hakuba, Hakuba Sun Valley , also serves muslim-friendly breakfast and dinner with advance request.
• At Jigokudani Snow Monkey, the ramen at Enza Cafe uses halal chicken.  Other halal food around Nagano area are listed in the  Nagano Muslim Guide .

You might also like:

About The Author

Rosie is a mummy to 3 kids. She enjoys going on travel adventures with her family. Her trips are free-and-easy, family-oriented and mostly budget-friendly.

Related Posts

Sydney Aquarium and Fish Market

January 27, 2013

Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Jimbaran Bay

August 17, 2013

Krabi – 10 things to do with kids

January 29, 2016

Phi Phi Island-hopping without the crowd

March 16, 2015

13 Comments

I loved my visit to Japan in 2013. I went to Tokyo, Hakone, Yokohama and Yokoska! I need to blog about it!

Ah! I want to go to Japan so badly! It definitely at the top of my list, to eat sushi in Japan one day. I am pinning this so I can refer back to it when I finally make the trip.

What an action packed schedule! This is for sure an intense guide and so necessary for people who are researching the locations you mentioned. Thank you for doing the work to put something this amazing together. Will keep this for later trips to Japan.

What a nice winter itinerary! We’ve toured Japan only in the summertime, and I certainly feel that those magical onsens should be enjoyed also during winter. Would love to ski in Nagano and see the snow monkeys! I’m so glad that you had great views of Mt Fuji, we didn’t see the peak at all. We saved massively with the JR pass, but then again, we traveled all the way from Beppu to Tokyo making several 2-4 day detours on the way. Great insight and tips for anyone planning a trip to Japan!

Well written with lot of info! Your post made me miss my trip to japan.. I can’t wait to go back soon. I also liked your images. Super!

Hi, mommy rosie! I need to ask a lot of questions. Am planning for a trip to japan and ill be using your itinerary. would you mind if we do chatting? thanks

Hi, I love Japan a lot and if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Can I have a overall budget you spent on this trip it would give me some sort of idea on how much I need for my family?

Hi there Lina, I spent about SGD 10-11K for the 12 day trip for 5 people, including flights from Singapore.

Thank you for sharing. Great info and tips!! I am so gonna use this to help plan our trip. Thank you so much.

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences in Japan. It will be my family of 3’s first time going Japan in Dec 2019. May I know is it a good time to go to Hakuba Ski? Will there be snow from 20 to 24 Dec? Thanks

Hi, there is no guarantee that there is snow, but I think your chances should be quite good. The area that we stayed had little snow at the time we came, but another area nearby had a lot of snow.

travelling to japan in the winter is memorizing always love to visit Japan in Winter, Travelling is passion of most of people.

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Adventures with Family

Travel Deals

Recent Posts

Australia & NZ

• New Zealand North Island
• New Zealand South Island

Europe & USA

• Italy, Germany, Amsterdam
• Switzerland, Paris

Getting ready to travel

How to Spend 13 Days in Japan—Our Japan Road Trip Itinerary

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here .

When you think about traveling across Japan, you probably envision going to Tokyo, hopping on bullet trains, and hopscotching around Osaka and Kyoto to tackle some of the most popular sights in Japan.

However, my family and I recently took a slightly different route approach for our Japan visit. We rented a 16 ft camping car.

Side note: I recently wrote a post on what I wish I’d known before renting an RV in Japan, such as how to find a great rental company or book your campsites. You can read that article here.

Then we drove it around some of the less touristy parts of Japan. Some of these places you’ve maybe heard of, but some of them you probably haven’t. And yes, we of course visited some of the popular spots too, AND with a one and three-year-old our trip would not have been complete without a trip to Disney.

In this video, we’re sharing our 13-day RV road trip itinerary across Japan, in case you ever decide to hop in an RV or van and make your way across this amazing country. For each day we mention in this itinerary, you can learn more or watch our vlog from that specific day by clicking the card we link to in the upper right-hand corner.

And stay tuned for the end of the video where I’ll share some numbers from our trip, such as the cost of our campsites, RV rental, and how much we paid in toll roads.

You’ll see more details, like links to where we stayed, below.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Tokyo

Where we stayed: Shiba Park Hotel

What we did: 

We flew directly into Tokyo. What trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to this amazing city? Not ours. 

Before arriving in Tokyo, we searched for family-friendly accommodations. One recommendation that popped up was the Shiba Park Hotel. Upon looking at their website, I noticed they had rooms with bunk bed configurations and with two little ones, we jumped on it. 

The location was great, and we were just a short walk away from the Tokyo Tower and an epic playground for the kids. 

We had a short stay in Tokyo but tried to fit in as much as possible. Here is what we squeezed into one day:

• The Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens are located right next to the Shinjuku Train Station, the most popular train station in the world. The gardens were an oasis in a bustling city and we were even able to see cherry blossoms in their full beauty in the garden. 
• If you have kids (or just if you want to hit up an animal cafe), we spent our first afternoon in Tokyo at miPig cafe , which was a hit with our one-year-old but our three-year-old couldn’t get out fast enough. It was a cool spot just a two-minute walk from Takeshita Street. 
• After hanging out with the pigs, we found a kid-friendly karaoke bar in Tokyo called Rainbow Karaoke in Shibuya. They had soft serve on tap and we jammed to Disney classics. Fun was had by all.

Day 2: Tokyo

Our second day in Tokyo we hopped in a cab visit to DisneySea. Despite traveling with a baby, both of our kids could do the majority of the rides in the park. On the day we visited, it rained almost the entire day but we still had a blast. If you visit while in Tokyo, you’ve got to hop around all of the popcorn stands and try out all the unique flavors. Our favorite was the white chocolate matcha!

Even jetlagged and in the rain, everyone had a great time!

Day 3: Picking Up Our Camper Van!

Where we stayed: Onoji Family Camping Ground

On our third day in Japan, we picked up our RV rental from El Monte RV . We’d researched and found a few different RV rental companies in Japan and because we were visiting during peak cherry blossom season, availability was challenging. El Monte had good reviews and two locations in Tokyo. The team was very responsive over email, so we booked with them. (And yes, this is the same El Monte you see in the States!)

The pickup process was relatively seamless and the staff were amazing. We did a walk-through of the RV, learned about the systems, and loaded up on supplies at the grocery store across the street.

One last-minute decision that helped us out a ton with our rental was adding on an ETC card, aka an electronic toll collection, so basically a toll pass. The majority of the roads we would travel across Japan were toll roads, so having this card allowed us to easily pass through each automated toll gate without having to stop and pay. (I share the total amount we spent in tolls at the end of the video). 

We opted to drive straight out to Mount Fuji with our new to us RV. And because of a wrong turn on Google Maps, we ended up detouring through downtown Tokyo. What was originally supposed to be an hour and a half drive turned out to be much longer!

Still, we made it to our Onoji Family Camping Ground before it closed and woke up the next morning to the most epic views ever.

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Where we stayed: Fumotoppara Campground

We woke up to crystal-clear views of Mount Fuji, which is rare in Japan. The campground was the very first auto park in all of Japan, built in the 70s. We were one of a few different RVs and most people camped in tents.

We woke up to everyone outside cooking their breakfast and making coffee and had the best time making friends with locals from Tokyo who had driven out for a weekend camping trip.

From our campsite we drove out to Lake Kawaguchi, which was supposed to be one of the best places to get a vantage point of Fuji. Other people got this memo too. It was a cute town along the lake and we were there on a weekend, so it was a bit packed.

We then drove over to the Chureito Pagoda . There were a lot of stairs to the top, but the views were worth it.

We ended the day at Fumotoppara Campground with the most epic sunset of Mount Fuji.

Day 5: Magome-Juku

Where we stayed: Hokonoko Camping Ground

After a morning at Fumotoppara campground, we set out to explore a small postal town called Magome-juku. 

It was idyllic Japan, with cute waterwheels and pathways that wind through an ancient village that has been restored and preserved over centuries. 

The town is right on the Nakasendo trail, which stretches from Tokyo to Kyoto and is a famous walking path. We walked a quarter mile of the path up to an epic viewpoint, but not before trying out some of the local street vendor food—that we ended up going back to for seconds.

We camped at Hokonoko Camping Ground, which felt like camping in a national park. It would also be the place that would seriously test my driving skills as I tried to drive out of it the next day…

Day 6: Cafe KuraKura

Where we stayed: Cafe KuraKura

On day 6, We drove toward Yoshino NP and what would be our favorite campsite of the trip.

But first, after three days of traveling, it was time to fill up the gas tank. This cost about $100. At this gas station, there were attendants who filled the tank for us, saving us from accidentally choosing the wrong fuel. 

Using Google Maps, we found a cafe with three campsites behind it and booked one. BTW, almost every campground in Japan requires advanced reservations. We made all our reservations online before leaving the States. (If you book at KuraKura with a camping car, we recommend the “Jungle” campsite!)

Our Campsite at Cafe KuraKura was a highlight of our entire road trip in Japan, mostly due to the amazing family who hosted us. Upon arriving, they let me drill holes into freshly cut lumber that was set up to grow their organic shitake mushrooms. 

We ate an incredible lunch, played at the playground next door, and for dinner, Heath went out and cut down one-month-old bamboo with the owner who taught us how to season and boil it. It was the type of experience that will stay with us forever.

Day 7: Green Tea Plantation

Where we stayed: Mizuno Camper Base

On day 7 we visited the small town of Wazuka to tour a green tea plantation. This town has been home to green tea plantation farmers for generations. However, there’s one farmer in town who sticks out as a first-generation family to make green tea products. Their business is called D: Matcha and it’s not too far outside of Kyoto.

We spent an afternoon getting a tour of their farm and learning how they bring their matcha products to life. It was a mixture of a history lesson, matcha tasting, and a delicious meal all wrapped into one experience. It rained on us most of our tour but nobody seemed to mind and umbrellas were provided.

Day 8: Kyoto

Where we stayed: Miami Beach Auto Campground

On day 8 we woke up at Mizuno Base campground. While it felt isolated in nature along a river, it was just a short drive into Kyoto where we were set to explore the famous bamboo gardens and take the kids to the monkey park .

We were able to easily find a parking spot within a short walking distance of the bamboo garden. However, if I could go back and do it again I’d aim to arrive earlier in the morning. By the time we arrived, we were shoulder to shoulder with other guests and it made navigating the area a bit more challenging. Nonetheless, the bamboo garden was still magical. 

For lunch, we walked across the river and found some of the best desserts we’d had so far in Japan. We ate mochi balls, soft serve matcha ice cream with fried sweet potato, and a dessert called a Mont Blanc, which looked kinda like spaghetti noodles on top of ice cream. 

In the afternoon, Alyssa and Ellie walked over to the monkey park. To visit, it cost about $5 and requires you to walk up 20 minutes of stairs and switchbacks.  Once at the top, you’re surrounded by monkeys climbing and swinging around you. Our 3-year-old had a magical time getting to see the monkeys and play at the park.  We barely scratched the surface of what you could do in Kyoto, but in such a short visit, it was time to move on to the next thing.

Day 9: The Sea of Japan

Where we stayed: Hakusan Yoshino Auto Campsite

On our 9th day in Japan we woke up at Miami beach campground (yes, this is the real name of this campground). This campsite was one of our favorites. We had an epic view of Lake Biwa and a massive campsite for the kids to run around and explore.

This day we wanted to make our way to a highly recommended city called Kanazawa. We discovered that it would only take us an extra hour or two to drive a route that went right along the sea of Japan, so naturally we opted to take that route.

The coastal route didn’t have much information online, but we found plenty of road side gems that made for an epic day of driving— castles, waterfalls, jagged cliffs we could hike, and even a jellyfish aquarium that gave the kids a chance to stretch their legs and run around for an hour.

Day 10: Kanazawa

Where we stayed: Kanazawa

On our tenth day in Japan we explored the town of Kanazawa after camping 20 minutes outside the city . Kanazawa was described to us as “older Japan”, but much of what we explored felt like a newer city. We had no trouble finding a place to park our van in the downtown area!

Highlights for us in Kanazawa were walking the Kenroku-en gardens , seeing Kanazawa Castle , and stumbling on a street market with some amazing local vendors.

