Your Ultimate Winter Itinerary to Japan

Every traveler has their own unique budget, shaped by personality and tastes. Whether you're all about street food, splurging on shopping, or soaking in history, your travel style makes all the difference!

Of course, some destinations might not be on your list, but Japan? Everything is a must-see! I’m here to share the “big idea” for planning your own trip to Japan, based on my 9-day adventure exploring its diverse locations.

Ready to take a peek at my journey? Let’s dive in!

Day 1 - KIX Airport

Before starting my trip, I rented a WiFi router on Traveloka for my 9-day adventure. Super handy!

I arrived at Kansai International Airport in Osaka around 9 PM, and here’s a tip: if you want smooth and easy transactions for trains, buses, or even grabbing snacks at the convenience store, be sure to get an ICOCA card. It’s like a prepaid e-money card that makes everything super simple!

Japan is famous for its snacks, and you can’t resist stopping by shops or 7-11 to satisfy those cravings. So, let’s just say you’ll be topping up your ICOCA card by ¥1,000 every day!

Day 2 - Universal Studio Japan, Shinsaibashi

My first stop was Universal Studios Japan. I had heard that the wait for popular rides like Harry Potter and The Flying Dinosaur could be up to 4 hours! To save time, I decided to buy an Express Pass on Klook. It was ¥10,980 (in the middle season), but since I don't go there often, it was totally worth it.

Universal Studios Japan has tons of restaurants, so definitely don’t miss out on the food—it’s a must-try! The one that caught my eye was the Three Broomsticks in the Harry Potter area.

And of course, I couldn’t resist the cute snacks! I tried the Fujiko Chocolate Rose Churros, the famous Turkey Leg, and some fun Minions biscuits. Trust me, the food is part of the experience!

Day 3 - Kitano Tenmangu, Arashiyama

The next morning, I headed straight to Kyoto. Since I arrived early and couldn’t check in yet, I decided to explore a bit. If you’re in the same situation, don’t worry about your luggage—lockers at Kyoto Station are super convenient!

For just ¥500, you can rent a locker (and you can even use your ICOCA card, but I recommend using coins since they can’t be exchanged at money changers). To kill time, I visited Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Arashiyama—both are free and absolutely worth it!

Day 4 - Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Gion Corner

I started my morning with an early trip to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Right in front of the shrine, you’ll find tons of street food stalls—so make sure to have your coins ready! I grabbed a crab stick, and it was super delicious.

In the afternoon, I headed to Gion Corner to catch a geiko performance. It’s an amazing place where you can also experience six other traditional Kyoto performing arts. After the show, I took a stroll through the charming streets of Gion, lined with old Japanese-style houses. It was like stepping back in time!

After spending two days in Kyoto, I headed to Tokyo at midnight. How did I get there? Since I wasn’t in a rush, I took a night bus! It’s cheap, comfy, and even has a toilet on board. I booked my ticket through Willer Express and arrived in Tokyo the next day at 7:00 AM, feeling refreshed and ready to explore!

Day 5 - Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara

I couldn’t sleep well on the night bus—not because it was uncomfortable, but because I was too worried about missing my stop! (LOL). As soon as I arrived at my capsule hotel, I crashed and had a good nap. I started exploring Tokyo around 2:00 PM, visiting Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara.

I absolutely love Japan’s transportation system! It’s super convenient for tourists, with plenty of passes that make travel cheaper. If you’re planning to explore Tokyo using the JR Yamanote Line, I highly recommend getting a Tokunai Pass—it’s a great deal. Just remember, it’s only for the JR Yamanote Line!

With the Tokunai Pass (¥750 per day), you can hop on and off at spots like Harajuku, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Yoyogi, Ueno, and Nippori, to name a few.

On my fifth day, I spent time hunting for souvenirs. In Harajuku, you can check out Takeshita Street, or head to Mega Don Quijote in Shibuya. While in Shinjuku, I had to try the famous Ichiran Ramen, popular with YouTubers.

I also grabbed a Sakura Full Milk Latte at Starbucks—a flavor you won’t find back home in Indonesia! Surprisingly, it tasted like bubblegum!

Day 6 - Nikko Edo Wonderland

The Tokyo Wide Pass is a great deal since it covers all JR trains in the Tokyo and Kanto areas. Most of my destinations, like Tokyo, Nikko, and Gala Yuzawa (though technically in Niigata), were in the Kanto area, so I decided to get this pass.

I was super curious about the Nikko Edo Wonderland theme park, which brings the Edo era’s life and culture to life. I pre-booked my tickets on Klook to save time. If you’re planning a trip to Nikko, the Tokyo Wide Pass covers both JR and non-JR trains, so no extra costs there!

Just a heads-up: if you're using the city buses from Kinugawaonsen Station, it’ll cost you ¥820 for a round trip.

Day 7 - Nakamise Dori, Lake Kawaguchiko

No trip to Japan is complete without visiting the iconic Mount Fuji! The Tokyo Wide Pass also covers the journey to Kawaguchiko. But before heading there, I made a quick stop at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, check out Nakamise Dori, a popular spot recommended by YouTube food bloggers. Just remember, you can’t use the JR Pass for Metro trains here, but you can pay with your ICOCA card.

Even though it was cloudy in winter, I was determined to see Mount Fuji. Pro tip: go around 3 PM in winter for a clearer view without the fog! I took the Kachi-Kachi Ropeway to get a bird's-eye view, which costs ¥800 for a round-trip gondola ride. You’ll also need to pay ¥300 for the bus (round trip) to get there.

After snapping tons of selfies with Mount Fuji in the background, I relaxed by Lake Kawaguchiko and enjoyed the scenery for a bit.

Once back in Tokyo, I wandered around Akihabara and treated myself to dinner at Sushizanmai in Tsukiji—perfect way to end the day!

Day 8 - Gala Yuzawa

My last stop in Japan was the Gala Yuzawa Snow Resort, and my main goal was simple: to see the snow! One great perk of using the Tokyo Wide Pass is that tourists get a special discount. I went for the "The Bell of Love Pack" for just ¥3,000. It includes a round-trip gondola ride, chair lift, access to the observation deck, and even rental boots. Perfect for a fun day in the snow!

Day 9 - NRT Airport

Since the Tokyo Wide Pass is only valid for 3 days, I ended my journey by booking a ticket on the Tokyo Skyliner—a sleek, high-speed train that whisked me away to Narita Airport. Departing from Ueno Station, this final ride marked the end of my incredible adventure in Japan. With memories and experiences to last a lifetime, it was time to say goodbye and fly back home to Indonesia!

Of all the countries I've had the pleasure of exploring, Japan stands out as the most unforgettable experience. From its rich culture and deep history to the mouthwatering cuisine, every moment in Japan felt like a dream come to life.

It’s a place that captivates the heart and soul, making it a destination you absolutely must experience at least once in your lifetime. As I leave with a heart full of memories, I know this won’t be my last journey to this remarkable country. Until next time, Japan!

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