I used this app when I was there https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/navitime-fo...d686373726?mt=8 this one mentioned for me to stay on train when my google maps mentioned to get out. Lol test luck worst case trackback.

I enjoyed Shirakawago though I feel the light up was overrated. I went morning and afternoon. It snowed so heavily i was inhaling snow.

For the day part I used J-Hoppers (and recommend them as they are very organised) and for light up I used Yokoso. All not bad but really take morning sessions and just enjoy the views


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For light up unlikely able to get viewing point as they will open tickets at 3 pm. Most tours only leave at 4pm from Takayama so by the time arrive wont have enough tickets/time to get to viewing point for that night. Go during morning where the snow has had least amount of people walking over it. When I was there it snowed all the way back to Takayama tho and the whole region snowed heavily. So as a warning, please make proper plans for coming back too as I was snowed in and the bus ride from Takayama to Kanazawa was getting sketchy. Even my train that was supposed to take only 2.5 hrs from Kanazawa took 7 hours instead. Good thing I didnt have to take a taxi back to hotel or planned a flight out.

A few weeks back I arrived KIX at 930pm (earlier than scheduled) but only got out by 10.40pm thought I would miss last bus to kyoto. I ran out to bus area and since it was late they helped load bags into bus and buy ticket all the while still standing in cold winter air in only tshirt and jeans hahaha. Technically I was one of the fastest ones out of the plane. So gotta plan properly.

Hey guys. Am planning second trip to japan this time from tokyo instead. Since the planned trip is in January, I plan to see Nagano and I want to go see snow monkeys and try the onsen town nearby. Anybody have any recommended accomodations or keywords to search for that area?

I am also keen on seeing the castle perhaps see the castle, the togakushi cedar forest and some of the ninja stuff. Not really sure if I can do it within 3 days. Anybody tried this one out?

Thanks. Do you recommend if I do one night to stay near snow monkey area and move for another night nearer to see matsumoto?

Yeah thinking same thing too. Plus I am going mid winter (again) I am sure will be ok for me but not sure how others will be in cold. So keeping options close as possible.

Worst case scenario, you can use the bus that takes you directly to Kyoto. It drops you off to the south of Kyoto station. My AA flight reached around 940 but I only cleared immigration around 1030-1040. But I managed to catch bus immediately and reached Kyoto around midnight. So if you use this route, prepare to arrive and be oriented properly and perhaps not walk very far from there.

Ok. PM'ed.

Sure. Done.

From my experience and my friends experiences, usually the flight reached a bit earlier and by the time we got out it was around 10 or 1030 and taking the limo helps as you dont need to change trains and lug luggage around which might make it worst.

Speaking of onsens. Anyone tried any in Nagano or Hida Onsen area? I am planning a trip to see snow monkeys and thought of trying out the area.

Yes. Take the airport limo bus. No need hassle change trains and it drops you off directly in front of Kyoto station. Just make sure your accommodation is around there.

Thanks... But thats kinda expensive tho.

Hi guys. The plan is as such :

7am -Arrive at Narita
9am - Meet up with remaining group and head to Nagano/Yudanaka
12pm - Reach Yudanaka and walk to Ryoken and Drop off bags
1pm - Snow Monkey/Chill/Onsen hopping
7pm - dinner

Next day
7 am - Breakfast
8am - Check out & Snow Monkey (if didnt see the day before)
11am - at Yudanaka Station and head to Matsumoto
5 pm - Finished around Matsumoto.

Now at this point I need your advice, should I go straight to Kawaguchiko or go to Tokyo and head to Kawaguchiko next day? Seems like a long trip if directly to Kawaguchiko from Matsumoto. Both seems like the train will eat up a lot of time. If any of you guys have tried this route i'd love to know.

Thanks.

Great thanks. Will likely do that.

Bought mine for 1.3k a few months ago. Leaving next week. I put 2 hours. Not sure if enough. Hopefully no delay in first flight to SG.

Yup got it from there. At that point it was only RM80 difference between AA. So it was a no brainer. If I bought luggage, food etc all will make it higher. If you buy return tix, you can also redeem tix in SG airport for 20 dollar voucher or lounge pass.