On this night due to the heavy rain, we grabbed a hotel so we could stay in the city of Kanazawa instead of heading 45 minutes away to our next campsite.

Day 11: Our First Onsen!

Where we stayed: Okuhida Spa Auto Campsite

On our 11th day we drove into Chubu National Park. The drive into the national park was littered with waterfalls, mountain views, and rushing water. 

The campsite we found for the night was stunning and right along the river. Best OF ALL, it had an onsen right on site. We’d seen a hundred different onsens as we drove across Japan, but few of them allow young children. We finally found one that we could visit from the comfort of our own campsite with the family. To top it off, we were the only ones at our campsite so we had it all to ourselves.

Onsens are very common across Japan due to its high volcanic activity. Many of them are fully nude and there’s some basic etiquette involved when going to many of them, such as showering beforehand, not going in with a towel, and following whatever rules they have posted on site. 

Day 12: The Day We Blew Up Our Plans! ❄️

Where we stayed: ?!

Our plan for our 12th day was to do a waterfall hike in the National Park. But even in late April, most of the national park was closed from snow! We did not expect this at all! We couldn’t make it to any trailheads to hike. This was a major bummer, but we knew the kids wouldn’t like hiking in the cold snow and we didn’t have the right gear with us, so we decided to take a major pivot and get back to warmer weather. 

While the kids napped, we hightailed it back toward Tokyo for redemption. 

The kids did great with so many adult activities during our time in Japan, so we parked the RV back at Disney Sea for round two of Disney. This time around, the weather was sunny and perfect and there were no crowds at all. We walked onto every ride and the kids had a great time.

Day 13: Disneyland!

Where we stayed: Resort parking just outside Disneyland. You can walk (there’s a walkway over the highway) from the lot to the parks or walk to the Ambassador Hotel and grab their shuttle to the parks. It’s not too far of a walk.

For our last day in Japan, we ended on a high note with Disneyland. If we could do it all over again, we would’ve driven into Osaka during our trip to visit Universal Studios Japan, but we were worried about driving and parking the van in cities—which ended up being easier than we thought it would be! 

Quick Stats and Costs: Japan by Van

We all had an amazing time touring Japan by campervan! 

All in all, our trip covered 1,647 kilometers across Japan ( 1023.4 miles) .

Our average nightly campsite price was $36 or 5,000 yen.

The cost of our RV rental for 11 nights was $1,779.24 USD (roughly $161.72 per night).

And we paid $204 for the many tolls that we crossed through during our trip. Basically every road is a toll road, so this was less than I would’ve expected!

Tips Before You Go

There were a few things we did during this trip that made our lives significantly easier.

• Printed out all reservation confirmations in advance. Because we don’t speak Japanese and to eliminate any confusion upon arriving at our destinations, printing out our confirmations was a huge peace of mind. Plus, they were in Japanese which made it even easier for our host. When we rolled into our nightly campsites I could simply hand them our confirmation print out and it made the process very smooth.
• Downloaded Google Maps for offline use in Japan. I wasn’t sure how well our cellular signal would be across Japan, so before our trip, I downloaded Google Maps. As it turns out, we had solid cell signals almost everywhere we went and this was a nonissue. El Monte (and I’m assuming other rental companies) will have hot spots you can rent with your RV rental. 
• Pre-purchased our sim card from Japan Wireless. There’s a handful of companies you can pre-purchase a Japan sim card from. We bought ours through Japan Wireless, picked it up right at the airport in Tokyo, and had no problems throughout our entire trip. 
• Adding cookware and bedding onto our rental because many of these items did not come with the base rental. 

There are probably more items to mention, but these were some of the top ones that come to mind.

 Driving this RV across Japan was truly a dream come true for us. We’ll be planning more international campervan adventures, so if you want to see more videos like this — it would mean the world if you could subscribe to our channel and stay in touch . You can watch our entire Japan series here for all the details of our experiences in this country. 

And if there are any more questions you have about driving an RV across Japan, please drop a comment we’d be happy to answer any of them! 

• About Author
• Latest Posts

Alyssa Padgett

Travel blogger

The second half of Team Padgett and the chief navigator in our travels. I blog about our latest adventures, how I run our business from the road, and the ridiculous things Heath does on a daily basis. Fortunately, my husband thinks I'm funny.

Latest posts from Alyssa Padgett

• What does it cost to motorhome in France? - April 4, 2024
• A Brief Guide to Renting an RV in Europe - February 20, 2024
• All the Countries Where You Can RV: A Complete List - February 10, 2024

Similar Posts

How We Found a Sponsor for Our Documentary

The Number One Mistake New Travelers Make

What it’s REALLY like traveling with young kids

8 Things I Learned About Work from The Art of Work

Our New RV! A 2016 Winnebago Brave 31C

Our Honest Experience with Boundless Life (Boundless Life Review)

A New Day, A New Adventure

16 Differences Between RVing in America and RVing Abroad

3 responses.

Just FYI, your video is marked as Private.

My husband and I are planning a trip to Japan we have an almost 3 years old and I check the website to rent the RV but I don’t know how to reserve it. How did you guys do it? I love your videos 🙂

They have a form page here to request a reservation: https://elmonterv-japan.com/jprental/en/reservation

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HTML tags are not allowed.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

JavaScript must be turned on to leave a comment.

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• START HERE!
• Work From Anywhere
• How to Start a Blog
• Heath’s Reading List

Privacy Overview

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Destinations

• Plan Your Trip

The Best Japan Road Trips

January 2, 2024 by Robert Schrader Leave a Comment

There’s never a bad time for a Japan road trip. The seven jaunts I’m about to describe (which, by the way, merely scratch the surface of Japan road trips) will definitely make you want to get behind the wheel.

I’d like to think I cover all the bases, too, from stunning beaches and verdant mountains, and from the sunny summer to the rosy haze of the cherry blossom spring. The most difficult part will be choosing just one Japan road trip route, or maybe two! ( Renting a car in Japan is easy though—don’t worry.)

The Truth About Driving in Japan

Before I get into the specifics of my favorite Japan road trips, I want to speak more generally about the topic of driving in Japan. Quite frankly, it can be miserable. Japan’s speed limits are frustratingly low—on many “highways,” the maximum speed is 70 km/h. Moreover, most Japanese don’t speed, law-abiding people that they are. It can easily take hours to travel a distance within Japan that would take minutes in another country!

There are also some intricacies to renting a car in Japan, namely the necessity for an international driving permit or IDP. I’ve explained all of them fully in this article , which I’d highly encourage before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle in Japan. It’s a cynical read, but that’s deliberate. Rather than discouraging you from driving in Japan outright, I simply want to make you think twice (or thrice or four times) before doing so.

My Favorite Road Trips in Japan

Hokkaido in summer.

A Hokkaido summer road trip is one of the most satisfying ways to explore Japan’s northernmost island. From the lavender fields of Naka-Furano to the “blue pond” of Biei , and from the shores of volcanic Lake Toya to the Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa , Hokkaido is at its most accessible in summer. (Want to plan a Japan road trip itinerary around Hokkaido in winter? Good luck! Many companies won’t rent to foreigners during this time due to dangerous road conditions.)

Tokyo to Shimoda

Another one of my favorite Japan road trips takes you from Tokyo to Shimoda , a historical town on the Izu Peninsula that’s also near some of Japan’s best beaches. Although the straight shot takes only a few hours, I recommend making the journey over a full day. By the time you reach Shimoda, having stopped en route in ancient Kamakura , the hot springs capital of Hakone and underrated Atami , you’ll be watching the sun set into the water—and you’ll be good and tired for a full day of fun in the sun.

Yoshino’s Sakura Kingdom

Is there a better idea for a Japan road trip than through the heart of cherry blossom country in the middle of sakura season ? I certainly don’t think so. If you happen to be in the Kansai region in early April, ride the Kintetsu Railway to Yamato-Yagi Station, where you can pick up your car and begin exploring Yoshino , where literally hundreds of thousands of cherry trees will be in full bloom. From here, your options are limitless. The best hanami viewpoints are at Hanayagura Observatory above Yoshinoyama town, and at Takami-no-Sato Sky Garden . Other worthwhile destinations include Tsubosaka Temple , and the ancient town of Asuka , which—if you can believe it—was ever-so-briefly the capital of Japan.

The Noto Peninsula

The Noto Peninsula features some of the most subtly epic scenery in all of Japan, from pastoral inland intersections that look straight out of Ghibli, to coastal vistas that look like classical Japanese paintings ( Ganmon and Hagoto Iwa ), with jagged rocks and twisted pine trees. Add to this a smattering of unique culture and cuisine—I hope you like beef!—and Noto-hantō is one of the most unique Japan road trips you can take. It’s ideal to start in either Kanazawa or Toyama ; it’s best to take two days, although you can do it in one.

Ishigaki: Adventures in Paradise

You wouldn’t know it based on the number of Japanese who flock to Hawaii each year, but Japan has some truly stunning beaches. This is especially evident on Ishigaki island, located at the center of the Yaeyama archipelago in Okinawa. To take a Japan road trip in Ishigaki, pick your car up before you leave the airport, driving north along the east coast and circumnavigating the island in a counter-clockwise fashion. Whether you relish in views of fluorescent Kabira Bay , or the panorama on offer from Hirakubozaki Lighthouse , this is a journey you won’t soon forget.

Yamaguchi Loop

A key advantage of Japan road trips, as opposed to traveling by train, is the freedom to go where you want—and to go on your own schedule. Yamaguchi prefecture provides fertile ground for testing this theory, as you drive first from Shin-Yamaguchi Station to Beppu Benten “blue pond,” and then onward to stunning Kanmon Bridge . From here, you’ll continue to iconic Motonosumi Inari Shrine , watching sunset over Yuya Terraced Rice Fields before ending in Shimonoseki .

To Mt. Fuji and Back

This might just be the most picturesque road trip Japan has to offer, although I have to begin with a caveat. Specifically, if the weather forecast is not perfect (or near-perfect), don’t bother. That’s because whether you’re at Churei-to pagoda in the Fuji Five Lakes region, amid the tea fields of Obuchi Sasaba, at the “Fuji Shinkansen ” tracks in Higashitaganoura or at Miho Beach in Shimizu city, this road trip is nothing without sweeping views of Mt. Fuji . Note that winter provides a high chance of clear skies, as can “shoulder” periods in early May or late October. As far as where you begin and end? While you can do this trip from and back to Tokyo, I personally love renting my car in Shizuoka city.

Kunisaki to Satsuma

This is one of my favorite Kyushu road trips. Rent your car in the hot springs city of Beppu , where you can drive northward to the Kunisaki Peninsula , namely the castle town of Kitusuki and Usa Shrine . Drive back through Beppu to Mt. Aso , where you’ll spend a night en route to Kumamoto . Leaving Kumamoto, stop at Takachicho Gorge and/or sacred Amakusa and then, after a night in Kagoshima , spend a day on the stunning Satsuma Peninsula .

Awesome Hiking Trips in Japan

The only thing better than taking a Japan road trip? Getting around on your own two feet! Here are my favorite hikes in Japan:

• Walking the historical Nakasendo Way
• Hiking elsewhere in the Japanese Alps
• Visiting Mt. Koya or trekking along the Kumano Kodo
• Traipsing amid the snow monsters of Mt. Zao (in winter)

FAQs About Japan Road Trips

Can tourists drive in japan.

Tourists can drive in Japan, so long as they have a valid IDP, or international driving permit . Beyond this, individual car rental companies may have their own policies, which you should research and verify before you turn up to collect your vehicle.

Is it easy to drive around Japan?

Whether within cities or on Japan road trips, it is easy to drive in Japan, at least ostensibly. It can also be frustrating, however, given extremely low speed limits and the unwillingness of most Japanese drivers to go even a few km/h faster than them. Your road trip in Japan will be memorable, but it won’t always be enjoyable in the moment!

Is it worth driving in Japan?

Driving in Japan is worthwhile primarily in rural regions, where the frequency and slow speed of trains makes the Japan Rail Pass an un-advantageous investment. Cost-wise, however, driving is an expensive proposition, especially for solo travelers. Of course if you want to take a road trip, Japan is an awesome country for it, cost notwithstanding.

