01
Flights
Overnight out of Singapore landing early on Day 1; late-evening return on Christmas Eve arriving home in the small hours.
Singapore → Tokyo
SQ 638 · Boeing 787-10
23:55
SIN T2 · Thu 10 Dec
✈
6h 35m
07:30
NRT T1 · Fri 11 Dec
Tokyo → Singapore
SQ 011 · Boeing 777-300ER
18:30
NRT T1 · Thu 24 Dec
✈
7h 30m
01:00
SIN · Fri 25 Dec
02
Route at a glance
A clockwise loop from Narita up through the mountains of Fukushima and Yamagata to the snow-country onsen, across to Sendai on the coast, then south to the theme parks before flying home.
Stops in travel order — a schematic journey line, not a geographic map. Zao Ropeway (Day 5) and Matsushima (Day 8) are day trips from Yamagata and Sendai.
The driving route
Every overnight stop pinned on a real OpenStreetMap basemap, linked in driving order — the clockwise loop out of Narita and back. Pins are exact; the line shows sequence and rough direction, not the precise roads.
- 1Narita 成田Fly in & outDays 1 · 14
- 2Nikkō · Kinugawa 日光Shrines & onsenDays 1–2
- 3Aizuwakamatsu 会津Castle townDay 3
- 4Yamagata 山形City base & Zaō RopewayDays 4–5
- 5Ginzan Onsen 銀山Ryokan nightDay 6
- 6Zaō Fox Village 蔵王Free-roaming foxesDay 7
- 7Sendai · Matsushima 仙台Gyūtan, bay & aquariumDays 7–9
- 8Tokyo Disney 舞浜DisneySea & DisneylandDays 10–12
- 9PokéPark 読売YomiurilandDay 13
| Date | Main area | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Dec | Narita → Nikko / Kinugawa | Nikko / Kinugawa |
| 12 Dec | Nikko | Nikko / Kinugawa |
| 13 Dec | Aizuwakamatsu | Aizuwakamatsu |
| 14 Dec | Yamagata City | Yamagata City |
| 15 Dec | Yamagata / optional Zao day | Yamagata City |
| 16 Dec | Ginzan Onsen via Ōishida shuttle | Ginzan / Ōishida access |
| 17 Dec | Miyagi Zao Fox Village → Sendai | Sendai |
| 18 Dec | Matsushima / Aquarium | Sendai |
| 19 Dec | Sendai family buffer day | Sendai |
| 20 Dec | Sendai → Tokyo Disney Resort | Maihama / Tokyo Bay |
| 21 Dec | Tokyo DisneySea | Maihama / Tokyo Bay |
| 22 Dec | Tokyo Disneyland | Maihama / Tokyo Bay |
| 23 Dec | PokéPark KANTO / Yomiuriland → Narita | Narita Airport area |
| 24 Dec | Narita departure | Flight home |
Zao Onsen is not an overnight stop — Yamagata City is the base, with the Zao Ropeway kept as an optional day trip.
✓ Does this flow make sense? We checked it against the real geography — clean loop north and back, no wasted backtracking. See the flow & driving notes ↓03
Day by day
Flip through the trip one day at a time — tap a date, use the arrows, or swipe on a phone. Each page carries that day's main move, meals, parking notes, planning budget and the temperature to pack for.
Day1
FRI 11 DEC 2026
Narita → Nikko / Kinugawa
MoveLand NRT 07:30, collect rental car, drive to Nikko / Kinugawa
MainHotel check-in, onsen, early dinner
LunchNarita Airport or expressway service-area food court
DinnerHotel buffet / ryokan dinner
ParkingHotel onsite parking preferred
Day2
SAT 12 DEC 2026
Nikko slow sightseeing
MorningNikkō Tōshō-gū and the shrine area
AfternoonShinkyo Bridge photo stop, or Edo Wonderland option
LunchSoba / udon / yuba lunch in Nikko town
DinnerHotel dinner or family restaurant near Kinugawa
ParkingPaid parking near shrines; hotel parking at night
Day3
SUN 13 DEC 2026
Nikko → Aizuwakamatsu
MainTsuruga Castle and the Nanukamachi area
LunchHighway stop, or Aizu sauce katsudon
DinnerRamen / family restaurant / local Aizu dinner
ParkingTsuruga Castle visitor parking; hotel parking overnight
Day4
MON 14 DEC 2026
Aizuwakamatsu → Yamagata City
MainCheck-in, Yamagata Station area, easy dinner
LunchAizu / Yonezawa / highway stop
DinnerYamagata beef, soba, ramen or family restaurant
ParkingHotel parking required
Day5
TUE 15 DEC 2026
Yamagata snow day / Zao Ropeway option
MorningZao Ropeway if weather and visibility are suitable
AfternoonSnow play, Yamagata city walk, Kajo Park or easy shopping
LunchSki resort cafeteria or Yamagata city lunch
DinnerYamagata Station / hotel area
ParkingZao resort parking if visiting; hotel parking at night
Day6
WED 16 DEC 2026 · ryokan night
Yamagata → Ōishida → Ginzan Onsen
AccessPark only where confirmed; take the ryokan shuttle or bus into Ginzan
MainGinzan Onsen winter town walk and ryokan stay
LunchYamagata / Ōishida soba or a simple meal before the shuttle
DinnerRyokan dinner preferred
Day7
THU 17 DEC 2026
Ginzan → Zao Fox Village → Sendai
MainMiyagi Zao Fox Village, then the Sendai Station area
LunchShiroishi area; Shiroishi Umen noodles if convenient
DinnerSendai gyutan for adults; rice bowls, ramen, sushi for kids
ParkingFox Village parking if open; Sendai hotel parking overnight
Day8
FRI 18 DEC 2026
Matsushima Bay / Umino-Mori Aquarium
MorningMatsushima Bay walk / sightseeing cruise if operating
AfternoonZuiganji area or Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
LunchSeafood / oysters for adults; noodles or rice for kids
DinnerSendai Station / hotel area
Day9
SAT 19 DEC 2026 · buffer
Sendai family buffer day
Option AAkiu Onsen area / easy nature stop
Option BUmino-Mori Aquarium, shopping, indoor family day
PokémonAdd a nearby Miyagi Poké Lid if it fits the route
LunchSushi chain, ramen, depachika or family restaurant
DinnerSendai Station / shopping mall area
ParkingKeep car at hotel if staying central
Day10
SUN 20 DEC 2026 · long transfer
Sendai → Tokyo Disney Resort
MainTransfer day, hotel check-in, Ikspiari dinner
LunchExpressway service-area lunch
DinnerIkspiari / hotel buffet / nearby family restaurant
ParkingHotel parking, or return the car if the rental plan allows
Day11
MON 21 DEC 2026
Tokyo DisneySea
PlanArrive before opening, prioritise major rides, indoor lunch, afternoon rest, evening Christmas atmosphere
LunchIn-park restaurant / quick-service meal
DinnerIn-park restaurant, Ikspiari or hotel
ParkingPrefer hotel shuttle / monorail over driving
Day12
TUE 22 DEC 2026
Tokyo Disneyland
PlanArrive before opening, prioritise family rides, parade viewing, indoor lunch, evening Christmas atmosphere
LunchIn-park restaurant / quick-service meal
DinnerIn-park restaurant, Ikspiari or hotel
ParkingPrefer hotel shuttle / monorail over driving
Day13
WED 23 DEC 2026
PokéPark KANTO / Yomiuriland → Narita
MainPokéPark KANTO / Yomiuriland
LunchYomiuriland / PokéPark area food
DinnerNarita airport-area hotel / AEON Mall Narita
ParkingYomiuriland official parking; Narita hotel parking overnight
Day14
THU 24 DEC 2026 · fly home
Narita slow day → flight home
MorningSlow breakfast, packing, optional Naritasan or AEON Mall Narita
LunchNarita / AEON Mall / airport
AfternoonReturn car, airport check-in, dinner before the flight
FlightSQ 011 · NRT 18:30 → SIN 01:00 on 25 Dec
04
Where we stay
Thirteen nights across seven bases. Shortlists below — hotels still to be confirmed for all seven travellers.
11–12 DEC · 2 nights
Nikko / Kinugawa
Onsen stay
Asaya Hotel / Kinugawa Onsen Hotel — family-friendly onsen with parking.
13 DEC · 1 night
Aizuwakamatsu
Castle town
Onyado Toho / Kutsurogijuku Chiyotaki.
14–15 DEC · 2 nights
Yamagata City
City base
Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata / Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yamagata Ekimae.
16 DEC · 1 night
Ginzan Onsen
Ryokan · shuttle access
Takimikan first choice; Ginzanso second; Kosekiya Bekkan third.
17–19 DEC · 3 nights
Sendai
Coast base
Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East / Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai.
20–22 DEC · 3 nights
Maihama / Tokyo Bay
Disney
Hilton Tokyo Bay / Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay.
23 DEC · 1 night
Narita Airport
Pre-flight
Hotel Nikko Narita / Narita Tobu Hotel Airport.
