Snow Monkeys
The Golden Triangle of Japan: Winter Tour
8
Days
7
Nights
Tour Period
2024
Dec 24 - Dec 31
Included
Accommodations
6 nights Western style and 1 night Japanese style accommodation
Meals
Breakfast everyday
4 lunches and 3 dinners
Admission fees and activities
All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary
Others
Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
Gratuity
Not Included
Airfares
International Airfares
Meals
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Others
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
The must see sights of Tokyo, Takayama & Kyoto... plus the Snow Monkeys.
Winter in Japan is not severe, especially on the Pacific coast where the climate is generally dry and the skies are often blue.
This is "The Golden Triangle of Japan Tour Winter: Snow Monkeys", an itinerary especially revised for your winter visit. This tour gives you a sampling of all that Japan has to offer, from unique locales to "must see" tourist attractions in Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Nara, as well as some changes that you can only experience in the winter.
Itinerary
This 8-day tour offers a comprehensive experience of Japan’s winter beauty, traditional culture, and modern attractions
Narita Airport
Welcome to Japan! You will be met at the arrival gale by a representative holding a name sign.
Tokyo
Asakusa Senso ji Tempie / Sushi Making Experience / Tsukiji Outer Market / ImperiaI PaIace / Tokyo Tower
First. 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 a traditional-style shopping street with centuries of history.
Next. you have the chance to enjoy a sushi making experience with a professional sushi chef. 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 current residence of Japan's Imperial Family.
In the afternoon, we will visit the world's tallest self-supporting steel tower. At 333 meters (1093ft.) high. You will be able to sightsee 150 meters up at the main observatory deck and get a bird's eye view of the city.
Lake Kawaguchi
Kubota ltchiku Art Museum
We will depart to Mt. Fuji on our private coach. At one of shores of Lake Kawaguchi is the ltchiku Kubota Art Museum. The museum displays the beautiful kimonos done by ltchiku Kubota with the tsujigahana dyeing technique. His unfinished masterpiece called the "Symphony of Light." is a kimono 80-piece set depicting the four seasons and his own universe.
Kachi Kachi Ropeway
Next, we get ready to ride the Kachi Kachi Ropeway. The ropeway extends from the top of Mt. Tenjo to the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, along the way you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji.
Matsumoto
Matsumoto Castle
We will then travel to Matsumoto where we'll visit the photogenic Matsumoto Castle, or Black Crow Castle, dating back over 400 years.
Stay at the Onsen Ryokan at Yudanaka. where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath and feast on a traditional Japanese Kaiseki banquet dinner.
Yudanaka
Snow Monkey Park
Yudanaka gives us the chance to see the famous snow monkeys as they enjoy their hot spring baths.Then we will continue on to Takayama. This city is located amongst the Japanese Alps.Due to its remote position in the mountains, it was cut off from the rest of Japan for most of its history and, thus, has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere.
Takayama
Old Town Takayama Jinya
We'll explore the old town of Takayama. a place that creates a sense of tradition and nostalgia.Due to its remote position in the mountains. it was cut off from the rest of Japan for most of its history and. thus, has maintained a very unique and traditional atmosphere.
The only traditional local government office in existence and a fine example of a miniature palace containing offices. an interrogation room with torture devices. and a 440 year-old rice granary.
Takayama, Shirakawa- go
Morning Market
We'll enjoy the lively city market before heading to the World Heritage site in the rural area of Shirakawa-go. In this very photogenic village. we will walk past thatched roof farm houses and cultivated fields and see unspoiled Edo period wooden buildings.
Shiroyama Viewpoint/ Gassho-zukuri Minkaen
Once there, we will also go the Shiroyama Viewpoint, which allows us to have a scenic view of Shirakawa-go from higher grounds.
Kanazawa
Kenrokuen
Next, we will depart to Kanazawa to visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of three most beautiful gardens of Japan.
The name "Kenrokuen" literally means a garden combining the 6 attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice. antiquity 會water features. and panoramas. Here, you'll find the oldest fountain in Japan and Kotoji-toro. the two-legged stone lantern that is iconic of Kenrokuen and Kanazawa.
Maibara, Kyoto
Next. Experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride from Maibara to Kyoto. which can reach speeds of up to 300 km/hr (Approx.186m/hr). We will stay two nights in Kyoto.
Kyoto
Arashiyama / Tenryuji Temple
First. we will visit Arashiyama to see Tenryuji Temple, where you can have a glimpse of a traditional Zen landscape garden design.
