Christmas & Snow in Japan: Winter Magic, Holiday Lights (Nov–Dec 2025)

What does quiet, everyday Tokyo really feel like? In this Japan travel vlog, we spend a calm neighborhood day starting with a private onsen-style bath at home — perfect if you have tattoos and can’t use public baths — and keep things intentionally slow with a one-thing-a-day plan. Our main stop is a rare find in Tokyo: a cozy Greek tavern in Azabu-Juban, one of only a few Greek restaurants in the city. We take the train from Nerima, enjoy Greek salad, shrimp saganaki, pasta, gyros, and house Greek wine, then wander Roppongi Hills for seasonal lights, Tokyo Tower views, and relaxed evening vibes. Back in our quiet Nerima neighborhood, we end the night local-style at a tiny izakaya, using translation apps, sharing plates of chicken, steak, gyoza, and chili sauce, and meeting new friends who help us shop the neighborhood grocery store. If you want to see real Tokyo life away from tourist areas — small streets, local food, and staying in a Japanese home instead of a hotel — this episode shows exactly what that looks like. Our Itinerary: https://plannin.com/en/guide/8c24215d...

What does quiet, everyday Tokyo at night really feel like? In this Japan travel vlog, we spend our first night in our new Tokyo home in the calm Nerima neighborhood and experience the kind of local evening that feels straight out of Midnight Diner. After settling into our house, we walk a super-quiet business street and find Narimasu Smile, a small neighborhood izakaya with a friendly owner and relaxed, local atmosphere. Using translation apps, we order chicken, pork, and shrimp gyoza, share an apple pie dessert, and are shocked that dinner with drinks and tax comes to about $44 — far less than we’d spend back home. Back at our RakuNyan home base, we recap the day, talk about why this neighborhood already feels like a second home, and tease what’s coming next: retro pinball, karaoke with friends, Shibuya’s Lost Bar, and a Nagano day trip. If you love seeing real Tokyo away from the tourist zones — quiet streets, local food, and cozy late-night vibes — this episode is for you. Our plannin itinerary: https://plannin.com/en/guide/47e7fd03...

Was Sapporo’s famous Wagyu and king crab really worth the hype? On our last night in Sapporo, we spend the day shopping, eating, and giving an honest take on some highly recommended spots — including a meal that didn’t quite live up to expectations. We explore the Tanukikoji covered shopping street, browse souvenirs, and wander through Adori Bisse and the underground Pole Town, complete with Japan-only Krispy Kreme flavors and some of the best people-watching in the city. We stop at Al’s British Pub for fish & chips, mojitos, and unexpected food combinations before ending the night at Hokkaido Seafood with A5 Wagyu, a massive seafood bowl, and a king crab leg that left us feeling… a bit ripped off. This episode is all about honest travel experiences — the good, the okay, and the overhyped — as we wrap up our time in Sapporo and get ready to head to Tokyo. Our Plannin Itinerary: https://plannin.com/en/guide/35f0007d...

A full winter day in Sapporo, packed with chocolate, beer, lights, and seasonal food. In this Japan travel vlog, we explore some of Sapporo’s most fun winter attractions — without the crowds or tourist traps. We visit a Wonka-style chocolate factory, walk through Odori Park’s winter markets, experience the famous White Illumination, and stop by the Sapporo Beer Museum for tastings. The day also includes unlimited barbecue, festive shops, robot servers, and plenty of cold-weather comfort food. From candy-making to city lights and local eats, this episode captures why Sapporo in winter is such a great place to explore — even outside peak holiday dates. Check it all out here: https://plannin.com/en/guide/05722b0b...

A full snowy day out in Sapporo, starting early and ending full. In this Japan winter vlog, we wake up at Keio Plaza Sapporo and dive into one of the wildest Japanese hotel breakfasts we’ve ever seen — ramen, curry, tempura, tripe soup, salad, and more. From there, we head out into the snow to explore some of Sapporo’s most unique spots. We visit the 1972 Olympic ski jump, ride open-air lifts for incredible winter views, and learn why some mountain trails are closed due to wildlife. Next up is Mount Moiwa, where a double cable car ride takes us to snowy city views, lights, and souvenir stops. The day continues at the Hill of the Big Buddha, surrounded by Stonehenge-style stones and towering Moai statues, before heading back into the city for a casual food hunt — McDonald’s shaker fries, spicy curry, convenience-store snacks, and a surprisingly low total bill. If you enjoy Japan winter travel, snowy cities, cable cars, temples, and wandering days that turn into food hunts, this episode captures what a real Sapporo day feels like. Check out our itinerary on plannin https://plannin.com/en/guide/37d69b86...

Our snowy Sapporo adventure begins. In this Japan winter travel vlog, we land at Haneda Airport and make our way north to Sapporo, Hokkaido, riding the airport express train and stepping into winter for the first time on this trip. After a long travel day — flights, transfers, vending machines, and an airport food crawl — we arrive in Sapporo and check into the Keio Plaza Hotel with its smooth cashless check-in and cozy room. From there, we head straight out into the cold to explore the quiet streets and experience our first izakaya in Sapporo, with lemon sours, non-alcoholic beer, gyoza, skewers, and dishes that test our spice tolerance. This episode sets the stage for everything that comes next in Sapporo — snowy city views, Olympic ski jumps, the Hill of the Big Buddha, and winter exploration across Hokkaido — as we settle into what quickly starts to feel like a second home. If you enjoy Japan winter travel, real arrival days, food-first adventures, and honest first impressions, this is the start of the journey. Check out our guide on plannin https://plannin.com/en/guide/57f5dda7...