The Bottom Line

I hope you feel inspired by these ideas for the best road trips in Japan. From easy weekend jaunts like the one from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji or the Izu peninsula, to more involved road trips on secondary islands like Kyushu and Hokkaido , Japan is even more enjoyable when you’re able to explore without adhering to a train schedule. This is not to say, of course, that driving in Japan doesn’t have its downsides—it does, namely the low speed limits on Japanese highways and the slow driving of Japanese motorists. Regardless of where in Japan you want to drive or when you decide you’re ready to go, I hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan your road trip for you .

Plan Your Japan Trip

Subscribe to email updates!

Words, images and design ©2018-2024 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. Read Privacy Policy or view sitemap .

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

7D6N Japan Itinerary Under S$1.5k — Road Trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Beyond

Discover new gems and the best vantage points of Mt Fuji in this Japan itinerary!

Mount Fuji showing up in the best possible way 🙂

Japan remains a hot favourite, but after covering the classic Tokyo to Osaka via Japan Rail , climbing Mount Fuji , and even a short 4D3N getaway in the Chiba region , we wondered if we could uncover any new experiences from a trip to Tokyo.

While travelling by train is one of the most efficient ways to zip between cities, some areas are harder to reach by public transport. For that, we decided to explore these by renting a car instead!

From re-discovering old favourites to exploring lesser-known places in and out of Tokyo, here’s our updated one-week Japan itinerary, featuring the best things to do in the Kantō region.

Pre-trip Essentials & Budget Breakdown

– 4G SIM Card : Unlimited data for eight days (~S$37) — collect at Narita Airport after immigration – Insurance : Optional but recommended

Accommodation:  S$514.60 Transport:  S$246.65 Activities:  S$319.83 Food: S$245   (~¥3,500/day) Misc: S$84.65 Total:  S$1,410.73

(detailed breakdown for 1 pax here )

Save up to 48% on Tokyo activities : Here’s a pro-tip — Klook Pass Greater Tokyo lets you bundle up to seven activities from a list of 38 choices (including teamLab Planets Tokyo , Shibuya SKY , and the Tokyo Disney Parks ) for extra savings! 😉

We’ll be covering some of the essentials like how to get to Tokyo but if you’re a repeat traveller, feel free to skip straight to the Japan itinerary:

Day 1–3: Tokyo | Day 3–4: Fujiyoshida | Day 5: Shizuoka | Day 6–7: Tokyo

From Narita Airport to Tokyo City

There are a few ways to get from the airport to Tokyo city:

Day 1: Arriving in Tokyo

Shibuya skydeck.

It was close to sunset by the time we touched down. We headed to SHIBUYA SKY for an unobstructed panoramic view of the city. A fairly new observatory opened in 2019, the rooftop has a helipad, a lounging net, and a bar.

Watching Tokyo light up as the skies turned dark turned out to be one of my favourite sights on the trip.

Entrance fee: From ~S$20/pax via Klook (Discounted entry with the Klook Pass Tokyo ) Opening hours:  10AM – 10:30PM (Last admission at 9:20PM) How to get there: Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Square Exit

*Pro-tip: Get the Klook Pass Tokyo which gives discounted access to various attractions like the Shibuya Skydeck, saving on activity costs!

Shibuya Crossing

On the way to dinner, we passed through Shibuya Crossing and we’re glad to report that the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world is alive and bustling.

Don’t be shy to give the famous Hachikō Memorial Statue a quick boop as you pass it right by the station exit.

Cost: Free Opening hours:  24hrs How to get there: Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit

Dinner at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

We dropped by Uoebei for dinner as it’s known for affordable, yet quality, conveyor belt sushi.

They have a wide variety of fresh seafood available, from Hokkaido squid to Toro salmon. I’m not the biggest fan of seafood but the shrimp was so good that I ate four plates 😅.

They also offer plenty of unique non-seafood sushi options — check out the cheese hamburger sushi, prosciutto ham salad sushi and meatball gunkan .

Most of the plates cost ¥120, and premium dishes like uni cost ¥280 (a steal!) — one of the best sushi restaurants in our book.

Cost: From ¥120/plate Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM (Mon – Fri), 10:30AM – 10:30PM (Sat – Sun) How to get there: Walk 2mins from Shibuya Station ( Google Maps )

End the Night at “Church”

Japan is known for having plenty of quirky and obscure things to do and Dogenzaka Church takes the cake.

The interior looks exactly like a church — high ceilings, wooden arches, and confessional booths. As we entered, we were even greeted by bartenders in Nun costumes 😳

But you know it’s not exactly Sunday service when you’ve got a DJ booth in place of an altar. So (forgive our sins) but we grabbed a Shibuya Beer (¥900/bottle) and umeshu (¥600/glass) to soak in the bizarre yet groovy atmosphere.

Only opened in early 2022, this church-themed bar draws in curious travellers and alternative youths alike for its contradicting concept.

While I wondered if I was committing blasphemy, this bar deserves a gold star purely for its eccentricity and unique nature.

*Pro-tip : Arrive before 9PM to get a pew as the bar can get crowded late at night.

Cost: From ~¥500/drink Opening hours:  8PM – 5AM How to get there: From Shibuya Station, take Exit A0 and walk 2mins ( Google Maps )

Read also: The Quirky Tokyo Guide — Fun things to see, eat and do

Accommodation in Tokyo

Photo credit: Klook

Citadines Central Hotel Tokyo Cost: From ~S$147/night (2 pax) How to get there: From JR Shinjuku Station, walk 6mins ( Google Maps )

Day 2: The Magic Word is Disney

Tokyo Disney Resort is home to the two happiest places on earth: Disneyland and DisneySea.

It would be a dream to visit both, but unfortunately, we only had time for one fairytale day. Get to know more about their differences by reading our USJ vs. Disneyland vs. DisneySea guide.

Option 1: Disneyland

Photo credit: Japan National Tourism Organisation

Tokyo Disneyland is best known for its whirlwind storytelling rides — albeit, in Japanese, the park is a storybook brought to life.

Rides are dedicated to classic Disney animated films such as Peter Pan, Monsters Inc, and Disney Princesses which bring back a lot of childhood nostalgia. The park is a lot more kid-friendly so don’t expect to see huge roller coasters like its US counterparts.

*Pro-tip: Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app as practices such as Standby Pass and entry to shows have shifted online since the pandemic.

Option 2: DisneySea

We wanted a little more adrenaline yet still experience the magic of Disney, so we chose DisneySea instead. With Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Tower of Terror as some of the key attractions — this is a Disneyland for grown-ups.

Since 13 March 2023, mask-wearing is now optional and the park has mostly returned to normal. Character greetings are still happening throughout the park but certain characters might require a reservation through the app.

We checked out Soaring: Fantastic Flight as it was the newest ride in the park at the time. Opened in July 2019, it’s a fairly popular ride and queues can go up over 2 hours. It genuinely felt like we were flying around the world thanks to the flight motion simulator — the screen looks SO REAL.

While the thrill rides are what the park is known for, there are still “happier” sections of the park that are kid-friendly, such as Mermaid Lagoon. Most of the rides here are scaled down on the thrill level and there’s a cavernous playground for the little ones to explore as Ariel did.

Read more: Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Guide (2024) — Maximise your Tokyo Disney Day with these 12 Tips and Tricks

Entrance fee:  From ~S$77/pax via Klook Opening hours:  9AM – 9PM How to get there:  From Maihama Station, take the Disney Resort Line to Tokyo DisneySea station

*Pro-tip: Skip the long queues for selected rides by purchasing the Disney Premier Access on the app. The current rides include Toy Story Mania!, Soaring: Fantastic Flight, Tower of Terror and Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Wagyu Dinner at Ginza Enzo (銀座炎蔵)

A wagyu fare in Singapore can typically go up to a couple of hundred bucks a person, so we jumped at the opportunity for mouth-watering, affordable beef at Ginza Enzo .

After a long day of running around, we went for a wagyu yakiniku dinner for under S$60/pax 😱!

Definitely worth the small splurge 🤤

We ordered the 花 course (¥5,900), translated as Hana or Flower, which includes appetisers, cold noodles, and seven different cuts of beef including Premium Black Wagyu and Kuroge Wagyu — the most oishii (delicious) meal of our life. The beef was so tender and every bite was juicy — we were deep into our food coma by the time dessert rolled out.

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your sets online as their physical menu is only available in Japanese.

Cost: From ~¥4,900/set Opening hours:  Varies Address: 104-0061 4-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Nishi Ginza Department Store 2nd floor

*Pro-tip: Always make reservations for popular restaurants! Klook also has a range of Michelin-star restaurants which you can easily reserve via their app.

Day 3: Road Trip Out of Tokyo

Pick up your car.

Getting around Mt Fuji and the Shizuoka region is a lot more convenient with a rented car as public transport is infrequent in smaller towns. We rented a Toyota Aqua through Klook for three days — which came up to ~S$247 for the three of us including insurance.

After a smooth pick-up at Toyota Rent A Car Shinjuku Minamiguchi , we kicked off our road trip with Tokyo Drift playing on the aux 🎶.

*Note: A valid International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for car rentals in Japan as a Singapore driving licence is not accepted on its own.

Fuji-Q Highland

After a 90-minute drive, our first stop was Fuji-Q Highland . Highly recommended by friends, this park broke several Guinness World Records — namely the tallest, the steepest, and the fastest 4D roller coaster.

Oh, and you get Mt. Fuji as a backdrop to the rides 🙊.

My personal favourite is the Takabisha which was once the steepest roller coaster in the world before being overtaken by Shellraiser in America by 0.5°. The most titillating part is hanging off the edge at 121° with an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji before plummeting into a series of crazy twists and turns!

After that adrenaline rush, we wanted something less intense and checked out Fujiyama Tower , a new observation tower that opened in 2021. Located outside the entrance of the park, it stands 55m tall, and the track of Fujiyama – King of Roller Coasters wraps around the top.

The entrance to the Sky Deck is included under the One Day Pass but you can top-up to slide down to the ground floor by taking the Fujiyama Slider (¥1,000/pax).

Roller coasters aside, the park also has themed sections like Naruto Village and Thomas Land that fans and families will enjoy.

Entrance fee: One Day Pass from ~S$63 via Klook Opening hours:  10AM – 8PM (Check their website for changes in hours) How to get there: Take the Fujikyuko Line to Fujikyu-Highland Station

Read also: The Best Roller Coasters in Japan Most Tourists Miss — Fuji Q Highland Guide

Dinner at a Sanrokuen

In pursuit of unique dining experiences, we stopped by Sanrokuen for dinner. It’s a traditional charcoal grill restaurant that serves Japanese skewers inside a 150-year-old building.

The interior looks exactly like an ancient Japanese house and you’ll sit and grill around a pit of shovelled hot coal.

Most sets offer a combination of meat, seafood, and vegetable skewers but we liked the Sanroku set (¥3,300) best. It comes with nine different skewers, a salad and a piping hot bowl of noodles in miso soup — our favourites were the freshly caught rainbow trout, rolled pork, and shrimp.

*Pro-tip: Queues can get long so we suggest arriving at least an hour before the last entry.

Cost: From ¥2,200 – ¥4,400/set Opening hours:  11AM – 6PM (Last entry), closed on Wed How to get there: Walk 12mins from Kawaguchiko Station ( Google Maps )

Check into Fuji View Hotel

Photo credit: @bulaiern via Instagram

For the full Japan experience, we stayed at Fuji View Hotel’s Japanese Style Mount Fuji View Room (~S$364/night, incl. breakfast) — a traditional tatami-style room where you sleep on futons on the floor.

The hotel sits on the edge of Lake Kawaguchi and as its name suggests, overlooks Mt. Fuji (when the weather is clear).

We suggest taking a bath at the hotel’s onsen as it’s less crowded than a public one. Most public baths don’t allow entry for those with tattoos but the hotel’s does!

It was my first time going to an onsen and it was an experience , to say the least — I enjoyed the outdoor hot spring and Kosé facial products best.

Cost:  From ~S$193/night (2 pax) How to get there: From Kawaguchiko Station.

