Hi there,

I’ve included a sample itinerary with kid-friendly activities in early winter. Depending on what your interests are, you may want to spend more time in an area like Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, or Shiga Kogen and enjoy skiing. You can also see more sample itineraries here.

• Day 1 & 2 (Stay in Karuizawa)
  -Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa Station
  -Enjoy snow activities at the Karuizawa Prince Ski Resort
  -Shop and dine at the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Mall & Kyu-ginza shopping street
  -See frozen Shiraito Falls
• Day 3 & 4 (Stay in Nagano City)
  -Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station
  -Visit National Treasure Zenkoji Temple
  -Visit the Daimon Ninja Shop
  -Take a soba-making lesson at the Shinshu Soba-kura Drive-in (See No. 4 here)
  -Take the Nagano Dentetsu train or bus to Yamanouchi and see the Snow Monkeys
• Day 5, 6 & 7 (Stay in Matsumoto City)
  -Visit National Treasture Matsumoto Castle
  -See the illuminations at the Azumino Alps Park (See No. 2 here)
  -See Kusama Yayoi’s permanent exhibition in the Matsumoto City Museum of Art (bright colors, polka dots, and rooms of mirrors are fun for adults and children alike!)
  -Visit Narai-juku in the Kiso Valley
  -Try a Kiso Chopstick-making lesson in Kiso Fukushima
  -See Kaida Kogen and ride horses in the snow

I hope that helps answer your question. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

-Blair