Hello r/JapanTravel!
I’ll be traveling to Japan solo in January (2026) for my first trip, and I’d love to share my itinerary. I’ve tried to balance sightseeing, culture, and winter vibes while keeping it enjoyable and not too rushed. Any feedback or suggestions are welcome!
| Date | Location | Activities / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 8 | Delhi → Tokyo | Fly from Delhi to Tokyo |
| Jan 9 | Tokyo | Arrive in the morning; check into hotel; light exploration (Asakusa, Ueno, or Shibuya); dinner nearby; adjust to jet lag |
| Jan 10 | Tokyo / Day Trip | Full day in Tokyo or day trip to Mount Fuji (Kawaguchiko); alternatives: Kamakura or Nikko |
| Jan 11 | Tokyo → Kanazawa | Take Shinkansen (~2.5 hrs); explore Higashi Chaya District & Kenrokuen Garden |
| Jan 12 | Kanazawa | Full day: visit samurai district, Omicho Market, 21st Century Museum of Art |
| Jan 13 | Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Takayama | Morning bus to Shirakawa-go (snow village); explore; continue to Takayama in evening |
| Jan 14 | Takayama | Explore old town, morning markets, sake breweries; relaxed evening |
| Jan 15 | Takayama → Kyoto | Travel via Nagoya (~4 hrs); evening stroll through Gion or Pontocho |
| Jan 16 | Kyoto | Full day: Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji |
| Jan 17 | Kyoto → Sapporo | Fly from Itami Airport (Osaka) to Sapporo; evening in Sapporo Station area & Susukino |
| Jan 18 | Sapporo | Explore Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum; enjoy local food (soup curry, jingisukan) |
| Jan 19 | Sapporo / Day Trip | Day trip to Otaru (canal, seafood) or relax in Jozankei Onsen |
| Jan 20 | Sapporo → Tokyo | Fly back to Tokyo; last-minute shopping or dinner in Shinjuku |
| Jan 21 | Tokyo → Delhi | Fly home to Delhi |
This is my first time visiting Japan, and I want to make sure I’m not rushing too much or missing anything special along this route. Do you think the pacing looks okay for January (considering winter weather)? Any suggestions for must-try experiences, food spots, or ways to make this smoother are really appreciated!
by IA2908