Japan in winter is electric and atmospheric: steam rising off ramen stalls, temple roofs dusted in snow, and clear skies framing Mt. Fuji. Tokyo dazzles with neon districts, Kyoto whispers with wooden lanes and shrines, and Osaka fuels you with late-night street food. This 9-day itinerary hits first-timer musts and locals’ favorites while keeping your budget in check.

Historically, these cities trace Japan’s story: Kyoto served as the imperial capital for over a millennium, Tokyo (Edo) exploded into a modern megacity, and Osaka built its identity as the nation’s kitchen. Expect contrasts—paper lanterns beneath flyovers, 400-year-old markets beside glass towers, and bullet trains linking it all in minutes.

Practical notes: winter is crisp (pack layers and warm socks), and crowds are lighter than peak seasons. We’ve prioritized affordable, aesthetic food neighborhoods and coffee shops. All price estimates are in Indonesian Rupiah (approximate; using 1 JPY ≈ IDR 110 and 1 USD ≈ IDR 16,000). For intercity trains and domestic flights, search and book on Trip.com (flights) and Trip.com (trains).

Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of neighborhoods—each a world: sky-high Shibuya and Shinjuku for city vibes, Asakusa for old-town streets, and Yanaka or Shimokitazawa for slow, photogenic afternoons. You’ve stayed by Tokyo Skytree, so you’re well-placed for Asakusa’s lantern-lit alleys and budget-friendly eats.

First-timer musts: Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and the Tsukiji Outer Market. For affordable, aesthetic food hubs, target Shimokitazawa (thrift shops, curry, coffee), Yanaka Ginza (croquettes and cat charms), and Yurakucho’s smoky yakitori alleys under the tracks.

Coffee to seek out: Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro), The Roastery by Nozy Coffee (Cat Street), and Coffee Wrights (Sangenjaya). Wallet-friendly eats: standing sushi (Uogashi Nihon-Ichi), Harajuku Gyoza Lou, and tonkotsu ramen at chain staples like Ichiran or local shops around Shinjuku.

• Where to stay (you prefer Airbnb; these areas suit your style): Asakusa/Skytree (classic + budget), Shimokitazawa (hip + affordable), or Ueno (transport hub + markets). For alternatives, compare: VRBO Tokyo and Hotels.com Tokyo. Budget nightly range for simple studios/rooms: roughly IDR 900,000–1,600,000 in winter.
• If you do pick a hotel, consider these known options: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, or Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.

Day 1 — Arrival in Tokyo, Asakusa Glow

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in near Tokyo Skytree/Asakusa. Grab a warming bowl of ramen around Asakusa Station (try light soy ramen shops lining Kaminarimon-dori; expect IDR 130,000–180,000 per bowl). Snack on hot melon-pan ice cream from Asakusa Kagetsudo (around IDR 60,000).

Evening: Stroll Senso-ji after dark—lanterns and near-empty lanes make it quietly magical (free). Dinner on Hoppy Street: oden (soy-dashi simmered tofu, daikon) and yakitori from tiny shops; a casual set with a drink runs about IDR 200,000–350,000. Optional: a short, efficient private orientation to hit highlights right away with a licensed guide: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide.

Day 2 — City Vibes: Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku

Morning: Coffee at The Roastery by Nozy Coffee (Shibuya’s Cat Street; hand-drip ~IDR 70,000–100,000). Walk Shibuya Crossing and visit Hachiko. Lunch nearby: Afuri (yuzu-shio ramen, bright and citrusy; ~IDR 160,000) or Uogashi Nihon-Ichi standing sushi for a fast, budget feast (5–7 pieces ~IDR 180,000–260,000).

Afternoon: Meiji Jingu (free; sweeping cedar forest), then browse Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori and Omotesando’s architecture. Budget snack: Harajuku Gyoza Lou (pan-fried dumplings; ~IDR 70,000–110,000 per plate).

Evening: Slide into neon-dense Shinjuku. Eat your way through back-alley izakaya culture with a small-group tasting tour—14+ dishes across local spots: Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (4 Stops, 14+ Tastings). Expect grilled skewers, karaage, and regional bites.

Day 3 — Tsukiji Market and Aesthetic Neighborhood Hopping

Morning: Dive into Tsukiji’s outer market with a local guide for context and tastings—tamagoyaki, tuna, uni, and knife lore: Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour. Fuel with a rich pour at Turret Coffee (try the “Turret Latte” ~IDR 85,000).

Afternoon: Walk Ginza’s side streets for window-shopping, then duck under the Yurakucho tracks (Gado-shita) for yakitori smoke and Showa-era vibes. Coffee stop: About Life Coffee Brewers (minimalist stand; ~IDR 65,000–85,000).