Sagano Bamboo Forest / Togetsu Bridge
Then, proceed through the dense Sagano Bamboo Forest, pass several small shrines, tea shops, and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over Hozu River.
Golden Pavilion
Next to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) covered with 18-karat gold leaf.
Nishijin Kimono Show / Kiyomizu Temple / Gion District
At the Nishijin Textile Center, you can view displays of kimonos, watch an elegant kimono fashion show. and learn how they are made. Our group will tour the Kiyomizu Temple. best known for its large wooden stage that sits 13 meters (42.6 ft) above a hillside. we will tour Gion, a famous geisha district in Kyoto lined with many restaurants and teahouses called ochaya.
The next day begins with a green tea ceremony and a meet- and-greet with a maiko - an apprentice geisha. You will have photo-taking opportunities and a chance to interact with the maiko. After that. to the Fushimi lnari Shrine. The shrine is famous for its thousands of stunning vermilion torii gates that are lined along a 4 km (2.5 mile) long tunnel. We will then travel to Nara, where we will go to Todaiji Temple. the largest wooden building in Japan. The temple also houses one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha at 15 meters (49 feet) high.
Nearby. Explore the surrounding Deer Park. filled with over 1.000 Deer. Our final stop of the day will be in Osaka. We will spend some time in Dotonbori. a popular shopping, entertainment, and food district.
Kyoto
Green Tea Ceremony with a Maiko / Fushimi Inari Shrine
Nara
Todaiji Temple / Deer Park
Osaka
Dotonbori / Shinsaibashi
Tour Ends
Checkout time is 11 am and Osaka Kansai Airport can be reached in a three-minute walk.
Accommodations
It includes 6 nights in Western-style hotels and 1 night in a Japanese-style ryokan.
31 Oyama, Narita, Chiba 286-0131, Japan
Hotel Mystays Premier Narita or similar class
The Hotel Mystays Premier Narita is conveniently located just a 5-minute drive from Narita International Airport. It offers an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a Jacuzzi. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna, and 24-hour room service. The hotel provides a blend of comfort and convenience for travelers.
1-6-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-8505
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is centrally located in Ikebukuro, offering guests convenient access to Tokyo's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment. This hotel features modern rooms, diverse dining options, and comprehensive amenities including fitness facilities and meeting rooms. Its proximity to major transport links makes it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo's key attractions, combining comfort and convenience for travelers.
2951-1 Hirao, Yamanouchi, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
Ryokan Biyu no Yado or similar class
The Ryokan Biyu no Yado, also known as Ryokan Yudanaka View, is a large Yudanaka hotel in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It offers a Japanese cultural experience with Japanese-style accommodation, gorgeous onsen baths, and delicately prepared evening meals. Some rooms cater to Western-oriented beds, and guests can enjoy the pride of Yudanaka’s mineral springs in the 100% natural hot springs.
Echigo-cho 1134, Takayama, Gifu, 506-0033, Japan
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort or similar class
The Hotel Associa Takayama Resort in Takayama city offers hot spring baths, mountain-view rooms, and free WiFi. Guests can unwind in indoor and outdoor hot springs with spectacular nature views. The cozy rooms overlook the Japanese Northern Alps. The hotel features a sauna, massages, and multiple dining options.
Gojo-sagaru, Horikawa-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8519, Japan
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class
The Kyoto Tokyu Hotel is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. With elegant rooms, exquisite dining options, and panoramic city views, it’s an ideal base for exploring Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a business traveler or a tourist, this hotel offers a blend of comfort and sophistication.
1 Senshu-kuko Kita, Izumisano-shi, Osaka 549-0001
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
The Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport is the only full-service hotel directly connected to Kansai International Airport. With comfortable rooms, free WiFi, and a variety of dining options, it offers convenience for travelers. Whether departing or arriving, guests can enjoy a seamless experience on Kansai Airport Island.
Notes
Please review the notes below for important details about your trip. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us. These notes are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Price
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. Estimated price. Subject to change.
Deposit
We require a NON-Refundable US$500 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking and the final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling.
Arrival Departure Airports
For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX)
If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita Airport (NRT) on the first day, airport transfer is not included. We will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$60.00 per person per way.
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Meet and Greet
Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
Others
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.
Day1: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the first night instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included. We will provide you directions to get to your hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$65.00 per person per way.
Day1: If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita International Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay in the center of Tokyo (Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class) instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita. In this case, meet-and- greet and airport transfer are not included. We will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$60.00 per person per way.
Day1: The meet-and-greet is ONLY available for flights arriving in Terminal 1 & 2 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving in Terminal 3, airport pickup is not included, but we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.
Day1: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
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