JJapan Trips

Second time in Japan in February: which route?

  • September 29, 2025

Hi all,

My friends and I are traveling to Japan from Feb 1st to 18th. It will be my second time in Japan (first for my friends), so I wanted to explore a slightly different path from the classic Golden Route.

I’m considering two possible itineraries and would love your advice. I’ve tried to break down daily activities rather than just listing cities.

Option 1 – Flight + Shinkansen

Feb 1 – Arrival in Sapporo

  • Land at New Chitose Airport from Milan in the morning.
  • Explore Odori Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, and nearby winter illuminations.
  • Dinner: local specialties (ramen or soup curry).

Feb 2 – Sapporo

  • Morning: Sapporo Snow Festival sculptures (if ready) and Hokkaido Shrine.
  • Afternoon: Sapporo Beer Museum and shopping at Tanukikoji arcade.
  • Evening: stroll in the Susukino nightlife district.

Feb 3 – Day trip to Otaru

  • Explore Otaru Canal, glass workshops, and sushi at local seafood restaurants.
  • Return to Sapporo for dinner and an onsen experience at Jozankei Onsen.

Feb 4 – Noboribetsu

  • Day trip to Noboribetsu Onsen and Hell Valley (Jigokudani).
  • Relax in hot springs and return to Sapporo in the evening.

Feb 5 – Flight to Osaka → Kyoto

  • Morning flight Sapporo → Osaka Kansai (~2h).
  • Afternoon: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori street food, overnight in Osaka.
  • Evening: short stroll in the Namba district.

Feb 6 – Kyoto

  • Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine early in the morning to avoid crowds.
  • Afternoon: Tofukuji Temple and a walk through the Gion district.
  • Evening: dinner in Gion and explore the atmospheric streets.

Feb 7 – Kyoto

  • Morning: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoanji Zen garden.
  • Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park.
  • Evening: traditional kaiseki dinner near Arashiyama.

Feb 8 – Kyoto

  • Day trip to Nara or Kobe
  • Evening: return to Kyoto, explore Nishiki Market.

Feb 9 – Kyoto

  • Morning: Philosopher’s Path and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion).
  • Evening: leisure walk and dinner in Pontocho alley.

Feb 10 – Kyoto → Tokyo (Shinkansen)

  • Morning: leave Kyoto on Hikari Shinkansen (~2h40).
  • Afternoon: check-in in Tokyo hotel, explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple.
  • Evening: stroll around Tokyo Skytree / Sumida River.

Feb 11 – Tokyo

  • Morning: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, and explore Harajuku / Takeshita Street.
  • Afternoon: Meiji Jingu Shrine and shopping in Omotesando.
  • Evening: dinner in Shinjuku, explore Kabukicho nightlife.

Feb 12 – Tokyo

  • Morning: visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum.
  • Afternoon: shopping in Akihabara (electronics, anime, gaming).
  • Evening: explore Ginza district for high-end stores and dinner.

Feb 13 – Tokyo

  • Day trip to Kamakura: Great Buddha, Hase-dera Temple, beach walk.
  • Return to Tokyo in the evening.

Feb 14 – Tokyo

  • Morning: explore Odaiba (teamLab Borderless / Palette Town).
  • Afternoon: Rainbow Bridge, shopping and leisure.
  • Evening: optional cruise in Tokyo Bay.

Feb 15 – Tokyo

  • Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast and fresh seafood.
  • Afternoon: explore Roppongi Hills / Mori Art Museum.
  • Evening: Shinjuku nightlife or karaoke.

Feb 16 – Tokyo

  • Free day for shopping, museums, or exploring neighborhoods like Kichijoji or Koenji.

Feb 17 – Tokyo

  • Leisure day, last-minute shopping, or visit Disneyland / DisneySea if desired.

Feb 18 – Departure

  • Transfer to Narita/Haneda for flight home.

Option 2 – Train only (JR Pass)

Feb 1–3 – Sapporo & surroundings

  • Similar to Option 1 but shorter stays.
  • Focus on city highlights, Otaru, and Jozankei Onsen.

Feb 4 – Hakodate

  • Morning train Sapporo → Hakodate (~4h).
  • Explore Hakodate Morning Market, Goryokaku Fort, and night view from Mount Hakodate.

Feb 5–7 – Sendai & Matsushima

  • Explore Matsushima Bay, Zuiganji Temple, and island viewpoints.
  • Sendai city: Zuihoden Mausoleum, shopping, and local cuisine.

Feb 8–11 – Kyoto

  • Same Kyoto highlights as Option 1: temples, districts, Nara day trip.

Feb 12–17 – Tokyo

  • Same Tokyo highlights as Option 1, adjusting for extra travel days.

Feb 18 – Departure

I’m leaning towards Option 1 since it saves significant travel time and costs, but I’m curious if Hakodate and Matsushima are worth the extra hours on the train in winter.

Also, any tips on things to see or do around Sapporo would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

by clockunlock