22 days in Niigata Prefecture, Nagano Prefecture & Tohoku Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Japan travel route maker
Start: Tokyo
Train
1
Yuzawa-machi
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Nozawaonsen-mura
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Yamanouchi-machi
— 2 nights
Drive
4
Hakuba-mura
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Matsumoto
— 2 nights
Drive
6
Karuizawa-machi
— 2 nights
Fly
7
Hirosaki
— 3 nights
Train
8
Sendai
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Tokyo
Thu, Jan 26 - Thu, Feb 16
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View full calendar
Yuzawa-machi — 3 nights
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It takes just over one hour to reach Yuzawa-machi from the country's capital by bullet train.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Yuzawa-machi: Koshi Kogen Ski Area (in Nagaoka) and Minamiuonuma (Jyoetsu International Ski Area, Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, &more). And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Ponshukan, head outdoors with Kagura Tashiro Ski Resort, fly down the slopes at Iwappara Ski Resort, and test the waters at a local thermal spa.
To see reviews, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Yuzawa-machi road trip tool.
Tokyo to Yuzawa-machi is an approximately 2-hour train ride. You can also drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Nozawaonsen-mura.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 26 — 29:
Highlights from your trip
Nozawaonsen-mura — 2 nights
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Many visitors take a trip to Nozawaonsen-mura, a picturesque hot spring village in Nagano Prefecture, to get away from it all.Kick off your visit on the 30th (Mon): fly down the slopes at Tangram Ski Circus, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kenmeiji Temple, then get outside with Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort, then fly down the slopes at Nozawa Onsen, and finally don't miss a visit to Ogama. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: head outdoors with Akakan Ski Area, fly down the slopes at Akakura Onsen Ski Area, fly down the slopes at Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort, then fly down the slopes at Madarao Mountain Resort, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Shonen-ji Temple.
To find more things to do, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, read our Nozawaonsen-mura vacation planner.
Traveling by car from Yuzawa-machi to Nozawaonsen-mura takes 2 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Nozawaonsen-mura can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to drive to Yamanouchi-machi.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 29 — 31:
Highlights from your trip
Yamanouchi-machi — 2 nights
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The resort town of Yamanouchi-machi has plenty of contrasting, but complementary things going for it.On the 1st (Wed), soak in some Japanese tradition at some of the top local onsens, identify plant and animal life at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, then hit the slopes at Shiga Kogen, then fly down the slopes at Okushiga Kogen Ski Area, and finally get outside with Shigakogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Area. Keep things going the next day: hit the slopes at Ichinose Diamond Ski Resort, fly down the slopes at Shigakogen Sun Valley Ski Area, then fly down the slopes at Ryuoo Mountain Park, then head outdoors with Kijimadaira Ski Resort, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mt. Kosha.
For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Yamanouchi-machi trip planner.
Getting from Nozawaonsen-mura to Yamanouchi-machi by car takes about 1.5 hours. In January, daily temperatures in Yamanouchi-machi can reach 3°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can go by car to Hakuba-mura.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 31 — Feb 2:
Highlights from your trip
Hakuba-mura — 3 nights
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Skiing enthusiasts traveling in Japan should consider a trip to Hakuba-mura: tucked away in the Northern Alps, this village hosted several competitions during the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics.Get out of town with these interesting Hakuba-mura side-trips: Nagano (Iizuna Highlands Oyachi Marsh, Zenko-ji Temple, &more). categoryPhrases.sentence.On_the_day_spend_an_exhilarating_day_on_the_slopes_at. There's much more to do: get outside with Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort, hit the slopes at Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, stop by Hakuba Jump Arena, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Hakuba.
To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Hakuba-mura trip itinerary site.
Traveling by car from Yamanouchi-machi to Hakuba-mura takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. February in Hakuba-mura sees daily highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can drive to Matsumoto.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Feb 2 — 5:
Highlights from your trip
Matsumoto — 2 nights
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A castle town, Matsumoto possesses one of the best-preserved feudal structures in the country, and maintains its historical attractions and traditions while simultaneously exuding a modern, cosmopolitan charm.Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): step into the grandiose world of Matsumoto Castle, stop by Nawate Shopping District, then relax in the rural setting at Daio Wasabi Farm, then take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Nagamine, and finally wander the streets of Nakamachi Street. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: test the waters at a local thermal spa, make a trip to Suwa Taisha Shimosha Akimiya, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Suwa Shrine, and finally indulge your thirst for a good beer at Reijin Brewery.
To find where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read Matsumoto trip itinerary site.
