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
Tokyo
Tokyo
Tokyo
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.
1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
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.
1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
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
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.
21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
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.
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.
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.
5-chōme-32-31 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
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.
2-chōme-47-11 Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0014, Japan
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
Nagano
Hakuba - Happo-One Ski Resort
Start your journey to Hakuba by visiting the largest ski resort in the valley: Happo-One. With a high peak of 1,800m it's truly representative of Japans Northern Alps.
Hakubahappo Onsen, Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9301, Japan
Nagano
Hakuba - Cortina and Norikura Ski Resorts
At the northern end of Hakuba Valley you have these two ski resorts famous for deep powder snow and backcountry options. Be mindful of rules and follow instructions when off-piste.
12860-1 Chikunikō, Otari, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9422, Japan
Japan, 〒399-9422 Nagano, Kitaazumi District, Otari, Chikunikō, 白馬乗鞍高原1285−１
Nagano
Hakuba - Goryu and 47 Ski Resorts
The Goryu and 47 are a 2-in-1 resort combo as they are interconnected. A very large area with multiple slopes and difficulty levels - every skier or snowboarder can find something appropriate.
24196-47 Kamishiro, Hakuba, Kitaazumi District, Nagano 399-9211, Japan
Nagano
Shiga Kogen - Japan's Largest Ski Resort
Head over to Shiga Kogen for a different experience to Hakuba. Shiga Kogen is a very large resort with a high peak of 2,300m, multiple slopes and good backcountry options.
7148 Hirao, 山ノ内町 Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Japan, 〒381-0401 Nagano, Shimotakai District, Yamanochi, 下高井郡山ノ内町志賀高原 焼額山
Nagano
Snow Monkeys & Onsen Bathing
Take a break from skiing with this day trip to Jigokudani to see the bathing snow monkeys (Macaques) before heading to Shibu Onsen for a relaxing hot spring visit.
6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
It takes about 20-30 minutes to walk to the area where the monkeys are bathing. Bring proper clothing and boots.
2215 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Shibu Onsen is also home to some craft beers and restaurants that can offer good options for lunch.
Hokkaido
Welcome to Niseko!
Niseko is by far the most popular ski resort in Hokkaido, maybe even in Japan as a whole. Get settled in and explore your surroundings. If you have the energy, head to the slopes!
温泉 Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1592, Japan
Hokkaido
Annupuri - Heaven for deep powder
Annupuri is a little bit less crowded than some other Niseko options and especially family-friendly. Annupuri also offers good backcountry access for those keen.
485 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
Hokkaido
Hanazono - Light Powder and Tree Runs
Niseko has multiple resorts within the area. An option for this day is Hanazono - famous for good powder and great tree runs. It also offers phenomenal views of the 1,900m peak: Mt. Yotei.
328-36 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0082, Japan
Hokkaido
Day-trip to Lake Toya
Lake Toya is part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is renowned for its natural beauty. This is an opportunity for some local food, a picturesque stroll along the lake and a visit to one of the many Onsen-bathhouses in the area.
Lake Tōya, Hokkaido, Japan
Toyako Onsen, Hokkaido, Japan
There are many options for Onsen-bathhouses. Look for those offering day-visits.
Hokkaido
Skiing and Mt. Yotei
Get your final slope runs in before heading to Chitose to catch the flight back to Tokyo. On the way, we recommend making a photo stop at Mt. Yotei for a view of the 1,900m peak.
4-chome-5 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan
Hirafu is the largest of Niseko's resorts but it's also the most popular. Famous for wide runs with good variety.
Mount Yōtei, Kawanishi, Kyogoku, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0131, Japan
Tokyo
Asakusa - Tokyo's Old Town
Some of the oldest parts of Tokyo blended together with modern buildings, entertainment and the highest broadcasting tower in the world - Tokyo Skytree.
Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Sensō-ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and pairs well with a visit to the Asakusa Shrine. It's one of the more popular areas to visit so we recommend early mornings or afternoons to avoid the biggest crowds.
1-chōme-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Tokyo Skytree is the highest broadcasting tower in the world at 634m. There are two observation decks available to the public offering some of the best views of the Tokyo and its surroundings.
Tokyo
Day-trip to Kamakura
Kamakura is situated on the outskirts of Tokyo's Greater Metropolitan Area. This historic seaside city offers great contrast to Tokyo as you stroll along it's streets and visit some of the most beautiful temples and shrines in Japan.
4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Kamakura Yuigahama Beach, 4 Chome Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan
Please note: The beach is not suitable for swimming until April at the earliest. It still offers a nice seaside stroll and some fresh ocean air.
Tokyo
Roppongi and Ginza - Food & Fun
End your trip to Japan on a luxurious note. Visiting some of Tokyo's most high-end neigbourhoods and enjoying the best cuisine Japan has to offer.
6-chōme-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-6108, Japan
Japan, 〒106-6150 Tokyo, Minato City, Roppongi, 6-chōme−10−１ Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 53階
Tokyo
Tokyo
For those keen to end with a bang, Sake-tasting is a lot of fun and actually very informative. Take the Marunouchi-line from Ginza to Shinjuku (around 20 minutes).