12-Day Japan Magical Winter Tour

Experience the magic of winter in Japan with this exclusive itinerary. From iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji and enchanting Shirakawa-go to the heartwarming sight of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs, this journey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable winter getaway, a personalized private tour with us will allow you to explore Japan at your own pace and discover hidden gems.

• Days:12±
• Best For:first-timers, nature and culture fans
• Departure date: up to you
• Sample Price:from US$ 8,269 each (2 people) and US$ 4,699 each (4 people)

*The price is based on a private tour.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Japan, Vietnam extraordinary The professionalism and knowledge of their cities speak high of all the guides. Jennifer in Tokio was so special that on the last day in Tokio she went to the train station to make sure we boarded the right train, and brought us snacks to take with us. NG in Kyoto suggested us to make up a day to go to Hiroshima, we got the approval from Asia Highlights and he went with us to visit this historic city. More Francisco Miranda, Oct 2024

Amazingly good experience! Alisa was responsible for the Japan period and in a week at most we had figured it out as it was done 15 days before our trip; that said we are from Brazil which means that China is 11 hour ahead of us and that was no impediment at all. More Andrea J, Sep 2024

Tokyo Meiji Shrine with a great guide, Johnny! He explained colorful background stories -- more than this review can hold, but if you are fortunate enough to have Johnny as your guide, you will learn so much more (and enjoyably) than if you go on your own. His knowledge, friendliness and flexibility to conform a tour to his clients' needs is remarkable. We recommend him to family and friends alike who are traveling to Japan. More Anne Green, Sep 2024

Janpan Winter Tour Suggested Route

Highlights

Capture splendid shots of Mount Fuji with its snow-capped peak from various angles.

Witness Japanese snow monkeys bathing in a serene forest hot spring.

Immerse yourself in the magical winter landscape of Shirakawa-go.

Explore a thousand-year-old hot spring town and experience the unique nine-hot-spring tour.

Experience the serenity of a traditional Japanese onsen ryokan (Kokuya), unwinding in private and open-air baths.

Climb Matsumoto Castle's tower for a taste of history.

Engage in the time-honored tradition of Hokuriku crafts by creating your own masterpiece with Kanazawa gold leaf.

Enjoy the breathtaking winter views in Kenroku-en garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan.

Wander through Arashiyama's bamboo groves and find tranquility at Tenryu-ji.

Don a kimono and embark on a Japanese tea ceremony journey, savoring the essence of traditional Kyoto.

Savor the diverse flavors of regional cuisine in Japan.

Suggested Itinerary Details

Enjoy a personalized Japan adventure with a private driver and guide for every day of sightseeing. Seamlessly transition from vibrant cities to serene countryside. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks or seeking cultural immersion, we will ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience.

This tour provides many opportunities to interact with locals and experience traditional Japanese culture. These include visiting local markets with a colorful range of food stalls selling fresh and prepared food, having a cup of sake at a century-old sake brewery, and walking around the old district with well-preserved Edo-period (1603–1868) merchant's houses, specialty shops, and tea houses.

Day 2

Tokyo Immersion — Tradition and Modernity

• Start your Tokyo adventure with a homage to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken at Meiji Shrine, a sacred sanctuary nestled within a lush forest.
• Experience the pulse of Tokyo's fashion scene as you stroll along the tree-lined boulevard of Omotesando. Admire the architectural marvels that house world-renowned brands and trendy boutiques, and discover the latest trends that define Tokyo's cutting-edge style.
• Wander through the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, dating back to the 7th century. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you ascend the steep steps leading to the main hall, where believers seek blessings for future endeavors.
• Soar to the highest platform of the world's tallest tower, Tokyo Skytree, and witness the city's breathtaking panorama unfold beneath you.

Hozo-mon Gate in Senso-ji Temple

Day 3

Experience Mount Fuji's Beauty from Lake Kawaguchi and Beyond

• Just a 1½-hour drive from Tokyo lies Lake Kawaguchi, the heart of the Fuji Five Lakes and the most convenient to reach. Explore the northern shore, where you'll find countless picturesque spots perfect for framing majestic Mount Fuji.
• Visit Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, a world-class art museum nestled in this beautiful natural setting. It houses the stunning textile works of Itchiku Kubota, renowned for reviving the lost dyeing art of tsujigahana. The museum offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.
• Head to Arakurayama Sengen Park to explore the historical Shinto shrine nestled in its scenic area. Renowned for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, the shrine and its iconic five-story pagoda are a popular tourist beacon.
• End your tour at Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque set of eight ponds located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, each pond with its very own story to tell. Visitors can enjoy strolling around the ponds, taking photos, and even tasting the pure water.

Appreciate the stunning views of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai Village.

Day 4

Tokyo to Nagano—Snow Monkeys and Shibu Onsen Hot Spring Town

• A 4½-hour drive northwest from Tokyo will bring you to Nagano Prefecture. Situated in the central inland part of Honshu, Japan, Nagano is characterized by its mountainous terrain, often referred to as "the Roof of Japan" because of the Japanese Alps.
• Wander along the meandering hot spring river, through a dense forest, and past steaming geothermal vents to a tranquil valley, where you'll find snow monkeys relaxing in the soothing hot springs.
• Explore and stay one night in Shibu Onsen, a hot spring town boasts a rich history spanning over 1,300 years. Shibu Onsen has up to 37 sources of hot spring water and nine public bath houses. Each hot spring has its own unique water source and its own claimed medicinal benefits. Trying all nine hot springs is a must-do experience in Yamanouchi according to local culture.
• After check-in at your hotel, you can enjoy an open air private onsen in your hotel. You could also don a yukata and traditional Japanese sandals and stroll through the historical and charming streets of Shibu Onsen to explore its nine public baths.

