7 Days Japan Winter Discovery

Kyoto, Hakone, Tokyo

Tour Code: TAT-Japan-04

Tour Type: Private Tour

Price from: on request Free Inquiry

Tour Feature

  • Make an unforgettable winter experience in Japan
  • See adorable Snow Monkey at the hot springs of Yudanaka
  • Bask in the beauty of Japan's winter season as powdery white snow adds a layer of beauty to the best attractions
  • Have a chance to extend your tour to hit the slopes in Hakuba to ski and snowboard where the 1998 Winter Olympics were held

 

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Arrival Osaka - Kyoto

Transfer service to hotel

Meal: No meals
Hotel: In Kyoto

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Osaka International Airport, you will meet our Airport Transfer  Representative with a name board at the airport exit and transfer to the hotel directly. After check-in, the rest of the day is free at leisure on your own.

Kyoto
Kyoto 

 

Day 2 Kyoto

Arashiyama, Golden Pavilion, Maiko lunch, Fushimi Inari Shrin, ancient street of Ninenzaka.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: In Kyoto

 

Today, our Kyoto tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through the bamboo grove. You will be welcomed by the friendly smiles of the Rickshaw drivers who are both entertaining and very knowledgeable. They will also take amazing pictures for you in the Bamboo forest that you will want to show all your friends back home.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, Japan’s must-see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha. During lunch, you will be able to see her perform Japanese traditional dances, chances to take photos, and ask questions about her life as a Maiko. It is a great opportunity to learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red torii gates. The path is perfect for photos or to just calm your mind.

Our last stop of the day will be the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel. You will also have the option to see the colorful Kyoto Station light show projected on the grand staircase.

Maiko Dinning Experience
Maiko Dinning Experience

 

Day 3 Kyoto - Nara - Atami

Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park, Japanese hot springs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: In Atami

 

We start our day with a visit to Todaiji Temple in Nara. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat.

 

We head back to Kyoto for a kaiten sushi lunch and to a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink.

 

Our day ends with a bullet train ride from Kyoto to Atami. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Atami in comfort and speed and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

 

Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation

Nara Deer Park
Nara Deer Park

 

Day 4 Atami - Hakone - Tokyo

Mt. Fuji : Hakone Shrine - Hakone Ropeway - Owakudani - Hakone Open-Air Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: In Tokyo

 

Today, we headed to Hakone, a popular weekend getaway destination from Tokyo. Here, you get to see sulfur smoke coming from active volcano vents and, if weather permits, a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

First stop is Hakone Shrine. Housed in a cedar forest, this serene shrine is famous for being a spiritual power spot. Be sure to take advantage of some photo ops of this iconic shrine.

Then we will take you on a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area, if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg. Boiled in one of the vents, it is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life!

After spending a busy, productive morning, we will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish served in an iron cast pot that is the perfect comfort food. After lunch, we are headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy viewing the numerous statues and stroll through beautiful nature and the stunning landscape of Hakone. We then proceed to the hotel in Tokyo.

Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji

 

Day 5 Tokyo

Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Sushi-Making Experience, Tsukiji Outer Market, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: In Tokyo

 

Today, you will be taken to the Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You will also be able to explore the Nakamise Market, which is located right after the temple's outer gates. It is a traditional-style shopping street with centuries of history. Next, you will have the chance to enjoy a sushi-making experience with a professional sushi chef. Whatever you prepare, you will get to eat! Afterward, we will proceed to the Tsukiji Outer Market, where various restaurants and shops line the streets. Then, pay a visit to the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the current residence of Japan's Imperial Family. In the afternoon, we will visit the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. At 333 meters (1092.5 feet) high, Tokyo Tower is 9- meters taller than its model, the Eiffel Tower. You will be able to get a bird's eye view of the city from 150 meters (492 feet) at the main observatory deck.

Sushi-making Experience
Sushi-making Experience

 

Day 6 Tokyo - Yudanaka - Tokyo

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: In Tokyo

 

Today is the day you've been waiting for during your Winter Japan Tour! It's off to the remarkable Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yudanaka. Home to the popular snow monkeys, Jigokudani is the best place to go in all of Japan to see cute, furry snow monkeys bathing in the natural Japanese hot springs. Unlike other breeds of monkey, the snow monkey is capable of handling much colder temperatures, and is only found in Japan thanks to the abundance of natural Japanese hot springs. Although some monkeys prefer to stay in the mountains, tourists flock to Jigokudani to see snow monkeys bathing in special designated hot springs meant just for them. Some of the snow monkeys may have a little mound of snow on top of their heads, but they never seem to mind as long as they can unwind in the hot springs.

