Trip
Japan · February 2027
11-day winter expedition across Hokkaido (Sapporo, Otaru Snow Light Path & Biei powder snow), Nagano Alps (Jigokudani snow monkeys & Yudanaka Onsen), historic Takayama & UNESCO Shirakawa-go, Lake Kawaguchiko (snow-capped Mount Fuji & Chureito Pagoda), and Tokyo. Features curated transit routing, daily business hotel accommodations with private baths, and regional winter specialties.
Day 1 · Thursday 11 February
Departure from Jakarta
Evening check-in at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Terminal 3 for Garuda Indonesia flight GA874 nonstop overnight across the Pacific to Tokyo Haneda (7h 25m).
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:00 – 23:25 | International Flight Check-in & Security | Transit | [Jakarta (CGK T3)] Garuda Indonesia GA874 check-in & immigration at Terminal 3; departure 23:25 | To book | ||
| 23:25 – 08:50+1 | Overnight Flight GA874 to Tokyo | Rest | [In Flight] Nonstop Garuda flight GA874 (7h 25m duration across Pacific) | To book |
Day 2 · Friday 12 February
Arrival in Tokyo & Flight to Hokkaido Snow
Morning touchdown at Haneda T3, domestic transfer to New Chitose Airport (CTS), and JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo. Evening excursion to the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, wandering along the gas-lit historic canal and Temiya Railway lined with handmade candlelit snow lanterns and floating glass buoys, followed by fresh Hokkaido nigiri sushi.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:50 – 10:30 | Arrival, Customs & Terminal Transfer | Transit | [Tokyo Haneda (HND)] Arrive Haneda Terminal 3 at 08:50; clear customs, transfer shuttle to Domestic Terminal | |||
| 11:45 – 13:25 | Domestic Flight to Sapporo | Transit | [HND to New Chitose (CTS)] Domestic flight HND-CTS (1h 40m); collect luggage at New Chitose Airport | ¥11,000 | To book | |
| 13:45 – 14:25 | JR Rapid Airport Train to Sapporo | Transit | [New Chitose to Sapporo] Board JR Rapid Airport train (37 mins, runs every 12 mins) to Sapporo Station | ¥1,150 | To book | |
| 14:30 – 15:30 | Hotel Check-in & Refresh | Rest | [Sapporo] Check in at Toyoko Inn Sapporo-eki Kita-guchi (2-min walk from North Exit) | ¥28,500 | ||
| 15:40 – 16:20 | JR Hakodate Main Line to Otaru | Transit | [Sapporo to Otaru] JR Semi-Rapid / Local train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (32-40 mins) | ¥750 | ||
| 16:30 – 19:00 | Otaru Snow Light Path Festival | Sightseeing | [Otaru] Stroll the gas-lit historic Otaru Canal and illuminate snow sculptures | maps.google.com | ||
| 19:00 – 20:30 | Dinner: Otaru Fresh Sushi & Seafood | Culinary | [Otaru] Enjoy fresh seafood nigiri sushi and kaisen-don along Sakaimachi Street | maps.google.com | ||
| 20:45 – 21:25 | JR Hakodate Main Line Return | Transit | [Otaru to Sapporo] Board JR train back from Otaru Station to Sapporo Station (35 mins) | ¥750 | ||
| Day total: ¥42,150 | ||||||
Day 3 · Saturday 13 February
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk & Biei Christmas Tree
Guided winter coach tour north through the snowy Ishikari Plain to Asahiyama Zoo for the world-famous King Penguin Walk and arctic animal exhibits. Afternoon stop in rural Biei to admire the iconic solitary spruce Christmas Tree standing serenely in undulating deep powder snow, the frozen icicles of Shirahige Waterfall and steaming cobalt-blue river, the fairy-tale illuminated log cabins of Ningle Terrace, and steaming butter corn miso ramen in Susukino.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:15 – 07:45 | Board Klook Guided Coach Tour | Transit | [Sapporo Station] Meet tour guide at Sapporo Station North Exit bus loading bay; departure 07:45 | ¥10,500 | To book | |
| 07:45 – 10:30 | Scenic Coach Transit to Asahikawa | Transit | [Central Hokkaido] Guided highway tour bus (~2h 45m scenic winter transit across Hokkaido) | |||
| 10:30 – 12:45 | Asahiyama Zoo & King Penguin Walk | Nature | [Asahikawa] Famous winter King Penguin Walk parade on snow; polar bears & seal marine tube | maps.google.com | ||