Evening: Choose your aesthetic food neighborhood. Shimokitazawa (thrift stores, curry houses like “Spice corner” spots ~IDR 120,000–180,000 per plate) or Yanaka Ginza (croquettes, taiyaki ~IDR 30,000–50,000 per snack). If you want a skyline moment, the basic deck at Tokyo Skytree is a splurge (from roughly IDR 231,000+), but magical after dusk.

Day 4 — Snow and Scenery: Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko (Full-Day)

Winter is prime for crisp Fuji views and snow-dusted scenes. This full-day bus tour hits Kawaguchiko, Arakurayama Sengen Park (Chureito Pagoda), and photogenic villages—no logistics stress: Tokyo: Mt.Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour. Dress warmly and bring grippy shoes for steps if icy.

Dinner back in Tokyo near your stay: try a cozy monjayaki/okonomiyaki joint in Asakusa (DIY griddles; ~IDR 180,000–260,000 per person).

Kyoto

Kyoto is a tapestry of shrines, gardens, and traditional lanes. You’ve stayed in Higashiyama—perfect for dawn strolls past wooden machiya, stone alleys (Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka), and teahouses opening to the scent of roasted hojicha.

First-timer musts: Kiyomizu-dera’s veranda, Fushimi Inari’s vermilion torii, Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, and Nishiki Market’s street snacks. For affordable, atmospheric eating, browse Nishiki’s stalls (dashimaki tamago, croquettes) and tuck into back-alley izakaya in Pontocho away from riverfront prix fixes.

Coffee notables: % Arabica (Higashiyama and Arashiyama—great but lines), Weekenders Coffee near Karasuma, and Walden Woods Kyoto (airy, photogenic). Kyoto’s “obanzai” (home-style small plates) is gentle on the wallet and soul.

• Stay (you prefer Airbnb): Higashiyama and Gion for old-town immersion; Karasuma for transport and budgets. Also compare: VRBO Kyoto and Hotels.com Kyoto. Budget nightly range: ~IDR 800,000–1,400,000.

Day 5 — Tokyo to Kyoto, Higashiyama by Night

Morning: Travel Tokyo → Kyoto. Fastest: Shinkansen (~2 hr 15 min; about IDR 1,550,000–1,650,000 one-way). Budget option: overnight highway bus (7–9 hr; about IDR 550,000–880,000). Check schedules and fares on Trip.com Trains.

Afternoon: Drop bags and explore Higashiyama’s alleys: Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka, pottery shops, and teahouses. Snack on mitarashi dango (soy-glaze skewers ~IDR 30,000–45,000).

Evening: Kiyomizu-dera area glows beautifully at dusk (temple entry seasonal; if open in evening, budget ~IDR 80,000–120,000). Dinner: obanzai set in a small kitchen-style eatery near Gion (~IDR 180,000–260,000). Nightcap: hojicha latte at % Arabica (~IDR 75,000–95,000).

Day 6 — Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari

Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at sunrise (free). Warm up with croissants and drip coffee at % Arabica Arashiyama (or a smaller local cafe nearby; ~IDR 70,000–100,000). Visit Tenryu-ji’s garden (about IDR 90,000–120,000 for garden; add hall if desired).

Afternoon: Lunch: Kyoto-style udon at Omen or soba around Sagano (~IDR 140,000–200,000). Head to Fushimi Inari Taisha; hike partway up for quieter torii corridors (free). Bring water and a light snack.

Evening: Stroll Pontocho Alley (go one or two streets back to find modestly priced yakitori or tempura sets ~IDR 200,000–320,000). Dessert: fresh warabi mochi (~IDR 50,000–80,000).

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s kitchen: bold flavors, neon signage, late-night snacking. You’re based in Nishinari—great for Shinsekai’s retro signs, cheap kushikatsu (fried skewers), and quick access to Namba/Dotonbori.

First-timer musts: Dotonbori’s Glico Man, Kuromon Market, Osaka Castle Park, and Umeda’s futuristic skyline. For affordable eats in photogenic areas, hit Shinsekai (glittering retro) and the canal-side lanes of Dotonbori/Sennichimae.

Coffee to try: LiLo Coffee Roasters (Shinsaibashi), Takamura Coffee Roasters (warehouse-chic), and Streamer Coffee (big milk art). Street-food essentials: takoyaki (try Aizuya or Wanaka), okonomiyaki (Mizuno or Kiji), and kushikatsu (Daruma or tiny independents in Shinsekai).

• Stay (Airbnb preference): Nishinari (budget base), Namba/Shinsaibashi (action), or Tennoji (transport). Also compare: VRBO Osaka and Hotels.com Osaka. Budget nightly range: ~IDR 650,000–1,200,000.

