7 Days Japan Winter Discovery

Day 1Arrival Osaka - Kyoto

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 
 

Day 2Kyoto

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
 

Day 3Kyoto - Nara - Atami

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
 

Day 4Atami - Hakone - Tokyo

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
 

Day 5Tokyo

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
 

Day 6Tokyo -  Yudanaka - Tokyo

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
 

Day 7Departure Tokyo

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