JAPAN WINTER – 11 DAYS

Touch down in Tokyo! Arrive at your Tokyo hostel and relax until the evening. Tonight we’ll take you out to feast on Japanese cuisine and meet the rest of your group. After dinner when the crowds have all dispersed, we explore the iconic Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night.

Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple
Free Time Suggestions: Tokyo Skytree
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low

We will begin the morning with a Japan Orientation Briefing where you will learn about simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you navigate your way throughout the country. Then, we will move on to Harajuku, which is the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture. We will explore the area and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. Next, we will go to Yoyogi Park, which is home to the beautiful Meiji Shrine.

Later, we will head to Akihabara, which is known as Tokyo’s electric town. You will be amazed by the neon lights and crazy shops. You can challenge each other in the arcades, visit the famous Maid Cafes, or just wander around the area.

Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Japan Orientation, Tokyo Districts
Free Time Suggestions: Maid Cafe
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High

After breakfast, we will be attending a private sushi-making class. During the class, you will learn how to make Miso soup, three types of sushi, and the secrets behind Teriyaki. If you prefer the vegetarian option, inform your guide or One Life a week before the tour starts.

In the evening, we will be heading to Shinjuku. There, we will have an opportunity to see the unparalleled skyline of Tokyo, visit the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and enjoy some dinner before viewing the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.

Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Sushi Making Class, Shibuya Crossing
Free Time Suggestions: Toyosu Fish Market, Songokuji Temple
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium

Today we take the “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our guest house situated in the mountains, we will spend the day exploring the surrounding areas on a variety of different transports.

Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but you can get a spectacular view of Mount Fuji (weather dependent). After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain, we’ll arrange a traditional Japanese Family Nabe dinner in our guesthouse and finish the day playing some games.

If you have asthma/respiratory conditions, the brief visit to Owakudani is not advisable, please speak to your guide for an alternate arrangement.

Accommodation: Twin/Triple tatami mats -Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar)
Activities: Mt Fuji Viewing, Romance Car
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium

We’ll grab a quick breakfast on our way to catch our bullet train to Kyoto. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful city in Winter during the first half of the day. In the evening, your tour guide will take us around Kyoto’s Gion district, which is known for Geishas (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment). If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot one!

Accommodation: Pod-style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Gion District Walking Tour
Free Time Suggestions: Geisha Performance
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium

We will wake up early and catch the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, so we can avoid the crowd of tourists and work our way through the mountain and explore the endless corridors of red gates. After that, we will visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It is a beautiful bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. Later, you can opt in to participate in a traditional Tea Ceremony and rent kimonos. You will have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.

Accommodation: Pod-style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari
Optional Extras: Kimono Hire, Tea Ceremony
Free Time Suggestions: Nishiki Market
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium/High

We will head to the Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold-laden building surrounded by a lake. Although it is a popular destination throughout the year, it is particularly breathtaking during winter. Witnessing the golden pavilion set amidst the silver snow will make you feel like you are in a fairytale.

Later in the day, we will attend a traditional Kendo class in the dojo where it all began. Your instructor will be an authentic Bushido practitioner, a descendant of a real Japanese Samurai, who will teach you the principles of this respectful martial art.

Accommodation: Pod style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Golden Pavilion, Kendo Class
Free Time Suggestions: Heian Shrine
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium

Take advantage of the morning to explore before we head to the station for our next destination. From there, we will travel to Osaka where you will have some time to explore. In the evening, we will have a food tasting tour in the famous Dotonbori area. You will be able to experience the food, people, lights, and colours of the “kitchen of Japan”.

Accommodation: Twin Share -Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi (or similar)
Activities: Dotonbori walk, Food Tour
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Osaka Canal Boat Tour
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium

Before we head to the station to catch our train to Nagano, we will have some time in the morning to explore Osaka some more. You can enjoy the impressive view of Osaka Castle and then collect your bags from the hotel before boarding the train to Nagano.

Nagano is surrounded by some of the best ski fields in the world and is famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. In winter, it is truly amazing, with mountains covered in thick snow and beautiful frosted white sakura trees.

Accommodation: Twin Share -Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Activities: Osaka Castle grounds visit
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

This morning, we will be waking up early to explore a winter wonderland that is just a short train ride away. We will arrive at the Jigokudani Monkey Park when it opens to avoid the crowds. After a short walk through the beautiful scenery, you will catch your first glimpse of the famous red-faced Snow Monkeys as they bask in the warm hot spring waters.

You’ll have some free time to spend in the magical onsen town called Yudanaka. There, you can soak in the hot springs while feeling the cool air around you or taste some local sake. In the evening, we will meet up for our farewell karaoke (for those ending their trip tomorrow).

Accommodation: Twin Share – Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Activities: Snow Monkey Park, Karaoke
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Onsen (hot spring) pass, sake tasting
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low

For those who are not staying for the ski package, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends who are staying on to ski and catch your train back to Tokyo, which is included in the package. This is where the 11-day tour ends.

SKI Extension is available upon check out