12-Day A Dreamy Winter Journey to Japan

The Beauty of Winter in Japan: Exploring the Snowy World of Japan.

This specially customized itinerary aims to take you on a journey to experience the magical charm of Japan in winter, seamlessly blending natural beauty with cultural experiences.

The trip covers a wide geographical area, with a long journey from Kanto to Kansai, from south to north, passing through more than a dozen towns. The itinerary is rich and diverse, from the iconic snow-capped Mount Fuji to the charming Shirakawa-go, and the lively and interesting scene of snow monkeys soaking in hot springs; from hot spring baths to gold leaf workshops, from ancient castles to historical districts, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding and experience of Japanese culture as much as possible.

If you are seeking an unforgettable winter trip, this carefully customized private tour is definitely worth your serious consideration. Certainly, you can adjust the pace of this Japanese exploration journey. A thoughtful journey always brings us unexpected gains!

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

1. Experience the essence of Japanese traditional culture from multiple perspectives：Hot Spring Bath, Geisha, ancient city, traditional farmhouse, and Tea Ceremony.

2. Meander around the beautifully preserved old town of Takayama, admire the picturesque wooden houses.

3. Enjoy the breathtaking views in Kenroku-en garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan.

4. Explore Shirakawa-go with its best-preserved traditional Japanese houses, the Gassho-zukuri.

5. Stroll through Kanazawa's Higashi Chaya Street and admire the variety of gold leaf products and craftsmanship.

6. Explore the world heritage sites in Kyoto and Nara, ancient capitals with a thousand-year history.

Itinerary Overview

This is a personalized custom itinerary for a winter trip to Japan. Enjoy a private driver and guide throughout your personalized journey in Japan, with each day's sightseeing itinerary tailored to your needs. The trip starts from the southern coast of Tokyo and reaches the northern coastline, from Kanto to Kansai, smoothly transitioning from bustling cities to peaceful villages. Whether you are exploring historical sites or immersing yourself in local culture, we will ensure your journey is smooth and unforgettable.

Day 1   Tokyo Arrival

When you arrive at Narita or Haneda International Airport, marking the beginning of your trip to Japan, enjoy our seamless and personalized private transfer service. Upon your arrival, your dedicated driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in Tokyo in a comfortable manner.

Day 2  Strolling Through Tokyo: Tradition and Modernity in Tokyo.

Enjoy a tour of this charming city with a dedicated guide.

Start your visit at Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, which dates back to the 7th century. The Nakamise Shopping Street in front of the temple is one of Japan's oldest commercial streets and remains bustling to this day.

The 634-meter Tokyo Skytree is not far from Sensoji Temple. Climb to the observation deck of this former world's tallest tower to take in the magnificent panoramic view of the city below.

In the afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine, a religious sanctuary hidden in a forest in the heart of the city. It enshrines the spirit of Emperor Meiji and is a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings.

Then, stroll through Shibuya, another district listed as a "24-hour non-sleeping street" along with Shinjuku. Walk along the tree-lined Omotesando Avenue and feel the pulse of Tokyo's fashion scene. Admire the architectural masterpieces that house the flagship stores and boutiques of world-renowned brands and explore the latest trends that define Tokyo's cutting-edge style.

Day 3  Approaching to Mount Fuji.

It takes only one and a half hours by car from Tokyo to reach Lake Kawaguchiko, which is the first of the Five Fuji Lakes to be developed for tourism and the most accessible. There are many picturesque spots along the lake, and the northern shore is ideal for photographing the majestic Mount Fuji.

Visit the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, a world-class art museum situated in this beautiful natural setting. The museum houses Kubota Itchiku's stunning fabric works, for which he is renowned for reviving the lost dyeing art of tsujigahana. The museum also offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. 

Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the best spots to enjoy Mount Fuji. At the highest point of the park, you can capture the perfect shot of the mountain. During the cherry blossom season, you can take pictures of the three iconic symbols of Japan at the same time.

Oshino Hakkai vallige is famous for its beautiful rural scenery. The shimmering lake water blends perfectly with the reflection of the magnificent Mount Fuji, creating a breathtaking view. Many photographers come here to capture the natural beauty of the mountain and the well-preserved village.

Day 4  Tokyo to Nagano: A Steamy Winter.

Drive northwest from Tokyo for four and a half hours and you will reach Nagano Prefecture. Located in the central inland area of Honshu Island, Japan, Nagano is renowned for its mountainous terrain. Due to the presence of the Japanese Alps within its borders, it is often referred to as the "Roof of Japan".

Visit the historic Zenkoji Temple, where the bell that was rung at the opening ceremony of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics is located.

Experience the rich food culture of Nagano, savor the local specialty "Okonomiyaki" and taste sake.

Spend a night in the historic town of Shibu Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, which has a history of over 1,300 years. Shibu Onsen boasts 37 hot spring sources and 9 public baths. Each hot spring has its own unique water source and claimed medicinal benefits. According to local culture, visiting these 9 hot springs is a must-do when in Yamanouchi village.

After checking into the hotel, you can enjoy the open-air private hot spring at the hotel. You can also put on a yukata and traditional Japanese geta and stroll along the historic and charming streets of Shibu Onsen, exploring its nine public bathhouses.

Day 5  Nagano to Takayama via Matsumoto.

