12-Day Japan Winter Tour with Hakuba Skiing

On your first day of your Japan winter tour, you will arrive in Osaka, one of the three major cities in Japan. After arriving at the airport in Osaka, you will be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your hotel for a rest.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will travel to Osaka Castle Park. You can explore the main tower of Osaka Castle to discover its history and appreciate stunning views of the surrounding grounds and Osaka city. Stroll around Nishinomaru Garden and immerse yourself in snowy scenes. Later, head to Kuromon Market, where you can explore local shops, stalls, and restaurants to savor various seafood, fruits, and street food.

In the afternoon, make your way to the Osaka Museum of History, where you can visit the exhibited collection of treasures and discover the history of Osaka. Then visit Namba Yasaka Shrine and explore the unique lion head-shaped building. You can experience a purification ritual and make a prayer.

In the evening, head to Shinsaibashisuji and Dotonbori, lively areas for entertainment and shopping. You can experience rich Osaka's nightlife, sit at an izakaya for a drink, and explore the local cuisine along the riverside walkway.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will head to Nara and spend some time exploring Nara Park. You will visit incredible cultural heritage sites, such as Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple. Then take a leisurely stroll at Nara Park. Lively and friendly deer can be seen everywhere in the park. You can take a photo with them or feed them.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine, featuring the iconic tunnel of vibrant torii gates and numerous fox statues.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

This morning, you will explore Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple), which is known for its buildings covered with gold foil and the clear reflection on the lake surface. Travel to Nijo Castle, where you can appreciate well-designed courtyards, architecture, and the unique nightingale floor.

Next, you will explore Nishiki Market, a lively, busy market with a history of over 400 years. Get lost in rows of food stalls and taste a variety of Japanese edibles.

After lunch, you will visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple. You can admire breathtaking views of Kyoto city and the valley below from the Stage of Kiyomizu. Then walk through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, where you can immerse yourself in Kyoto's ambience. Continue to Gion, Kyoto's geisha district. You can wander along Hanamikoji-dori and have an opportunity to encounter geishas.

Later, head to a traditional Machiya house and experience an authentic tea ceremony. You will dress in exquisite kimonos and try to make green tea (matcha). After you finish, enjoy it with some traditional desserts together.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

After breakfast, you will take a Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo and experience the prosperity and vitality of the capital of Japan.

After arrival, you will check in at your hotel and then relax for the rest of the day. You can find a quiet place nearby or head to the shopping street.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

In the morning, visit Meiji Jingu, where you can dive into a tranquil atmosphere in bustling Tokyo. Meiji Jingu Shrine holds events sometimes. You would have chances to witness a traditional wedding and Shinto activities. Head to Tsukiji Outer Market and enjoy a lunch of local delicacies, including grilled scallops, tamagoyaki, sashimi, and sushi.

In the afternoon, travel to Sensoji Temple, one of the most famous and oldest temples in Tokyo. You can explore the Kaminarimon Gate, the Main Hall, and learn about the history and legend of Sensoji Temple. Walk through Nakamise Street, where you can browse the stalls and buy souvenirs.

Head to Akihabara Electric Town and visit chaotic shops for anime supplies, games, and maid cafes. In Ginza, you can purchase branded products from around the world at high-end shopping stores. Ascend Tokyo Tower for the scenery and city lights of Tokyo.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

This morning, make a trip to Mt. Fuji. Travel to Oshino Hakkai with eight beautiful ponds and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Continue your Mt. Fuji tour to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, where you can take in the magnificent scenery of Mount Fuji in the distance with Chureito Pagoda.

Enjoy a stroll around Lake Kawaguchi, a popular photo spot to capture the scene of "upside-down Fuji". Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up to the mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the lake.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

After breakfast, you will head to Tokyo Station and take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano Station (about 1h 30min).

Travel to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where you can have a closer contact with Japanese Macaques (snow monkeys). They bathe in a steaming hot spring. The best time to see snow monkeys is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After the tour, you will head to Hakuba Valley for your Hakuba ski tour and stay at an onsen ryokan.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakuba

Hakuba Ski Resort was the venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics. It consists of 10 ski resorts with an average snowfall of more than 10 meters. Hakuba has ski slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to experts.

You can spend a day skiing on the slopes. Take part in a ski lesson to learn about ski skills or explore tree runs and night skiing.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakuba

Continue to enjoy an unforgettable skiing time in Hakuba. Besides epic powder snow and runs, you can also expect incredible winter views. You can also explore other winter experiences, such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. After skiing, soak in a hot spring and relax your body.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakuba

Today, you can enjoy a leisurely morning and sleep until you wake up naturally. After breakfast, you will take a bus to Nagano and then transfer to Tokyo by Shinkansen. After arriving, head to the hotel to check in and rest. For the rest of today, you are free to explore Tokyo.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today is the end of your Japan winter tour with Hakuba skiing. Your private tour guide and driver will take you to the airport. You will fly home or to your next destination with unforgettable memories. Safe travels!

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A