13-Day Classic Japan Tour with Skiing in Hokkaido

Welcome to Tokyo, the capital of Japan! When your flight lands at the airport in Tokyo, you will be warmly greeted by your private tour guide and driver. After checking in at your hotel, you can have a break or explore the surroundings freely.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo

For your first day in Tokyo, you will head to Meiji Jingu Shrine to enjoy a peaceful time. Visit the wooden torii and historical shrine buildings surrounded by leafy forests. Explore the museum of the shrine for some history. You can make offerings and make wishes like locals.

In the afternoon, you will discover the ancient Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple). Once you arrive at the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate), try to take the best pictures among the large crowd. Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street and get immersed in the hustle and bustle of the market.

Afterward, head to central Tokyo for a visit to Akihabara and Ginza. You can visit electronics shops and learn about Japanese anime and manga culture in Akihabara. Then find luxury labels, flagships, and cafes that interest you in Ginza. Enjoy stunning aerial views from the observation deck of Tokyo Tower.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you will enjoy a private guided tour of Tsukiji Outer Market and learn about making sushi.

Tsukiji Outer Market is a famous marketplace in Japan, where you can get an idea of Japanese fish market culture. You can find high-quality restaurants to taste the freshest seafood and other food, such as yakiniku (Japanese Barbecue) and taiyaki (fish-shaped sweet pastries).

Next, visit a sushi workshop and take part in a sushi-making class. Learn how to make your own sushi with the guidance of a professional sushi chef. You can try to make nigiri sushi, rolled sushi, or other types of sushi. After finishing, enjoy them for lunch!

For the rest of the day, you can walk around for a Tsukiji food tour and have fun just like the local people.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today's Mount Fuji day trip will begin with the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and appreciate the work of Itchiku Kubota. Marvel at the extremely complex technique of these works and learn about kimono art and culture.

Then take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to enjoy a stunning bird's-eye snow-covered view of Mt. Fuji. You can walk around the lakes and look for an opportunity to capture upside-down Fuji reflected on the surface of the lakes. Among them, the most famous lake is Lake Kawaguchi.

Admire the fascinating idyllic scenery with the eight ponds in Oshino Hakkai. You can also see the breathtaking Mt. Fuji from Oshino Hakkai. After the tour, return to Tokyo.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

In the morning, your private driver will pick you up at the hotel and then take you to the airport for the flight to Sapporo. You will embark on a two-day skiing trip in Hokkaido. After arriving at New Chitose Airport, you will enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in Niseko for a nice rest.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Niseko

Niseko Ski Resort is one of the most renowned ski resorts in Japan, known for its abundant powder snow and excellent ski runs. You can buy a multi-day ticket and explore all four ski resorts in Niseko.

You can practice your skiing skills or challenge off-piste terrain. Enjoy unbeatable snowy views and Mount Yotei from the ski runs.

In the evening, you can enjoy night skiing under the stars or join the lively nightlife at Hirafu Valley.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Niseko

Today, you can continue your skiing or try other snow activities. Take a snow-shoeing hiking tour to appreciate the winter wonderland of Niseko. Enjoy thrilling snowmobiling, heli skiing, and sledding.

After that, return to your hotel and warm up in a steaming hot spring. You can enjoy the natural beauty while relaxing.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Niseko

After breakfast, you will check out at the hotel and head to the New Chitose Airport. Today, you will transfer to Osaka. Your private tour guide and driver will wait for you at the airport and bring you to your arranged accommodation. You can relax at the hotel or explore Osaka however you like.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

This morning, you will enjoy a tour of the majestic Osaka Castle Park, an important Japanese historic site. You can explore inside the castle and appreciate the sweeping views from the observation deck. Stroll around Nishinomaru Garden and take a Japanese traditional boat cruising along the castle moat.

Then visit the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, where you can appreciate woodblock prints and learn about the stories of kabuki. You can also make your own print. In the evening, head to the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas and immerse yourself in vibrant Osaka's nightlife. You can watch wonderful performances and discover street food while hanging out on the streets.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will transfer to Nara and head to Nara Park. Your first stop is Kasuga Taisha Shrine. You can appreciate numerous stone and bronze lanterns and explore Japanese history and culture. Continue to Todai-ji Temple to visit the Great Buddha statue. Then you can wander around Nara Park. You will have chances to encounter wild deer throughout the park. You can buy deer crackers to feed them.

In the afternoon, you will transfer to Kyoto and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. You can take a stroll through thousands of Torii gates. Enter the Honden and experience Japanese worship tradition.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

In the morning, you will travel to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). After the snowfall, the golden exterior walls contrast beautifully with the snow-covered rooftops. Next, you will head to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can appreciate its ornate interiors and stroll around the beautiful garden at a leisurely pace. When you walk on the nightingale floors, you will hear a creaking sound.

For lunch, you can enjoy a delicious meal at Nishiki Market, an ancient food street offering various local delicacies.

After lunch, you will visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy magical views from the Stage of Kiyomizu. Then make your way to the streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, where you can experience the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto. Continue to Gion, a famous geisha neighborhood in Kyoto. You would have a chance to meet geisha in elaborate kimonos and traditional Japanese makeup.

Today, conclude your Japan tour with a tea ceremony experience at a Japanese Machiya house. Putting on a kimono, you will learn about tea-drinking etiquette and matcha-making. Enjoy your matcha with Japanese sweets.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

After breakfast, you will take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. After arrival, you will head to the hotel on your own. You can relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Shop in Ginza or discover a nice restaurant at Shinjuku. If you love anime and manga, you can continue visiting Akihabara Electric Town. Or you can explore places that you haven't visited before.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Narita or Haneda Airport. It's time to say goodbye to your 13-day classic Japan tour with skiing in Hokkaido. Safe travels!

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A