Winter Highlights
Small Group Tour

15 day/14 night Small Group Tour from
$15,189
per person share twinFlying Air New Zealand

Winter Highlights

This winter tour of Japan showcases the stunning contrasts between Hokkaido and Honshu.

In Hokkaido, explore snowy landscapes and spot rare birds with an expert guide in Tsurui. Experience an exhilarating icebreaker cruise in Abashiri, where you might photograph Steller's sea eagles. Enjoy the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring impressive snow sculptures, and take a brewery tour to savor local beer. A night in Hakodate offers fresh seafood and breathtaking views.

On Honshu, unwind in Tokyo’s Hamarikyu Gardens and marvel at Kyoto's Golden Pavilion draped in snow. A private audience with a maiko adds a special cultural touch. Finally, Kanazawa’s gold-leaf crafts and the enchanting village of Shirakawago, with its iconic thatched-roof houses, round out this unforgettable winter experience.

Deal Includes
✔ Return Economy airfares flying Air New Zealand from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch to Tokyo
✔ Return Airport transfers
✔ 14 nights accommodation
✔ Full time services of your Inside Japan Tour leader 
✔ Daily breakfast and seven evening meals
✔ Your Inside Japan Info Pack
✔ All transport between destinations in Japan, including domestic flights and an IC transport card with 2,500yen credit for city transport
✔ Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
✔ Bird-watching guide in Tsurui
✔ Icebreaker cruise on the Okhotsk Sea
✔ Brewery tour in Sapporo
✔ Afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto
✔ Day excursion by private coach to Shirakawago Village
✔ Luggage forwarding from Tsurui to Sapporo, Sapporo to Kyoto & Kyoto to Tokyo
✔ Shared portable Wifi access through out



15 days/14 nights
From $15,189 per person share twin
Based on Set Departure Dates: 30 Jan, 03 & 05 Feb 25

Ask us about other travel dates.

Itinerary
Day 1-2: Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.
On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, then go on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the electronics shops of Akihabara, the serene Meiji Shrine, or the famous scramble crossing of Shibuya.
Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel

Day 3: Tsurui
Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festivals, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.
You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui, where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.
Overnight: Woody Hotel & Restaurant Yumekobo

Day 4: Lake Kussharo
Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!
This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Kawayu Onsen near to Lake Kussharo.
Overnight: Kawayu Kanko Hotel

Day 5: Abashiri
This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.
Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit the Abashiri Prison Museum, an interesting set of buildings that were constructed during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Dinner will be included tonight, at the hotel.
Overnight: Abashiri Koso

Day 6-7: Sapporo
Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.
In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with two nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and most notably hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. You'll have a chance to explore the city and sample some of the unique cuisine such as the local buttery ramen noodles. The Odori Park in the centre of the city is a hive of activity during the annual snow festival, with snow sculptures and street food stalls providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach! The city also features some Meiji period architecture most notably at the city's iconic Clock Tower.
On day seven you have a full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city before an included dinner at the Sapporo Beer Brewery.
Overnight: Cross Hotel Sapporo

Day 8: Hakodate
Travel by train this morning to Hakodate, Hokkaido's third largest and southernmost city. With a history closely tied to Japan's re-opening to the world in the nineteenth century after over 250 years of national isolation, Hakodate quickly became one of the most important Japanese hubs for foreign trade. This afternoon, explore the Meiji period red-brick warehouses, with many of them now converted into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, before diving deeper into the early modern history of the city at the unique star-shaped Goryokaku fort.
As the sun sets, you'll head to Mt Hakodate for a thrilling cable car ride to admire one of Japan's best panoramic night-time views from the summit.
Overnight: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Day 9-11: Kyoto
After a visit to Hakodate's morning market, today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu, Japan's main island, by plane. Flying from Hakodate to Itami Airport, you'll then take the train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart and capital for over a millennium, from 794 until 1868. On arrival in the city, you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group. Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.
On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This afternoon you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world.
Finally, on day eleven, you will be free to continue exploring the countless sights of the city, or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader may be leading a tour of the former capital, Nara, just an hour's train ride away. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.
Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo


Day 12-13: Kanazawa
This morning, you will leave Kyoto and travel by train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea coast, an area often referred to as yukiguni – snow country. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood and traditional crafts such as gold leaf and lacquerware. This afternoon you will visit Kenrokuen, ranked as one of Japan's top three gardens and particularly famous for the ‘snow ropes' that adorn the pine trees in winter, preventing the branches from breaking under the heavy weight of the snow. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market, samurai district, or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. 
On day 13 you will take a day excursion by private bus to Shirakawago, stopping off on the way for a hands-on lesson in the art of traditional Japanese washi paper making. Continuing to Shirakawago and after enjoying a traditional a hearty lunch on arrival, you will have the afternoon to enjoy exploring this UNESCO World Heritage designated village of traditional thatched-roof houses, referred to as gassho-zukuri, or ‘praying hands' houses, due to their impressive steep roofs. Late afternoon sees you heading back to Kanazawa for a free evening to explore the city's vibrant restaurant scene.
Overnight: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa


Day 14-15: Tokyo
Finally, it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last afternoon and evening in the city. Arriving in style via one of Japan's newest bullet train routes from Kanazawa, you'll have some free time for any last-minute sight-seeing and souvenir shopping. A farewell dinner is included this evening, and we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for one last meal.
On day 15 a shared shuttle bus has been arranged to take you to the airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!
Overnight: Millenium Mitsui Garden

Our packages are based on dynamic pricing which means you get the best available rates of the day at the time of booking. Pricing is subject to current availability and pricing may change without notice.

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