Winter Japan & Snow
8 days · Tokyo → Nagano → Takayama
DAY 1—Arrival, Tokyo
Arrive in winter Tokyo. Complete the JEMS Arrival Mastery Workshop, set up your IC card and Suica mobile wallet, and settle into your hotel.
- Hotel check-in
Transit Notes
Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Winter schedule may have slight delays — JEMS monitors in real time.
DAY 2—Tokyo Winter
Explore Tokyo in winter — Meiji Shrine in crisp morning air, Harajuku shopping, and a warming ramen dinner in a local favorite shop.
- Local ramen dinner
DAY 3—Tokyo → Nagano
Shinkansen to Nagano through snow-covered landscapes. Afternoon visit to Zenko-ji temple, one of Japan's most important pilgrimage sites, followed by a warming onsen.
- Shinkansen to Nagano
Transit Notes
Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki from Tokyo to Nagano, 1h20m. Snow scenery begins after Karuizawa.
DAY 4—Snow Monkeys & Onsen
Early morning trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs surrounded by snow. Afternoon skiing or snowboarding at a nearby resort.
Transit Notes
Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka (45 min), then bus + 30 min walk through snowy forest to monkey park.
DAY 5—Nagano → Takayama
Scenic train journey through the Japanese Alps to Takayama. Explore the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji old town with its sake breweries and traditional merchant houses.
- Scenic train to Takayama
Transit Notes
JR Shinano limited express Nagano → Matsumoto (50 min), then JR Wide View Hida to Takayama (2h). Book window seats for alpine views.
DAY 6—Takayama Markets & Traditions
Visit the famous Takayama morning markets (Miyagawa and Jinya-mae) for local crafts and produce. Tour the Takayama Jinya (historic government house) and enjoy Hida beef for lunch.
- Hida beef lunch
DAY 7—Takayama → Tokyo & Departure
Return to Tokyo via Shinkansen for your departure flight. If time allows, a final stop at Tokyo Station for ekiben (station bento) shopping.
- Train to Tokyo
- Transfer to airport
Transit Notes
JR Wide View Hida to Nagoya (2h30m), then Tokaido Shinkansen to Tokyo (1h40m). Or direct bus Takayama → Tokyo (5h30m).
WHAT JEMS HANDLES IN THIS ITINERARY
- 28 individual transit segments pre-routed
- 4 station walkthrough guides created
- 5 Japanese-language-only reservations secured
- 8 days of 24/7 concierge coverage
This itinerary is illustrative. Start designing your trip to receive a plan built entirely around your group.