| 12:45 – 13:45 | Lunch: Asahikawa Ramen & Snacks | Culinary | [Asahikawa] Warm local Asahikawa soy sauce / miso ramen at zoo dining hall | |||
| 14:15 – 14:45 | Solitary Christmas Tree of Biei | Sightseeing | [Biei] Iconic single spruce tree standing in pristine white snowfields near Bibaushi | maps.google.com | ||
| 15:15 – 15:50 | Shirahige Waterfall (White Beard Falls) | Nature | [Shirogane] Cobalt-blue subterranean water cascades over frozen rock into Biei River | maps.google.com | ||
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Ningle Terrace Forest Cottages | Sightseeing | [Furano] Romantic artisan handicraft cottages illuminated in deep snowy pine woods | maps.google.com | ||
| 17:30 – 19:15 | Coach Return Transit to Sapporo | Transit | [Furano to Sapporo] Tour coach return journey to Sapporo Station drop-off point (~1h 45m) | |||
| 19:30 – 21:00 | Dinner: Butter Corn Miso Ramen | Culinary | [Sapporo (Susukino)] Authentic Hokkaido miso ramen at Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley) | maps.google.com | ||
| Day total: ¥10,500 | ||||||
Day 4 · Sunday 14 February
Sapporo Winter Architecture, Mt. Moiwa & Local Cuisine
Morning exploration of sculptor Isamu Noguchi's snowy Moerenuma Park and the "Hidamari" glass pyramid with snow sledding down Mount Moere. Genghis Khan grilled lamb BBQ at Sapporo Beer Museum, sweet confectionary tasting at Shiroi Koibito Park, and summit panoramic evening views of Sapporo's winter lights atop Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, concluding with rich Hokkaido soup curry.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:15 | Subway & Bus to Moerenuma Park | Transit | [Sapporo] Toho Subway Line to Kanjodori-higashi + Chuo Bus Higashi 69/79 to park | ¥460 | ||
| 09:15 – 11:30 | Snow Sledding & Glass Pyramid | Nature | [Moerenuma Park] Rent snow sleds at Hidamari glass pyramid; explore snowy Isamu Noguchi park | maps.google.com | ||
| 11:30 – 12:15 | Bus to Sapporo Beer Museum | Transit | [Sapporo] Chuo Bus transit from Moerenuma Park toward Sapporo Beer Garden | ¥210 | ||
| 12:15 – 14:00 | Lunch: Genghis Khan Lamb BBQ | Culinary | [Sapporo Beer Museum] Grilled mutton BBQ on star-shaped dome grill with fresh draft Sapporo beer | maps.google.com | ||
| 14:15 – 14:45 | Tozai Line Subway to Miyanosawa | Transit | [Sapporo] Subway Tozai Line to Miyanosawa Station (5-minute walk to factory) | ¥290 | ||
| 14:45 – 16:30 | Confectionery Factory & Souvenirs | Shopping | [Shiroi Koibito Park] Tour chocolate cookie manufacturing line; shop for packaged Hokkaido cookies | maps.google.com | ||
| 16:45 – 17:30 | Streetcar & Shuttle to Mt. Moiwa | Transit | [Sapporo] Sapporo Streetcar to Ropeway Iriguchi + free shuttle bus to lower station | ¥200 | ||
| 17:30 – 19:30 | Mt. Moiwa Ropeway & Summit Panorama | Sightseeing | [Mt. Moiwa] Two-stage aerial ropeway and mini cable car to summit observation deck | maps.google.com | ||
| 19:45 – 21:15 | Dinner: Hokkaido Soup Curry | Culinary | [Sapporo (Susukino)] Rich spiced medicinal soup curry with tender chicken leg & winter vegetables | maps.google.com | ||
| Day total: ¥1,160 | ||||||
Day 5 · Monday 15 February
Flight to Tokyo & Shinkansen to the Nagano Alps
Morning flight from New Chitose to Haneda, forwarding large suitcases to the Tokyo hotel via Takkyubin to travel light into the Alps. Shinkansen Kagayaki bullet train cutting through the snowy Japanese Alps to Nagano, connecting via Nagaden Snow Monkey Express to Yudanaka Onsen for natural hot spring baths and evening strolls through historic, lantern-lit cobblestone Shibu Onsen.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:45 – 08:25 | JR Rapid Airport Train to CTS | Transit | [Sapporo to CTS] JR Rapid Airport train from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport (37 mins) | ¥1,150 | To book | |
| 08:30 – 10:30 | Flight Check-in & Security | Transit | [New Chitose (CTS)] Check in and security screening for domestic flight CTS -> HND | |||