Day 7 — Kyoto to Osaka, Shinsekai + Dotonbori

Morning: Travel Kyoto → Osaka. JR Special Rapid from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station (~30 min; about IDR 66,000). Or head directly to Shin-Imamiya/Tennoji depending on your stay (similar fares). Use an IC card (ICOCA/Suica) for tap-in convenience.

Afternoon: Shinsekai wander: retro Tsutenkaku views (outside photo ops are free; observatory ticket if you wish). Late lunch: kushikatsu set (assorted skewers; ~IDR 150,000–220,000 with soft drink).

Evening: Dotonbori—meet your priority: the famous Glico Man sign. Street-food crawl: takoyaki (6 pcs ~IDR 70,000–100,000), okonomiyaki at Mizuno (~IDR 180,000–260,000), and sesame oil-scented yakisoba from stalls. Coffee break earlier at LiLo Coffee Roasters (pour-over ~IDR 70,000–90,000).

Day 8 — Markets, Castles, and Rooftops

Morning: Kuromon Ichiba Market breakfast: tamagoyaki, grilled scallops, and a small kaisendon (~IDR 200,000–320,000 depending on toppings). Browse kitchenware on Doguyasuji Street (great for chopsticks and knives).

Afternoon: Osaka Castle Park (grounds free; keep museum visit optional). Coffee at Takamura Coffee Roasters (industrial-chic; pour-over ~IDR 75,000–100,000). For a free skyline moment, try Namba Parks rooftop garden at sunset.

Evening: Ura-Namba backstreets for tiny izakaya and tachinomi (standing bars); expect a casual dinner and a drink around IDR 220,000–350,000. If you crave ramen, seek a local tonkotsu or miso spot (~IDR 140,000–200,000).

Day 9 — Shrine, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (serene bridges; free) or Tennoji Park for a calm stroll. Grab a final coffee near Namba (try % Arabica Namba or a local kissaten; ~IDR 70,000–100,000) and pick up snacks (matcha kitkats, rice crackers) at Namba City.

Afternoon: Depart from Osaka. For trains and airport links (Nankai or JR), check Trip.com Trains or any last-minute domestic flights via Trip.com Flights. Build in extra time if it’s snowing.

Getting Around & Budget Notes

• Local transit: a typical subway ride is ~IDR 23,000–33,000. A Tokyo 24-hour subway pass is roughly IDR 88,000. IC cards (Suica/PASMO/ICOCA) require a refundable deposit and simplify transfers.
• Tokyo → Kyoto (Shinkansen): ~IDR 1,550,000–1,650,000 (about 2 hr 15 min). Budget bus: ~IDR 550,000–880,000 (7–9 hr overnight). Book via Trip.com Trains.
• Kyoto → Osaka (JR): ~IDR 66,000; ~30 min. Frequent departures all day.
• Food budget: you can comfortably eat well on ~IDR 450,000–750,000 per person/day (coffee + lunch + street snacks + casual dinner).
• Optional snow-ski add-on: If you want guaranteed ski runs, consider a future-day add-on to GALA Yuzawa (bullet-train ski resort; rentals on-site). For now, your Kawaguchiko day is your best mix of snow and Fuji views.

Optional/Alternative Tokyo Activities that Fit Your Interests

• Prefer more food in Shinjuku? Consider the earlier tour or this alternate: Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries).

  

Why These Neighborhoods Fit Your Wish List

• Tokyo “musts” for first-timers: Asakusa + Senso-ji, Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and the Skytree area (you’re already nearby). Best affordable, aesthetic food strolls: Shimokitazawa, Yanaka, Yurakucho alleys, and Tsukiji.
• Kyoto: Higashiyama’s lanes (you’re staying there), Nishiki Market for grazing, and Pontocho’s intimate alleys after dusk.
• Osaka: Dotonbori for the iconic Glico Man and neon; Shinsekai for irresistible budget eats and retro signs; Kuromon Market for seafood breakfasts.

Booking Hubs

• Stay alternatives and deals: VRBO Tokyo, VRBO Kyoto, VRBO Osaka | Hotels.com Tokyo, Hotels.com Kyoto, Hotels.com Osaka
• Transport: Trip.com Flights and Trip.com Trains
• Featured activities used in this plan: Tsukiji market tasting, Shinjuku izakaya crawl, and Mt. Fuji & Kawaguchiko day tour (see linked entries on their days).

With city lights, shrine paths, and steaming street food, this winter route balances iconic sights with local corners that feel wonderfully yours. You’ll taste across three cities, sip excellent coffee, and stand before Mt. Fuji’s snowy symmetry—memories that linger long after the last taiko drum fades.