Day 4: Mount Fuji and Fujiyoshida

Pose for the iconic honcho street photo.

We spent the morning exploring Fujiyoshida town, which is known for being the starting point to climb Mt Fuji! But since the season was closed, we decided to hunt for the best Mt. Fuji photo spots instead.

Honcho Street is arguably the most picturesque street in Fujiyoshida town. Peeking from between shop rows and telephone wires, the place looked straight out of the 1980s. Aside from the Instagrammability of the street, we recommend dropping by Cafe Gekkou for a quick caffeine refuel.

Opening hours:  24hrs Address: 3-chōme-12 Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0004, Japan

Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine

Even if you’ve never heard of Arakura Fuji Sengen Jinja Shrine , you’ve probably still seen a photo of it — it’s the first image when you Google ‘Japan’. It’s a steep 15-minute climb up to the top but the view is extremely rewarding.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  9AM – 4PM Address: Take the Fujikyuko Line to Shimoyoshida Station, then walk 10mins ( Google Maps )

Hōtō Lunch at Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko

Photo credit: Yamanashi Tourism Organisation

Hotokura Funari Kawaguchiko was our next stop for lunch, which has jaw-dropping views of Mt. Fuji.

A popular regional dish we had to try while in the Yamanashi region is Hōtō . The dish is essentially flat udon served in an actual pot of miso soup, stewed with pumpkin, vegetables, and meat.

We got the Golden Hōtō with Pork (¥1,320) which had a huge portion and a hearty broth that warmed us up from the autumn chill. The croquette (¥385/piece) has a soft and fluffy Hokkaido butter potato filling as opposed to the crispy exterior — the best I’ve ever had.

*Pro-tip: Use the camera function on Google Translate to decipher the full Japanese menu.

Cost: From ¥1,320/bowl Opening hours:  11AM – 9PM How to get there: Walk 6mins from Backpackers Hostel K’s House Fuji View ( Google Maps )

Visit Fuji’s Closest Lake, Lake Yamanaka

Since we had the car, we drove to Lake Yamanaka — the closest to Fuji out of the five lakes surrounding it.

As the viewing point is only accessible by driving and is located farther from towns, the lake is less touristy and we got the whole view to ourselves. Unlike the views at Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Motosu , Mt. Fuji is not partially obstructed by other mountains and you get to appreciate it in all its glory.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours:  24hrs Address: 2645-2 Hirano, Yamanakako, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0502, Japan

Accommodation in Shizuoka

After a full day of driving, we decided to base ourselves in Shizuoka City for the night so we could explore Shizuoka Prefecture first thing in the morning!

Hotel Citio Shizuoka Cost: From ~S$63/night (2 pax) How to get there: Walk 13mins from Shizuoka Station ( Google Maps )

*Note: There’s no hotel parking so we parked at a 24hr car park (¥1,500/night) near the hotel.

Day 5: Discovering Shizuoka Prefecture 

Obuchi sasaba tea plantation.

Shizuoka Prefecture is home to many green tea plantations in Japan so we woke up bright and early to check out Ochuchi Sasaba . Known for its picturesque Mt. Fuji background, we reached early at 9AM and got the whole plantation to ourselves.

We were surprised to find out that it’s an open plantation anyone can walk into and had fun strolling between the rows of tea leaves.

Take note that there is no nearby public transportation, so bring a car instead!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24hrs Address: 1445 Obuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan

Mishima Skywalk

Mishima Skywalk is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan and overlooks Mt Fuji and Surunga Bay — so naturally, we went to check out the hype 😏.

Photo credit: Mishima Skywalk

At 400m long, the bridge connects to an adventure hub in the North Area where you’ll find treetop obstacle courses, a forest buggy tour and an owl cafe. We wanted to try the long zipline that runs beneath the bridge (¥2,000/roundtrip) but the queue was too long 😭

We had lunch inside the Sky Garden, a glass-enclosed greenhouse with fresh blooms hanging from the ceiling. The Golden Tomato black pepper noodles (¥1,100/bowl) from Karumen was delicious — imagine a tomato soup ramen that tastes like Italian pasta.

Entrance fee: From ~S$10/pax via Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM Address: 313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0012, Japan

Photo credit: Ito City

The last stop on the Japan road trip itinerary is Mt. Omuro , an extinct volcano covered with a layer of vegetation that resembles a perfectly conical fuzzy Ikea carpet.

Take the chair lift to the summit and enjoy panoramic views while walking along the circumference. Aside from sightseeing, there’s a cafe, shrine, and an archery range at the crater.

*Pro-tip: Drop by the 2nd Sunday of February as Mt. Omuro is set on fire once a year as part of Yamayaki , a sacred ritual known to welcome Spring.

Cost: ¥700/round-trip chair lift Opening hours: Varies across seasons How to get there: From Itō Station, walk to the Itoeki Bus Stop. Take a bus bound for Shaboten Park. The chair lift is next to the bus stop ( Google Maps )

Day 6: Exploring Tokyo’s Past, Present, and Future

After spending time amongst Tokyo’s skyscrapers and slowing the pace in the outskirts, we wanted to time travel back and immerse ourselves in the cultural side of Tokyo.

Traditional Temples at Asakusa

Asakusa is one of the oldest districts in Tokyo that dates back to the Edo period — we wanted to look the part by dressing in kimonos .

After picking out a design, the staff at the rental store helped me through a complicated process to get dressed — don’t expect to take large steps while walking!

Dolled up, we set off to Sensō-ji . It’s the oldest and most colourful temple in Tokyo at over 1,300 years old.

You can also get your fortune ‘read’ when you donate ¥100. Shake a box to get a number on a stick, you’ll proceed to take your Omikuji Paper from the corresponding drawer. If the fortune is bad, tie the paper on a nearby rack to wish the bad energy away!

Lady luck was on my side and I drew ✨regular fortune✨.

Leading up to Sensō-ji is Nakamise Shopping Street , we grabbed a yaki dango stick 🍡 (¥400/stick) and souvenir-hunted our way down.

Sensō-ji’s neighbour, Asakusa Jinja Shrine was a quiet reprieve from the crowded chaos next door. This Shinto shrine has fewer tourists, giving it a peaceful atmosphere.

Aiwafuku Kimono Rental Cost: ~SS45/pax via Klook (Discounted with the Klook Pass Tokyo ) Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Return kimono by 4:30PM) How to get there: From Asakusa Station, walk from Exit A5 ( Google Maps )

Sensō-ji Temple Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 6AM – 5PM (Apr – Sep), 6:30AM – 5PM (Oct – Mar) How to get there: From Asakusa Station, walk from Exit 4 ( Google Maps )

Asakusa Jinja Shrine Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 9AM – 4PM How to get there: Walk 2mins from Sensō-ji Temple ( Google Maps )

Lunch at Maidreamin Cafe Heaven’s Gate

Visiting a maid cafe for lunch sounds a little sus — like a siamdiu in Singapore? — but I learned later that day it isn’t true!

Take a quick stroll down Akihabara , Japan’s anime capital, and you’ll find maid cafes everywhere , a firm part of the culture. We visited Maidreamin Heaven’s Gate and were welcomed by cheerful and sweet maids that made us do kawaii hand gestures and say special phrases when ordering our meals.

The outlet has a stage and we were dazzled by full-on choreographed dance numbers. As a souvenir, we could take a polaroid picture with the staff which is personally signed and decorated.

Verdict: nothing shady, and a fun addition to your Japan Itinerary!

Cost:  From ~S$35/pax Opening hours: 11:30AM – 11PM (Mon – Fri), 10:30AM – 11PM (Sat – Sun) How to get there: Walk 2mins from Nohga Hotel Akihabara ( Google Maps )

teamLab Planets TOKYO

We had to check out teamLab Planets after seeing pics online, and it turned out to be one of my favourite stops in Tokyo.

The exhibition features interactive artworks you literally step into and explore — it’s an adult playground! It taps into all five senses and there are nine different rooms to experience.

The Water Area was my most memorable room. We waded through knee-deep water in the dark which felt so jarring because it didn’t resemble a swimming pool. The projected koi fishes turn into flowers when touched — which made it tempting to run in water!

*Pro-tip: Rent free shorts in the locker room if you can’t roll up your pants.

The floors are made entirely out of mirrors in some rooms so avoid wearing short skirts!

*Pro-tip: teamLab Planets can get pretty crowded! But you can purchase a “skip-the-line” ticket , offered exclusively on Klook.

Entrance fee: ~S$35/pax via Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM How to get there: Take the Yurikamome Line to Shin-Toyosu Station, then walk 1min ( Google Maps )

Grab drinks at Omoide Yokochō

We ended the night at Omoide Yokochō , a narrow street filled with glowing lanterns and izakayas selling yakitori — giving it a dreamy, nostalgic feel.

Don’t make the same mistake as us by coming on a weekend evening as it was extremely crowded. Most shops only seat less than 15pax so arrive early to grab a seat!

How to get there: From Shinjuku Station, take Exit B15

Day 7: Live like a Tokyo Local

Morning wagyu kaiseki cooking class.

We’d enjoyed Japanese cuisine so much over the past few days and decided to cook up our own at Cooking Sun where we whipped up a Kaiseki — a traditional multi-course meal.

There were eight dishes in total and we learnt to execute fancy knife techniques to create spiral cucumbers and flower carrots.

The most rewarding part of the class is getting to eat the food we prepared — the wagyu sukiyaki did not disappoint. Armed with the knowledge of how to roll my very own tamagoyaki , I can proudly admit that I’m a step closer to being a domestic goddess.

Cost: From ¥9,000/adult for 2-3 pax Class hours: 9:30AM – 12:30 PM How to get there: From JR Shinanomachi Station, walk 5mins ( Google Maps )

Weekend Market at Yoyogi Park

We caught the Earth Garden Festival happening at Yoyogi Park’s Event Plaza , which had many eco-friendly craft stalls and pop-up workshops. There was even a live band performing which made the place really vibey.

A different event happens every week and can range from craft flea markets to large country festivals celebrating different cultures such as Fiesta de España or the Philippine Festival. Add this to your Japan itinerary to make it extra unique — you never know what you’re in for!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: Varies How to get there: Take the Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station, then walk 12mins ( Google Maps )

Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s Hipster Neighbourhood

Curious about Japan’s alternative youth culture, we explored Shimokitazawa , a Brooklyn-esque neighbourhood known for trendy cafes, vintage clothing thrift shops, indie cinemas, and artsy street art.

Its laid-back shophouses felt like a change of pace from the loudness of Shibuya.

To get here, take the Odakyu Line to Shimokitazawa Station from Shinjuku Station ( Google Maps ).

First stop was Disk Union where second-hand vinyl records are sold at an affordable price. I managed to cop a Simon and Garfunkel record for only ¥600 and The Beatles for ¥1,700 much to my excitement.

Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM (Mon – Thur), 11AM – 8PM (Sat – Sun) How to get there: Walk 4mins from Shimokitazawa Station ( Google Maps )

Desperately in need of a coffee break, we got caffeinated at Brooklyn Roasting Company . The cafe opened its doors in July 2022 and is located inside a giant shipping container and the vibes remind us of a New York coffee shop.

Cost: Drinks from ¥429 Opening hours : 8AM – 9:30PM How to get there: Walk 2mins from Shimokitazawa Station ( Google Maps )

Since it was almost sunset, we dropped by reload for its rooftop overlooking the neighbourhood. It’s one of the trendiest retail complexes in the area with coffee roasters, eateries, and aesthetic shops in its arsenal.

Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM How to get there: Walk 5mins from Shimokitazawa Station ( Google Maps )

Our noses led us to E-itou Curry and we tried the pork katsu curry (¥1,280) which has five levels of spice to choose from. Level 2 was spicier than anticipated but the crispiness of the cutlet paired well with the gravy. We also tried their special menu item which includes chicken accompanied by a soup-like curry (¥1,300).

A quirky trait of Shimokitazawa is that it’s known as the Curry District — with shops selling soup curries to Pakistani curry. There’s even an annual month-long Shimokitazawa Curry Festival !

Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM, 5PM – 9PM (Mon – Fri), 11AM – 9PM (Sat – Sun), closed on Wed How to get there: Walk 3mins from Shimokitazawa Station ( Google Maps )

Getting around Tokyo

Photo credit: JR East

Tokyo has a reputation for having one of the most confusing train systems in the world, with multiple line operators requiring different transport passes for different train lines, at the same station.

To avoid the hassle of constantly purchasing tickets, we got the Tokyo Subway Ticket which covers the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. There are options for unlimited use of 24, 48 or 72 hours (from ~S$7 via Klook ), to suit your needs!

Getting out of Tokyo

Road-tripping was one of the biggest highlights of the trip as it was my first time driving abroad — thankfully Japan drives on the same side of the road as Singapore so it was easy to adapt.

Most attractions offer free parking, but when unavailable, there are coin-operated parking lots. As some parking spaces in the city have specific opening hours, we recommend parking overnight at a 24/7 parking space so you can begin the day earlier.

Without worrying about catching the last bus or train, our plans were more flexible. The entire process from booking online via Klook to the return was smooth sailing, making the 3 days on the road nothing short of an adventure.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all activities * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15). Apply the promo code when you checkout. One-time use only! (* – see list of excluded activities )

*Note: Check the minimum age requirements as some car rental shops only permit 30 and up.

Read also: Driving in Japan — 15 Things First-Timers Should Know Before Planning that Road Trip

It’s hard to say goodbye to the gorgeous sights, eccentric cafes, and of course, the food in Tokyo. You’ll never run out of new things to do (and buy) and experiencing both the rush of city life and the tranquillity of the countryside made it easy to fall deeper in love with Japan.

Planning your Japan itinerary? Check out these guides and itineraries in and around Tokyo:

– The Ultimate Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Guide — 12 Tips & Tricks to Maximising your Tokyo Disney day – The Best Roller Coasters in Japan Most Tourists Miss — Fuji Q Highland Guide – 12 Things to Eat in Tokyo — Michelin (Worthy) Restaurants That Are Worth Your Money – South Tohoku Japan Guide — 19 Things to Do in Miyagi and Fukushima for First Timers

What’s your favourite thing to do in and around Tokyo? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by  Klook .

For more travel inspiratio n, follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  YouTube , and  Telegram .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

9 Travel Hacks to Save Money on Your Next Trip to Japan

5 Underrated Day Trips Under 2hrs from Tokyo — Win First Class Round-Trip Tickets to Japan!

Top 11 Hotels Near Tokyo Disney Resort — Quirky Themes, Dino Staff, Onsens

Ultimate 6-Day Adelaide Itinerary — The Best of South Australia’s Underrated Capital City and its Surrounds

Top 11 Stunning Yet Budget-Friendly Tokyo Capsule Hotels (from ~S$40/night)

Tokyo Vs Osaka: Why Are These Two Popular Japanese Cities so Different — Cultures Explained

I recently came across the delightful news that Sumikko Gurashi Nisetsumuri Gold Color has been released in Japan, and I couldn’t contain my excitement! As a dedicated Sumikko Gurashi fan, I’ve always admired the adorable characters and their charming world. This new addition to the collection has taken it to a whole new level.

The Nisetsumuri Gold Color is truly a sight to behold. With its shiny, metallic finish, this limited edition Sumikko Gurashi character brings a touch of elegance and luxury to the already beloved lineup. I can only imagine how it will beautifully complement my existing Sumikko Gurashi collection.

Being an ardent fan, I wasted no time in visiting shop.san-x.co.jp to check out this fantastic new release. The website provided a seamless shopping experience, with a wide range of Sumikko Gurashi merchandise to choose from. The attention to detail and the commitment to quality that San-X always delivers are truly commendable.

I’m thrilled to see that San-X continues to surprise us with fresh and unique designs, keeping Sumikko Gurashi enthusiasts like myself hooked. It’s evident that they understand their audience’s preferences and are dedicated to providing us with the best possible products.

I would highly recommend fellow Sumikko Gurashi fans to visit shop.san-x.co.jp and explore the enchanting world of Nisetsumuri Gold Color and other adorable characters. This golden addition is undoubtedly a must-have for any collector or fan, and I have no doubt it will bring a smile to your face.

Thank you, San-X, for constantly delighting us with your creativity and for bringing us such wonderful treasures like the Nisetsumuri Gold Color. I eagerly anticipate the next charming addition to the Sumikko Gurashi family.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Top 11 Ryokans in Kyoto to Experience Authentic Japanese Hospitality —...

Disney Adventure Cruise Sailing from Singapore in 2025 — Everything You...

6 Epic Road Trips in Australia for First-timers — Victoria, New...

JB Day Trip Itinerary — What to Do, Eat, and Shop...

New Flight to Sibu, Malaysia — A Lesser-Known Weekend Getaway Near...

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Kyushu 7 Days Itinerary – Scenic Road Trip in Japan

• Post author: Beti
• Post published: March 16, 2023
• Post category: Japan
• Post comments: 6 Comments

If you are thinking of a road trip in Japan – this 7 days Kyushu itinerary might be exactly what you need! Kyushu is the southernmost main island in Japan, famous for its active volcanoes, relaxing hot springs and beautiful mountain ranges. It offers dramatic landscapes, vast spaces, unspoiled nature, no crowds, so it’s fantastic to escape from a big city life and…  to eat some authentic Neapolitan pizza! As you can’t just live with ramen and sushi or… actually maybe you can?! 🙂

What's in this blog post?

KYUSHU 7 DAYS ITINERARY: HIGHLIGHTS

One week in Kyushu is perfectly enough to explore the best of Kyushu Island  if you are a nature lover. Here are the highlights of this road trip:

• MOUNT ASO: the largest active volcano in Japan, famous for its huge caldera! 
• VERY ACTIVE VOLCANOES: constantly monitored by the Japan’s Meteorological Agency: Aso and Kirishima as well as Japan’s most active volcano – Sakurajima.
• PRISTINE LANDSCAPES & PEACEFULLNESS: less crowds than in other parts of Japan.
• BEST OF JAPAN’S NATURE: 2 out of 34 Japan’s National Parks: Aso-Kuju National Park & Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park.
• STUNNING GORGE, WATERFALL & RICE TERRACES: those kind of places you probably don’t expect to see in Japan, or at least I did not expect 🙂
• GREAT SCENERY FOR A ROAD TRIP: kilometres of scenic drive through the mountain grasslands.
• ITALIAN PIZZA in “Naples of Japan” – the city of Kagoshima.
• SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE of southern Kyushu to escape colder weather in other parts of Japan.
• TICKING OFF 4/47 PREFECTURES: Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki & Kagoshima, if you plan to visit them all 🙂

How do you get to Kyushu island from Tokyo?

Travelling from Tokyo to Kyushu by plane is much cheaper than a journey with a bullet train. I flew with Solaseed Air – a regional airline operating mainly between Tokyo and the island of Kyushu, which was cheap and convenient. The flight was less than 2 hours and cost half of the price of a 7-hour train journey.

To make the best use of your time and fully enjoy the stunning nature of Kyushu, Kumamoto is probably the most convenient place to start your 1 week Kyushu road trip. Alternatively, you can start from Kagoshima and drive your way up to Kumamoto. Renting a car is essential to fully enjoy stunning nature in Kyushu. You can travel by public transport but it’s not very convenient, especially if you plan hiking. Buses do not run frequently.

KYUSHU 7 DAYS ITINERARY: ROAD TRIP DAY BY DAY

Day 1. milk road & daikanbo lookout: a scenic drive from kumamoto airport to aso.

Kumamoto Airport is situated between the city of Kumamoto and Mount Aso. Therefore, depending on your arrival time, you might directly head towards the volcano paradise and skip visiting the city. That’s what we did. It’s only a 40-minute drive from Kumamoto Airport to Aso via the main road (30 km). However, it is worth taking a slightly longer, but more picturesque route called “Milk Road”, marked as number 339. 

The Milk Road takes you through grasslands along the rim of the caldera and gives you a first glimpse of the beautiful landscapes. In short, it’s a great start to your 1-week trip in Kyushu.  It is dotted with numerous scenic viewpoints, of which Daikanbo Lookout is by far the most impressive. It is a perfect place to experience the immensity of the Aso caldera.

Driving time and distance from the Kumamoto Airport to Aso

• Kumamoto Airport – Daikanbo Lookout: 55min ~ 40km;
• Daikanbo Lookout – Aso town: 25min ~ 15km

Cheap accommodation in Aso

Guest House Asora is a clean, affordable and strategically located simple accommodation with free parking. There are two types of rooms – with single Western-style beds (double beds are not so common in Japan), or with traditional Japanese tatami mats and futon mattresses. The bathroom, as usual in Japan, is shared. It is definitely not a fancy place, but when you are surrounded by wonderful nature, it really doesn’t take much to be happy.

Guest House Asora on Booking.com

DAY 2. Exploring Mount Aso caldera & Nakadake crater

Mount Aso is not a single mountain. It consists of five peaks (Takadake, Nakadake, Eboshidake, Kishimadake and Nekodake) and one of the largest calderas in the world with a circumference of over 100 km  resembling the magical landscape of Mount Bromo in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, I was not able to hike to the smoking crater and the peaks of Naka and Taka to see the spectacular crater from above, which was my original plan. Due to the increased volcanic activity, during my stay in Aso, the area within 1 km of the crater and most of the trails were closed.

On the first day, when I got to Mount Aso, the crater was still open, but the weather was bad.  It was cloudy and rainy. Therefore, I decided to put off the most awaited highlight of my 7-days Kyushu itinerary until the next day. The weather forecasts were fantastic. The next day it was indeed sunny and the sky was blue. Unfortunately, on the same day, the area around the crater was closed.

how close I got to Nakadake crater...

Maybe next time...

Well, this is a good lesson for the future: you should visit an active volcano even in bad weather, because you never know when it will get more active again. 🙂

When planning your itinerary around Aso, always check the volcano’s activity status on the official website for live updates via this link: Mount Aso activity updates

What to do if Aso crater is closed?

If the crater is closed, it’s still not the end of the world either, as the surrounding area is very interesting. There are nice lookouts, as well as the Aso Volcano Museum, cafes and restaurants, so you will still enjoy your time. There is also an alternative way to explore the inside of the crater. 

You can explore the crater from the helicopter...

...or explore alternative ways to enjoy your time....

Read more about this extraordinary experience – helicopter flight over the crater in “Hiking in Kyushu – complete guide” – COMING SOON!

Driving time and distance from Aso town to Mount Aso

• Aso town – Mount Aso: 20 min ~ 35km (one way) and return  to the town of Aso for the second night at Guest House Asora

DAY 3. A green volcanic cone, hiking one of the Mount Aso peaks & stunning rice terraces

Komezuka's perfect cone.

Start your day visiting the perfectly shaped volcanic cone, Komezuka. The green grass slopes of this baby volcano, which is only 80 meters high, make it a very picturesque place. There are several viewpoints in the area where you can park your car to take a photo and take a walk in the meadow. Driving around the area is very picturesque.

Mount Eboshi hike

The drive from Komezuka to the Eboshidake trailhead takes only about 10 minutes. Mount Eboshi (1,337m) is the easiest peak among all five Mount Aso peaks. The hiking trail (round trip takes around 2h) is usually open, even when the rest of the area is closed. You can get pretty good views over the caldera and Nakadake crater from the top. You can also hike Eboshidake the day before, if Nakadake crater is closed.

  Read more about my Mount Eboshi hike in “Hiking in Kyushu – complete guide” – COMING SOON!

OGI RICE TERRACES

After hiking, if you still have time, drive to one of the most beautiful rice fields I have ever seen in my life. Despite their small size, Ogi Rice Terraces are worth visiting because of its particular fan shape. In order to reach them,  you will need to drive through winding narrow roads. You can also take a slightly longer, more scenic route through the Milk Road to complete the entire scenic route you have started on Day 1.

Ogi Rice Terraces are not very popular among tourists, so most likely you will have them all to yourself.  There is a small hill opposite the rice fields to take the best photos. From what I learnt from a little map I received at the guesthouse, according to the Ministry of Agriculture these picturesque rice fields are among the most beautiful in Japan.

