Japan Winter Discovery 31 JAN 2019
14 DAYS
JAN 2019
FROM $10,970*PP
INCLUDES: Flights | Accommodation | Guided Sightseeing Tours | Meals | Entertainment
From incredible snow sculptures and rare birds in Hokkaido to snow monkeys and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the myriad attractions of the enchanting winter season on Japan’s two largest islands. Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea and in Yudanaka you’ll witness the Japanese macaques as they stave off the cold in the mountain hot springs. Experience Japan’s winter delights, whilst discovering her unique culture, fascinating history and contradictions.
INCLUSIONS
10 nights hotel accommodation
3 nights Ryokan accommodation
Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
1 internal flight within Asia
Day trains
Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
Small group touring
Entrance fees
Luggage transport
Tour leader (when group size reaches 10 or more)
Local English-speaking guides
Return transfers
Insider Experiences
Explore Akan National Park and Lake Akan Onsen which covers volcanic peaks, large caldera lakes, thick forests and rejuvenating onsen.
See the largest remaining Ainu communities in Hokkaido during a traditional singing and dancing performance.
DAYS 1-3: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Embark on a tour of the city, taking in a walk of a traditional neighbourhood, Yanaka, and a calligraphy class. Visit a famous bonsai museum and historic street market, as well as the Tokyo National Museum.
Hotel: Shinjuku Washington
DAYS 4-6: Matsumoto & Yudanaka
Journey by train to Matsumoto, where you will tour a wasabi farm, art museum and castle. Travel by train to Obuse, and visit its museum and temple. Continue on to Yudanaka and arrive at your traditional inn or 'ryokan' for the night. Enjoy the onsite onsen and a traditional dinner. Explore the snow monkey park and visit Zenkoji in Nagano, one of Japan's most significant temples.
Hotel: Matsumoto Tokyu REI Hotel
Hotel: Yorozuya Ryokan
DAYS 7-9: Sapporo
Fly to Sapporo, where the exciting annual Sapporo Snow Festival will be taking place. Experience the magic of giant snow and ice sculptures adorning the city's streets and parks. Explore Sapporo's ski sites, including one used in the 1972 Winter Olympics. Visit a museum dedicated to Japan's oldest beer brewery, the botanic gardens and a historic village. There will time to explore at your own pace on your final afternoon here.
Hotel: Cross Hotel Sapporo
DAYS 10-12: Kushiro, Lake Anan & Abashiri
Take the train to Kushiro to explore a nature park and the endangered Red-crowned Japanese crane. Visit a series of lakes and watch a traditional Aiun performance. In Abashiri, enjoy a ride on an ice-breaker ship, and visits to its prison museum and ice museum. Journey to an onsen where you will stay the night.
Hotel: Hotel ANA Crown Plaza Kushiro
Hotel: Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga
Hotel: Sounkyo Grand Hotel
DAYS 13-14: Sapporo
Visit frozen waterfalls and a sake brewery before travelling by road to Sapporo. The next day, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Hotel: Cross Hotel Sapporo
| Twin Share | Savings |
|---|---|
| $10,970*pp | 10% Off Save $2,440pp |