8 Days Essence of Spring Tour - Snow Monkey & Cherry Blossom Tour

Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Day 2 Nagano | The Adorable Snow Monkeys

Today is the day you've been waiting for during your Winter Japan Tour! It's off to the remarkable Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yudanaka. Home to the popular snow monkeys, Jigokudani is best place to go in all Japan to see cute, furry snow monkey bathing in the natural Japanese hot-springs. Unlike other breeds of monkey, the snow monkey are capable of handling much colder temperatures, and are only found in Japan thanks to the abundance of natural Japanese hot-springs. Although some monkey prefer to stay in the mountains, tourists flock to Jigokudani to see snow monkey bathing special designated hot springs meant just for them. Some of the snow monkeys may have a little mound of snow on top of their heads, but they never seem to mind as long as they can unwind in the hot-springs.

Yudanaka is also a popular hot-springs resort, offering a traditional atmosphere in the mountains of Japan. Admire the stunning scenery of the Japanese mountains while traveling to see adorable snow monkeys. Stop by for a relaxing free foot-bath during your vacation or pause to pick up some traditional Japanese souvenirs or snacks while touring this charming mountain town. After following your tour guide through Yudanaka, we will then return to the hotel.

Day 3 Tokyo | Teppan-yaki in the City of Anime

Today, we’ll start our morning exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the numerous vendors lining the walkways and pick up a couple of mouth-watering snacks made from the freshest ingredients while you are there. The tour then takes you the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Be a part of the almost 2500 people crossing and pay a visit to the Hachiko Statue.

After our time in Shibuya, we’ll dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on the famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats from Takeshita Dori. For lunch, enjoy a delicious, authentic Teppan-yaki meal in Akihabara.

After our wagyu lunch, our tour guide will lead us to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area. The shopping area is lined with tasty snacks loved by locals and fun trinkets to take home as souvenirs. Be sure to snap a photo with Senoso-ji Temple, Tokyo's most popular temple.

Finishing up souvenir shopping and photos in Asakusa, your tour will venture to the enormous Tokyo Skytree shopping center to enjoy Tokyo's iconic landmark. Be sure to stop and sample tasty treats at the world-famous Tokyo Banana or decorative Japanese candy art of Ameshin. We then return to the hotel.

Day 4 Tokyo | At your Leisure

We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure, or join one of our popular excursion tours in the morning or afternoon.

Our morning excursion ventures to the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum to make our own custom cup noodles.
In the afternoon, enjoy a complimentary Cherry Blossom Walking tour to see the beautiful Sakura Japanese Flowers.

Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea are also popular options to spend your leisure-free day in Tokyo.

Day 5 Mt. Fuji & Hakone | Comfortable Ropeway Ride with views of Mt. Fuji

Our Japan tour will start the day by heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day will be at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery.

Before we head to our next destination, enjoy a warm bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanshi area, for lunch. After your hearty meal, we’ll make our way to Owakudani Valley for a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The valley itself is an active volcanic crater and is famous for its black boiled egg that is said to add eight years to your life. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic view of Mt. Fuji as your ride the ropeway down the hill.

We will then check into your ryokan (Japanese style hotel) where the welcoming bath waters of the onsen await you. Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot-spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation.

Day 6 Kyoto & Nara | Bullet Train Ride to see Nara's Charming Deer

This morning, you will speed through central Japan as you ride the bullet train to Kyoto. As the fastest mode of land transportation available, it has become an integral part of life in Japan and is sure to be an exciting experience. After we arrive in Kyoto, the group will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch, a perfect way for travelers to pick and try new flavors. Most kaiten sushi restaurants will also offer other options such as kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) or noodle dishes.

Our first destination in Kyoto will be a sake museum to learn more about Japan’s national drink. Following this, you will head south to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, they are adored by people all over the world. Just be sure not to get chased by one.

Day 7 Kyoto | Meet a Geisha Apprentice by the Cherry Blossoms

Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery.

Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf. Another short ride away and you will be at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often.

The rest of the day will be spent taking part in activities that are quintessential to Japanese culture. First up will be a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Before our last activity, the tour will make a stop at the Kyoto Handicraft Center where you will get to browse a wide variety of traditional Japanese works of art, a perfect place to buy a potential souvenir. Lastly, we will end the evening with a kaiseki dinner accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

Day 8 Osaka | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Osaka to KIX Airport - about 70 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Osaka to ITM Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)