Ginzan winter access — driving into the town is discouraged in snow. Priority plan:
| Priority | Accommodation | Access plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Takimikan · 瀧見舘 | JR Ōishida Station shuttle; preferred, avoids driving into Ginzan in winter |
| 2 | Ginzanso · 銀山荘 | JR Ōishida Station shuttle; larger ryokan option |
| 3 | Kosekiya Bekkan · 古勢起屋別館 | Traditional Ginzan stay; use station shuttle |
| Backup | Route bus | Ōishida Station ⇄ Ginzan Onsen bus if ryokan shuttle timing doesn't fit |
05
Driving overview
Planning drive times before meal and rest stops — add winter margin. The Sendai → Maihama transfer is the long haul of the trip.
| Segment | Planning drive time |
|---|---|
| Narita Airport → Nikko / Kinugawa | 3.0–3.5 hr |
| Nikko / Kinugawa → Aizuwakamatsu | 2.5–3.25 hr |
| Aizuwakamatsu → Yamagata City | 2.75–3.5 hr |
| Yamagata City → Zao Ropeway | 40–60 min each way |
| Yamagata City → Ōishida / Ginzan access | 1.25–2 hr |
| Ōishida / Yamagata → Zao Fox Village | 2–2.75 hr |
| Zao Fox Village → Sendai | 1–1.25 hr |
| Sendai → Matsushima | 35–50 min each way |
| Sendai → Tokyo Disney / Maihama | 4.75–5.75 hr |
| Maihama → PokéPark / Yomiuriland | 1.25–2 hr |
| Yomiuriland → Narita Airport | 1.75–2.5 hr |
Does the flow make sense?
Checked against the real geography of the region. Short version: the shape is sound — a clean loop north up the inland side and back down the coast, with no wasted backtracking in Tohoku. Three things worth a deliberate decision.
SoundRoute shape
Stops climb almost straight north to Ginzan (the turnaround), then run back south — Fox Village, Sendai, Disney. No zigzag. Doing Fox Village on the return (it sits on the eastern side toward Miyagi) rather than the inland climb is the correct call. Rest is well spread: 2 nights Nikko, 2 Yamagata, 3 Sendai with a buffer day, 3 Disney.
DecideDay 13 · PokéPark crosses Tokyo twice
Yomiuriland is in far-west Tokyo, while Disney (start) and Narita (end) are east — so this day is ~1.5–2 hr west, a park day, then ~2–2.5 hr back east to Narita, bracketing the park with ~4 hr of city driving the day before the flight. Unavoidable given where PokéPark is. Strongest fix: return the rental car at Maihama after the Sendai transfer, do Disney by monorail, and travel PokéPark + Narita by train (N'EX / Keisei). Trade-off is luggage for seven by rail.
WatchWinter roads · Nikko → Aizu
The scenic direct mountain route (Route 121 passes) can be snow-slowed or closed in December — keep the expressway alternative as plan B (longer distance, safer). Ginzan is already handled via the Ōishida station shuttle, and Zao is kept optional — both good calls. Budget the Ginzan → Fox Village leg toward 3 hr in snow, a touch over the table estimate.
OK as-isDay 10 · the long haul
Sendai → Disney is ~350–370 km (~5 hr) — the biggest single drive. It's correctly kept as a pure transfer day with nothing else scheduled. Leave early; no change needed.
Drive-time figures above are planning estimates with winter margin, not live routing. Distances are cross-checked against known geography; confirm each segment against final hotels and current road/weather nearer the date.
06
Planning budget
Rough planning ranges for the family of seven, excluding flights. Figures firm up once hotels and park tickets are booked.
| Category | Planning estimate |
|---|---|
| Accommodation · 13 nights | ¥650,000–1,700,000 |
| Rental car + ETC / tolls + parking + fuel | ¥350,000–650,000 |
| Food and snacks | ¥500,000–900,000 |
| DisneySea + Disneyland | ¥190,000–380,000 |
| PokéPark KANTO / Yomiuriland | To confirm |
| Ropeway / cruises / Fox Village / attractions | ¥120,000–280,000 |
| Shopping buffer | Family choice |
Indicative subtotal, excl. flights & shopping
≈ ¥1.81M – 3.91M
07
Booking tracker
What's locked and what's still open. Disney and PokéPark tickets go on sale closer to the date.
| Item | Target date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Rental car · 10-seater, winter tyres | 11–24 Dec | To book |
| Nikko / Kinugawa hotel | 11–13 Dec | To book |
| Aizuwakamatsu hotel | 13–14 Dec | To book |
| Yamagata City hotel | 14–16 Dec | To book |
| Ginzan ryokan + Ōishida shuttle | 16–17 Dec | To book |
| Sendai hotel | 17–20 Dec | To book |
| Disney-area hotel | 20–23 Dec | To book |
| Narita airport hotel | 23–24 Dec | To book |
| Tokyo DisneySea tickets (visit 21 Dec) | Book 21 Oct · 14:00 JST | Set alarm |
| Tokyo Disneyland tickets (visit 22 Dec) | Book 22 Oct · 14:00 JST | Set alarm |
| PokéPark KANTO tickets (visit 23 Dec) | Monitor from late Sept | Monitor |
| Zao Ropeway | 15 Dec | Optional |
| Miyagi Zao Fox Village | 17 Dec | Reconfirm |
08
Outstanding checklist
Tap to tick off — your progress is saved in this browser, so each traveller keeps their own list.
09
Official links
Straight to the sources for shrines, ropeway, ryokan, aquarium and the parks.