Stroll along the meandering Onsen River, pass through the thick forest, and walk by steaming geothermal vents to reach a peaceful valley, where you will see snow monkeys relaxing in the soothing hot springs.

We will depart from Nagano to Takayama City. Along the way, we will visit Matsumoto Castle.

The renowned Matsumoto Castle is a medieval fortress and a national treasure of Japan. It is the premier historical castle in Japan. If you are passing through the Nagano region, you must not miss it.

Climbing the steep stairs of Matsumoto Castle and passing through its original wooden interior is a unique experience. The view from the top observation deck of the entire city and the Northern Alps is breathtaking.

Day 6  The winter scenery along the northern coast of Japan and the fairytale-like traditional villages.

Immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the Miyakawa Morning Market, a bustling hub for local produce, traditional handicrafts and delicious food, one can wander among the neatly arranged stalls, admiring the stunning array of colors of fresh fruits, vegetables and handcrafted souvenirs.

Venture into the well-preserved Hida Takayama Jinya, which served as the administrative center during the Edo period (1603 - 1868).

Take a leisurely stroll along the Sake Street in Hida Takayama to learn about the town's 300-year-old sake brewing tradition. Explore the seven century-old sake breweries along the street, each producing its own unique flavor of sake. Sample a glass of local sake at one of the breweries.

Head to the charming Shirakawa-go in the picturesque mountainous area of Gifu Prefecture, where the traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses are perfectly preserved, a sight to behold. When the ground is blanketed in snow and the houses are lit up in the stillness of the night, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale!

Day 7  Immersive cultural experiences in Kanazawa; taking the Shinkansen high-speed train from Kanazawa to Kyoto.

In Kanazawa Castle Park, you can step back in time to the domain of a powerful local feudal family.

Stroll through the charming Kenrokuen Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design and one of the three most famous gardens in Japan.

Walk along the well-preserved streets of the Nagamachi Samurai District, admiring the exquisite architecture and imagining the lives of the samurai who once lived here.

Delve into the world of Kanazawa's gold-leaf craftsmanship at a local gold-leafing workshop, exploring this handcraft tradition that has amazed generations. Practical courses are designed for people of all interests and skill levels, allowing you to experience the joy of transforming an ordinary object into a dazzling masterpiece with your own hands.

Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Higashi Chaya District, a historic geisha district that retains the timeless allure of Japanese geisha culture.

Step into the world of refinement and elegance at the famous Shima Teahouse, where the traditions of Japanese tea ceremony have been passed down through generations.

After the tour, your private guide and driver will see you off at the train station around 4 p.m. There, you will take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto, your private driver in Kyoto will be there to meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 8  A Free Day in Kyoto.

Kyoto is a thousand-year-old ancient city. Before the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868, it was the capital and political, economic and cultural center of Japan. It is rich in cultural heritage and is called "the hometown of the soul" by Japanese. It is a place that symbolizes Japanese culture.

We've set aside a full day for you to explore Kyoto at your own pace, allowing you the freedom to discover the city's hidden gems in your own time. The true charm of this city lies not only in those world-famous historical sites, but also in the long-standing history and culture that have permeated every corner of the city. Just walk around here and never short of surprises.

Certainly, if you prefer to have a guided tour, we’re also very willing to provide assistance for you.

Day 9  Kyoto: A Millennium-old Capital Not to Be Missed.

Start your day by visiting Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its exquisite architecture and luxurious interior decoration.

Immerse yourself in the bustling Nishiki Market, a paradise for food lovers, renowned for its fresh produce, traditional sweets and delicious street food. Stroll among the neatly arranged stalls, savoring the aromas and flavors of Kyoto's cuisine, and discover hidden treasures among the market's diverse offerings.

Head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a small hill on the outskirts of Kyoto. Ascend to the stage of Kiyomizu-dera and you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Kyoto city.

Step into the charming Gion district, the heart of Kyoto's geisha culture. As night falls, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Gion and you might catch a glimpse of geishas and maikos (geisha apprentices) making their way to traditional tea houses.

Day 10  The natural scenery in the suburbs of Kyoto.

This morning, visit Kinkaku-ji Temple first, also known as the Golden Pavilion. And then head to the Arashiyama Mountain to capture the picturesque beauty of the Togetsukyo Bridge, an elegant wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River.

 Step into the Tenryuji Temple, a major Rinzai Zen temple complex featuring architectures and a garden designed by a master, it’s a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just north of the Tenryuji Temple is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking along the winding path, surrounded by the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves, feel the serene atmosphere that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years.

The Sagano Romantic Train ride back to downtown of Kyoto from Arashiyama is also a non-stop feast for the eyes.

Day 11  Journey from Kyoto to Nara.

Stepping into the serene embrace of Nara Park, you'll find a group of beautiful Japanese sika deer freely wandering among the ancient woods and peaceful temples, bearing witness to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Visit the hidden World Heritage Site within Nara Park: Todaiji Temple. Built in 752, it is the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan. Its influence was so powerful that the capital of Japan was moved away from Nara in 784 to weaken its impact on government affairs. The main hall of Todaiji Temple, the Great Buddha Hall, holds the world record for the largest wooden structure.

Day 12  Osaka Departure

As your time in Japan is coming to an end, we will be dedicated to arranging your departure with meticulous and considerate service. Our team has carefully arranged a private transfer service to ensure your journey from the hotel to the airport is smooth and comfortable.