Skis and Powder Snow: Nagano & Hokkaido

Japan is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. This 2-week trip itinerary includes visits to Hakuba and Shiga Kogen in Nagano Prefecture as well as Niseko in Hokkaido. Best suited for early spring (January through March).

Itinerary by

Stefan Thorgeirsson

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Stays from $488 per person

Cities to visit

Dates

Travelers

Package

Stays from $488 per person

Tokyo2 days

Nagano5 days

Hokkaido5 days

Tokyo3 days

Tokyo

Itinerary

Tokyo

Day 1

Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station

This day offers you the chance to get some fresh air and plenty of walking in case you had a long flight. The Imperial Palace is also a must-see for fans of history and it offers a stark contrast to the modern high rises all around. Traditional Japan meets the modern age in the Chiyoda district.

1. Imperial Palace

1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan

4.4

Highly recommended to walk or even run around the whole palace (about 5 km). However, please remember that the summers in Tokyo can get pretty hot and humid so early morning might be your best bet.

2. Tokyo Station

1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

4.3

Very close to the Imperial Palace. This beautiful station offers culinary options as well as a variety of shops. During the summer you'll also find a place to escape the heat.

Tokyo

Day 2

Shibuya - Possibly the most iconic place in Tokyo

Shibuya is home to one of the largest pedestrian crossings in the world. It can be packed with people - locals and visitors alike. But this day offers you the opportunity to walk into the surrounding neighbourhoods and explore some of the less known areas of Shibuya.

3. Shibuya Crossing

21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

4.5

The crossing can get quite crowded, especially during rush hour. Prices around the crossing can also be a bit inflated so if you are looking to do some shopping it might be good to walk around and browse before making a decision. This however is a must-take photo opportunity.

4. Cat Street

Cat St, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

Very cute little shopping street with lots of fun shops and vintage clothing stores. Here you can immerse in the local fashion trends.

5. Harajuku

Harajuku, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

Harajuku is one of the pop-culture centres of Tokyo. With colourful vintage clothing, tasty sweet shops and fun souvenirs, Harajuku is sure to make a lasting memory.

6. TRUNK(HOTEL)

5-chōme-32-31 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

4.1

After some potential shopping and definitely plenty of walking the Trunk Hotel is a great place to sit down and grab a cup of coffee or even a drink. Seats are available outside as well as indoors and the views are quite beautiful.

7. Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. Ikebukuro-Kitaguchi Center

2-chōme-47-11 Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0014, Japan

3.5

Weekdays: 8am-7pm

Before heading to Hokkaido, it is super convenient to send the luggage with Yamato to your next hotel. That way you don't have to drag your luggage around Tokyo. You simply board your flight and the luggage will be waiting for you at your destination. You can find Yamato services in their stores, like this one in Ikebukuro, some convenience stores, hotels and on TripToJapan as well, see details in my Instagram Reel: instagram.com/triptojapan_/reel/DVOHoppks4T