Japan Winter Highlights
9 days from Tokyo to Kyoto
From $ 3299
Duration9 days
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Japan in winter is simply unforgettable. Join this nine-day tour to explore big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as sights you'll only find away from the bright lights like the iconic geisha district in Kanazawa. Visit the Swiss-like village of Shirakawa-go before heading to Kawayu Onsen to enjoy local-style accommodation and the traditional onsens (outdoor hot springs) that make winter tours in this country so fun. Make next winter something special in Japan.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 9 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Starts in: Tokyo
    Physical Grading: Average
  • Ends in: Kyoto
    Ages: 12+
Japan Winter Highlights - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Tokyo
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Tokyo
Enjoy a morning tour of some of the city's highlights. With a free afternoon, opt to explore more of Tokyo's diverse districts.
Day 3: Tokyo/Shirakawa-go

Start place: Tokyo

It's a long travel day to reach the scenic village of Shirakawa-go. View the unique architecture before settling into a local style inn for the night. Enjoy a traditional dinner. Traditional dinner at the farmhouse.

End place: Shirakawa-murayakuba

Meals: D
Day 4: Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa

Start place: Shirakawa-murayakuba

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before travelling to Kanazawa by bus. Wander through the samurai village on a short guided walk and take a guided tour of the Ninja Temple. Opt to visit the impressive 21st Century Museum, the geisha district, or Kenrokuen garden.

End place: Kanazawa

Meals: B
Day 5: Kanazawa/Kawayu Onsen

Start place: Kanazawa

It's a long, but scenic, travel day to reach the Wakayama prefecture. Kawayu Onsen is known for its large, outdoor onsen bath dug every winter into the river bed.

Dress in the yukata (cotton kimono) provided by the inn and stroll over to the seninburo (large public hot spring) to enjoy an unforgettable soak in the steamy natural hot spring water.
Travel to Kawayu Onsen in the Kii mountains and settle into the traditional inn for the evening. Visit the seninburo onsen, dug into the riverbed, and soak in the natural hot spring. Savour a traditional dinner at the inn.
Meals: D
Day 6: Kawayu Onsen/Osaka
Spend a free morning in the area. Opt to walk along the ancient Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail or visit the Hongu Taisha Shrine and giant torii gate of Oyu No Hara. Travel to Osaka in the late afternoon and opt for a night out in buzzing Namba. Traditional breakfast at the minshuku.

End place: Osaka

Meals: B
Day 7: Osaka

Start place: Osaka

Osaka has heaps to offer including Osaka Castle Park, Shinsaibashi shopping street and Dotombori Bridge. Be sure to try "takoyaki" the city's famous squid snack. Osaka is a unique culinary destination – opt for a group meal of "kushikatsu".
Visit the Instant Ramen Museum and create your own instant noodles. Explore this vibrant city with free time, opting to visit Osaka Castle Park or browse Shinsaibashi's trendy shops.

End place: Osaka

Day 8: Osaka/Kyoto

Start place: Osaka

Continue on to nearby Kyoto and enjoy a morning city tour. With options like a tea ceremony, a traditional costume photo shoot, and visits to temples or museums, there's tons to see and do.

End place: Kyoto

Day 9: Kyoto

Start place: Kyoto

Depart at any time. We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully experience this historic city.

End place: Kyoto

Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Seninburo Hot Spring Visit, Hongū
  • CEO-led city tours of Tokyo
  • Ninja Temple visit
  • Nagamachi samurai district walk
  • Traditional inn stay with meals
  • Orientation walk of Osaka
  • Instant Ramen Museum visit (Osaka)
  • CEO-led city tour of Kyoto, including entrance to Nijo Castle and Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion
  • Japan Rail (JR) pass (7 days)
  • Transport to/from all included activities and between all destinations

  • Transport

    Train, Public bus, Subway, Walking

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (6 nts), Traditional inn (2 nts)

  • Meals

    3 breakfasts,
    2 dinners

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