Japan Winter Adventure
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.
- 13 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026
from $13,425 pp twin share * - 20 Jan 2027 – 31 Jan 2027
from $13,425 pp twin share * - 27 Jan 2027 – 07 Feb 2027
from $14,075 pp twin share * - 28 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027
from $13,695 pp twin share * - 14 Nov 2027 – 25 Nov 2027
from $10,595 pp twin share * - 28 Nov 2027 – 09 Dec 2027
from $10,595 pp twin share * - 12 Dec 2027 – 23 Dec 2027
from $10,375 pp twin share * - 15 Dec 2027 – 26 Dec 2027
from $10,595 pp twin share * - 09 Jan 2028 – 20 Jan 2028
from $10,375 pp twin share * - 19 Jan 2028 – 30 Jan 2028
from $10,375 pp twin share * - 23 Jan 2028 – 03 Feb 2028
from $10,595 pp twin share * - 30 Jan 2028 – 10 Feb 2028
from $10,925 pp twin share * - 02 Feb 2028 – 13 Feb 2028
from $10,925 pp twin share * - 27 Feb 2028 – 09 Mar 2028
from $10,375 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Japan:
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. - Day 2 – Explore Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines:
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. - Day 3 – Kanazawa and Sake Tasting:
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. - Day 4 – Gardens, Pottery and the Spirit of the Geisha:
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. - Day 5 – Discover Tokyo’s Street Food Delights:
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. - Day 6 – Culture and Colour in Tokyo:
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. - Day 7 – Onward to the Drift Ice of Hokkaido:
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. - Day 8 – Discover Indigenous Ainu Culture:
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. - Day 9 – Travel to Sapporo:
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. - Day 10 – From Sapporo to the Charm of Otaru:
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. - Day 11 – Return to Tokyo:
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. - Day 12 – Farewell Japan:
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.
Highlights
- Wander through bamboo forests and hear Ainu artisan stories.
- Cruise aboard an icebreaker and soak in a traditional onsen.
- Combine iconic sights with rare seasonal experiences.
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.
Inclusions
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes.
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
- Must-see sightseeing.
FAQs
- Kanazawa Tokyu
- New Akan
- New Otani Garden Tower
- Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
- Sapporo Excel
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 13 Dec 2026 and 09 Mar 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Trafalgar ToursFine Print
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