Japan is fast becoming known as one of the great winter destinations in the world, with the combination of fabulous skiing opportunities mixed with sharing it with people who clearly love to celebrate the seasons with festivals and creativity. The Japanese culture attunes with the seasons and winter is celebrated in all its glory. Lantern processions, snow man sculptures, ice festivals and outside bathing in hot springs (onsen) are all uniquely Japanese and are abound in this region. European traditions such as horse sledding, Christmas markets and winter snow sports have also been incorporated into the Japanese Winter experience.

Our Japan Winter Adventure combines two pleasures – Skiing and Exploration. We start our trip in the Metropolis of Tokyo, diving straight into the cultural complexity of this modern city. We explore the neighbouring Nikko, its majestic shrines, hot springs and natural beauty. We can cross-country ski, visit waterfalls and take time to appreciate the incredible cultural and religious aspects of Japan. There is a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the timeless travel of a long distance train journey witnessing mesmerising countryside flashing by.

Hokkaido comes into its own in winter and we take some time to discover unique activities such as fishing in a hole in the ice and drinking cold beer at the Sapporo brewery. It’s time to step up another notch together and hit the powder. Weather systems that move across the Sea of Japan from Siberia create the deep, deep champagne powder and we have a chance to ski chest deep in it. The terrain and resorts are suitable for all levels and you are sure to be overwhelmed by the friendly hospitality of the Japanese people. Awaken your senses with the incredible flavours of Japanese cuisine, relax after a day on the slopes in a natural onsen bath, enjoy nature in all its splendour and recharge your batteries. Life is for the living and this trip will leave you breathless, feeling super and ready to take on the next battle.

Countries visited

• Japan

Places visited

• Sapporo
• Nikko
• Tokyo

Transportation

Minibus, local transportation and downhill skis.

Included In Price

Local English speaking guide from Day 1 to Day 7, all accommodation on a twin share basis, cross country skiing in Nikko (Day 3), Onuma Park Snow Shoe Hire and Wakasagi Fishing (Day 5), 2 half day skiing passes at Gran Hirafu, 2 full day skiing passes at Gran Hirafu and Niseko Mountain, all non-JR (Japan Rail) transportation and meals as described in the itinerary.

Meals Included

This tour includes 4 meals; 4 breakfasts

Not Included In Price

Items of a personal nature, Japan 2 week Rail Pass, tipping, ski hire from Day 7 to 10, meals not described in the itinerary, travel insurance, visas (not required for Australian passport holders)

Important Information

Please talk to us regarding your departure time as you may wish to extend your skiing and we can assist with your forward transport.

This trip has been designed with the family in mind. You can include a trip to Tokyo Disneyland on your arrival into Tokyo and family self-catering accommodation is provided at the ski resorts.

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

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We join in Tokyo with our group meeting preparing us for a day of urban adventures. We will visit Asakusa Senso Ji and enjoy the Sumida Boat Cruise to the Hamarikyu Garden. The Asakusa Temple dates from the 5th Century and is a dazzling red Buddhist temple recently restored. Travelling in the metropolis of Tokyo is eased with the help of our tour leader who leads us through the city by boat. As the evening approaches, we wander around the posh shopping districts of Ginza and the night life in Shibuya. The day is peppered with opportunities to sample the real food of Japan and to witness this modern city’s capacity for excitement and fun.

Accommodation

Hotel Sunroute Asakusa

Meals Included

none

Day 2: Nikko

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Our day starts bright and early with a visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. The pace of life so early in the morning will astound you and being surrounded by fresh seafood should hopefully wet your appetite for a sushi breakfast . Afterwards, we travel to Nikko by train.

Our day is spent leisurely visiting Nikko’s Toshogu shrine and various other significant historic places. We will be tempted to taste sake during the brewery tour and relax in the evening, enjoying a well-deserved Asahi beer in an cozy home style restaurant where the food is fresh, cheap and gloriously simple.

Accommodation

Turtle Inn Annex Hotorian

Meals Included

none

Day 3: Nikko

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We have the option today of either donning the skis or skates and starting our Winter sports adventure or taking another opportunity to visit cultural and natural sights of Nikko. Ice-skating and Cross Country skiing are on offer today, depending on the group's decision, set to the magical back drop of rural and beautiful Japan. Towering pines and hot springs fill the picture. There is time to visit the Kegon waterfall, 97 meters high and the most famous of all Nikko’s 42 waterfalls. Photographers will enjoy capturing the many moods of this waterfall and its surroundings.

Accommodation

Turtle Inn Annex Hotorian

Meals Included

none

Day 4 & 5: Hakodate

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It is time to catch our breath and sit back to enjoy the scenery of rural Japan as we travel north to Hakodate by train. We can do as the locals do, enjoy amazing country side from the train window, taste a variety of Bento box from every region we pass and treats such as seasonal fruit ice cream sold on the train!

We will arrive into Hakodate in time to catch the night view from Hakodate Yama (mountain) viewing deck when we take a chance to stretch our legs post train trip.

The following day we set out to explore Hakodate and Onuma. Onuma ‘Quisi’ National Park is located 20 kilometres north of Hakodate, in Hokkaido and is known for its picturesque lakes dotted with islands and an amazing dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake. We can go hiking in Snow shoes, make holes in the ice to fish wakasagi with our local guides.

Accommodation

La Vista Hakodate Bay

Meals Included

none

Day 6 : Sapporo

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We venture into Sapporo for a day of sightseeing, visiting the Sapporo beer factory and the Sapporo TV tower. You will also be blown over by the wonderful cuisine on offer in Hokkaido with crab the speciality of the area.

Accommodation

Sapporo Best Western Hotel

Meals Included

none

Day 7 & 8: Gran Hirafu

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This morning we head to our ski resort via a visit to the Jozankei hotsprings (onsen). This onsen, one hour from Sapporo, is renown for its location between the high cliffs of the Toyohira River. After our bath, we head to the slopes where we settle in and prepare for our ski resort tour. Your local guide will accompany you for this first half day skiing to ensure you are comfortable with the resort and with your equipment.

Day 8 is a day on the slopes, skiing in the Gran Hirafu area. Skiing in Japan has more to offer than just wonderful powder and uncrowded runs, it is the whole package, cultural stimulating, relaxing beyond belief with natural onsen baths and incredibly beautiful.

Accommodation

Niseko Hotel Alpine

Meals Included

2 x Breakfasts

Day 9 : Niseko Mountain

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Today is a day on the Niseko Mountains. After a hard day’s skiing enjoy the pleasure of fresh exquisite food, huge fluffy futons and crisp Sapporo beer.

Accommodation

Niseko Hotel Alpine

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts

Day 10: Niseko Departure

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Our tour ends when your half day skiing finishes within the ski resort. Your transport back to Sapporo can be organised with us or your hotel. Your JR Pass covers transport back to Tokyo.

Guests can easily extend their skiing adventure package if desired. Please ask us for options.

Meals Included

1 x Breakfasts