If you do not have enough time for all the attractions mentioned in this blog post, try to combine 2 days of visiting Mount Aso into one (Day 2 & Day 3). It won’t be easy though!

Driving time and distance from Aso town to Komezuka, Eboshidake and Ogi Rice Fields

• Aso town – Komezuka: 15 min ~ 11 km;
• Komezuka – Aso Volcano Museum (parking lot for Mount Eboshi hike): 10 min ~ 5km,
• Aso Volcano Museum – Ogi Rice Terraces: 65min ~ 40km

On the way back there are 2 options depending on your accommodation for the 3rd night:

• Ogi Rice Terraces – Aso town: 45min ~ 28 km (Guest House Asora) or;
• Ogi Rice Terraces – Minami Aso: 45 min ~  31 km (Camping ground in Minami Aso).

Where to stay for the third night: Aso or Minami Aso?

I can recommend two options. You can head back to Aso for the 3rd night at Guest House Asora, or move to the campground across the caldera to Minami Aso. Kyukamura Minamiaso Family Auto Camping Ground is located in a beautiful forest and offers, which is very convenient, both tents and camping equipment rentals. The showers are new and spot lessly clean. Reservations can be made online via the link: Kyukamura Minamiaso Family Auto Camping Ground

Initially I didn’t plan to move from Guest House Asora, but due to the lack of room availability, I had no other choice. I am glad about how it all turned out as the camping experience was an amazing adventure!

Our home for next 2 nights: Kyukamura Minamiaso Family Auto Camping Ground

Day 4. beautiful drive to the makinoto pass and hiking in the kuju mountains.

The Aso – Kuju National Park offers not only Mount Aso with its great caldera, but beautiful Kuju Mountains as well. Driving to the Makinoto Pass, which is a main starting point of the hiking trails, is very scenic. Hiking Mount Kuju ( 1,786 m) and Mount Naka ( 1,791 m) is very pleasant as the path rises gently. 

It never gets too steep and the views are splendid. Mount Kuju is known for its particularly stunning views, while Mount Naka is the highest peak on the entire island of Kyushu. 

Read more about the Kuju Mountains hike in “Hiking in Kyushu – complete guide” – COMING SOON!

Those who do not feel like hiking can explore walkways around the Chojabaru Visitor Centre, located 5 km from the Makinoto Pass. A walk on a 2.5 km comfortable wooden path over the wetlands takes around 30-40 minutes. The Kuju Mountains can be seen in the distance.

Wetlands nearby the Chojabaru Visitor Centre

Driving time and distance from aso town to the kuju mountains (makinoto pass).

Again, there are 2 options depending on your accommodation for the 4th night. The Kuju Mountains are slightly closer from Aso than from Minami Aso.

• Aso town – Makinoto Pass: 50 min ~ 37 km (+return) or;
• Camping ground in Minami Aso  – Makinato Pass: 65 min ~ 50 km (+return).

DAY 5. A dreamlike place: Takachiho Gorge

I fell in love with the beautiful Takachiho Gorge as soon as I saw its photos while planning my 1 week Kyushu trip . It’s really stunning. Before moving to Japan, I did not expect to come across such magical places here. Takachiho Gorge is a narrow valley formed by ancient lava flows from the Mount Aso eruptions hundreds of thousands years ago. The unusual rock formations, which look unreal as if they were carved by a man, can be admired from the 1-kilometer path along the gorge.

Renting a boat is the best way to explore the Takachiho Gorge and the impressive 17-meter Manai waterfall on the Gokase River flowing within the gorge.

A 30-minute boat rental costs 3,000 JPY (27 USD) per boat + 1,000 JPY (9 USD) per passenger. The boat has a maximum capacity of 3 people.  Each additional 10 minutes costs 300 JPY (3 USD).  Due to the high water level, boat rental might not be always available, which you can check at this website:  Takachiho Gorge Boat Rentals

Visiting Takachiho Shrine

On the way back, make a short visit to Takachiho Shrine, located in a mystical cedar forest. I couldn’t believe it was my first visit to a shrine after 5 days of exploring Japan – a country famous for its countless temples and shrines. A visit to this Shinto shrine is simply a must, as Takachiho town is the setting of one of the most important Japanese mythology legends.

If you have enough time, you can also park your car at Takachiho Shrine and walk to the gorge as a picturesque path connects those two places. 

Driving time and distance from Aso to Takachiho Gorge and to Kagoshima

It’s slightly closer from Minami Aso than Aso to reach Takachiho Gorge.

• Camping ground in Minami Aso – Takachiho Gorge: 45 min ~ 38 km or;
• Aso town – Takachiho Gorge: 75 min ~ 55 km;
• Takachiho Gorge – Kagoshima: 3h 25 min ~ 230km.

Where to stay in Kagoshima?

Gracias –  simple, affordable and comfortable apartments offering views of Mount Sakurajima. Strategically located in front of the ferry terminal to Sakurajima and Yakushima,  close to the city center and the best sushi restaurant in the city. What else do you need? Cold beer? You have it – a very friendly and a bit eccentric lady owner gave us two beers upon arrival. I’m not sure if it is her normal way to greet all the guests, but I really hope it is. 🙂 The only drawback of Gracias Apartments is the lack of a free parking lot. But it’s not a big deal as affordable public car parks are situated nearby.

Check out the apartments here: Gracias in Kagoshima – Google Maps

DAY 6. Japan's most active volcano Sakurajima & pizza in Naples of Japan

Visiting Mount Sakurajima

Mount Sakurajima is Japan’s most active volcano and the symbol of Kagoshima. It smokes constantly, and minor eruptions happen every day.  It is easily accessible by ferry and best to explore by car. The trip around the peninsula takes around 1 hour.  The total transportation cost (2 people and a car) starts from ~1,500 JPY (14 USD) for the smallest vehicle. Ferries depart from the Kagoshima Port every 15 minutes and the journey takes 15 minutes. Easy and hassle free!

Among several observation points situated around the volcano, the Arimura Observation Point is my favourite spot. Although it is not the closest to the crater, the scenery is the most breathtaking. A smoking volcano crater surrounded by beautiful green pine trees, no signs of any human presence, the lack of any buildings and the blue sky over Sakurajima’s picturesque coastline won my heart.

A perfect day in nature - Sakurajima

Naples of Japan - the city of Kagoshima

After visiting Sakurajima, make your way to the Shiroyama Observatory situated on the hill in the heart of the city. It is a great sunset spot offering fantastic views over Mount Sakurajima, the city of Kagoshima and Kinko Bay. This is where the similarities between the landscape of the cities of Naples and Kagoshima are most noticeable.

But wait, what am I talking about? Naples in Italy and this remote corner of the world? Oh, yes. Due to the similar seaside location and dominating stratovolcanoes over the cities, Kagoshima and Naples are considered twin cities. Apart from hiking volcanoes, it was one of the reasons why I went to the very end of Japan and it meant only one thing … Time for pizza!

At L’oro di Napoli (which translates from Italian to “Gold of Naples”:)) you can have a really good Neapolitan pizza. Just remember to stick to the Italian classics. You won’t get disappointed with margherita. In addition, the restaurant interior design and music are great. I highly recommend it to all who want to have a break from eating raw chicken or black pork 🙂

L’Oro di Napoli – pizzeria in Kagoshima – Google Maps

Driving time and distance around Mount Sakurajima

Driving around Mount Sakurajima takes about an hour ~ 36 km.

DAY 7. Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park & hiking in the Kirishima Mountains

If you are staying in Kagoshima and flying off from Kagoshima Airport, it is most convenient to hike the Kirishima Mountains on the last day of your 1 week Kyushu trip. It will allow you to save some overall driving time. It is a 90-minute drive from Kagoshima to Ebino Plateau (1,200 m), which is a starting point of the trails, whereas the airport is halfway in between.

Welcome to the Kirishima Mountains - the land of volcanoes

The Kirishima Mountains offer spectacular volcanic landscape and unique hikes through the land dotted with perfectly shaped volcanic cones and craters. Here too, you should check volcanic activity updates. Due to recent Shinmoedake eruptions, the most scenic trail through the Kirishima Ridge is closed until further notice.  You can check trails status here: Kirishima Ridge closure update

Hiking Mount Karakuni (1,700 m)  – the highest peak of the Kirishima Mountains is still possible. This 2.5 – 3 hours round trip from the Ebino Plateau offers breathtaking views of numerous craters, volcanic cones and lakes. 

Read more about my Karakunidake hike in  “Hiking in Kyushu – complete guide” – COMING SOON!

Driving time and distance from Kagoshima to Kirishima Mountains

Kagoshima – Ebino Plateau: 90 min ~ 72 km;

Ebino Plateau – Kagoshima Airport: 45 min ~ 33 km.

DAY 8. (EXTRA) Satsuma Peninsula

What to do if you have an extra day in Kyushu? That’s very easy – drive to Satsuma Peninsula to visit Mount Kaimon – a cone shaped volcano, try black sand baths and local cuisine! 

The Satsuma Peninsula lies at the southwestern tip of Kagoshima prefecture, which you can feel. During my visit I did not meet any other tourists here, and I was greeted by the locals with both on their faces – a great smile and surprise 🙂

And if you have a bit more time in Kyushu... I guarantee you - won't be bored

Things to do in Satsuma Peninsula:

• MOUNT KAIMON – A spectacular cone-shaped inactive volcano rising 924 meters above the coast. Kaimondake is sometimes proudly called  “Mount Fuji of Satsuma” (Satsuma is the old name of Kagoshima Prefecture). Frankly speaking, it reminds me more of the majestic Mount Agung surrounded by splendid black volcanic beaches in Bali than Fujisan. You can hike to the top of Kaimondake, but I had no chance to check it out.
• LAKE IKEDA – Kyushu’s largest volcanic lake with a beautiful view of Mount Kaimon. Although I haven’t met the local version of the Loch Ness monster supposedly inhabiting the depths of the lake called Isshii, visiting the lake was enjoyable. I finally had a chance to try the local specialty – the purple sweet potato ice creams, which are sold in very old-fashioned little shops by the lake.
• IBUSUKI ONSEN SAND BATHS, where bathers are buried in hot black sand. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to find out about their healing properties myself, but give it a try, it looks great! While visiting this part of Kyushu, I had terrible back pain and was afraid that if they bury me in the sand, I would never get up again. 🙂
• REGIONAL CUISINE served in local restaurants in Ibusuki Onsen: satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake), Kibinago (small silver herrings eaten raw), chicken sashimi (raw chicken meat) and Satsuma shochu (traditional sweet potato spirit). I can recommend Satsuma Aji restaurant – not only was the food tasty and authentic, the menu was available in English as well! Check it out here:  Satsuma Aji Google Maps 

Southern Kyushu Vibes are very different from what you probably think of Japan and sweet potatoes (satsumaimo) icecream is simply a Must!

Driving time and distance from Kagoshima to Satsuma Peninsula

Kagoshima – Ibusuki Onsen: 80 min ~ 45 km;

Ibusuki Onsen – Mount Kaimon: 25 min ~ 16 km;

Mount Kaimon via Lake Ikeda back to Kagoshima: 90 min ~ 60 km.

KYUSHU 7 DAYS ITINERARY: MORE PLACES TO VISIT, NOT INCLUDED IN THIS ROAD TRIP

• HOT SPRINGS – there are numerous hots springs in the island of Kyushu. The most famous are located in Beppu (Oita Prefecture).
• YUKUSHIMA – a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu, covered with some of the oldest cedar trees in Japan (Kagoshima Prefecture).
• FUKUOKA – the largest and most vibrant city in Kyushu with its traditional street food stalls (Fukuoka Prefecture).
• NAGASAKI – Japan’s most multicultural city, which is one of my favourite cities in the Land of the Rising Sun, full of history and interesting sites (Nagasaki Prefecture).

KYUSHU 7 DAYS ITINERARY: COSTS

The total cost of this 1-week itinerary in Kyushu was around 200,000 JPY (two people, food expenses not included). We travelled in May during the Golden Week Holidays and booked everything well in advance. Here’s the breakdown:

• Return flight ticket from Tokyo for 2 pax ~ 70,000 JPY;
• Car rental ~ 50,000 JPY;
• Petrol ~ 7,000 JPY;
• Road toll ~ 5,000 JPY;
• 6 nights for 2 pax ~ 70,000 JPY.

