This 9-day trip to Japan is designed for those who want a relaxed yet exciting getaway—especially if winter and snow are at the top of your wishlist. The journey starts in Osaka, diving straight into the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios: wandering through Hogsmeade in the cold, sipping butterbeer, and feeling like you’ve stepped into a world of wizardry.
From there, the pace slowly shifts—Kyoto becomes a calmer pause before heading to Nikko for some theme park fun in the crisp mountain air. The highlight comes in Niigata, where winter truly reveals itself: snow everywhere, quiet surroundings, and a sense that time moves a little more slowly. Perfect for anyone who wants to experience Japan in winter—playful, chilly, and filled with snowy moments, without rushing from place to place.
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Day 1 – Arrival in Osaka 🇯🇵
Day one started at Kansai International Airport, with Osaka as my first stop—and honestly, it just made sense. Flights to Osaka are usually cheaper, and it’s a super strategic base if you’re planning to explore Osaka, Kyoto, and even Tokyo in one trip. Right after landing, I picked up an ICOCA card for easy cashless payments. In Japan, each prefecture has its own transport e-money—Tokyo has Suica, for example—but the good news is that whichever card you get, it works almost everywhere across Japan.
I ended up spending quite a bit of time at the airport until nightfall, mostly because I got completely overwhelmed by Japan’s train system. Even after doing my research back in Indonesia, seeing so many train lines, companies, and platforms in real life was… a lot. I tried asking locals for help, but since English isn’t widely spoken, our conversation quickly turned into a mix of broken English and frantic hand gestures—which somehow made things even more confusing.
Just when I was starting to panic, a student named Shiho stepped in. I showed him my hotel address, and he didn’t just explain—he literally accompanied me all the way to the front of my hotel. It was the perfect reminder that even when traveling feels chaotic, there are still kind people who make your first day in Japan unforgettable.
By the time I finally reached my hotel, it was already close to midnight—but at least I arrived safely. I chose to stay at Khaosan World Tennoji, a ryokan-style accommodation that instantly made the trip feel more “Japan.” A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, usually with tatami mat floors, sliding doors, and a simple, old-school Japanese aesthetic that feels calm and nostalgic at the same time.
Staying in Tennoji turned out to be a great choice too—ryokan-style places in this area are relatively affordable, and I managed to get a really good price, probably because it was winter. After a long, confusing, but oddly heartwarming first day, I finally called it a night, grateful to have made it through Day 1 in Japan—tired, cold, but safe.
Day 2 – A Full Day at Universal Studios Japan⚡
Day two was fully dedicated to Universal Studios Japan, and honestly? One day was not enough. Half of my time was spent in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter alone. If you’re a Potterhead, bringing an officially licensed wand is a must—these wands have special sensors that let you practice spells throughout the park, making the whole experience feel way more immersive and magical.
Since it was winter, the price of the USJ Express Pass dropped, so I decided to get one—and it was totally worth it. It saved me from hours of waiting, especially for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where the queue can take up to four hours without an express pass. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the ticket price felt more than reasonable.
Be ready to plan your budget carefully at USJ, because every snack is dangerously good. The Turkey Leg at Jurassic Park is a must-try, and so is the Minion Cookie Sandwich – Banana Ice Cream & Fruit from Minion Park. For lunch, I chose Hogsmeade—because where else can you eat with a full view of Hogwarts Castle and the Black Lake? Stay until nighttime if you can, because the Hogwarts Castle Light Show is designed as the grand finale of the Harry Potter area, often happening just before the rides close. A perfect way to end a long, magical day at USJ.
Day 3 – Osaka to Kyoto, Culture & Slow Wandering
Day three started super early—I had to catch a morning train to Kyoto. And something unexpectedly heartwarming happened during the ride: I gave up my seat to an elderly local and ended up receiving ¥1,000 in return. That moment made me laugh and reflect at the same time. Since then, I made it a personal mission to always offer my seat to elderly people throughout my trip in Japan (LOL 😂) —though honestly, I was often confused because many Japanese seniors prefer standing, even when priority seats are available.
Since check-in in Kyoto was only possible in the afternoon, I stored my suitcase in a station locker and started exploring hands-free. Luckily, most major stations in Japan have coin lockers, making it super convenient for travelers. A small tip: always keep some coins with you, because the machines don’t give change.
Kyoto is known as the heart of Japanese culture, so visiting temples was a must. My first stop was Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of learning. You’ll see plenty of students here, praying before exams or asking for blessings for academic success. I even brought home an intelligence charm as a souvenir. From there, I continued to Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most popular areas, famous for its bamboo grove.
Arashiyama is filled with beautiful scenery at every turn—from the river near Togetsukyo Bridge (especially stunning in spring with colorful maple leaves), to delicious local food (Kyoto is well-known for its unagi!), and the glowing kimono poles at Kimono Forest. Even the tram ride to Arashiyama feels special—the cute, vintage-style purple train adds to the feeling of stepping back into old Japan. While exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, don’t forget to stop by Tenryu-ji Temple, one of the area’s most important temples.
