Hello, this will be our first time in Japan. Family of 6 with kids ages 13-22. Looking for recommendations, local updates, and suggestions for stops we might be missing. Thank you so much, this sub has been a huge help already!
Dec 17&18 – Flight from USA to **Osaka**, hotel near aiport
Dec 19 – Morning flight to **Kagoshima**, rental van to **Izumi**, crane viewing and farmstay at **Warabino Oka**
Dec 20 – Sunrise crane viewing, return to **Kagoshima**, flight to **Sapporo**, rental van for Hokkaido
Dec 21 – Wonderland **Sapporo** snow fun, soba noodle cooking class, Christmas market
Dec 22 – **Otaru** lamp lighting & glass blowing, afternoon drive to **Kushiro,** cabin in **Tsurui**
Dec 23 – **Otowa Bridge** sunrise crane viewing, Tancho sanctuary, coastal drive (weather permitting), stay at **Yoroushi Onsen**, night viewing of fish owls
Dec 24 – Fish owls at sunrise, Return to **Sapporo,** flight to **Tokyo,** airbnb in **Shinjuku**
Dec 25 – Exploring **Tokyo**, Studio Ghibli (if we get tix), calligraphy class, cafes. Possibly spend day with our Marine nephew if he can get day pass.
Dec 26 – **Hakone** day trip, train-funicular-ropeway-pirate ship, Old Tokaido Trail, Amazake-chai
Dec 27 – **Nagano** day trip by train & bus for visiting the snow monkeys
Dec 28 – Exploring **Tokyo**, another possible day to spend with our nephew, or short trip to see bamboo forest
Dec 29 – Return flight from **Tokyo** to USA
1 comment
You do realize Otaru to Kushiro is like a 5 hour drive in the best of conditions, not to mention lamp lighting in Otaru would best be viewed at night, no? Another 5 hour drive from the onsen back to the airport.
Personally I would cut Kyushu and spend those days in Osaka/Kyoto or if you really like nature go to Hokkaido early and spend the extra day(s) to visit Shiretoko.