KYUSHU 7 DAYS ITINERARY: MAP

I hope this article will help you plan your 1-week road trip around the beautiful island of Kyushu. Let me know in the comments if you need anything else or… how did your trip go. Because you are going, aren’t you? 🙂 

This Post Has 6 Comments

Hi mam. We are retired couple from India interested to see Japan. Your narration is too good. It seems you went on your own in a rented car. Can you please name any Japanese Tour operator for a road trip. Thank you.

Hi Anuradha, thank you for your good words and for looking into my blog. Unfortunately I can’t recommend any tour operator for a road trip as I always travelled on my own and rented a car from Toyota Rental or sometimes from Orix or Nissan car rentals.

Thank you for your detail itinerary. I am planning a road trip to Kyushu in early October. We will fly into Fukuoka and thinking of driving to Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Mt. Aso, Takachiho, Beppu then back to Fukuoka. Would 7 days enough for this visit? Thanks in advance!

Thank YOU for reading my blog 🙂 Your schedule is very tight, but I’ve been so many times in your shoes trying to squeeze as many places as possible with limited time available, so I’ll try to help. If you don’t plan to visit Fukuoka and will just drive through Kumamoto, it might be doable. How about this itinerary?

Day1 Arrive to Fukuoka, drive to Arita (90km/1h30min) and visit this lovely town. I think it’s the nicest attractions in Saga pref. Day2 Drive to Nagasaki (80km/1h). I spent 4 days in Nagasaki and loved it! Day3 Morning – sightseeing in Nagasaki, afternoon drive to Mount Aso (250km/3h-3h30min) via Kumamoto. Day4 Mount Aso <3 Day5 Drive to Takachiho from Aso town (55km/75min), visit the gorge and drive to Beppe (125km/2h30min) Day6 Relax in hot springs in Beppe (I have never been there!) Day7 Drive to Fukuoka (150km/2h) - depending on your flight schedule you might be even able to see a bit of Fukuoka.

Good luck with planning and enjoy beautiful Kyushu!

Hi Beth, Thank you for such a detailed travel log , so helpful. Due to my wife’s recent knee operations , hiking/climbing/trekking is not an option for us. Would Kyushu still be very interesting? The Japanese golden holiday period is to avoided for a visit? Thank you

Hi Anilkumar,

First of all, thank you for reading my blog. To answer your question – I think even if you don’t hike, Kyushu is still a wonderful destination for a road trip if you are seeking to experience Japan’s nature. There are plenty of lookouts / beautiful sights easily accessible by car and amazing onsens in Beppu. If you can, it is better to avoid the Golden Week period as it’s when all Japanese go on holidays and all places are crowded and more expensive. Hope it helps!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You Might Also Like

Hokkaido In Summer – Things To Do & 4-Day Itinerary

Mount Takao to Mount Jinba Traverse – An Easy Hike From Tokyo

Ishigaki Island On A Scooter – A Tropical Paradise In Japan

Japan Romantic Road

Japan's version of Germany's "Romantic Road" (���}���`�b�N�X��, Romantic Kaidō) leads over about 350 kilometers from Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture through the mountains of Gunma Prefecture to Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture .

Various interesting towns, hot spring resorts and lots of natural scenery can be enjoyed along the Romantic Road, including the mountain resort of Karuizawa , active volcanoes, the hot spring mecca of Kusatsu and the world heritage sites of Nikko .

Due to a lack of convenient public transportation along many of its sections, the Romantic Road has remained off the beaten path for foreign tourists. Private transportation, such as a rental car , and two to five days are recommended to cover the entire route. Note that one part of the route just east of Nikko gets closed during the winter.

Getting there and around

Questions? Ask in our forum .

or with email

The Best Time to Visit Japan: How to Plan a Future Trip

Updated December 7, 2020

If the opportunity arises to visit Japan, then go!! Between snow-covered mountains, endless summer festivals, and incredible food all year-round, you'll find that there is always something happening in Japan.

Read on to learn all about the best time to travel to Japan; once you do, feel free to message us with any questions!

First things first: What do you want to see?

How do you feel about crowds.

For example, if you would prefer to visit Japan in the “off-season” and avoid other travelers, you’ll need to forget seeing the blooming cherry blossoms or stunning autumn foliage.

Some of the major benefits (and drawbacks) of each season include:

If you are dying to see the blooming cherry blossom trees (sakura season), Spring is the only time to visit Japan. Travelers also enjoy the mild weather of the spring, when the country is no longer hidden under snow, or swelteringly hot.

However, aside from these factors, there are several drawbacks to visiting Japan in the spring.  Cherry blossom season is one of (if not the ) biggest tourist attractions in Japan, and the country is at very high occupancy during the spring. Accommodations are difficult to find, and prices higher than usual.  Additionally, the “mild weather” of spring can be fickle, and you may find yourself riding the tail end of winter.

Japan’s  “Golden Week” occurs during the spring, usually during the last week of April/beginning of May. During Golden Week, four Japanese national holidays occur in succession.  Tons of locals travel throughout the country because they have time off from work, and most accommodations will be booked months (and even years) in advance.  Many local businesses are closed for these holidays.  As a foreigner, it is important to avoid Golden Week (specific dates vary by year) when visiting Japan in the spring.  

If you are dead-set on seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan, spring is the only time this is possible.  However, expect the country to be crowded and expensive.

June - August

If you prefer to visit Japan during the “off-season” for tourists, summer may be the perfect time to visit.  

A major benefit of summer in Japan is the plethora of festivals scattered across the country.  Some resources on festivals include:

Five Best Japanese Festivals in August

Tokyo's 10 Best Summer Festivals

Japan Summer Festivals Calendar

The major drawback for visiting Japan in the summer is the weather.  The country gets very hot and humid. It can be difficult to spend too much time outside (and try to see a lot of sights).  Additionally, there is a risk of typhoons (hurricanes) between May and October.  The rainy season also coincides with the summer. While there typically aren't monsoons (as you see in other Asian countries), the rain can be frequent and unrelenting. June and July are the heaviest rain months.

Specifically, the southwestern islands of Japan are vulnerable to typhoons, so travelers should be careful when planning a trip to this region in late summer.  

Luckily for travelers hoping to avoid the heat, Japan is a very long country with varying climates.  Areas in northern Japan, or mountainous locations like Mount Fuji, are not only more pleasant in the summer, but actually accessible (as opposed to being snowed in).

September - November

In fall, tourism in Japan picks up again (and rightly so).  Second only to “cherry blossom season,” fall is one of the most popular times to visit Japan.  

So, what is the hype about visiting Japan in the autumn? Japan's climate is blessed with particularly brilliant fall foliage (called ‘koyo’).  

During the fall months, Japan’s large collection of forested areas become seas of bright orange, deep red, and even soft purple.  Also, because Japan has a very mountainous terrain, there are many viewpoints and observation decks that provide stunning views of the autumn valleys below.

And, if the weather in spring is too unpredictable, and the weather in summer is too hot, fall is the Goldilocks time in Japan - the weather is just right. Temperatures in Japan during autumn range from 50 to 70 °F.

Does this sound appealing to you? Well, you aren't the only one. October and November are two of the busiest months in Japan.  Just like spring, prices will be higher, and accommodations will be difficult to reserve.

If you hope to see the Koyo, but miss the crowds, late September or early December are your best bet. There is a chance you can still catch the foliage in certain parts of the country, and there will be far fewer tourists.

Finally, because the leaves are so vibrant and the temperature can be brisk, soaking in an outdoor onsen while surrounded by Japan's famous fall foliage is an experience worth flying for.

December - February 

If changing leaves were any clue, it probably won’t come as a surprise that winter in Japan is also a dramatic season.

Calling all snow-lovers! This is the time of year you want to visit Japan! While cherry blossoms and changing leaves are great, there is nothing like the sight of Japan covered in a fresh blanket of snow. Although some areas of the country become inaccessible during the winter, most are fine...if not even more stunning!  

Also, as you might expect for a country dotted with mountains, there are world-class ski resorts scattered throughout Japan. The winter months are prime season for snow sports, and people come from all over the world to participate. Hokkaido is one of the most popular ski areas to visit, and it often has the best ski weather.

Relaxing in an outdoor onsen is another great winter activity in Japan. The geothermal activity of the country makes it possible to hang outside and enjoy the snow and vistas while wearing no clothing.

A group of Japanese locals that also enjoy the winter weather are Japan’s famed snow monkeys.  While this furry bunch like to soak in onsens year round, the best time of year to see them is the winter, when they are truly in their element.

An added benefit of visiting Japan in the winter is that it is the best season for fresh seafood.  Snow crab is available on many menus, as well as other migratory fish that pass by the islands.  

Japan tends to have fewer travelers during the winter, with the exception of New Year’s holidays. Both foreign travelers and local Japanese families like to travel over New Years.  The country gets very crowded, and many businesses, like museums and restaurants, are closed (even famous tourist destinations like Tsukiji Fish Market).

Leave a comment:

Select Account Type

Sign-up with

Almost there!

Find booking.

How should we contact you?

Thank you! We'll get back to you as soon as possible!

Click here to register and track your question!

If you would like to follow up with us:

+1 (855) 782-3006

Forgot your password?

Enter your email address below and we'll send you a reset link:

• Best overall
• Best for cruises
• Best for reputation
• Best for preexisting conditions
• Best for digital nomads
• Best low-cost
• Best for road trips
• Best for adventure traveling
• How we reviewed travel insurance companies

Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Travel Insurance in July 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

Traveling is an adventure, a leap into the unknown, a story waiting to unfold. But every story needs a safety net, and that's where travel insurance comes in. In this guide to the best travel insurance, we'll embark on a journey to help you better understand travel insurance and uncover the benefits that make it an indispensable companion for any traveler.

Best Travel Insurance Companies of 2024 Summary

• Best Overall: Nationwide Travel Insurance
• Runner-Up: AXA Assistance USA
• Best for Cruises: Travel Guard
• Best Reputation:  C&F Travel Insured
• Best for Pre-existing Conditions:   Tin Leg Travel Insurance
• Best for Digital Nomads:   WorldTrips Travel Insurance
• Best Low-Cost Option:   Trawick International Travel Insurance
• Best for Road Trips: Travelex Travel Insurance
• Best for Adventure Sports :  World Nomads Travel Insurance

Top Travel Insurance Companies Comparison

The best travel insurance companies offer comprehensive coverage options for a wide range of people and needs. For this guide, we looked at coverage options, customizability, and the best companies for specific situations, such as pre-existing conditions.

Here are Business Insider's picks for the best travel insurance companies in 2024. 

Best Overall Travel Insurance

Nationwide travel insurance.

Nationwide is of the largest players in the travel insurance space, offering nearly endless options for any customer on the travel spectrum, including annual travel insurance plans which can offer frequent travelers the flexibility to "set it and forget it" on their travel insurance coverage.

Nationwide Essential also offers some of the most affordable policies in the market compared to similar plans from competitors, which makes it a great pick for just about anyone. Buyers can discuss bundling options as Nationwide also sells homeowners, auto, pet, and other insurance products. Its travel insurance quoting is just as easy as it has been with other Nationwide insurance products.

Read our Nationwide Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance Runner-Up

Axa assistance usa.

AXA offers consumers a great option for no-stress travel insurance: low-priced plans, generous coverage limits on key categories including primary insurance on lost luggage, and up to 150% reimbursement for qualifying trip cancellations.

While add-ons are limited and rental car coverage is not included by default on cheaper plans, AXA is a perfect fit for travelers who don't plan to drive (or who already hold a travel credit card with rental car coverage), and don't need any additional bells and whistles.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Cruises

Travel guard.

AIG is well-known insurance provider, and a great fit for travelers who want to ensure that they can get their money back in the event of canceled or interrupted travel plans.

While the company's policies can be pricey compared to its competitors, the high medical and evacuation limits make AIG a solid choice for older travelers who value peace of mind and simplicity over highly customizable plans that may be bolstered with medical upgrades.

