Hi everyone! I am travelling to Japan on 16-31 Dec 2023 from Malaysia. Roughly my itinerary is Tokyo-Kawaguchiko (Day Trip)-Nagano-Osaka-Kyoto (Day Trip).
It is my first trip (Total 2 girls & 4 luggages) to Japan and I especially want to experience snowboarding on this trip. I booked the flight tickets first without thinking much so any advice is really appreciated! I have not booked any accommodations/transportation so I’d love to get some recommendations
16 – [Haneda Airport]
I will arrive almost around midnight. I am thinking to book an airport transfer via KLOOK directly to my accommodation (planning to stay in Shibuya/Shinjuku area) due to heavy luggages & trains being closed after midnight. Taxi is also an option as I read that there is a flat rate
17 – [Chill day exploring Shibuya/Asakusa]
Plan to start the day not so early. Shibuya crossing-Hachiko statue-Tokyo tower photo spot-Asakusa street food- Sensoji Temple-Sunset at Shibuya sky-Shibuya crossing at night-Shopping here and there or visit cafes (otter/owl)
18 & 19 – [Tokyo Disneyland & Disneysea]
Plan to spend 1 day each as I expect to spend almost full day there
20 – [Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo]
Plan to take the morning tour via KLOOK. If have time to spare, maybe visit Christmas spots in Tokyo/Ice skating in Tokyo Midtown Ice Rink/Kabukicho Tower at night
21 – [Day Trip to Lake Kawaguchiko]
Panoramic ropeway and observation deck. Also really want to visit Lawson at Kawaguchiko Station. Mostly just pictures and sightseeing of Mt.Fuji (im aware that the weather may not be clear to see it but it is a hassle to move accommodation with heavy luggages
22 till 24 – [Nagano 2 Nights]
Check out early and head to Nagano. Planning to stay in Hakuba ski resort. Considering ryokan as well in nearby onsen town but worried as we’re 2 girls travelling alone. Want to visit Yudanaka station for the foot onsen.
Want to try snowboarding and planning to rent jacket/boots/board (Is it more affordable to rent and does the rented jacket looks nice or at least have plain black/white options?) Also heard that Komagane City is great for snow walks and joshinetsu kogen national park is beautiful. Not gonna see the monkey because it is a 40 mins walk up there
24 till 31 – [Osaka]
Basically universal studios japan, shopping at dotonbori/don quiote, eating a lot. Also will insert a day trip to Kyoto somewhere in between before heading to Kansai Airport on 31st
• JR Pass – Is it worth getting? Based on jr pass calculator, even the 7 days pass is not worth it but i’m wondering if all the local trains i’ll be taking will add up. I have until Sept 27 to purchase at the old price
• Luggages – Each luggage 30 kg x 4 luggage. Are trains still a good option (hassle of reserving luggage) or should I consider bus or takkyubin?
Honestly any advice is appreciated. Im aware of how underprepared I am but I do love impulsive trips. Thank you in advance!
1 comment
Hi!
*Considering ryokan as well in nearby onsen town but worried as we’re 2 girls travelling alone.*
I am a little unsure what you mean by this. Are you worried about driving in a car to the ryokan in the snow? Make sure to pick one with a free shuttle service then. Do you mean are you worried something untoward is going to happen in a ryokan?? A lot of guests at ryokan are women traveling together. Special women’s beauty packages are a fairly common offering.
If you are traveling with 4 30 kg suitcases, then yes, you will do well to use TakQbin. Though I suspect most airlines and many services require you to keep bags below 22 kg. I admit… I like to shop and I don’t pack light, but me and my tween get buy just fine with 2 22kg bagsand two smaller carry on sized wheelies. 4 30 kg bags seems like alot.
USJ is likely to be completely packed. You’re going when the Japanese have vacation as well, so you will be competing with domestic tourism.
I think you are planning a lot for your Hakuba days. It’s going to take you around 4 hours to get there (the fastest route is Tokyo to Nagano, Nagano to Hakuba via bus.) It’s then going to take you 4-4.5 hours to get to Osaka. So you actually only have 1 full day and Yudanaka is like an hour from Nagano in the opposite direction of Hakuba (and/or Osaka.) If the whole point of going to Yudanaka is just the foot bath, have you thought about going to the one in Arashiyama in Kyoto when you are in Osaka? You have 6 days total there and only 1 day planned for USJ. I would think visiting the foot onsen there is easier.
And no I don’t think a pass will be worth it. It’s about 8000 yen from Tokyo to Nagano, and then 13,000 yen from Hakuba to Osaka, for a total of 21,000 yen. You would need a lot of local trains to get to 8000 yen. You could use it to pay for part of your trip to Kawaguchiko or just take a bus for the same supplemental fee you would need to pay for the limited express.
Within Osaka, you are likely to do a mix of JR and subway to get around. If you want to go to Kyoto, unless you are staying in Umeda and trying to get to Kyoto Station, you are better off using the private Hankyu or Keihan line to get around since both get you a lot closer to tourist destinations. Heck, you can even take Hankyu to Arashiyama.
Good luck!