Day 1 – Let’s go Tokyo!
One of the world’s truly great cities, Tokyo is a thrilling mix of the past and future, complete with incredible cuisine, neon-lit nightlife and unique pop culture. After being picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel near the heart of the city, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the contrasting areas which make up this unique metropolis. If you’re feeling a little jaded from the flight, then there are plenty of places on your doorstep where you’ll be able to have a little drink and get your first taste of real Japanese cuisine, before turning in for the night.
Day 2 – Explore the city with a local
In order to see the best of what Tokyo has to offer this morning, you will meet your local, English-speaking guide who has lived in the city for a while and can give you a unique insight into the people, customs and Japanese etiquette, as well as visiting the well-known attractions. You will meet the guide around 10 am and explore the city together on foot and by metro (payable locally). Tokyo’s hi-tech public transport system is an experience in itself and makes it easy and fast to travel through the different parts of the city.
Discover the old and the new Tokyo as you walk along the Ameyoko market street and through the Ueno Park, which is full of historical sights and gives you a good insight into Japanese history. Continue to the famous Yanaka Cemetery, where your guide will tell you more about Japanese funeral traditions. The cemetery lies in the beautiful Yanesen district, which was largely spared during the Second World War so you can discover many small temples and old houses here. After lunch (not included) you will get to know modern Tokyo. Find an insight into some of the most interesting subcultures of Tokyo in Nakano, and as a last stop you will visit the districts of Harajuku or Shibuya. Finally, your guide will give you tips for the rest of the afternoon and where you can eat in the evening. In total, this city tour takes about 6 hours and you always have the option to add the night tour if you wish.
Day 3 – At the foot of Fuji
Today, you will make your own way to the train station and get your first taste of train travel in Japan en route to Hakone at the foot of Mount Fuji. For the next couple of days you’ll stay in Hakone, located near the foot of the mountain and beside Ashino-ko Lake, providing a spectacular setting from which to take in the majesty of Fuji. The town is understandably popular and provides multiple tourist attractions and facilities, so we’ll provide a pass so that you can experience them at your own pace.
You’ll have plenty of options – ride the railway, take a boat trip on the lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen, and grab yourself some tasty Japanese cuisine at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Day 4 – Exploring Hakone
You’ll have plenty of options today – you could ride the railway, take a boat trip on Ashino-ko Lake, visit the impressive Hakone Shrine or some of the many museums – it’s totally up to you! There are also some great hiking trails if you feel like escaping the crowds. After a full day of exploring you can relax in one of the town’s many Onsen; baths heated by volcanic hot-springs.
The town has lots of great places to eat and drink, so as evening draws in you can find yourself a nice spot to watch the world go by whilst filling up on delicious Japanese cuisine. We can recommend The Gyoza Centre for traditional Japanese dumplings.
Day 5 – Onward journey to Nagano
Today you will travel by train to Nagano City, the capital of the prefecture of the same name and host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. You will stay in a comfortable hotel in a central location. If you have time and feel like exploring in the afternoon, a visit to Zenko-ji Temple is highly recommended. This is one of Japan’s most important temples, with origins dating back to the 7th century. During the winter months, the temple is generally open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
It is worth knowing that the area around Nagano City is home to some of central Japan’s best ski resorts, including Hakuba, Otari, Nozawa and Shiga Kogen. If you would like to include a day or two of skiing during your winter trip, we can arrange a stay at one of these resorts as an alternative or in addition to your time in Nagano City. The Shiga Kogen Ski Resort is particularly convenient if you also plan to visit the snow monkeys.
Day 6 – Time to explore independently
Your day today is free for you to spend as you wish. Visit one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji which looks magical covered in snow, and wander through the beautiful gardens, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Go for a walk through the winter wonderland, or soak in a local hot spring while snow falls around you, whatever you choose to do its sure to be a memorable experience in the alps.
Snow Monkeys
We don’t promote visits to the snow monkey park due to ongoing animal welfare concerns. At Rickshaw, we believe wild animals should be free to behave naturally, without being harmed or exploited for tourism. While the snow monkey park was originally created to reduce conflict between macaques and local farmers, ongoing concerns around feeding, crowding and efforts to keep monkeys close to the hot springs raise questions about animal welfare. Being surrounded by crowds everyday and relying on food given by humans disrupts their natural behaviour and how the monkeys interact with each other. If you choose to visit independently, we encourage you to remain mindful of animal welfare, raise concerns directly with the centre, and share honest reviews online to help support better standards.