| 10:30 – 12:15 | Domestic Flight to Tokyo Haneda | Transit | [CTS to Tokyo Haneda] Domestic flight CTS-HND (1h 45m flight time) | ¥11,000 | To book | |
| 12:15 – 13:00 | Luggage Forwarding (Takkyubin) | Transit | [Tokyo Haneda (HND)] Forward bulky suitcases at Yamato Transport counter to Tokyo hotel (~¥2,200) | ¥2,200 | ||
| 13:00 – 13:45 | Tokyo Monorail & Yamanote Line | Transit | [Haneda to Tokyo Station] Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station + JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station | ¥670 | ||
| 13:45 – 14:20 | Ekiben Lunch Box Selection | Culinary | [Tokyo Station] Select regional gourmet bento boxes at Ekibenya Matsuri central concourse | |||
| 14:24 – 15:49 | Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki) | Transit | [Tokyo to Nagano] High-speed bullet train Kagayaki 527 to Nagano Station (1h 25m, reserved seats) | ¥8,340 | To book | |
| 16:00 – 16:45 | Nagaden Limited Express Snow Monkey | Transit | [Nagano to Yudanaka] Nagano Dentetsu Snow Monkey express train to Yudanaka Station terminus (45m) | ¥4,000 | To book | |
| 16:45 – 17:30 | Ryokan Check-in & Yukata Dressing | Rest | [Yudanaka Onsen] Check in at Hotel Yudanaka / ryokan, settle into Japanese tatami room | ¥12,500 | maps.google.com | |
| 17:30 – 19:00 | Thermal Mineral Onsen Bath | Rest | [Yudanaka Onsen] Soak in hot volcanic outdoor rotenburo hot springs amidst winter snow | maps.google.com | ||
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Traditional Kaiseki Dinner | Culinary | [Yudanaka Onsen] Multi-course seasonal Japanese banquet featuring local Shinshu specialties | |||
| Day total: ¥39,860 | ||||||
Day 6 · Tuesday 16 February
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Scenic Transit to Takayama
Scenic 1.6 km cedar forest walk to Jigokudani Yaen-Koen to watch wild Japanese macaques soaking peacefully in thermal hot springs amid deep mountain snow. Nagaden bus back to Nagano to visit historic Zenko-ji Temple and sample warm steamed oyaki buns, followed by a picturesque transit through snow-dusted Hida mountain valleys to Takayama for charcoal-grilled A5 Hida Wagyu beef.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 – 09:00 | Nagaden Local Bus | Transit | [Yudanaka to Snow Monkey Park] Board Nagaden bus from Yudanaka Station to Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop (15 mins) | |||
| 09:00 – 11:30 | Snow Monkey Park & Forest Walk | Nature | [Jigokudani Yaen-Koen] Walk 1.6km snowy pine trail; watch wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs | maps.google.com | ||
| 11:45 – 12:45 | Nagaden Snow Monkey Express Bus | Transit | [Kanbayashi to Nagano Station] Direct Nagaden Express Bus back to Nagano Station East Exit (~50m) | To book | ||
| 12:45 – 14:30 | Zenko-ji Temple & Nakamise St. | Sightseeing | [Nagano] Visit historic 7th-century temple; lunch on Shinshu soba noodles along Nakamise stone street | maps.google.com | ||
| 14:45 – 17:30 | Highway Bus / Scenic Express | Transit | [Nagano to Takayama] Scenic highway express bus transit across the Northern Alps / Hida valleys to Takayama (~2.5h) | ¥3,500 | To book | |
| 17:30 – 18:30 | Hotel Check-in & Rest | Rest | [Takayama] Check in at Toyoko Inn Hida Takayama Ekimae (next to Takayama Station) | ¥16,000 | ||
| 18:30 – 19:30 | Sanmachi Suji Historic District | Sightseeing | [Takayama] Evening walk through Edo-period merchant wooden preservation street under lantern light | maps.google.com | ||
| 19:30 – 21:00 | Dinner: A5 Hida Wagyu Beef BBQ | Culinary | [Takayama] Savor melting A5 charcoal-grilled Hida beef steaks and local hoba miso specialties | |||
| Day total: ¥19,500 | ||||||
Day 7 · Wednesday 17 February
Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Winter Fairytale
