10 Days: Japan Snow Monkeys & Scenery tour...

• Tokyo: (3 nights)
• Tokyo: Guided city tour
• Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi & Hakone tour
• Yudanaka (Snow Monkey park)
• Traditional Ryokan with Onsen 'spa' (1 night)
• Matsumoto (1 night)
• Bullet trains
• Kyoto: Guided city tour (3 nights)
• Optional Nara tour
• Guaranteed departure
• Hiroshima/Miyajima & Osaka: 2 Night Extension
• Transfer back to Tokyo - Optional

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1
Depart from your preferred airport for a scheduled flight to Tokyo. Meals on board.

Day 2 Tokyo
Arrive at Narita Airport in Tokyo, you are met by your tour assistant and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. The rest of the day is at your leisure to adjust to the 9 hours time difference.

Day 3 Tokyo
Morning city tour of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture. Next we drive by the 'Akasaka Guest House' for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent 'Western Style Palace' built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.

Our tour continues across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed, we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double bridge instead). Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping. We highly recommend you visit the Sony Centre building to see the futuristic electronics on display. Ginza is also convenient for the subway to explore further areas of Tokyo.

Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional afternoon Tokyo city tour. The optional tour includes visiting the beautiful Hama-Rikyu garden, enjoying our Sumida River Cruise and visiting the Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise shopping street. We then drive through Kappabashi, Ueno and Akihabara districts of Tokyo before finishing the tour. Ask for details at time of booking.

Day 4 Tokyo - Mt Fuji & Hakone (includes Lunch)
You will be picked up from your hotel and driven by deluxe motorcoach to Mount Fuji. Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we will enjoy spectacular views (weather permitting).

Lunch will be provided at a Hotel/Restaurant in Hakone. In the afternoon we proceed to the Hakone National Park where we will take a cable car ride with the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient volcanic craters with sulphurous fumes and clouds of steam spiralling from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical image. We then proceed with our tour for a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty, where weather permitting spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted in the lake.

The tour disbands on arrival in Ginza & Shinjuku at around 7-8pm.

Day 5 Tokyo - Nagano - Yudanaka (includes dinner in Ryokan).
This morning take the unassisted transfer to Yudanaka by train via Nagano. Upon arrival at Nagano train station, our tour assistant will meet you and help you board the correct local train to Yudanaka. Upon arrival at Yudanaka walk to your Ryokan which has indoor & outdoor Onsen hot spring spa facilities (approx 8 minutes walk or 2 min by taxi).

For your convenience and due to luggage restriction on the bullet train, we have arrange free luggage transfer to take your large luggage directly to Kyoto. Prepare a light carry bag for your stay in Yudanaka & Matsumoto. Leave your large luggage (1 bag per person) at the designated pick up point in your Tokyo hotel prior to departure.

Later visit the nearby snow monkey park on your own (entrance fee not included aprox £5pp). Note the hotel offers a twice daily free shuttle bus to the snow monkey park, or make youre own arrangements.

In the evening return to the Ryokan for a beautiful Japanese dinner which is exquisitely made with fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. Later relax in the Onsen hot spring spa. Accommodation in Japanese style guest Room.

Day 6 Yudanaka - Matsumoto (includes breakfast in Ryokan).
Today enjoy traditional breakfast in your Ryokan before taking the train for the unassisted transfer to Matsumoto and proceed to your hotel accommodation conveniently located next to the station.

During your free time in Matsumoto we recommend visiting Matsumoto castle, known as 'crow castle' due to its unique black exterior. Matsumoto castle is one of only four castles designated as National Treasures of Japan and is stunningly beautiful. Afterwards stroll around the traditional old quarter (Nawate Dori).

Day 7 Matsumoto - Nagoya - Kyoto
Today take the Bullet train for the unassisted transfer to Kyoto via Nagoya. Upon arrival at kyoto take the short walk to your accommodation which is situated close by.

The rest of the day is free at leisure in Kyoto.

Day 8 Kyoto
Morning sight seeing tour of Kyoto including a visit to Nijo Castle, former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun built in 1603. Nijo Castle is noted for its Ornate interior and 'nightingale floor' designed to sing when stepped upon to warn of Ninja assassins. Next we visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) centred around one of the best examples of a Japanese Zen gardens in the world. We then travel to Kyoto Imperial Palace, the impressive former residence of the Imperial family. Tour ends around 1:00pm.

Afternoon is free at leisure, or take an optional tour to Nara. The optional tour includes visiting Nara Deer Park and the Todaiji temple housing the Great Buddha in the worlds largest wooden building. Next we visit the Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine which features 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns. Finally enjoy Nara Nagomikan before retuning to Kyoto. (Optional tour includes buffet lunch). Enquire at time of booking to include the Nara tour in your itinerary)

Day 9 Kyoto
Day free at Leisure, or purchase our optional Kyoto afternoon tour.

The option tour includes visiting the colourful Heian Jingu Shrine and inner garden and ponds. Next we explore Sanjusangendo Hall, a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1,001 statues that date back to the 13th century. Finally we visit the magnificent Kiyomizu Temple with spectacular views across the entire city. (This highly recommended afternoon tour can be included at time of booking).

Optional overnight stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan is available (inc Breakfast & Evening Dinner) - Contact us for details.

Day 10 Osaka - Departure
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the futuristic Kansai International Airport in Osaka for your departure flight homeward.

**Optional - Bullet train transfers back to Tokyo & Narita Airport can also be provided -Contact us for details.**

Optional Hiroshima & Osaka Tour Extension (2 nights):
Special Offer - £395pp based upon twin share
Includes train transfers, Hiroshima (1 night), Osaka (1 night). Enjoy free time in Hiroshima to explore the facinating city, or take an optional full day guided tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima. The next day transfer to Osaka in the early afternoon to have free time to explore Osaka and see the famous Osaka Castle etc. Airport transfer is provided for your departure from Kansai airport.

2018 & 2019 Flexible Departure Dates (Price Land-only from)

Ref	Weekly Monday	Standard Hotels Land Only (twin share)
JMS	10th April - May	£2050
JMS	Oct - November	£2050
JMS	1st March - 19th March	£2150
JMS	20th March to 9th April	£2185

** The peak season to Japan is cherry blossoms viewing (late March & early April), and autumn leave changing (October & early November). The first day of blooming (Kaika) in Tokyo usually comes at the end of March, with the trees reaching full bloom about one week later. Snow monkeys should be in 'Onsen' during the cooler months between October to April (Depends upon weather also in May)

The prices shown above are 'per person' based upon twin share. Single rooms occupancy and hotel upgrades can be provide, please contact us for details. The price may be different around festivals period in Japan.

Price Includes

• Airport to hotel transfers on arrival & departure.
• English speaking meeting assistance at Narita airport upon arrival.
• Private return transfer from Odawara station to Ryokan in Hakone.
• Sightseeing tours by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees as stated in itinerary, during guided tours (Not during free time).
• Selections of quality accommodation in well furnished hotel rooms with private facilities.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Free large luggage transfer from hotel to hotel between Tokyo - Kyoto (1 item per person).
• All Train tickets as specified in the itinerary, Ordinary class reserved seats.
• Guaranteed Departure.

Price Does Not Include

• International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.

• Snow Monkey Park entrance free (approx £5pp)
• Taxi transfers not provided by ourselves.
  
• Travel Insurance.
• Optional tours.

Optional Tours & Ryokan Experience
A stay at a traditional Ryokan (Japanese style Inn) is a highly recommended experience, with excellent standards of service. We can arrange a 1 night Ryokan stay on your last day in Kyoto. The supplement starts from £160 per person for 1 night with Japanese breakfast & Dinner included.

This tour is suitable for travellers of all ages, who are reasonably fit and healthy. Add on tours and city extensions are available, for details visit optional tours page.

FAQ and further Tour information
Please see our FAQ page for further essential tour information.

Additional Tour Notes:
Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is closed (every Tuesday in Jan, July, Aug & Dec), therefore if your tour falls on these dates, we will visit Ryoanji Temple instead. Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed at weekends and on national holidays, we will visit Kitano Tenmangu instead. Hiroshima & Miyajima optional tour usually operates Mon - Wed, Frid -Sunday.

Our itinerary is designed according to the most up to date information available at the time. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day.In regards to expected transfer times and train times these may vary as they are subject to schedules and availability controlled by the various railway companies. It is extremely rare that itineraries ever need changes and we will always act in your best interest to handle any amendments if this did occur. However we reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary if required, for example occasionally the tour sequence and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.