Day 7 – On the road to Takayama
Today you will continue to Takayama, a city full of charm and history, on arrival you will check into your hotel .In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll and explore the historic Sanmachi-suji district where narrow streets are lined with wooden merchant houses dating back to the Edo period. Many of these buildings now house shops, cafes, museums, and sake breweries, giving visitors a taste of traditional Japanese life. Takayama’s sake is highly regarded, and local breweries often offer tastings, with the option to try it cold or warmed depending on the type.
Day 8 – Discover the Japanese Alps in Shirakawago enroute to Kanazawa
Today on the journey from Takayama to Kanazawa, you will explore the Shirakawago region, famous for its picturesque villages. The traditional gassho-zukuri houses with their steep thatched roofs are particularly striking. The village of Ogimachi is the most well-known and easily accessible. A stroll through the village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life.
We will organise your bus tickets from Takayama to Shirakawago and from Shirakawago to Kanazawa. You will have several hours in Shirakawago to wander through the village or hike up to the viewpoint overlooking the town. Luggage can be stored in a locker on site for convenience. In the evening, you will arrive in Kanazawa, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in a central location.
Day 9 – Turrets & temples and tea of Kanazawa
The centre of Kanazawa is easy to explore on foot, although there is a regular shuttle bus or even bicycle rental if you prefer. Kenroku-en Castle and the perfectly manicured gardens surrounding it form the centrepiece of the city, and you’ll also have plenty of time to wander through the well-preserved Samurai and Geisha districts.
During the day, you’ll make your way to a local teahouse for an experience which takes you right into the heart of Japanese aesthetics and tradition. We’ll arrange for you to take part in a tea ceremony with a Sado (tea art) master – you’ll never have seen tea so delicately made in your life!
Its proximity to the sea has also made it a hotspot for fish and seafood dishes, so a great place to be if you’re hungry!
Day 10 – Continue to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan
Today you will take the train to Kyoto, a city full of history, temples, beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Depending on your preference, we can book you into either a Western-style or Japanese-style hotel, both in a central location so it’s easy to get out and explore.
You will spend few nights in Kyoto, giving you plenty of time to discover the city and its surroundings. In the afternoon, you could start with a stroll through the historic Gion district, known for its charming streets and traditional teahouses. If you are lucky enough to visit on a snowy day, the temples take on a truly magical atmosphere. The famous Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, is a must-see, and even without snow it is one of Kyoto’s highlights.
Day 11 – Explore Kyoto by bike
This morning you’ll head out to meet your English-speaking guide and hop on your bike. Cycling through the back streets feels like a world (and century) away from the car-congested highways. You’ll visit the old entertainment districts with their wooden houses and make a stop at Shinto shrines with their Torri gates. You’ll finish at Kyoto station at about 1pm, giving you the rest of the day to do as you please.
Day 12 – Journey to Sacred Koyasan
Today you will travel via Osaka to the sacred mountain of Koyasan, the centre of the Shingon Buddhist sect. Nestled among ancient cedar trees, you will find atmospheric temples and a striking forest cemetery. The whole place has a calm, mystical feel that is deeply moving.
You will spend the night in an active temple, known as a Shukubo. The monks might speak little English, but their warm hospitality will make you feel welcome. Your room is traditional Japanese style, with tatami mats and a futon bed, and bathrooms and the onsen are shared with other guests. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the temple grounds and visit Oku-no-in, the memorial to Kobo Daishi. The cemetery, with its moss-covered gravestones under towering trees, is especially impressive. In the evening, you can enjoy a carefully prepared vegetarian temple meal made with seasonal ingredients.
Days 13 – Final stop in Osaka
At the end of your winter journey through Japan, you will return to the lively city atmosphere of Osaka. You will travel from Koyasan to the city and stay overnight in a comfortable, centrally located hotel giving you easy access to many of Osaka’s top sights. In the afternoon, you could visit the impressive Osaka-jo Castle or head to the Umeda Sky Building, where the observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views over the city.
In the evening, take a stroll through the colourful Dotonbori district. Along the canal, huge neon signs shimmer in the water, and the streets are buzzing with life. Restaurants line the streets offering everything from sushi, ramen and udon to local specialties. Hearty dishes such as kushikatsu (fried skewers) or takoyaki (octopus balls) are perfect for warming up on a chilly night.
Days 14 – Time to head home
Today your winter journey through Japan comes to an end. From the snowy Alps of Nagano to the temples of Kyoto, the serene mountains of Koyasan, and the vibrant streets of Osaka, you have experienced the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty. It is time to head to the airport for your onward travel arrangements.
Accommodation