Morning walk along the snow-banked Miyagawa River Morning Market, then direct Nohi express bus to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go buried under deep powder snow. Touring the massive wooden timber framing of historic Wada House, ascending to the Shiroyama Viewpoint for the classic fairy-tale valley vista, and returning to Takayama for Edo-period merchant street strolls and sake tastings in Sanmachi Suji.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 09:30 | Miyagawa River Morning Market | Sightseeing | [Takayama] Stroll riverbank morning stalls; sample dried persimmons, Hida apple snacks, and crafts | maps.google.com | ||
| 09:50 – 10:40 | Nohi Highway Bus (Reserved) | Transit | [Takayama to Shirakawa-go] Board Nohi Express Bus #101 at Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Shirakawa-go (50m) | ¥2,600 | To book | |
| 10:45 – 12:00 | Ogimachi Gassho-zukuri Village | Sightseeing | [Shirakawa-go] Explore UNESCO village under heavy powder snow; tour 300-year-old Wada House interior | maps.google.com | ||
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch: Soba & Mountain Delicacies | Culinary | [Shirakawa-go] Warm soba noodles with sansai mountain herbs and grilled Gohei mochi rice cakes | |||
| 13:00 – 14:15 | Shiroyama Observation Viewpoint | Sightseeing | [Shirakawa-go] Hike or shuttle bus to Shiroyama viewpoint for fairy-tale panoramic view of the snow village | maps.google.com | ||
| 14:30 – 15:20 | Nohi Highway Bus Return | Transit | [Shirakawa-go to Takayama] Board return Nohi Bus from Shirakawa-go terminal back to Takayama (50m) | ¥2,600 | To book | |
| 15:30 – 17:30 | Sake Brewery Tastings & Crafts | Shopping | [Takayama] Visit Funasaka & Harada historic sake breweries; taste fresh winter brew and local cedar crafts | maps.google.com | ||
| 18:30 – 20:30 | Dinner: Takayama Ramen & Izakaya | Culinary | [Takayama] Cozy izakaya dinner with Takayama Chuka Soba (soy-dashi ramen) and grilled yakitori | |||
| Day total: ¥5,200 | ||||||
Day 8 · Thursday 18 February
Takayama to Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji)
Traversing the snow-capped Northern Alps via alpine highway bus to Matsumoto, boarding the JR Azusa Limited Express through the Kofu basin to Otsuki, and transferring to the Fujikyu Railway up to Lake Kawaguchiko. Riding the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for towering winter views of snow-blanketed Mount Fuji, followed by piping-hot Yamanashi specialty Houtou noodles in a rich miso pumpkin broth.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:50 – 09:55 | Alpico / Nohi Alps Highway Bus | Transit | [Takayama to Matsumoto] Highway bus through scenic snow-clad Northern Alps pass to Matsumoto Bus Terminal (2h 05m) | ¥3,500 | To book | |
| 10:10 – 11:30 | JR Limited Express Azusa #16 | Transit | [Matsumoto to Otsuki] Board JR Azusa Limited Express to Otsuki Station (1h 15m, reserved car) | ¥4,650 | To book | |
| 11:45 – 12:40 | Fujikyu Railway Express Train | Transit | [Otsuki to Kawaguchiko] Fujikyu line scenic mountain railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko Station (~50m) | ¥1,170 | To book | |
| 12:45 – 13:45 | Hotel Check-in & Luggage Drop | Rest | [Lake Kawaguchiko] Check in at Toyoko Inn Fuji Kawaguchiko Ohashi; lake view check-in | ¥10,500 | ||
| 14:00 – 16:30 | Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway | Sightseeing | [Mt. Tenjo] Ascend Mt. Tenjo aerial cable car for unobstructed panoramic view of snow-capped Mount Fuji | maps.google.com | ||
| 16:45 – 18:00 | Lake Kawaguchiko Shore Walk | Nature | [Lake Kawaguchiko] Sunset stroll along the lake promenade admiring Mount Fuji reflecting on the calm winter water | maps.google.com | ||
| 18:30 – 20:30 | Dinner: Steaming Houtou Hotpot | Culinary | [Lake Kawaguchiko] Hearty Yamanashi specialty hotpot with wide flat noodles, pumpkin & vegetables in iron pot | |||
| Day total: ¥19,820 | ||||||
Day 9 · Friday 19 February
Chureito Pagoda Morning & Highway Bus to Tokyo
