Central Japan With Nagano Skiing & Snow Monkey (Dec-Mar)
- Duration12 Days
- Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
- Tour Style In-Depth
About This Trip
In this 12-day winter itinerary, you will explore central Japan from Osaka to Tokyo, including the tranquil countryside discovery in Shirakawa-go, as well as the powder snow skiing in Shiga Kogen. Touch down in vibrant Osaka, then step into the refined world of traditional Japanese aesthetics in Kyoto and Kanazawa. Capture Shirakawa-go's most iconic winter scenes before heading to Nagano to enjoy skiing, soothing hot springs, and an unforgettable encounter with snow monkeys.
Itinerary Summary
| DAY | PLACE | HIGHLIGHTS |
| 1 | Osaka | Arrival & Free Exploration |
| 2 | Kyoto | Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion, Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience |
| 3 - 4 | Kanazawa | Day Excursion to Gokayama and Shirakawago |
| 5 - 9 | Nagano | 3-Day Shiga Kogen Skiing, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park |
| 10 - 12 | Tokyo | Senso-Ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Departure |
Itinerary
Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Osaka International Airport (ITM), your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Kyoto for check-in. The rest of the day is yours. Take time to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
- Kyoto
Your journey through Japan begins in Kyoto. Travel with your guide by public transport to Mount Inari, then follow the vermilion torii gates as you make your way up to Fushimi Inari Taisha. After offering prayers to the Inari deity like locals, refuel at the lively Nishiki Market with local dishes and street snacks.
In the afternoon, continue to Nijo Castle, where the black-and-gold interiors and the distinctive chirping of the nightingale floors bring history to life. End the day in Gion, dressing in a traditional kimono that blends well with the wooden streets, before taking part in a traditional tea ceremony (shared tour).
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- Kyoto
Day 3 sees you traveling by train to "Little Kyoto" Kanazawa, roughly a two-hour ride.
The remainder of the day is yours to explore freely, or join a 3-hour Shared night tour (at an additional fee) to explore the Geisha districts with a local guide, hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period, and sit down at a local restaurant for a set meal.
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- Kanazawa
On your day trip from Kanazawa, your private driver-guide will take you to Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, featuring distinct thatched-roof houses similar to the prayer position of hands, blanketed in snow and straight out of a fairy tale. Strolling among the village paths and visiting the local museum for a sounds and smells rural experience of Japan.
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- Kanazawa
After breakfast, you will travel from Kanazawa to Nagano today, marking the start of the next three-day skiing tour in Shiga Kogen.
Upon arrival, head to your hotel at Shiga Kogen area on your own and have the rest of the day at leisure.
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- Shiga Kogen
A full free day for you to enjoy skiing on your own.
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- Shiga Kogen
A full free day for you to enjoy skiing on your own.
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- Shiga Kogen
This morning is free for you to enjoy skiing.
In the afternoon, transfer to Yudanaka Station and check in at a local onsen hotel. Relax in your hotel's traditional Japanese hot spring (onsen), easing into the tranquil atmosphere of the town.
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- Yudanaka
Explore Nagano at your own pace today before heading to the final destination, Tokyo.
Consider setting aside your morning to visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Depart from your hotel, take a short local bus, then enjoy a short walk through the snowy forest trail to see how Japan's clever macaques spend the winter with the natural hot springs.
Then, spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets of Yudanaka and conclude the day with a hot spring experience.
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- Yudanaka
Today will be dedicated to transportation. Make your way to Nagano Station by bus, then transfer to a Shinkansen for Tokyo. Settle in your hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure.
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- Tokyo
Traveling by public transport, you'll explore Tokyo together with your private guide. Start the morning with a visit to Meiji Shrine, which feels especially serene when dusted with snow, before heading to the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, where an array of fresh seafood and traditional snacks will warm both your body and your appetite.
Later, take a stroll through Ginza under its festive lights, and end the day at the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. 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
Your winter Japan journey with skiing 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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