13 Day Japan Winter Discovery Small Group Tour

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at the airport, make your way independently to your hotel. The remainder of the day yours to relax and settle in before the official start of your tour tomorrow. Tonight is at your leisure. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveler Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveler Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your trip leader and fellow travelers, and you will begin your first day in Tokyo. Your day will start at the Metropolitan Government Building to get a view of the bustling city. You will then move onto the Sensoji area to enjoy lunch, and finish the afternoon in the Shibuya district. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. Inspiring Highlights Metropolitan Government Building Sensoji Shibuya

After breakfast, dive into a fascinating morning exploring the iconic Tsukiji Market. Discover how Tokyo's bustling seafood industry operates and sample delicious treats from the vibrant outer market. Fun fact: Tsukiji once handled over 2,000 tons of seafood a day, making it one of the busiest fish markets in the world. This afternoon and evening will be at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Tsukiji Market

Today, after breakfast, you'll depart Tokyo and travel west toward Kusatsu Onsen. On the way, you'll stop at Kawagoe Castle to explore the historic grounds and enjoy lunch before continuing your journey. We then arrive in Kusatsu Onsen, home to hot spring water so mineral-rich and naturally acidic that it's said to “cure anything but a broken heart.” The springs reach temperatures of up to 95°C at the source, which led to the creation of the traditional yumomi ritual—cooling the water by stirring it with large wooden paddles. This afternoon, you'll have the chance to witness a Yumomi ritual and take a scenic walk around the Yubatake. After dinner at your Ryokan, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind at your ryokan or indulge in a traditional onsen experience. Inspiring Highlights Kawagoe Castle Kusatsu Onsen Yumomi Ritual Yubatake Walk Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours An onsen experience involves relaxing in natural geothermal hot spring baths while following traditional Japanese bathing customs for a soothing, restorative soak - customs which your trip leader will take you through if you wish to participate.

After breakfast today, you will depart the hotel to visit the iconic Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani. Visiting the snow monkeys in Japan is a truly unique and memorable experience, especially in winter when they soak in the natural hot springs surrounded by snow-covered forests. Located in Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano, the journey involves a scenic walk through peaceful alpine trails before reaching the steaming onsen where the monkeys gather. Watching them relax, play, and interact up close offers an intimate glimpse into their behaviour and makes for an unforgettable highlight. After leaving Jigokudani, we will travel onto Nagano for a leisurely afternoon. Inspiring Highlights Jigokudani Snow Monkeys Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

After breakfast, you will travel by bus to Kanazawa. In the afternoon, you will embark on a tour of Kanazawa led by your trip leader, which includes the famous Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle. Kenrokuen Garden in winter transforms into a serene, snowy landscape, with its famous yukizuri ropes protecting the trees and creating one of Japan's most picturesque seasonal scenes. The evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Kenrokuen Garden Kanazawa Castle Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

This morning after breakfast, you will make our way to Higashi Chaya District to experience a traditional Tea Ceremony. After this, it is a free day in Kanazawa to explore at your own pace. You may like to take a stroll through the Samurai district, visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, or spend time shopping for local crafts and traditional goods at the Omicho Market. Tonight is an evening of leisure. Inspiring Highlights Higashi Chaya District Tea Ceremony

After breakfast, you leave Kanazawa to make your way to our next destination, Takayama. Enroute, we will visit the historical village of Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a charming UNESCO-listed village famed for its traditional thatched gassho-zukuri houses, which look especially magical when dusted with snow. This afternoon, we'll take a ride up the Shinhotaka Ropeway to take in the views of this stunning region, and finish with a leisurely evening in Takayama. Inspiring Highlights Shirakawa-go Shinhotaka Ropeway Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Today, enjoy a full day discovering the charming town of Takayama. You'll wander through its historic streets, visit a local sake brewery, and savour a delicious Hida Beef lunch, along with some hot sake The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Sake Brewery Hida Beef Lunch with hot sake

After breakfast, you will have the morning at Takayama market, and then make your way to Kyoto. Upon arrival to Kyoto, you will embark on a guided tour through the Gion District. Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, is a captivating area of traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and lantern-lit streets steeped in history and culture. This evening is yours at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Takayama Market Gion District Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours

Today, after breakfast, you will make our way to Kibune to enjoy a tour of this spiritual village. Here, you will enjoy a traditional hot pot lunch. The remainder of the day is free to explore. You might choose to visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, explore the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or wander through the historic streets of the Nishiki Market to taste local delicacies. The evening is at your leisure. Inspiring Highlights Kibune

Today is a free day in Kyoto. Wander through iconic temples like Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and the striking torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, or lose yourself in the historic streets of Gion and Higashiyama. Stroll through serene gardens, experience a traditional tea ceremony, and discover local flavors at the bustling Nishiki Market. This evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner.

Today, your unforgettable winter journey through Japan comes to an end Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.