Morning climb up the snow-lined steps of Arakurayama Sengen Park to the iconic 5-story red Chureito Pagoda framing Mount Fuji, followed by lakeside walks at Oishi Park. Comfortable direct highway express bus back to Tokyo, checking in at Daimon/Hamamatsucho to reunite with forwarded luggage, and enjoying an evening stroll through the bright neon lights of Ginza or Shibuya.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 08:25 | Fujikyu Railway Local Train | Transit | [Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida] Short train ride to Shimoyoshida Station (15 mins) + 10-minute walk to park stairs | ¥310 | ||
| 08:30 – 10:30 | Chureito Pagoda & Mt. Fuji View | Sightseeing | [Arakurayama Sengen Park] Climb 398 stairs for world-famous postcard panorama of red pagoda with Mount Fuji | maps.google.com | ||
| 10:45 – 12:15 | Oishi Park Lakeside Promenade | Nature | [Lake Kawaguchiko] Scenic stroll along north shore flower & snow terrace with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji | maps.google.com | ||
| 12:15 – 13:15 | Casual Lunch & Bakery Stop | Culinary | [Kawaguchiko Station] Quick lunch and coffee around Kawaguchiko Station before highway bus boarding | |||
| 13:30 – 15:15 | Highway Express Bus to Tokyo | Transit | [Kawaguchiko to Tokyo] Fujikyu / Keio Highway Express Bus straight into Tokyo Station / Shinjuku (1h 45m) | ¥2,200 | To book | |
| 15:30 – 16:30 | Hotel Check-in & Luggage Retrieval | Rest | [Hamamatsucho (Tokyo)] Check into Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho-Daimon; retrieve Yamato forwarded suitcases | ¥24,000 | ||
| 17:30 – 20:30 | Evening Exploration & Dinner | Shopping | [Ginza / Shibuya] Explore Ginza flagship stores or Shibuya Crossing; dinner at tonkatsu or izakaya | |||
| Day total: ¥26,510 | ||||||
Day 10 · Saturday 20 February
Tokyo Exploration & Souvenir Shopping
Immersive morning walking through the sensory water and light digital art installations at teamLab Planets in Toyosu, followed by a fresh seafood lunch. Afternoon souvenir and artisanal sweets hunting across Tokyo Station Character Street and Daimaru depachika food hall, culminating in a celebration Wagyu sukiyaki farewell dinner.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 – 10:15 | Yurikamome Line to Toyosu | Transit | [Tokyo] Transit via Yurikamome Monorail to Shin-Toyosu Station (25 mins) | ¥390 | ||
| 10:30 – 13:00 | teamLab Planets TOKYO | Sightseeing | [Toyosu] Immersive digital art museum; wade barefoot through crystal water and floating flower gardens | maps.google.com | ||
| 13:15 – 14:15 | Lunch: Toyosu Market Fresh Seafood | Culinary | [Toyosu / Tokyo Station] Fresh tuna sushi bowls or tempura lunch near Toyosu / central Tokyo | maps.google.com | ||
| 14:30 – 17:30 | Character Street & Daimaru Depachika | Shopping | [Tokyo Station] Shop for anime goods at Character Street; buy Tokyo Banana, matcha cookies & KitKats | maps.google.com | ||
| 18:30 – 21:00 | Celebration Dinner: Wagyu Sukiyaki | Culinary | [Ginza / Shimbashi] Premium Japanese black Wagyu sukiyaki simmered with sweet soy broth and organic egg dip | |||
| 21:00 – 22:30 | Pack Luggage & Trip Wrap-up | Rest | [Hamamatsucho] Final luggage packing and weight checks; prep flight tickets for morning departure | |||
| Day total: ¥390 | ||||||
Day 11 · Sunday 21 February
Return Flight to Jakarta
Effortless 13-minute Tokyo Monorail ride from Hamamatsucho to Haneda Airport Terminal 3, duty-free shopping, and boarding Garuda Indonesia flight GA875 nonstop back to Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta.
| Time | Activity | Category | Notes | Cost | Booking | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15 – 08:45 | Tokyo Monorail Haneda Express | Transit | [Hamamatsucho to Haneda T3] Walk 5 mins to Hamamatsucho Station; board direct Tokyo Monorail to Haneda T3 (13 mins) | ¥500 | ||
| 08:45 – 11:45 | Flight Check-in & Tax-Free Shopping | Transit | [Haneda Airport (HND T3)] Check in at Garuda Indonesia counter (09:15), security clearance & duty-free shopping | To book | ||
| 11:45 – 17:35 | Nonstop Return Flight GA875 to CGK | Rest | [In Flight] Garuda Indonesia nonstop flight GA875 to Jakarta (7h 50m); arrive CGK T3 at 17:35 WIB | To book | ||
| Day total: ¥500 | ||||||