As night fell, it was finally time to rest. I checked into CMM Kyoto Ekimae, a furnished apartment located just a short walk from Kyoto Station—perfect after a long day of exploring, especially when traveling with a suitcase.
Day 4 – Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Evening Stroll in Gion
Day four in Kyoto started super early with a visit to one of Japan’s most famous shrines, Fushimi Inari Taisha. If you’ve got enough coins, save some for street food stalls in front of the shrine, which open early in the morning. There’s so much delicious food—crab sticks, dango, matcha ice cream—perfect for a breakfast-on-the-go while exploring.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and patron of business. Foxes play an important role here as they are considered the deity’s messengers, so don’t be surprised to see plenty of fox statues throughout the shrine. The most iconic feature, of course, is the thousands of Torii gates stretching all the way to the top of the mountain. Legend has it that each gate was donated by local business owners to show gratitude for their success.
When visiting, don’t just stay at the base. Hike up to the summit for stunning views of Kyoto, and you’ll notice it gets much quieter as you go higher. Keep in mind that there are graves scattered in the forest along the way, so be respectful and mindful of the surroundings.
Evening is the perfect time to explore Gion. Lanterns light up the streets, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere. I had booked tickets to watch a variety of traditional Japanese performances at Gion Corner, and one of the highlights was the chance to see and take photos with Geisha, artists whose tradition dates back to the 18th century.
I’ve often heard stories of tourists forcing photos or touching the Geisha’s kimono along the streets of Gion. The truth is, you can see them up close at the theater without any hassle or disrespect. That’s why I highly recommend Gion Corner for a safer and truly authentic experience.
I purposely stayed up until midnight because I was planning to travel to Tokyo on an overnight bus. You can book tickets through Willer Express. The bus comes with comfortable seats and clean toilets, making the overnight journey surprisingly convenient and easy.
Day 5 – Tokyo: Yamanote Line, Food & City Lights🍜
Even though I managed to get enough sleep on the overnight bus, all I wanted after arriving in Tokyo was to lie down for a bit. I had booked a capsule hotel in Ueno, and despite being right in the middle of the city, it was surprisingly quiet—perfect for recharging before another full day of exploring.
Since I was planning trips to Nikko and GALA Yuzawa, I made sure to get the JR Tokyo Wide Pass, which would be valid for the next three days. Priced at ¥15,000, this pass allows travel on limited express trains and Shinkansen within the Tokyo area, including routes covered by the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s also more affordable than the Japan Rail Pass and comes with special discounts for snow activities at GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort. I purchased the pass online and exchanged it at Tokyo Station.
By midday, I was ready to explore Tokyo—especially the neighborhoods along the green Yamanote Line, such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Akihabara, and other major hubs on this loop. For budget-friendly travel around these areas, Japan offers the Tokunai Pass, which costs ¥750 and gives you unlimited rides on all JR lines within central Tokyo, including the Yamanote Line, for a full day.
I started the day from Ueno, where I was staying, with Shinjuku Station as my first stop. Ichiran Ramen had been on my bucket list for a long time, and it truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best ramen experiences in Japan. After Shinjuku, I headed to Takeshita Street and Daiso Harajuku for souvenir shopping. Harajuku is a great spot if you’re looking for affordable shopping, but if you miss it, Don Quijote in Shibuya is another solid option—packed with cute, uniquely Japanese snacks that also make great gifts.
I spent the rest of the day until night hopping between major Yamanote Line areas. One highlight was Akihabara, where you can experience Japan’s otaku culture up close. I highly recommend visiting Akihabara at night, when the tall buildings light up with anime and game advertisements—no wonder it’s known as Electric Town. Just a heads-up: many shops here have hidden floors selling adult manga, so feel free to explore if you’re curious.
Day 6 – Stepping Back in Time in Nikko
The next day was the one I had been looking forward to the most: exploring Nikko, a city that brings Edo-period culture to life through the historical theme park Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura. From the moment you enter, it truly feels like stepping into another era—watching live ninja performances, tasting authentic Edo-style food, and even encountering “thieves” from the Edo period roaming around the town.
One of the special highlights at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is the Oiran Parade (花魁). Oiran were high-ranking courtesans during the Edo period, holding the highest status within the pleasure districts (yukaku). They were admired not only for their beauty, but also for their intelligence and exceptional artistic skills—ranging from dance, music, calligraphy, to the tea ceremony. Many people often confuse Oiran with Geisha, but they are very different. Oiran typically provided sexual services, while Geisha were professional entertainers and artists, not sex workers. Visually, the contrast is also striking: Oiran are bold, glamorous, and flirtatious in style, with elaborate hairstyles and vibrant kimono, while Geisha carry a calmer, more refined elegance, moving and presenting themselves with subtle grace.
Beyond the theme park, Nikko is also blessed with stunning natural scenery. During the panoramic train ride, I couldn’t stop admiring the views outside the window. The day felt even more special because it was also my first time riding the Shinkansen, Japan’s iconic high-speed rail network, famous for its incredible speed, punctuality, and comfort. Traveling at up to 300 km/h, the Shinkansen connects major cities seamlessly while still offering a smooth and quiet ride—making the early morning journey to Nikko not only efficient, but exciting in its own way.
