From famed heritage sites like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine to the electronic mecca of Akihabara in Tokyo, this accessible adventure perfectly captured Japan’s one-of-a-kind blend of tranquil ancient beauty and vibrant futuristic innovation, all while keeping warm indoors! Join me as I recap an unforgettable expedition across central Japan to the sprawling capital city during one of its most magical seasons.

Stopping at Historic & Scenic Spots Along the Way

My wintry trip commenced in Osaka where I marveled at historic Osaka Castle dressed in glittering white snow before catching a local train bound for Kyoto. This ancient city overflowing with temples and shrines was even more breathtaking dusted in delicate flakes. I strolled along quiet paths surrounded by vermilion-colored torii gateways in Fushimi Inari Shrine, the evening light casting an ethereal glow.

After warming my numb fingers over green matcha tea in a tiny cafe along the Kamogawa River lined with weeping willows, I departed Kyoto on an evening bullet train to Matsumoto in the Japan Alps. Emerging from Matsumoto Station before sunrise the next morning, the regal bright white facade of Matsumoto Castle set against the navy wintry sky took my breath away. Later that day when I journeyed deeper into the mountains, I was awestruck by snow-capped jagged peaks stretching as far as the eye could see while riding through the Norikura Highlands on a local bus.

Cityscapes Blanketed in White – Tokyo & Beyond

Catching the limited express Super Azusa service, I was whisked back through the countryside to Tokyo in just over 3 hours. Stepping off at Tokyo Station, I emerged from the basement into a chilly winter night with the glimmering red Tokyo Tower visible in the distance. I made my way to my cozy hotel in Asakusa, eager to explore this district oozing with traditional charm and history in the morning.

As fat snowflakes tumbled from the steel gray skies, I strolled past ancient temples like the 7th-century Sensoji Temple with little shops and restaurants beckoning from narrow alleys along the way. I stopped into small galleries tucked away on side streets and sampled freshly made wagashi, ornate Japanese confections sculpted to look like seasonal flowers and scenery.

No trip to Tokyo is complete without a pilgrimage to the famous Shibuya Crossing, and it certainly didn’t disappoint on a brisk Saturday just before New Year’s Eve. Joining the orchestrated chaos of pedestrians crisscrossing what is often cited as the world’s busiest intersection, I gazed up in awe at giant video screens on dizzyingly tall buildings all competing for attention. That evening, I reveled in the infectious energy of Shinjuku’s bustling izakaya pubs where I toasted to new adventures and unforgettable winter memories over piping hot sake with new friends.

Before this magical journey came to an end, I dedicated an entire day to wandering the fascinating subcultures of Tokyo by rail, from the anime wonderland of Akihabara to cat cafe-lined alleys in Asakusa. I’ll never forget watching the sun set over the city skyline from the Tokyo Skytree on my last evening, the sprawling metropolis sprinkled with the first gentle snowfall of the year as trains connecting neighborhoods zoomed below.

Key Takeaways from Central Japan & Tokyo by Train & Bus

Transport – Seamless rail and bus networks make traversing central Honshu and Tokyo surprisingly simple, especially with the Japan Rail Pass. From the shinkansen bullet train to local lines, rely on public transportation to maximize time and experiences.

Clothing – Dress in warm layers with waterproof shoes and bring a lightweight down coat. Temperatures hover around freezing with wind, snow or rain likely during winter. Masks are recommended too as the Japanese tend to mask up when ill.

Accommodation – For urban stays, central hotels near train stations provide convenience while ryokans, traditional inns, in countryside locations offer cultural immersion. Capsule hotels are budget-friendly options in cities.

Food – Indulge in winter season specialties like nabe hot pots, ramen, and decadent wagashi sweets. Convenience stores carry budget-friendly ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and hot drinks for on-the-go needs.

Packing – In addition to cold weather apparel, bring durable shoes for walking, portable chargers, credit/debit cards usable abroad, and copies of passport/travel documents. Travel light between destinations via train and bus with a carry-on size bag.

Conclusion

Japan dazzles year-round but I’m utterly smitten by its understated wintry beauty. Crisp skies juxtapose exquisitely with rich culture and heritage, from sacred ancient sites to the excitement of Tokyo’s city streets. Seamless public transit enables adventure-packed days that end under cozy kotatsu tables in traditional inns. I can’t wait to return to central Japan and Tokyo soon to explore more wondrous travel destinations across its islands – by bullet train and local bus, of course! I hope you enjoyed this Winter 2014 Central Japan & Tokyo by Trains & Buses, Day post.

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Nagoya Station is a major transportation center, serving bullet train (shinkansen) lines, regular JR trains, Meitetsu trains, Kintetsu trains, and a subway station. Following lunch in the form of ekiben bento trays, we boarded the JR Chuo Main Line’s Shinano limited express. During this picturesque 2.5-hour journey, we traversed the majestic Kiso Valley and descended into the Japanese Alps.

As soon as we arrived at Kiso-Fukushima, a hot spring village in Nagano Prefecture, it had just begun to snow. We reached our traditional ryokan inn following a brief taxi ride. After completing the check-in process, we donned yukata garments and unwinded in the onsen springs, which were brimming with minerals, prior to indulging in a kaiseki dinner featuring regional specialties.

