Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo
Check into a family-friendly hotel and ease into Japan with a gentle evening exploring Tokyo's illuminated districts, sushi bars, or local ramen alleys. This is your chance to reset after travel and get a first taste of modern Japanese culture.
Day 2 – Explore Tokyo
Spend the day discovering Tokyo’s mix of pop culture and tradition. Ueno Zoo is great for younger kids, while older children may enjoy the interactive displays at the Miraikan science museum or the immersive digital art of teamLab Planets.
Day 3 – Pickup & Drive to Yuzawa/Ishiuchi
Collect your RV and head north to Niigata Prefecture. These resorts are known for being family-friendly and easy to reach, with well-groomed slopes and reliable snowfall. Yuzawa offers over 20 lifts and excellent access from Tokyo, making it one of Japan’s most popular snow destinations.
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Day 4 – Ski Day 1 (Yuzawa/Ishiuchi)
These resorts are perfect for your first ski day—offering a mix of beginner slopes and wide runs for confident skiers. Ishiuchi Maruyama connects to three other resorts and offers more than 25 km of skiable trails. Rental shops are efficient and English-friendly, and après-ski includes tasty food stalls and warm indoor arcades.
Day 5 – Drive to Nozawa Onsen + Ski Day 2
Make your way to Nozawa, one of Japan’s most picturesque ski towns. With traditional architecture and steaming onsens lining the streets, it’s as relaxing as it is exciting. The ski resort itself has over 50 km of marked runs and 36 trails, making it ideal for mixed ability groups.
Drive time: ~1.5 hrs
Day 6 – Ski Day 3 (Nozawa)
Enjoy a second full day on the slopes. Try one of the famous onsen baths at the end of the day—like Oyu or Furusato no Yu. The town's relaxed vibe and culinary variety (from street snacks to izakayas) make it a highlight of the trip.
Day 7 – Drive to Hakuba Valley + Ski Day 4
Travel toward Hakuba, home of Japan’s biggest and most internationally recognised ski terrain. With over 130 km of trails and more than 100 lifts across 10 resorts, it offers steeps, glades, terrain parks, and gondola-accessed bowls.
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Day 8 – Ski Day 5 (Hakuba)
Spend the day skiing long runs, exploring different areas like Happo-One (with a 1,071m vertical drop) or Goryu, and watching experienced riders in action. There are also great facilities for beginners, including English-speaking instructors and gentle terrain zones.
Day 9 – Cultural Stopover in Matsumoto
Head inland to Matsumoto, home of Japan’s most iconic feudal castle. Wander through artisan streets, enjoy some of the country’s best soba noodles, and browse local crafts. A calm and enriching end to your ski adventure.
Drive time: ~1.5 hrs
Day 10 – Return to Tokyo
Drive back to Tokyo and return your camper. Check in for a final hotel night and enjoy one last memorable dinner—perhaps sushi on a conveyor belt or shabu-shabu hot pot with views of the Tokyo skyline.
Drive time: ~3.5 hrs