Day 6: Kawaguchiko to See Mount Fuji, Sushi Dinner at Sushizanmai
A trip to Japan doesn’t feel complete without visiting Mount Fuji. As one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji has a charm that’s hard to resist. To see it up close, I chose to visit Lake Kawaguchi. In this area, there is the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway, a panoramic cable car that takes visitors up to the summit of Mount Tenjo. From the top, the view of Mount Fuji is absolutely breathtaking—especially on a clear day.
This spot is also very popular for photography, particularly around sunset. To reach the ropeway station, you can either walk for about 15 minutes from Kawaguchiko Station or take one of the sightseeing buses available. Afterward, I took some time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lake Kawaguchi with a small picnic—the calm lake, framed by Mount Fuji in the background, was truly beautiful and soothing.
In the evening, I returned to Tokyo. For dinner, I opted for sushi before heading back to the hotel to rest. I stopped by Sushizanmai, one of Japan’s well-known sushi restaurant chains, famous for the freshness of its ingredients. Without hesitation, I ordered sashimi. The restaurant sources its fish directly from the Tsukiji Fish Market, making the sashimi incredibly fresh despite being served raw.
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Day 7: Playing in the Snow at GALA Yuzawa!
Today, I made use of the discounts from the Tokyo Wide Pass to visit GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort, located in Niigata Prefecture. In addition to discounted fares, the pass also includes a ticket for the Jōetsu Shinkansen, a high-speed train that stops directly at GALA Yuzawa Station—making the journey extremely convenient.
This time, I finally got to check off one of my lifelong dreams: seeing snow for the first time. Since I was traveling solo and didn’t have sufficient skiing skills, I chose the The Bell of Love Observation Deck package. This package allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape without having to ski. It also included a full set of winter clothing and boots, along with access to the gondola and the Barouche Chairlift.
I visited in February, when winter was at its peak. The snow was still piled high, making the mountain scenery even more stunning and dramatic. I was completely satisfied spending the entire day playing in the snow at this resort. Despite the crowds during the winter season, GALA Yuzawa’s spacious area still offered plenty of memorable moments to enjoy the snow comfortably.
Day 8: Souvenir Shopping in Tokyo
After completing all my bucket list in Japan, I set aside one full day just for souvenir shopping. That day, I explored the areas along the Yamanote Line once again, because honestly, there are so many interesting things to see and buy at affordable prices. My main stops were Harajuku and Shibuya, two neighborhoods that are always lively and full of color. Along the way, I also made a stop at the Hachiko Statue, the Akita dog remembered for his extraordinary loyalty and devotion to his owner.
Day 9: Returning to Indonesia
The last day in Japan finally arrived. I departed from Tokyo and headed back to Indonesia on a flight from Narita International Airport. This journey marked the end of my adventure in Japan—filled with experiences, stories, and memories that I will always cherish.
To get to Narita Airport, you can take the dedicated airport train called the Tokyo Skyliner. It’s recommended to purchase your ticket a day in advance to ensure a more comfortable journey and avoid missing out on seats, especially during peak hours.
Travel Cost Summary
| ICOCA Card | ¥2,000 |
| ICOCA Top-Up | ¥1,000 per day |
| Accommodation in Osaka | ¥500–¥1,000 per day |
| Universal Studios Japan (Winter / Shoulder Season Ticket) | ¥9,830 |
| USJ Express Pass | ¥9,700 |
| Locker at Kyoto Station | ¥500 |
| Accommodation in Osaka | ¥8,721.97 per day |
| Gion Corner Ticket | ¥5,500 |
| Willer Express (Kyoto to Tokyo) | ¥5,000 |
| Accommodation in Tokyo | ¥3,000–¥3,500 per day |
| Tokunai Pass | ¥750 |
| JR Tokyo Wide Pass | ¥15,000 |
| Ichiran Ramen | ¥1,000–¥1,300 |
| Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura | ¥3,845 |
| Local Bus in Nikko | ¥820 |
| Kachi-Kachi Ropeway | ¥800 |
| Bus to Kawaguchiko | ¥300 |
| Sushizanmai | ¥2,000 |
| Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort | ¥3,000 |
| Tokyo Skyliner | ¥2,580 |
* Note: You will be using your ICOCA card for daily expenses such as payments at 7-Eleven, metro rides, and other transportation, so it’s important to prepare a daily budget for top-ups.
**The budget above does not include snacks and other additional expenses.
Traveling to Japan in the winter has its own advantages: besides plenty of attractive discounts, the crowds are also smaller, making it more comfortable to explore various destinations. Apart from Gala Yuzawa, there are many other exciting snow destinations, such as Shirakawago, with its charming snow-covered traditional village, or Sapporo, famous for its snow festival and local cuisine. If you don’t have much time in Osaka and Kyoto, these destinations are definitely worth adding to your itinerary—they’re sure to give you an unforgettable winter experience in Japan.
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