 

Yudanaka is also a popular hot-springs resort, offering a traditional atmosphere in the mountains of Japan. Admire the stunning scenery of the Japanese mountains while traveling to see adorable snow monkeys. Stop by for a relaxing free foot bath during your vacation or pause to pick up some traditional Japanese souvenirs or snacks while touring this charming mountain town. After following your tour guide through Yudanaka, we will then return to the hotel.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey
Jigokudani Snow Monkey

 

 

Day 7 Departure Tokyo

Transfer service to airport

Meals: Breakfast

 

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will be transferred to the airport after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

 

Service ends

 

Notice:

Due to the uncertainties of this tour, such as special local conditions , the changes of accommodation rate, etc, the tour has to be tailor-made and its price is on request. Please tell us in advance your group information inclusive of departure date, number of pax, and other individual needs, which will be helpful to work out a fit program and the right price.

What our clients say

4.9/5.0 | Excellent

M

Melissa Dixon

5.0

Jul 07 ,2022

Thank you Yuki - she made this trip perfect. My highlight was seeing a geisha and Mt Fuji.

T

Thaneshan

5.0

Jun 30 ,2022

Special mention of "very good" guide Emiko, she stopped lots to check on us all, which was much appreciated as no one got lost or late for trains, etc. Yuki was friendly and helpful throughout the tour and made our first experience if Japan an excellent experience.

D

David Jaeger

5.0

May 18 ,2020

In case I don’t get a chance to say it in person, I want to thank you personally for a wonderful introductory trip to Japan. I know that I speak for the four of us when I say that we have thoroughly enjoyed this trip from start to finish and we are very grateful for your personal service and the extreme care that you took at every turn. Miki was the best guide we could have wished for – so knowledgeable and so candid – a delightful person.
We will be very happy to recommend Top Asia Tour to our friends, acquaintances, and colleagues in the Canadian civil service.
Many thanks again and I hope that we will have the opportunity to travel with you again in the future.

J

Jessa s.

5.0

Mar 26 ,2020

The Japan trip was fantastic! Due to the virus, we were only 4 girls + our amazing tour guide and we had a blast! A lot of the tourist places were empty which made our trip easier and more relaxing. A huge thank you to our tour guide, Becca, for all of the great memories, advice, and laughs.

P

Peter A. Garza

5.0

Mar 15 ,2020

This has been one of the best tours I've been on, and despite being in Japan during the Corona pandemic Brooke our tour guide managed to make it the best tour ever. There were so many things we saw that normally would have been swarming with people but we had it all to ourselves. It was so amazing especially, with the Senso-Ji Temple in Tokyo, it was nothing short of magical seeing the temple and wandering around with so few people around, it was magical. And the pattern kept repeating itself throughout the tour it really was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure(pun most definitely intended). This tour exceeded all of my expectations and I'm so happy that I chose to go on this adventure.  I'm grateful that I had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Japan.

M

McGuinness

5.0

Mar 12 ,2020

This is our 2nd trip with TopAsiaTour. We went to China with them in 2017. And we have always been delighted by the experiences and by our tour guides. This trip to Japan was no exception. Lily is an experienced and considerable travel advisor in Top Asia Tour, putting together excellent itineraries, lodgings, transports, and guides.

M

Mircea Ardelean

5.0

Jan 19 ,2020

Rebecca was excellent. She gave clear daily itineraries. She was very organized and friendly! The tour was good. I especially liked the sushi and calligraphy classes and the monkey park. The shrines and palaces; as well as the hikes on the old highways, gave me a historical background for me. I also enjoyed the natural beauty of Japan. The steam vents of the volcano and Mt. Fuji! Rebecca exposed us to different restaurants allowing us to try different foods. All were fantastic!

A

Amritpal Singh

5.0

Jan 03 ,2020

I did this tour in Nov/Dec and had an absolutely amazing time. Japan is a fascinating country and we visited a mix of urban and rural areas. As a keen walker, the highlight for me was walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route on the Kii peninsula walking through the mountain valleys between the 3 holy shrines. The train journey from Osaka to Tanabe on the Kii peninsula is stunning. Another highlight was walking part of the Nakasendo trail an ancient route between Kyoto and Tokyo that is now a walking route in the Kiso valley visiting the old post stations (juku) such as Magome and Tsumago. At Kawaguchiko we were lucky to have a perfectly clear view of Mt Fuji. Travel was mostly by train including bullet trains and buses in some mountainous areas that the train does not go to. Our accommodation was a mix of western-style hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya and ryokan(traditional Japanese style) in the rural areas. We had private guides in nearly all the locations we went to. Each day of walking was followed by a delicious Japanese-style dinner and soaking in the onsen - pure bliss. I would highly recommend this tour if you enjoy walking and would like to see a lesser-known part of Japan.

N

Nadine Engonge

5.0

Nov 28 ,2019

What a great trip. There were some changes needed due to a typhoon arriving the first day...however, Pablo did a great job of adjusting schedules and accommodating everything!

