Japan in Winter

Days 1-2  Tokyo  
Begin in Japan’s energetic capital with a local expert guide on a full day tour. Explore sites such as Meiji Jingu shrine and Senso-ji temple, as well as the interesting neighbourhoods of Harajuku and Asakusa, all while learning the ropes of ‘life in Japan’ from an English speaking local.      

Day 3  Fuji Kawaguchiko      
In winter you can see the unmistakeable Mount Fuji from as far away as Tokyo, but to fully grasp the scale of this perfectly shaped volcano, today take a bus journey to Fuji Kawaguchiko to get up close and personal with the iconic Fuji-san.      

Days 4-5  Tokyo to Nagano  
Today take your first Shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano, the ‘roof of Japan’ in the Japanese Alps, a compact and walkable city surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Discover the impressive Zenko-ji Temple, home to supposedly the first Buddha statue brought to Japan.

Day 6  Nagano to Shibu Onsen      
Continue by train to Yudanaka and check into your ryokan, a traditional inn often with sliding screen doors and futon beds that is quintessentially Japanese. Change into your yukata robe and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner before relaxing in the hot spring fed onsen bath.    

Days 7-8  Shibu Onsen to Kanazawa
This morning set off to find the famous snow monkeys as they relax in the warmth of the hot baths in Jigokudani monkey park. Continue by train to Kanazawa, a castle town famous for art, traditional
gardens and the freshest sea food. Explore self guided before an evening dining with a private guide explaining the menus to you!    

Days 9-10  Kanazawa to Takayama      
See more of the beautiful Alps as you bus through the stunning village of Shirakawago, best seen with a blanket of snow, en route to Takayama. Walk the streets of  Takayama’s old town that have seemingly frozen in time and have a warming drink at one of the local sake breweries.

Day 11  Takayama to Kyoto      
Another Shinkansen awaits to whisk you to the former capital city and cultural capital of Kyoto.    

Days 12-13  Kyoto      
Your expert guide will help bring to life the rich history of Kyoto’s many temples and shrines on a full day tour, including visits to the photogenic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 10,000 vermilion red torii gates and Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden temple in the world which houses 1,001 life-sized golden Buddhist statues.      

Day 14  Kyoto to Osaka      
Transfer to the airport.