Tour Description

From Kyoto’s golden temples to the icy seas of Hokkaido, visit Japan for a winter journey that combines iconic sights with rare seasonal experiences. You’ll wander through bamboo forests, hear the stories of Ainu artisans and cruise aboard an icebreaker. Discover Japan’s wintry beauty through cultural encounters, scenic rail journeys and a Stays with Stories experience at a traditional onsen.

Priced From:

$ 14635pp ^*

From: 2026-11-15

To: 2027-02-28

Start Location: Osaka, Japan

End Location: Tokyo, Japan

Trip Type: Asia

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Itinerary

Welcome to Japan

Day 1

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto

Your winter adventure begins with an included transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, where the ancient capital’s charm awaits. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers later this evening for dinner at your hotel and an introduction to the days ahead.

Explore Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines

Day 2

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto

Start your Japan tour through Kyoto’s scenic west as you wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the shimmering golden reflection of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, before your Be My Guest experience. During an authentic kaiseki lunch, you’ll meet your hosts, the Nakamura family, and learn about Japanese dining customs and etiquette in a traditional setting. Continue to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vibrant red torii gates lead into the wooded hills.

Kanazawa and Sake Tasting

Day 3

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu

Board the iconic Thunderbird train bound for Kanazawa, where tradition and artistry thrive. On arrival, you'll Dive into Culture with a visit to a local sake brewery to discover the meticulous brewing process. Afterwards, savour a locally inspired lunch paired with expertly selected sakes. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, or join an Optional Experience featuring a traditional shabu shabu dinner with unlimited drinks.

Gardens, Pottery and the Spirit of the Geisha

Day 4

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu

Step into the elegance of Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, before visiting the Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy time to explore and find a local lunch spot of your choice. In the afternoon, Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist at the Ohi Gallery, where you’ll learn about Ohi pottery and even try matcha served in a handcrafted Ohi bowl. Later, explore the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District and visit Kaikaro, a 200-year-old chaya teahouse.

Discover Tokyo’s Street Food Delights

Day 5

Duration: 1

Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower

Take the bullet train to Tokyo, then get ready to learn about traditional takoyaki before sitting down to a hearty ramen lunch. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Japan’s Emperor Meiji, and see the Imperial Palace Plaza on a scenic drive. Settle in at your hotel with time at leisure this evening.

Culture and Colour in Tokyo

Day 6

Duration: 1

Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower

This morning, explore Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and browse at the Nakamise Arcade, one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping streets, where local vendors sell traditional souvenirs and crafts on the approach to the temple. Gaze over the city from Tokyo Skytree, then enjoy lunch at your own pace. In the afternoon, uncover Japan’s rich history with a visit to the Tokyo National Museum.

Onward to the Drift Ice of Hokkaido

Day 7

Duration: 1

Accommodation: New Akan

Fly north to Memambetsu and stop by the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum to learn about the dramatic drift ice phenomenon. Later, take to the icy seas aboard the Aurora, an ice-breaking ship offering views of rare marine life and seasonal landscapes. Check in to your traditional onsen hotel, where you'll enjoy a local dinner and the soothing hot springs.

Discover Indigenous Ainu Culture

Day 8

Duration: 1

Accommodation: New Akan

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon, you’ll visit an Ainu village to learn about Japan’s Indigenous people. Try your hand at traditional wood carving, then return to the hotel for dinner. This evening, you’ll experience the soul of Ainu culture through dance and ceremony at the Ainu Kotan Theatre.

Travel to Sapporo

Day 9

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Sapporo Excel

Stop at the Akan International Crane Centre to see the red-crowned cranes, one of the rarest in the world and famous for their courtship dance. Continue to Sapporo, travelling by express train, and delve into Hokkaido’s brewing legacy at the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tasting.

From Sapporo to the Charm of Otaru

Day 10

Duration: 1

Accommodation: Sapporo Excel

Walk through Sapporo’s central sights, including Odori Park and the iconic Clock Tower, before a photo stop at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. Then it's off to Otaru, a port town famed for its picturesque canal, glassworks and preserved warehouses. Return to Sapporo to celebrate your Japanese winter adventure in style. You’ll take in sweeping views as you travel by ropeway to Mt. Moiwa, where you’ll dine at The Jewels restaurant.

Return to Tokyo

Day 11

Duration: 1

Accommodation: New Otani Garden Tower

Fly to Tokyo and Check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, you might stroll through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, visit a temple, or browse the boutiques and street food stalls in Harajuku.

Farewell Japan

Day 12

Duration: 1

Say sayonara to your Japan trip companions as you take your included transfer to the airport after breakfast, full of wintertime memories and cultural discoveries.

Dates & prices

Start Date: 2026-11-15

End Date: 2026-11-26

twin

Child Price: 14880

Adult Price: 15050

triple

Child Price: 14790

Adult Price: 14960

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16820

Start Date: 2026-11-29

End Date: 2026-12-10

twin

Child Price: 14880

Adult Price: 15050

triple

Child Price: 14790

Adult Price: 14960

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16820

Start Date: 2026-12-13

End Date: 2026-12-24

twin

Child Price: 14555

Adult Price: 14725

triple

Child Price: 14465

Adult Price: 14635

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16365

Start Date: 2026-12-19

End Date: 2026-12-30

twin

Child Price: 15755

Adult Price: 15925

triple

Child Price: 15665

Adult Price: 15835

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 17935

Start Date: 2027-01-10

End Date: 2027-01-21

twin

Child Price: 14555

Adult Price: 14725

triple

Child Price: 14465

Adult Price: 14635

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16365

Start Date: 2027-01-20

End Date: 2027-01-31

twin

Child Price: 14555

Adult Price: 14725

triple

Child Price: 14465

Adult Price: 14635

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16365

Start Date: 2027-01-24

End Date: 2027-02-04

twin

Child Price: 14880

Adult Price: 15050

triple

Child Price: 14790

Adult Price: 14960

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16820

Start Date: 2027-01-27

End Date: 2027-02-07

twin

Child Price: 15280

Adult Price: 15450

triple

Child Price: 15190

Adult Price: 15360

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 17460

Start Date: 2027-02-14

End Date: 2027-02-25

twin

Child Price: 14555

Adult Price: 14725

triple

Child Price: 14465

Adult Price: 14635

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16365

Start Date: 2027-02-28

End Date: 2027-03-11

twin

Child Price: 14880

Adult Price: 15050

triple

Child Price: 14790

Adult Price: 14960

single

Child Price:

Adult Price: 16820

Japan Winter Adventure

Tour Advisors

Itinerary

Dates & prices