January snowy road trip itinerary advice

I’d love some feedback on how sensible the following itinerary is and whether we can add in any stops on the way.

We are a family of 4 (kids are 13 and 15) and we’ve hired a motorhome.

We can’t ski, but want to learn to ski o suki.

Specific questions:
– is there too much driving?
– any recommendations for restaurants or other destinations that need advance booking?
– any places where booking a ryokan is advisable because of the access it provides to Onsen passes or skiing?
– recommendations for places with skiiing lessons for teens?
– should we buy ski gear second-hand or hire it for a week or day-by-day?
– places for the kids to meet or hangout with English speaking teens?
– festivals to go to?
– organisations where we can volunteer for a day?

We love:
– Rotenburi in the snow
– Craft, particularly knives, timber and pottery
– Beer
– Art, architecture
– Coffee
– Camping, caravans and camping cars
– B-Kyuu Gurume and food in general

Day 1 Tokyo (arrive late)

Day 2 Drive 1.5 – 3.2 hrs to Nikko

Day 3 Lake Chūzenji – Oigami Onsen

Day 4 – 5 Minakami

Day 6 Maebashi Hatsuichi Matsuri

Day 7 Shima Onsen

Day 8 Wed – Kusatsu Onsen

Day 9 Thu – Manza Onsen

Day 10 Fri – Karuizawa & Unno-juku

Day 11 Sat Nozawa Onsen

Day 12 Sun – Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival

Day 13-14 Drive back to Tokyo via Yuzawa, Minakami etc

Day 15 – 22 Tokyo
– Mira Costa & DisneySea (day 15, already booked)
– Ghibli Museum
– Sumo Wrestling
– Kameido Tenjin Shrine – Usokae Bullfinch Exchange

Edit: I cut this out for word limit; we’ve done multiple roadtrips in motorhomes or vans in Japan including in January snow

1 comment
  1. 1. I’m hoping that you have not hired a caravan, because due to potential snowfall and the steep inclines on narrow roads – it would be very, very stupid. Note that since camping (or campering) in the wild is illegal in Japan – you would need to find an accommodation as campsites in Japanese Alps will be closed in the winter. Considering that you would need to stay at ryokans/resorts – you may expect $100-150+ per person per night. And you need to book right now.
    2. Note that in case of inclement weather – many roads close first to private, non-resident traffic.
    3. With this schedule – you will not have time for skiing lessons except maybe for Nozawa Onsen.

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