Central Japan Discovery with Onsen and Skiing (Dec - Mar)

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

  Welcome to Japan, an East Asian island country combining both tradition and modernity. This journey will take you on an in-depth exploration of central Japan, visiting not only the major cities but also the enchanting villages.

  Upon arrival in Osaka, you will get general information about the country and the city from an assistant at the airport. Later, make your way to the hotel, check-in, and take the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Osaka

• Day 2: Osaka - Kyoto, Sightseeing of Osaka

  Your fascinating journey to Japan will start with a guided sightseeing tour of the laid-back city of Osaka.

  Take a leisurely walk in the quiet park, and you will find a building towering over the stunning natural landscape. It's Osaka Castle, the first World Heritage site in Osaka.

  Getting out of the castle, you can head to Kuromon Ichiba Market for some tasty street food or seafood.

  Before leaving for Kyoto, take some time to explore the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, where re-created buildings and streets show what life was like in Osaka in the past. It would be interesting to experience different lifestyles in different historical periods of the city through interactive exhibitions.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 3: Kyoto City Exploration

  Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years before Tokyo became the modern capital in 1868. This is the best place to experience the history and traditions of Japan. Stroll through the wooded areas surrounding the Kinkaku-ji Temple to catch the temple at the perfect moment with the beautiful inverted image in the mirror pond. After that, step into Nijo Castle, a great place to get a sense of the rich history of Kyoto through its ornate palace rooms, ancient fortifications, and picture-perfect gardens.

  The highlight of today is a visit to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, where you can see thousands of vermilion torii gates. Besides, the huge Buddhist statues in the Sanjusangendo Hall are also worth seeing.

  When night falls, the tour guide will drop you off in the Gion district. As you wander around the streets, you may catch glimpses of one of Kyoto's most alluring traditions, the geisha.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 4: Kyoto - Nagoya - Takayama

  There is no guide service today. In such a safe country, traveling from one place to another by yourself will be a unique experience. You will take the Shinkansen to Nagoya first. From here, get on the connecting train to Takayama. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in.

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  • Takayama

• Day 5: Takayama, Day Excursion to Shirakawa-go

  About one hour from Takayama is the village of Shirakawa-go, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The buildings here were built in the "gassho-zukuri style", which is similar to the prayer position of hands. Ancient Japanese created this architectural style to withstand heavy snow in winter. Viewed from a spot in distance, this area seems like a fairy-tale world.

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  • Shirakawago

• Day 6: Takayama - Toyama - Nagano

  Another day for you to transfer between two destinations without a tour guide. According to the timetable, you need to take a limited express train to Toyama and then transfer to Nagano by Shinkansen. Upon arrival, make your way to the hotel for check-in.

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  • Nagano

• Day 7: Nagano - Hakuba, Observe Monkey Bathing in "Onsen"

  Spend the morning at Jigokudani Monkey Park, which is often referred to as the Snow Monkey Park because a large number of wild Japanese macaques living here are fed by park attendants. Before seeing with your own eyes, you couldn't imagine how these cute monkeys love to soak themselves in the hot springs and groom each other, especially in the cold winter, just like human beings.

  After the trip, head to Hakuba for the night.

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  • Hakuba

• Day 8: Hakuba Free Day

  Located on the Northern Alps and surrounded by several ski resorts, Hakuba is popular with overseas ski lovers. A whole day will be left for you to challenge yourself on different slopes. After that, you may want to unwind your tired muscles in the mineral hot spring.

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  • Hakuba

• Day 9: Hakuba - Nagano - Tokyo

  Today will be dedicated to transportation. Make your way to take a bus to Nagano and then transfer into a Shinkansen for Tokyo. The assistant waiting at the railway station will guide you on how to go to the hotel. Settle in and take the rest of the day at leisure.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 10: Tokyo, Find Ancient Treasures from Modern Skyscrapers

  Tokyo, where ancient temples are well-preserved among modern skyscrapers, is a popular destination in the world. Its modern sides, like fashion elements and youth culture, will be left for you to explore by yourself, and your tour guide will introduce you to some of the most representative attractions.

  Stroll along the peaceful green trails to visit the famous Meiji Shrine and listen to the stories of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. If you're lucky enough, you may see a traditional Shinto wedding here.

  Although the inner grounds are off-limits for the majority of the year, you can still get glimpses of royal life through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.

  After a tea break at a traditional tearoom, you will step into Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most popular temple in Tokyo. The large red lantern hanging in the middle of the gate, the enormous golden statues, and the colorful wooden buildings, all will be your inspiration for photography.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 11: Tokyo, Free Day

  It is a free day to explore your favorite museum, art gallery, or shopping area in Tokyo. Or take an optional tour to visit Mt. Fuji, the sacred landmark of Japan.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 12: Tokyo, Departure

  Your journey to Japan comes to an end today. Bid farewell to Tokyo and make your way to the airport for the international flight back home.

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