13-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: A Winter DIY Trip

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, the diversity of experiences in Japan is overwhelming. As someone who grew up in a tropical country, like the Philippines, I have always dreamed of experiencing winter and snow at least once in a lifetime.

My first visit to Japan was during the winter season, which made me feel very grateful for the experiences I’ve had during my solo travel and together with my friends. Japan is indeed a beautiful country that everybody dreams of visiting one day.

In this blog post, let me share with you my 13-day DIY Japan itinerary highlighting all the must-see places to visit during the winter season. Japan is surely a magical place to visit during winter, so I have curated a comprehensive do-it-yourself itinerary filled with must-see destinations and essential tips that will help you experience the best of what this remarkable country has to offer.

Table of Contents

Things to consider before traveling to Japan

Getting a Japan Tourist Visa

If you’re a Philippine passport holder (like me), then obtaining a Japan tourist visa is a must, whether it’s a single-entry Japan tourist visa or a multiple-entry Japan tourist visa. I can say that applying for a Japan tourist visa is straightforward, based on experience.

For more Japan visa updates, you can directly visit the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Japan Tourist Visa Requirements for Filipino Travelers

Philippine passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Visa application form (download from Japan Embassy’s site)
Passport ID photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm)
Japan Itinerary
Bank certificate and bank statements (last 3 months)
ITR (Income Tax Return) — optional but recommended.

For those are curions, if you get a single-entry visa, you are allowed to stay in Japan for 15 days. Meanwhile, if you get a multiple-entry visa, valid for 5 days, you can stay in Japan up to 30 days.

How to get from the Philippines to Japan?

There are direct flights from Manila to Japan via Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific (budget-friendly, offers promos), AirAsia (affordable with occasional seat sales), Japan Airlines (JAL), and ANA (All Nippon Airways) for a premium experience.

Make sure to book at least 2 to 3 months in advance for better and cheaper prices, especially during peak seasons like spring (cherry blossoms) and winter (December–February).

Where to Land in Japan: Manila to Japan Routes

Tokyo: Ideal for first-timers, a mix of modern and traditional sights.
Osaka: Foodies’ paradise with easy access to Kyoto and Nara.
Hokkaido: Best for winter trips, snow festivals, and hot springs.
Fukuoka: Gateway to Southern Japan, less crowded.
Nagoya: Offers a more relaxed vibe compared to Tokyo and Osaka

In my case, I’ve tried landing in Osaka and Nagoya from Manila since they usually offer the cheapest flight options!

How to get around Japan?

Japan Rail (JR Pass)

This is a prepaid pass for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and some buses and ferries. Available for 7, 14, or 21 days.

IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA)

This is a rechargeable card for trains, buses, convenience stores, and even vending machines. This can be used nationwide, not just in their issuing regions. You can get one at the airport for a hassle-free experience.

City-Specific Passes

For Tokyo:

Tokyo Metro 24/48/72-Hour Pass: Unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. This pass is Ideal for exploring neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa.

For Kyoto:

Kyoto Bus Pass: Unlimited rides on city buses, which cover more spots than trains. This is useful for visiting temples like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

For Osaka:

Osaka Amazing Pass: Unlimited transport and free entry to attractions like Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building.

Shinkansen

Shinkansen: Best for intercity travel, offering speed and comfort with reserved and non-reserved seats. If you’re traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, you can book seats on the right side for views of Mount Fuji.

Highway Buses (Budget-Friendly)

Aside from local trains, this is also an affordable option for long-distance travel with overnight buses to save on accommodation.

Master the Train System

You can download apps like NAVITIME or Japan Transit Planner for real-time train schedules and routes. Knowing the difference between local, rapid, and express trains can save time. In addition, you can also use Google Maps for navigation.

Stay Connected

Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or buy a data SIM card at the airport to navigate, translate, and share your adventures seamlessly. Moreover, you can use an e-SIM for another hassle-free trip to Japan!

Where to stay in Japan?

Osaka

Acro Capsule Hotel Namba Dotonbori: This is a beautiful hostel located in a very strategic location in Osaka. The hostel is categorized into two dorms: for males and females. The best thing about this hostel is it’s just right across Dotonbori and even walking distance from some tourist attractions, convenience stores, shopping malls, and restaurants. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can consider staying in this place.

Location: Ritz bldg, 2 Chome-2-20 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Sanriott Hotel: If you have a budget and need a private space for your travel, Sanriott Hotel is the best place for you. I stayed here during my 11-day trip to Japan, together with my friend. I loved everything about this place since we got everything we needed during our stay.

Location: 1 Chome-9-13 Bakuromachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Hotel Sunplaza: This is also a budget-friendly hotel that is ideal for solo travelers. I stayed here for one night before heading to Shizuoka and Tokyo. My favorite thing about this hotel is that they offer free sauna services.

Location: 1 Chome-2-22 Haginochaya, Nishinari Ward, Osaka

Sapporo

Plat Hostel: I traveled to Sapporo for 4 days, and Plat Hostel is one of the cheapest accommodations I’ve found during my winter trip! To be honest, it’s usually expensive to travel to Sapporo during winter due to its popularity during this season. Thus, if you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation in Sapporo, you might consider staying at this hotel.

Location: 18-1, Minami 3 Higashi 2, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Tokyo

A16 Hostel Tokyo: Accommodations in Tokyo are usually expensive, so I must say that this is the cheapest I got when I stayed in Tokyo. But don’t have high expectations from this hostel. Truth be told, I could say that the hostel I had in Osaka was way better than this one. But of course, this is a budget-friendly accommodation, so it should be okay. I think I just didn’t enjoy my experience here.

Location: 1 Chome-15-5 Yanagibashi, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0052, Japan

Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, Gifu, and Sapporo in 13 Days!

If you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, here are some of the top things to do that you shouldn’t miss out on:

Osaka: The Culinary Capital of Japan

Food trip in Osaka
Visit the Osaka Castle
Visit the Umade Sky Building for Sunsets
Enjoy the day at Universal Studios Japan

Kyoto: The Land of Matcha and Tea Ceremony

Enroll in matcha classes
Stroll around the historic streets of Kyoto
Try some of the best places to eat in Kyoto (Imo Pipi, Gyukatsu Kyoto, Maccha House, etc)
Kimono Rental
Ride a romantic train

Tokyo: Japan’s Capital

Cross Shuibuya Crossing
Visit the Hachiko Statue
Visit Kamukura for a day
Visit some traditional temples in Asakusa
See the Tokyo Tower
Go shopping at Akibahara

Gifu: The Land of Clear Waters

a happy girl first time experiencing snow

shiroyama observatory at shirakawa-go japan

Visit Takayama and Shikawa-go for a day

Sapporo: The Land of Snow

See the snow festival (February)
Try the Sapporo Beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum
Go skiing and sledding
Eat fresh seafood
Visit the Sapporo TV tower for sunset
Visit the Asahiyama Zoo