Places You'll See
Highlights
- Adventure & Exploration: The itinerary seamlessly blends outdoor activities such as skiing, seeing the famous Snow Monkeys of Nagano, and walking the historic streets of Kanazawa. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and history.
- Cultural Immersion: By exploring the ancient village of Gokayama, and the shrines and temples of Hakone and Nagano, you’ll have a deep connection with Japan’s rich history, culture, and traditions along the way.
- Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: From the iconic Mount Fuji to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawago, this itinerary offers diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that highlight the beauty of Japan’s natural world.
Description
For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the other amazing regions of Japan! For any first timer’s or return visitors to Japan, we have created a number of seasonal itineraries to help inspire your travels and help you tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests depending on the time of year you’re visiting. For this itinerary we suggest a 5 day Winter plan that covers Hakone, Nagano, Shirakawago and Kanazawa. This itinerary is perfect for those wanting to experience the beauty of Winter in Japan, its stunning nature and snow, and offers a good variety of attractions along the way. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream Winter trip!
For travellers who are fans of seeing Winter and nature in Japan, this 5 day itinerary will include iconic attractions along the way to satisfy travellers. You will be able to the experience the iconic spot of Hakone and see Mount Fuji, take in the history and beauty of Kanazawa and Shirakawago, witness the Alpine region of Nagano, enjoy skiing and seeing Snow Monkeys bathing in hot spring, and much more!
Day 1 HAKONE
How to Start Off Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. Whether you're drawn to its historic temples, bustling streets, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo provides an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan. Plus, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning skyline views to cozy boutique guesthouses and traditional ryokan inns, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.
For many travellers, the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Asakusa are very popular as they are very central, offer great hotels and links to transport. Check out our Tokyo destination page for more information on where to stay. We highly recommend staying in the Shinjuku area. A lively hub and one of the most popular areas in the city, Shinjuku has a plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and hotels to suit all tastes. Shinjuku is also home to the busiest station in all of Tokyo, but it offers incredible links to every part of the city. For the ‘Hakone’ tour, you will meet your your guide directly outside of the South Gate/Entrance of Shinjuku station by the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop.
Hakone Highlights : Explore Japan's Mountainous Region / all year round
Experience nature, the lush mountainous landscape and Japan’s most famous and iconic landmarks during your trip to Japan on this day trip from Tokyo! This tour has been designed so customers can experience one of Japan’s most popular and beautiful areas in one day, Hakone. The tour will provide customers with the opportunity to visit all of Hakone’s top attractions. If you love nature and spending time outdoors, this tour is for you! You will ride the many famous modes of transportation such as the Tozan train, Cable Car, Ropeway, and Pirate Ship, visit the volcanic valley of Owakudani, ride along the stunning Lake Ashinoko, visit Hakone’s most famous shrine and spend time at one of Hakone’s great art museums. If you’re lucky, you will have great views of the impressive Mount Fuji!
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour concludes back in Tokyo, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Tokyo at approximately 6.50pm. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. You may choose to travel onto Nagano that evening, or travel to Nagano first thing the next day for your tour. In Tokyo you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Nagano from Tokyo, you will need to go to Tokyo station to get your Bullet Train. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagano from Tokyo.
Nagano city centre is extremely convenient for travellers, and offers a wide range of restaurants outside of and inside of Nagano station. You can easily find something to eat for dinner after your busy day! The city centre also has some great shops, as well as entertainment like Karaoke and Games Arcades. Most importantly, the city centre offers many comfortable hotels which are only a short distance from the tour drop off location. Check out our Nagano City Area page for more information.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 2 NAGANO SNOW MONKEYS WITH EITHER ‘SNOW FUN’ OR ‘ZENKOJI TEMPLE’ OPTIONS
How to Start Off Your Day
Hop aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tokyo Station for a scenic and comfortable ride to Nagano Station, where your unforgettable half-day tour of the city begins. As you travel, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Japanese countryside, including the majestic Alps, setting the stage for the cultural adventure that awaits you in Nagano. See the 'How to Get to Nagano' page for more information about your transportation to Nagano.
CHOOSE EITHER OPTION 1 OR OPTION 2 :
OPTION 1
Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen Tour / December - March
Day Tour
Popular
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Snow Fun in Shiga Kogen
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyShiga Kogen
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityYudanaka/Shibu
¥21,800
This family friendly tour combines the two things Nagano is best known for - monkeys, and copious amounts of snow! You will begin the day by boarding our tour bus and being whisked off to Shiga Kogen, Japan's largest ski resort. There, you will have the chance to try out many different kinds of snow toys, including sleds, snow bikes, and more. Once you have had your fill of playing in the snow, a filling lunch will be served to warm you up and prepare you for the next part of the tour - the Snow Monkey Park. Located just at the bottom of Shiga Kogen, a short drive will have you ready to start your walk into the park these furry residents call home. With winter in full swing, the snow will be deep and the monkeys will be in the bath, completely relaxed even with people standing mere feet from them. Doable from Tokyo as a day trip, this tour is a great way to get your fill of snow if you are doing a winter trip to Japan.
Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
OPTION 2
SNOW MONKEY & ZENKOJI TEMPLE TOUR FROM NAGANO / all year round
Day Tour
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
¥17,800
Continuing further east from Matsumoto is the city of Nagano, another city with a long history as a temple town and more recently as the site of the winter Olympics in 1998. This tour is our company's most popular tour as it visits Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City and then the famous snow monkeys in the mountains nearby the city. The tour starts at Nagano Station before getting on a short bus ride to Zenkoji Temple. The city was historically a temple town and Zenkoji Temple is still visited by millions to this day. Learn about the history of the temple, the city and religion in Japan at this important religious site. Following the temple is a sake tasting where you can try many variety of sake, fruit sakes and juices. Next is lunch which is at a restaurant across the street from the temple. Enjoy a delicious modern take on traditional Japanese food.
The final part of the tour will see you headed to the Snow Monkey Park. There is a short hike before arriving at the valley where the monkeys live. Especially during the winter, the monkeys come down out of the mountains to eat, take baths in the onsen and play around. It really is a surreal experience to be around so many monkeys just living their lives in such beautiful scenery.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
Once your tour concludes, you'll have ample time to further explore the charming city of Nagano at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander through the picturesque streets, visit local markets, or relax in one of the city's many cafes, there's plenty to discover. We highly recommend spending the night in Nagano to fully soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy its blend of historic sites and natural beauty. With cozy accommodations and a welcoming ambiance, Nagano offers the perfect setting to unwind and reflect on your day of exploration before continuing your journey
Recommended Accommodations
For your stay in Nagano city, we recommend two excellent accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience. Hotel New Nagano NeXT is a cozy, modern hotel located right in front of Nagano Station, making it incredibly easy to access and explore the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and great amenities, it’s an ideal spot for a restful stay after a day of sightseeing.
Day 3 NAGANO SKIING
How to Start Off Your Day
After a restful night in Nagano, you will wake up fresh and head out to enjoy a fun day of skiing in the beautiful Central Alps of Japan!
1 Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station / December - March
Day Tour
Recommended
1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
¥40,000 / 32,000
Home to more than eighty ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, and many more, as well as featuring some of the country’s best powder and terrain – all within easy access of Tokyo and its airports – we consider Nagano to be Japan’s best ski and snowboard destination. Perfect as a day trip from Tokyo, or just to enhance an already amazing Japan vacation, we're here to offer a stress free all-inclusive day ski package featuring everything you need to enjoy your day. From transport to the ski resort, rental equipment, lift passes, and even optional lessons, this package is perfect for those who wish to try skiing for the first time or experienced skiers who want to challenge Japan's slopes themselves without the hassle of carrying all of their equipment!
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude back at approximately 5.30pm. However, due to this being a ski tour we cannot guarantee this in winter due to weather and road conditions. Please refer to our 'Other Information' when making bookings for onward travel on the tour page by clicking the card above. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Nagano station you are well connected with transport options to reach your next destination, and you easily buy tickets before or after the tour from either the ticket counter or ticket machines. For customers heading onto Kanazawa from Nagano, please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Kanazawa from Nagano. The Bullet Train journey from Nagano to Kanazawa can take between 66 minute - 90 minutes depending on the service you book.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels, to traditional ryokan inns, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Kanazawa. For many travellers, the area around Kanazawa station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Kanazawa station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 4 KANAZAWA AND SHIRAKAWAGO
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Kanazawa and meet your guide to begin your day! Today you’ll be exploring the three areas of Inami, Gokayama and Shirakawa-go, all offering stunning scenery. In Shirakawa-go, the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep, roofs, create a picturesque wonderland. Surrounded by mountains and peaceful fields, the village looks especially magical during the winter months, making it a perfect spot for a serene and scenic experience
SHIRAKAWA-GO, GOKAYAMA TOUR FROM KANAZAWA / all year round
Day Tour
Popular
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
¥23,800 / 25,800
One of the most visited attractions in the region is the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. On this tour you will hop on one of our charter buses and on the way there stop at a hidden gem of the area, Inami. This small town is famous for wood-carving, something you can see on display throughout the main thoroughfare that lead to Inami's crown, jewel, Zuisenji Temple. The carvings on this temple were done by a master carver over 200 years ago. We will then continue on to Gokayama to see some of the thatched-roofed house and get an excellent view of the small town. A paper-making experience is also waiting for you, using materials harvested in the town and techniques perfected over centuries. The last stop is Shirakawa-go where you can see the beautiful townscape and go into one of the homes to learn about the townspeople's way of life. There are also plenty of shops and stalls to enjoy!
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination. However, for customers proceeding to Takayama this tour includes drop off in both Takayama and in Kanazawa.
How to End Your Day
End your day staying in Kanazawa for the night and take your time to explore what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
Day 5 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Kanazawa for a second day ready to explore! Today you will venture to see what the city of Kanazawa has to offer. Your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the amazing garden, Geisha and Samurai districts!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Kanazawa at approximately 5.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Kanazawa station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Tokyo from Kanazawa, you will need to get your Bullet Train to Tokyo station. The journey will take between 150 minutes - 185 minutes depending on the service you book. We recommend buying an ‘Ekiben’ or train bento to enjoy as a light meal during your journey! You can buy these from shops inside the station before departing. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Tokyo from Kanazawa.
Once you arrive into the Tokyo station / Marunouchi area, you are perfectly located to many many restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay in Tokyo.