The Snow Monkeys

Day 5

Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto

• Departing from the old hot spring town in Nagano, we will make our way to Takayama City. On the journey, we will visit Matsumoto Castle.
• Famous Matsumoto Castle is a medieval fortress and a national treasure. It is one of Japan's premier historical castles and should not be missed if you're passing through the Nagano area.
• Ascending the steep staircases through Matsumoto Castle's original wooden interior is a one-of-a-kind experience. Its openings for archers and displays of medieval weaponry and armor conjure up images of the battles of old. The view from the top floor observation platform across the city to the Northern Alps is nothing short of superb.

The nearly 400-year-old Matsumoto Castle

Day 6

Takayama to Kanazawa—a Deep Dive into the Soul of Hida Traditions

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Miyagawa Morning Markets, a bustling hub of local produce, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. Stroll along the rows of stalls with admirable, colorful displays of fresh fruits, vegetables, and handmade souvenirs.
• Step into the past at Takayama Jinya, a former government office that has been meticulously preserved since the Edo period (1603–1868). Wander through the halls and chambers, imagining the bustling administrative life that once thrived within these walls.
• Embark on a leisurely walk at the Hida Takayama Sake Breweries street, and learn about Takayama's 300-year-old sake-brewing tradition. As you stroll along Sake Alley, discover seven breweries with over a century of history, each crafting sake with distinct flavors. Sample a cup of local sake in a local brewery.
• Venture into the enchanting village of Shirakawa, nestled amid the picturesque mountains of Gifu Prefecture. Marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses, their distinctive thatched roofs harmonizing with the landscape and the backdrop of the Japanese Alps.

The Takayama Jinya

The winter scenery of Shirakawa-go

Day 7

A Cultural Immersion in Kanazawa; Kanazawa to Kyoto by Shinkansen

• Step back in time at Kanazawa Castle Park, the former seat of the Maeda clan, a powerful feudal family.
• Wander through enchanting Kenroku-en, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design and one of the three most celebrated gardens in Japan. .
• Wander through the well-preserved streets of Nagamachi Samurai District, appreciating the intricate architecture, and imagine the lives of the samurai who once resided there.
• Step into the luminescent world of Kanazawa's gold-leaf craft at a local gold-leafing workshop, and uncover an artisanal tradition that has marveled generations. With hands-on courses designed for every level of interest and skill, you can experience the joy of witnessing a plain object transform into a radiant masterpiece under your craftsmanship.
• Indulge yourself in the captivating ambiance of Higashi Chaya District, a historied realm of geishas that maintains the enduring allure of Japan's geisha culture.
• Step into a world of refined elegance at Shima Teahouse, a renowned establishment that has been preserving the traditions of Japanese tea ceremonies for generations.
• After the tour, your private guide and driver will see you off at the railway station at around 4 p.m., where you will take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Your Kyoto private driver will greet you upon arrival and whisk you away to your Kyoto hotel.

Walking in Higashi Chaya District

Day 8

A Day of Kyoto's Classic Charms

• Commence your day with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868). Admire the intricate architecture and opulent interiors.
• Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Nishiki Market, a culinary paradise renowned for its fresh produce, traditional sweets, and delectable street food. Wander through the rows of stalls, savor the aromas and flavors of Kyoto's cuisine, and discover hidden treasures among the market's diverse offerings.
• Take an unforgettable visit to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched atop Mount Otowa. Ascend Kiyomizu-dera stage, where breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape unfold before you.
• Venture into enchanting Gion district, the heart of Kyoto's geisha culture. As dusk descends, immerse yourself in the district's vibrant nightlife, where you may catch a glimpse of geishas and maiko (apprentice geishas) as they make their way to traditional teahouses.
• Enjoy an authentic traditional tea ceremony hosted by a local English-speaking host, which will get you immersed in real Japanese culture — a once-in-a-lifetime experience only available in Japan. The staff will help you put on a traditional kimono and do your hair, which will make this experience authentic, memorable, and informative.

The Nishiki Market

The Kiyomizu-dera

Day 9

A Serene Journey through Kyoto's Natural and Cultural Treasures

• Commence your day with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a shimmering masterpiece of Japanese architecture.
• Visit the Arashiyama area and capture the picturesque beauty of Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a graceful wooden structure spanning the Katsura River.
• Step into the Tenryu-ji temple, a major Rinzai Zen temple complex featuring a serene pond, carefully-placed rocks, and lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
• Wander through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo stalks create a verdant oasis amid the city. Follow the winding paths, enveloped by the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves, and discover the tranquility that has drawn visitors for centuries.
• Take a Sagano Romantic Train ride from Arashiyama back to downtown Kyoto, featuring fantastic views of a pristine, snow-covered winter wonderland.

The winter scene of Kinkaku-ji.

Sagano train glides through the verdant mountain forest.

Day 10

Journey from Kyoto to Nara and Osaka

• Immerse yourself in the sacred grounds of enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding their way up Mount Inari. Stroll along the seemingly endless path, surrounded by the vibrant red gates, and experience the spiritual serenity that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
• Step into the tranquil embrace of Nara Park, home to a majestic herd of sika deer that roam freely amid ancient woodlands and serene temples. Witness the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and capture the iconic image of the deer bowing to visitors.
• Visit the landmark of Nara — Todai-ji. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan, and it grew so powerful that the capital was moved away from Nara in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs. Until recently, Todai-ji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), held the record as the world's largest wooden building.

The iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Encounter the gentle deer in Nara Park.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Tokyo

Shibu Onsen Kokuya in Nagano

Mercure Hida Takayama

The Square Hotel Kanazawa

The Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu