12 Days Japan Winter Escape : Shrines, Snow & Serenity

A soul-warming journey through Japan’s sacred shrines, snow-covered valleys, and timeless traditions.

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12 Days Japan Winter Escape: Shrines, Snow & Serenity
$11,120.00 USD

Duration:
12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations:
 • Tokyo • Nagano • Yudanaka • Matsumoto
 • Kyoto • Nagoya • Osaka
Travel Style:
 • Cultural Discovery • Nature & Wildlife • Winter Experience
Highlights:
 • Witness authentic sumo morning training
 • Meet Snow Monkeys in Nagano’s hot springs
 • Hands-on wasabi-making experience
 • Walk through Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine
 • Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner
 • Stay in handpicked hotels & ryokan inns

Payment methods
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa
Trip Overview

Discover Japan’s winter magic on this 12-day journey from Tokyo to Osaka. Witness sumo training up close, meet Snow Monkeys in Nagano’s hot springs, and enjoy hands-on wasabi-making with local farmers. Walk through Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, savor a seasonal Kaiseki dinner, and unwind in handpicked ryokans and boutique hotels. A perfect blend of culture, nature, and comfort - crafted by Japan travel experts and fully customizable to your style.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Tokyo

Arrive in Japan’s dazzling capital! Your English-speaking assistant will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in comfort by private transfer. Take the rest of the day to rest or start exploring nearby neighborhoods at your own pace.

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo – Deluxe Twin Room

Day 2 – Discover Tokyo’s Timeless Charm

Set out with your private guide to explore Tokyo’s contrasts - ancient temples beside futuristic towers. Visit Sensoji Temple and the bustling Nakamise Street, then travel by subway to Meiji Shrine, an oasis of calm amid the city. If time allows, stroll along the stylish Omotesando Avenue before returning to your hotel.

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo – Deluxe Twin Room

Day 3 – Sumo & Pop Culture

This morning, witness a sumo stable’s morning training - an intimate glimpse into one of Japan’s oldest traditions. Later, dive into Tokyo’s modern side: see the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, the quirky fashion streets of Harajuku, and Akihabara’s anime culture.

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo – Deluxe Twin Room

Day 4 – Hakone & Mt. Fuji Views

Escape Tokyo for a day trip to Hakone, gateway to Mt. Fuji. Cruise on scenic Lake Ashi, ride the Komagatake Ropeway for sweeping views, and explore the lakeside town of Moto-Hakone. Enjoy art, nature, or hot springs before returning to Tokyo in the evening.

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo – Deluxe Twin Room

Day 5 – Tokyo → Nagano → Yudanaka

Board a train to Nagano, then continue by private transfer to Yudanaka, a peaceful onsen town. Tonight, enjoy a multi-course Kaiseki dinner, crafted with fresh, local ingredients.

Accommodation: Issanokomichi Biyunoyado Ryokan – Japanese Style Room

Day 6 – Meet the Snow Monkeys

Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park with your guide and watch the playful Snow Monkeys soaking in hot springs amid snowy forests - one of Japan’s most iconic winter sights. Later, travel through mountain landscapes to Matsumoto by train.

Accommodation: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu – Superior Twin Room

Day 7 – Matsumoto & Its Heritage

Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s few remaining original fortresses. Stroll through Nakamachi Street and quirky Frog Street, lined with artisan shops and cafes. End the day visiting Yohashira Shrine, beautifully framed by mountain views.

Accommodation: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu – Superior Twin Room

Day 8 – Wasabi Experience & Transfer to Kyoto

Head to Azumino to visit one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms. Learn how wasabi is cultivated and try fresh wasabi treats, like wasabi ice cream! Then board the train to Kyoto, with a smooth transfer in Nagoya assisted by your local representative.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 9 – Golden Temples & Zen Gardens

Discover Kyoto’s spiritual side with your private guide. Visit the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), the peaceful Ryoanji Zen Garden, and the atmospheric Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. Learn the stories behind these sacred sites and Kyoto’s cultural heart.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 10 – Fushimi Inari & Kyoto Highlights

Walk beneath the endless torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, then explore the serene Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. End the day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering breathtaking views over Kyoto.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 11 – Nara’s Sacred History

Take a short trip to Nara, Japan’s first capital. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, and the lantern-lined Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Walk through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely among ancient temples.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel – Luxury Hollywood Twin Room

Day 12 – Kyoto → Osaka Departure

Say farewell to Japan as you transfer privately from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport for your onward flight.

Map

Notes

What’s Included
  • • A fully customized itinerary tailored to your interests, travel style, and schedule
  • • 24/7 local support from our in-destination experts throughout your trip
  • • All accommodation, guided tours, and transfers listed in your itinerary
  • • A private driver for tours and transfers (in some regions, your local guide may also serve as your driver - your Destination Expert will confirm)
  • • Knowledgeable local guides or small-group tours for key sightseeing experiences (your final itinerary will specify the tour type)
  • • A warm airport or hotel greeting from our local representative - details confirmed before your trip
  • • Daily breakfast at your hotel, plus any additional meals noted in your itinerary
  • • Baggage handling for one suitcase and one carry-on per person during transfers
What’s Not Included
  • • International airfare (our Air Team can provide a quote upon request)
  • • Travel insurance (available for purchase after booking your tour)
  • • Visas, unless otherwise noted in your itinerary
  • • Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, or other services
  • • Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • • Excess baggage fees or luggage not included in your ticket allowance
  • • Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards, or room service
  • • Early check-in or late check-out at hotels (unless stated otherwise)
  • • Optional activities or experiences not listed in the confirmed itinerary
  • • Upgrades and extras, such as room or flight upgrades, or local camera/video fees
  • • Passport fees, vaccinations, and local departure taxes (where applicable)
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

Changes to Booking: Changing departure dates or traveler names is regarded as canceling the original order and rebooking a new one.

Cancellation Fees (including optional tours):

  • • 1–30 days before departure: 100% of tour fee
  • • 31–60 days before departure: 50% of tour fee
  • • 61+ days before departure: 30% of tour fee

Rescheduling: Changing departure dates is treated as canceling and rebooking a new tour.

How to Book with TravelTides

How to Book with TravelTides

1
Trip Inquiry

Provide your travel details to our customer service for a personalized quote.

2
Trip Confirmation

Confirm the final itinerary and price with our team.

3
Order Payment

Complete secure online payment as instructed by our customer service.

4
Add Travel Concierge

A dedicated travel concierge will be assigned and a group chat created 2–3 days before departure.

5
Safe Travel

Verify your itinerary and enjoy a smooth, worry-free journey.

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