Day 2 Hiking the Nakasendo Trail

After indulging in a sumptuous breakfast prepared in the traditional Japanese manner at our ryokan, we mounted a portion of the renowned Nakasendo route for a stroll. During the Edo period, a trade route existed between Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo) that traversed the Alps. A popular activity in the Kiso Valley is traversing the hills along the original stone pathways that traverse the hills, which are in close proximity to the remarkably preserved villages of Tsumago and Magome.

Following a twenty-minute journey from Kiso-Fukushima to Nakatsugawa Station via the JR Chuo Main Line, we boarded a local bus and arrived in the village of Magome after thirty minutes of meandering bus travel. After conducting an investigation of the historic wooden edifices that have been converted into shops and inns in Magome, we proceeded to Tsumago village via a 5-mile segment of the Nakasendo trail.

Amidst the chirping of birds and the sole sound of our own footfall the woodland stroll was serene. Decades-old stone inscriptions delineated the pathway. Three hours later, we descended into Tsumago, pausing en route to admire shrines and breathtaking vistas. Featuring its pristine thatched-roof structures and conspicuously absent electricity lines, this picturesque village is even more fortified against intrusion than Magome.

After purchasing steaming green tea and some snacks at a small shop we boarded another bus and returned to Nagiso Station via the JR Chuo Main Line in fifteen minutes. From Kiso-Fukushima where we collected our belongings we took a limited express to Matsumoto a castle town located beneath the Japan Alps.

From Matsumoto to Karuizawa on Day 3

The magnificent old samurai stronghold referred to as “Crow Castle” is the source of Matsumoto’s notoriety. We spent the morning observing Matsumoto Castle, which was situated amidst snow-capped mountains, with its striking crimson bridge and imposing black walls serving as our focal points. The castle’s moon-viewing chamber provides sweeping vistas.

Lunch was enjoyed at Matsumoto’s Nawate-dori, a riverfront thoroughfare flanked by restaurants and shops that were once historically significant structures. Sanzokuyaki, which consists of chicken marinade and skewered barbecue, is the regional specialty. We visited vendors selling handicrafts and mementos prior to assembling our possessions and boarding the Shinano, a limited express train, at Matsumoto Station.

We traveled by train for an additional scenic half-hour to reach the upscale mountain resort of Karuizawa. We rented bicycles for the purpose of exploration after settling into our lodging in close proximity to the station. The tree-lined alleyways of Karuizawa are lined with boutiques, cafés, and galleries. While perusing the shops, we took pleasure in the crisp mountain air.

That evening, we dined at a neighborhood restaurant serving shinshu soba, which are buckwheat noodles served chilled with dipping sauce or heated in broth with tempura. Following that, we indulged in a beverage in the hotel lobby and a hot spring bath to conclude the evening.

Kusatsu Onsen and Karuizawa Outlet Mall on Day 4

We commenced the day by boarding a bus from Karuizawa Station to Kusatsu Onsen, a renowned hot spring resort in Japan. After a 30-minute mountainous journey, one arrives at the medieval settlement encircling mineral-rich volcanic springs. The primary hot spring area, Yubatake, contains a substantial timber structure that chills the spring water for use in bathing.

The streets of Kusatsu, which are lined with traditional inns, bathhouses, and souvenir stores, were ours to explore in the morning. We traveled to the Netsunoyu Bathhouse in order to fully experience the therapeutic waters. We then enjoyed lunch consisting of regional specialties such as sansai mountain vegetable tempura and onsen tamago eggs, which are cooked gently in springs.

We proceeded to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, one of the largest outlet complexes in Japan with over 200 stores, upon our afternoon bus return to the city. We strolled through the establishments stocked with discounted products by brands including Adidas, Burberry, Beams, and Shiseido.

We dined at a neighborhood izakaya tavern in the heart of Karuizawa. We conversed while enjoying sake and yakitori skewers regarding the subsequent phase of our journey: the bullet train to Tokyo the following morning.

Tokyo by Bullet Train on Day 5

Prior to packing and departing, we indulged in one final plunge in the hotel’s onsen. We enjoyed ekiben bento dishes on the train and yaki-manju buns stuffed with red bean paste at Karuizawa Station for dessert.

Using our Japan Rail Passes, we rode the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train on the Nagano Shinkansen line. Accelerating to a maximum of 160 mph, the pristine white train swiftly propelled us across the picturesque landscape and out of the mountains.

We embarked on a 1.5-hour journey, transferred to the Joetsu Shinkansen at Takasaki, and spent an additional hour in Tokyo. We made our way through the throngs of passengers at Tokyo Station to the Marunouchi exit, where we signaled for a taxi to our Shinjuku hotel.

Shinjuku, the principal commercial and entertainment district of Tokyo, is adorned with colossal edifices and brilliant neon signs, upon which we fixed our gaze that evening. Warm sake and sashimi were passed to us via conveyor belt. We were extremely satisfied with our wintertime excursion throughout the heart of Japan, and we were looking forward to exploring Tokyo’s shops, monuments, and cuisine for the next few days. I hope you like this Winter 2014 Central Japan & Tokyo by Trains & Buses, Day …

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