Getting from Hakuba-mura to Matsumoto by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. In February, daytime highs in Matsumoto are 4°C, while nighttime lows are -2°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) so you can go by car to Karuizawa-machi.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Feb 5 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Karuizawa-machi — 2 nights
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The only city in the world to have hosted both summer and winter Olympics, the resort town of Karuizawa-machi boasts clean air, impressive mountain scenery, and many outdoor activities and hot springs.Kick off your visit on the 8th (Wed): take in the dramatic scenery at Shiraito Falls, appreciate the extensive heritage of Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori, then buy something for everyone on your list at Karuizawa prince shopping plaza, then play a few rounds at Seizan Golf Course, and finally take in the natural beauty of Tombo no Yu. Keep things going the next day: step into the grandiose world of Ueda Castle.
To find reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Karuizawa-machi trip maker website.
You can drive from Matsumoto to Karuizawa-machi in 2 hours. Another option is to take a train. February in Karuizawa-machi sees daily highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Hirosaki.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Feb 7 — 9:
Highlights from your trip
Hirosaki — 3 nights
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A center of political power during the feudal era, Hirosaki today stands as a hub of culture and history in the north of the island.Get out of town with these interesting Hirosaki side-trips: Towada (Oirase Gorge Onsen Ski Resort, Oirase Gorge, &more), Aomori Spring Ski Resort (in Ajigasawa-machi) and Tachineputa No Yakata (in Goshogawara). There's lots more to do: stroll around Hirosaki Park, admire the landmark architecture of Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, get advice or help at Aomori Prefecture Tourist Centerl ASPAM, and buy something for everyone on your list at A-FACTORY.
To find traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Hirosaki online trip builder.
Traveling by flight from Karuizawa-machi to Hirosaki takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. In February, Hirosaki is slightly colder than Karuizawa-machi - with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sun) to allow enough time to take a train to Sendai.
Side Trips
Aomori, Towada, Inakadatemura Village Office, Observation Deck & Cultural Hall, Aomori Spring Ski Resort, Hakkoda Mountains
Find places to stay Feb 9 — 12:
Highlights from your trip
Sendai — 4 nights
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Human history and nature combine seamlessly in Sendai, with the influence of each never far away in this green and storied city.Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sendai: Matsushima-machi (Matsushima Bay, Entsu-in Temple, &more), Shiogama Shrine (in Shiogama) and Yamagata (Bakuchiiwa, Risshaku-ji Temple, &more). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Sendaijo Ato, get engrossed in the history at Aoba Castle Museum, steep yourself in history at Osaki Hachiman Shrine, and make a trip to O-torii.
To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Sendai trip tool.
You can take a train from Hirosaki to Sendai in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Hirosaki in February; daily highs in Sendai reach 5°C and lows reach 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Feb 12 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Niigata Prefecture travel guide
Niigata Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Honshu on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The capital is the city of Niigata with which it shares the same name.HistoryUntil after the Meiji Restoration, the area that is now Niigata Prefecture was divided into Echigo Province (on the mainland) and Sado Province. During the Sengoku period, the Nagao clan, who were at times vassals to the Uesugi, ruled a fief in the western part of modern Niigata from Kasugayama Castle. The most notable member of the Nagao clan was Nagao Kagetora, later and better known as Uesugi Kenshin. He unified the leaders of Echigo Province and became its sole ruler. By taking the surname Uesugi, he also became the head of the Uesugi clan and effectively brought their realm under his control.The city of Niigata is now the third largest Japanese city facing the Sea of Japan, after Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. It was the first Japanese port on the Sea of Japan to be opened to foreign trade following the opening of Japan by Matthew Perry. It has since played an important role in trade with Russia and Korea. A freighter from North Korea visits Niigata once a month, in one of the few forms of direct contact between Japan and that country.
Source
Nagano Prefecture travel guide
Nagano Prefecture is a landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region on the island of Honshu. The capital is the city of Nagano. Due to the abundance of mountain ranges in this area, the land available for inhabitance is relatively limited.Nagano has impressive highland areas, including most of the Kita-Alps, Chūō-Alps, and Minami-Alps, which extend into the neighbouring prefectures. In addition to its natural scenic beauty and rich history, Nagano was host to the 1998 Winter Olympics, which gained the prefecture international recognition as a world-class winter sport destination, and a Shinkansen line to Tokyo.HistorySee Shinano Province.
Source
Tohoku travel guide
Long a poor rural area known for its harsh climate, Tohoku remained off the tourist radar for most of modern Japanese history. Today, tourism in Tohoku remains refreshingly subdued, offering the chance to discover some of the country's finest natural scenery without the crowds. The area encompasses many scenic hot springs, developed ski areas, picturesque lakes, and historic castles and former samurai residences. Tohoku also serves as an ideal spot for that quintessential Japanese activity, the cherry blossom viewing: the trees bloom later here than elsewhere in the country, making the region a great alternative if you arrive a bit late in the season.