Read our AIG Travel Guard review .

Best Travel Insurance for Reputation

C&f travel insured.

While every travel insurance company has negative reviews about its claims process, C&F Travel Insured 's claims process has a consistent stream of positive reviews. One customer wrote that C&F processed a claim within 48 hours. Additionally, C&F regularly responds to customer reviews within one business week, making reviews a consistent way to reach the company.

Additionally, in C&F's fine print, it mentions that any claims that take more than 30 days to pay out will begin to accrue interest at 9% APY.

C&F's reputation isn't the only thing to speak highly of. It offers an array of add-ons uncommon in the travel insurance industry, such as Interruption for Any Reason insurance and CFAR coverage for annual plans. C&F also offers discounts for children on its Protector Edge plan and free coverage on its Protector plan.  

Read our C&F Travel Insured review . 

Best Travel Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions

Tin leg travel insurance.

Tin Leg is a great fit for travelers with medical issues in particular. Seven of Tin Leg's eight travel plans include coverage for pre-existing conditions as long as you purchase your policy within 15 days of your initial trip payment.

Thanks to coverage for pre-existing medical conditions as well as for potential COVID-19 infection while traveling, this company offers some of the best financial investment options for travelers who are or will be exposed to higher health risks and issues.

Read our Tin Leg Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads

Worldtrips travel insurance.

WorldTrips has affordable premiums, highly customizable add-ons, and generous coverage for core categories of travel insurance. All this makes it a great option for digital nomads, students studying abroad and backpackers.

However, travelers should keep in mind that plans are not particularly flexible, and coverage amounts are limited unless you plan ahead to pay for the areas and amounts that you need.

Read our WorldTrips Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Affordability

Trawick international travel insurance.

Trawick is another insurance provider with robust medical travel insurance that can help higher-risk and anxious travelers find peace of mind while on the road. This company offers one of the most generous medical evacuation policies in the market, although travelers will need to remember to add on rental car coverage if they need it.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review .

Best Travel Insurance for Road Trips

Travelex travel insurance.

Travelex offers three plans:

• Travel Basic
• Travel Select
• Travel America

The Travelex America plan is meant for trips limited to the U.S., but it has the highest coverage limits in many areas compared to its other programs. If you're flying somewhere, the lost baggage limits are higher. Its natural strengths shine for road trippers, though. Travelex America adds coverage for roadside service and rental car coverage for unexpected accidents. It also covers pets should you be involved in an accident while on the road.

While your standard auto insurance does extend to car rentals within the U.S. for a limited time, any accident would affect future rates. Travelex would eliminate the risk of reporting to your auto insurance provider for minor incidents within its purview.

Read our Travelex Travel Insurance review .

Best for Adventure Traveling

World nomads travel insurance.

World Nomads distinguishes itself from others by covering over 300 sports and activities, from skydiving to golf. Additionally, its one of the few travel insurance companies that allow you to purchase after departing for your destination. However, you'll have a 72-hour waiting period before coverage kicks in.

That said, World Nomads doesn't have the highest coverage limits compared to its competitors on this list. It also doesn't have the most customization, only providing two plans to choose from with no options for pre-existing condition coverage. Yet, World Nomads still stands out for its sports coverage and post-departure coverage.

Read our World Nomads review .

Introduction to Travel Insurance

Why travel insurance is a must-have.

The unpredictable nature of traveling – from flight cancellations to medical emergencies – can turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. Travel insurance acts as a personal safeguard, ensuring that unexpected events don't drain your wallet or ruin your trip.

Understanding Different Types of Travel Insurance

Not all travel insurance policies are created equal. From single-trip travel insurance policies to annual travel insurance plans , from minimal coverage to comprehensive protection, understanding the spectrum of options is your first step in finding the right fit for your journey.

Key Features to Look for in Travel Insurance Coverage

Travel insurance for medical emergencies.

Imagine falling ill in a foreign country; daunting, right? A robust travel insurance plan ensures you don't have to worry about how much emergency medical care while traveling will cost, even in the most remote corners of the globe. This coverage will often come in tandem with emergency medical evacuation coverage.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Benefits

Life is full of surprises, some less pleasant than others. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage ensures that you're not left out of pocket if unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or cut your trip short. You may also look for cancel for any reason and interruption for any reason options, which will reimburse you for a percentage of your nonrefundable fees, but expands the covered reasons you can cancel a trip. You can find our guide on the best CFAR travel insurance companies here.

Coverage for Personal Belongings and Baggage Loss

Losing your belongings is more than an inconvenience; it's losing a piece of your world. Insurance that covers personal belongings and baggage loss ensures that you're compensated for your loss, helping you to rebound and continue your adventure.

Support and Assistance Services

In times of trouble, having a lifeline can make all the difference. Look for insurance that offers 24/7 support and assistance services, giving you peace of mind that help is just a phone call away. Also, check websites that field customer reviews like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and InsureMyTrip , to see how well a company responds to customer requests.

Choosing the Best Travel Insurance

Reputation and reliability of the travel insurance provider.

A provider's reputation is not just about being well-known; it's about reliability, customer satisfaction, and the ability to deliver on promises. Researching and choosing a reputable provider is a cornerstone in ensuring your safety and satisfaction.

Understanding the Policy's Fine Print

The devil is in the details, and understanding the fine print of what your travel insurance policy covers is crucial. Be aware of coverage limits, exclusions, and the process for filing a claim to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

In the age of information, customer reviews and feedback are goldmines of insight. Learn from the experiences of others to gauge the reliability and customer service of the insurance provider you're considering. While the ratings are important, you should also look at whether or not a company responds to customer complaints.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Travel Insurance

Knowing your policy inside out.

Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your policy – what it covers, what it doesn't, how to file a claim, and who to contact in an emergency. Being informed means being prepared. 

Steps to Take When a Problem Arises

If you face an issue during your travels, knowing the immediate steps to take can make all the difference. Keep important contacts and your policy details handy, and remember, your insurance provider is there to assist you.

How to Pick the Best Travel Insurance Company for You

There isn't a one-size-fits-all policy that works perfectly for every traveler. Young, healthy solo travelers can opt for much cheaper plans that offer bare-bones coverage, while families juggling complex itineraries will do best by investing in a robust policy that can help defray any costs associated with lost baggage, delayed transportation or other trip-impeding obstacles.

That being said, you can't go wrong with a travel insurance provider that boasts a reputable history and offers a wide range of customizable plans. In some cases, you may be comparing plans that are only a few dollars' apart from each other. In such situations, you should generally opt for the insurance company that offers the strongest customer service. It's also worth considering whether or not the travel insurance provider has been reviewed by other travelers with similar itineraries to your own. 

An insurance aggregator like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth is one of the best tools for searching travel insurance policies. Once you input the specifics of your travel itinerary, you'll be able to see hundreds of search results to compare the ones that catch your eye. If the options are too overwhelming, use the filters to the left of your search page to eliminate as many irrelevant plans as possible.

How We Reviewed the Best Travel Insurance Companies

To come up with our list of the best travel insurance companies, we evaluated each insurer based on the following factors:

Guide Methodology: What We Considered

Policy Types

Travel insurance is essential, but often underused partly because people aren't getting what they want. Business Insider's 2023 travel study showed 10.65% of travelers surveyed bought cancel for any reason insurance. Cost may be a factor, but in many cases, the coverage is more affordable than you might think. Regardless, companies must offer a diverse range of coverage options. We award five stars to companies offering all standard coverages and additional options like pet and sports equipment protection.

Our 2023 travel study indicated the majority of purchases were made through the travel provider (ex: flight protection insurance when you're purchasing your airline tickets). While these may be sufficient for some customers, we look for companies offering a more comprehensive range of services.

According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, the average cost of travel insurance will be between 4% and 8% of total travel expenses. Anything beyond that price point should include additional benefits beyond the standard inclusions, such as CFAR protection or upgraded medical coverage. Anything below that 4% threshold may leave you lacking important or sufficient coverage in an emergency.

Convenience and Flexibility

Whether you're an infrequent traveler or a suitcase warrior, a good travel insurance company should have you covered. In many cases, you might not even have to talk to a person in order to purchase your policy.

Many people think of travel insurance in context with specific trips, but most of these top contenders sell both single-trip and multi-trip policies, also known as annual travel insurance. Some companies also offer plans specifically designed for cruisers, students abroad, and business travelers. (Read our guide to the best cruise travel insurance companies for more details.) Finally, all of these providers offer multiple options for getting the specific areas and amounts of coverage that you want.

Claims Handling

Most travelers never have a large claim. Premiums are low, and it provides peace of mind for the just in case situations. So they leave reviews based on their reduced stress levels. But what happens if you lose your luggage or have to stay a few extra days due to an unexpected accident? Will your insurance carrier cover your claim without all the hassle? We check real customer reviews to sort this out for you.

Ease of Use and Support

When purchasing, during your trip, and throughout the claims process, you may need extra support. Does the company have a 24/7 help line? Does it have an online or mobile system allowing you to self-manage? Essentially, what are the options when you need help? We look at the big picture to evaluate the average customer experience with each company.

You can read our full insurance rating methodology for even more details.

Best Travel Insurance FAQs

There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution for every traveler. Determine the benefits that are most important to you, like baggage delay coverage, medical coverage, and trip delay coverage, then look for a company with solid customer ratings, especially when it comes to processing claims.

Travel insurance will pay out if you experience a covered event, such as a travel delay or delayed or lost baggage. If you're looking to get travel insurance for a specific reason, such as needing to potentially cancel your trip due to work reasons, make sure your policy will cover you in that situation before purchasing it. You should also check customer reviews to see other travelers' claims experiences, as it varies wildly from company to company.

The average cost of travel insurance is 4% to 8% of your total trip cost, so it could vary widely depending on where you're traveling and the length of your trip. Your age, the number of people in your group, and other factors can also influence how much you'll pay.

Yes, travel insurance typically offers some coverage of canceled flights, but if this benefit is important to you, make sure you read the fine print of your policy to make sure it offers adequate reimbursement. If you think you may need to cancel your travel plans, you should consider purchasing cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

For adventure sports coverage, you'll want to look at World Nomads , which covers over 300 sports.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

• Entertainment
• Submit Your Story

West Brom begin new Championship campaign on the road

West Brom will begin their Championship campaign on the road with an early kick-off at Queens Park Rangers.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276

The Baggies will make the trip to West London (12.30pm KO) on August 10 - before welcoming last season's play-off finalists Leeds United to The Hawthorns.

Stoke and Swansea follow in a tricky opening month - before Albion face a trip to newly promoted Portsmouth.

Other notable fixtures include a trip to relegated Luton in November - with Albion facing back to back away games over the festive period against Derby and Sheffield United.

Championship new boys Oxford United will come to The Hawthorns in March before the season ends with a home clash against Luton.

31 Swansea H

14 Portsmouth A

21 Plymouth H

28 Sheffield Wednesday A

1 Middlesbrough H

5 Millwall H

19 Oxford United A

23 Blackburn Rovers A

26 Cardiff H

5 Burnley H

23 Norwich H

26 Sunderland A

30 Preston A

7 Sheffield United H

11 Coventry H

14 Watford A

21 Bristol City H

26 Derby County A

29 Sheffield United A

1 Preston H

4 Swansea A

21 Middlesbrough A

25 Portsmouth H

1 Plymouth A

8 Sheffield Wednesday H

12 Blackburn Rovers H

15 Millwall A

22 Oxford United H

11 Burnley A

29 Norwich A

5 Sunderland H

8 Bristol City A

12 Watford H

18 Coventry A

26 Cardiff A

'I want to rip his head off I am so angry' – Victim of Wolverhampton financial advisor who took thousands from customers for no return Plus Wolverhampton | 5 hours ago

Houses evacuated after conservatory fire 'quickly' spread in Wolverhampton Wolverhampton | 2 hours ago

Paramedic found dead along with woman at house in Hednesford featured on hit Channel 4 show Plus Hednesford | 17 hours ago

Pub at the heart of Staffordshire launches new summer menu Business | 5 hours ago

Faith in Wolves board hit by ticket price fury Plus Wolves | 2 hours ago