M

Mahdi Ashtari

5.0

Oct 14 ,2019

Very interesting and enjoyable
Very professional from the time I started my inquiry about the tour, everything was detailed and clear. The agent of TopAsiaTour was very helpful and cooperative to solve any issue I had. My Japan tour was very informative and the tour guide was knowledgeable of the subjects that were explored

C

Cami Chau

5.0

Sep 27 ,2019

I have had the most fabulous tour. My guide Yuki made the tour easy with her fantastic organization skills, great sense of humor, and caring nature. I appreciated the balance of guided aspects and free time. Yuki was so helpful and accommodated the needs of all group members. She was so knowledgeable and efficient which meant we could make the most of our time at each place. My first trip with Top Asia Tour has been a blast. A big Thanks to the company and THE BEST tour guide!

S

Stephen

5.0

Sep 15 ,2019

Great way to see the major sights & experience traditional food & culture.
Wow!!! Our Japan and Korea tour has a good balance of historical, traditional, and contemporary sights or experiences. TopAsiaTour managed the logistics of getting around cities and countries which made this effortless for us. The guide was incredibly helpful and always went that extra mile for the group. The size of the group was good and ensured you never missed anything.

A

Anila Ruparelia

5.0

Aug 21 ,2019

We did this tour for our honeymoon and it was fantastic! I'd recommend this trip to everyone. Our tour guide made Japan extra special. She went above and beyond to find information and recommendations for anything not included on the tour. She was polite, accommodating, and very informative and was one of the main reasons our experience was so very special. We look forward to visiting Japan again and would love to have Lily as our host again. 

S

Sabina Sapkota

5.0

Jun 18 ,2019

Every aspect of planning our trip to China was seamless. Joyce has been amazing. She responds to any and every request immediately and has been incredibly informative about every aspect of our trip. I would definitely recommend the Top Asia Tour team

M

Mike Chaloner

5.0

May 18 ,2019

A very interesting time in Japan - the people were great and very experienced guides made it very easy and enjoyable.

D

Dale Tyler

4.0

Nov 12 ,2018

The Tour was excellent, surpassing my expectations. Our guide Yumi was so knowledgeable, attentive, and caring that we learned so much about Japan, its people, and culture than we ever would have done as independent travelers.

Touring is tiring, You pack so much in but the tour had ample free time for further exploration or resting for those who needed it.

I would certainly recommend Top Asia Tour and would use it again. 

A

Anat Segal

5.0

Oct 10 ,2018

The tour was very enjoyable. Pablo, our Guide was superb in providing information regarding Japanese culture and history. The fact that he is passionate about the subject and his job made the tour great.

L

LISA CARON

5.0

May 06 ,2018

The views, meals, service, and onsen at the Ryokan were excellent. Both guides were absolutely wonderful. This was my first experience on an overseas tour and I loved it. I can't speak highly enough of Yuki and Ako. They were both professional, organized, and just fun to hang out with.

R

Roshni Ladva

5.0

Apr 08 ,2018

Our Japan tour was amazing, filled with wonderful sights of Japan. The trip was filled with wonderful sights to see. Our guide Yoko was very knowledgeable and accommodating. She gave us a great insight into the wonderful country.

R

Ruth Ndila Ndeto

4.0

Mar 16 ,2018

I really enjoyed the tour. Most of the arrangements and organization were very good and our tour guide Yuki was amazing, super polite, the patient really took care of us, and went over and above in making our holiday so enjoyable. From the daily well written with cute drawings on her daily schedules, and tiny treats she bought us, to the knowledge and expertise in the way she took us through all the public transport so efficient, I give her top marks.

Train rides were fine and agree the most efficient. I have a few suggestions...If the tour could add a few alternatives like visiting The monster cafe, team lab, and robot restaurant, just to give it a mix of temples and museums and considering the varying age groups and interests.

On the hotels, Kyoto and the traditional were good and location of hotel accommodations were very good, Tokyo hotel rooms were very tiny and I a single occupant found it difficult so can only imagine how the couple's managed but I guess it's usual and the location was really good so its a plus.

Overall I did have a great holiday. I enjoy using your tours and will continue to do so. Thank you very much and please share our sincere appreciation with Yuki.

H

Hari Chaturvedi

5.0

Dec 05 ,2017

One of the best trips I have done. Our tour guide, Hana, was exceptionally knowledgeable in local culture, places to eat, activities and optional activities, local transportation, etc. Her natural caring for people has shown throughout the trip. She always reassured each member of the group that they are enjoying the time and don’t feel left out. The tour was very well planned and I feel I have learned a lot more about the culture and people of this country. I would strongly suggest anyone do this tour.

M

Marta Alves Pereira

5.0

Apr 13 ,2017

Special mention of "very good" guide Emiko, she stopped lots to check on us all, which was much appreciated as no one got lost or late for trains, etc. Yuki was friendly and helpful throughout the tour and made our first experience if Japan an excellent experience.

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