Hi all! I am making a solo trip this February. No car, all public transport. I think (hope) it should all work as planned, but would greatly appreciate if anyone has any suggestions, sees a problem with transport, or thinks I’ve over-planned / under-planned timing 🙂
(I’ve previously done the typical first-timers itinerary, so have been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Koya-san, and Takayama.)
**Sunday 18 Feb:**
Arrive 10:40pm.
Take limousine bus\* to Shinjuku. Sleep in hotel.
**Monday 19 Feb:**
Breakfast in hotel. \[potentially a quick morning wander in Tokyo\]
Travel to Matsumoto by direct Azusa train.
Wander Nawate-dori and Nakamachi. Eat my way along these streets.
Matsumoto City Museum of Art.
Pre-dinner drink at Bacca Brewery or Matsumoto Brewery.
Dinner at izakaya somewhere TBC.
**Tuesday 20 Feb:**
Matsumoto-jo
Daio wasabi farm? (not too fussed – if there is time)
Ukiyo-e Museum
**Wednesday 21 Feb:**
Breakfast at ryokan.
Last wander around shops, walk
Train to Yudanaka Onsen.
Walk round, enjoy onsens. Dinner at hotel/ryokan.
**Thursday 22 Feb:**
Breakfast early early.
Jigokudani Monkey Park.
Check out, train to Karuizawa.
Harunire Terrace \[*it seems there is a walking trail from here to Picchio below*\]
Picchio Visitor Centre – go earlier than tour time, to explore.
Stargazing tour 6:15pm.
Dinner TBC. May be late as after tour.
**Friday 23 Feb:**
Check out, ask hotel to store luggage.
Shiraito Falls.
Kumoba Pond.
Pick up luggage from hotel, train to Shinjuku.
Wander and dinner in Tokyo – TBC.
**Saturday 24 Feb:**
Hotel breakfast. Store luggage in hotel.
Day out in Tokyo.
Limousine bus to Haneda 23:55.
Thank you all for any feedback!
I also had a couple of specific questions which I’ve typed below (so as not to break up the itinerary section).
***Additional questions:***
1) \*For the airport bus / limousine bus, is it possible to buy a timed ticket at the machine upon arrival and use immediately (my flight arrives 10:40pm)? Some websites say that after buying the ticket (even if buying online or at ticket machines), you need to change it for a timed ticket at the counter. I’m worried as the ticket counter in Haneda T3 closes 8pm. What’s the point of a ticket machine though if you still need to go to the counter…? 🙁
2) Seems like there is more time than needed in Matsumoto, I just thought that one night only would make things a bit rushed. I’d love to do a little outdoorsy walk / hike, normally I’d be so excited about the Nakasendo / Kamikochi but most of what I’ve found seems to be less safe / possible to do solo in winter. I’m a bit cautious of anything that’s too ‘deep snow / foresty’, because I’ll be traveling solo and will be in hiking shoes rather than snow boots. Are there any nature-y walks you love, safe for a solo lady, in winter?
3) I’m staying the last night in Tokyo, thinking so that (i) the flight day will be less rushed and (ii) to give me the evening / morning in Tokyo. As I have been to Tokyo however, would you recommend I stay that night in Karuizawa instead? It seems that many people go to Karuizawa for the shopping centre, but I figure I could shop in Tokyo so not too fussed. Is there anything I’ve totally missed out in Karuizawa?
Thank you!
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