9 Days Winter Discovery | Snow Monkey & Anime

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 app 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 Tokyo | Meet Your Favorite Iconic Anime Characters

During the Tokyo Anime touring, we will use public transportation systems including JR(Japan Railroad)trains, Metro, subways and a bus. We will provide you Pasmo or Suica that is prepaid transportation card. You get to travel just like a local!

Kicking things off with our anime tour, we start our day at Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment district on a manmade island in Tokyo Bay. Your group will go see the iconic 65 feet-tall Unicorn Gundam and Gundam-Base shop where you can take pictures and get a glimpse at the ever so famous Gundam fandom.

You can then go to Small World Tokyo while you have free time in Odaiba (additional cost required). The attraction specializes in miniature models all made to scale. Not your typical models, Small Worlds has created unique worlds based on fantasy and space exploration as well as special models based on Sailor Moon and Evangelion. With moving parts within each model, feel as though you are truly watching each world in real time.

Next, we will visit Shibuya Parco where the latest anime spot called Cyberspace Shibuya has been a popular spot in recent years. You can find the very first Nintendo shop, Nintendo Tokyo, the stylish Pokemon Center Shibuya, Capcom store, Jump shop and much more.

We end the day relaxing with some sweets with Godzilla! Located on rooftop, Godzilla has found home in Shinjuku at Café Bonjour for the time being. Here, enjoy a Godzilla themed cake set with your choice of drink. Once done, you can take pictures of/with the HUGE Godzilla.

Next, we will head to the unique and interactive Ninja Trick House. Here, you can learn about the way of the Ninja, touch a Japanese sword, throw Shuriken star blades, and take pictures with Ninja to complete your own ninja training regimen.

Day 3 Tokyo | Akihabara's Finest Anime & Otaku Destinations

We head to the Electronic Town of Akihabara. Before we head to the main shopping area, we will take a brief walk to the anime-famous Kanda Shrine. Famously featured in anime such as Love Live! and collaborating with hit anime & manga like My Hero Academia, Kanda Shrine is the only shrine to offer good luck charms for electronics and anime characters.

We make our way back to the main street where you can enjoy shopping at some of the most popular otaku destinations, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, electronics, and games from current and popular anime/manga series. For those interested in character figures, a stop by Tamashii Nations cannot be overlooked as they are the premier figurine shop and exhibit in Akihabara. There's plenty of free time in Akihabara, so Japan Deluxe Tours recommends exploring Super Potato for vintage games, SEGA arcade, visit a Maid Cafe, or just explore the area.

We will visit the anime specialized shopping complex: Nakano Broadway. Explore the many stores dedicated to anime and otaku goods or try the eight-layer ice-cream they serve downstairs! Once we finish up at Nakano Broadway, we head east to visit the famed Ghibli Museum. This animation and art museum exhibits the works of Miyazaki Hayao, creator of world famous films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ghibli Film fans will certainly enjoy the artistic museum, which not only exhibits the history and techniques of animation but also plays short movies in a theater room, produced exclusively for the museum. We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 4 Nagano | Jigokudani's 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 5 Tokyo | The Powerful Thunder Gate of Asakusa

Today, your vacation will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the sights in Tokyo! From there, your tour is off to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period.

From there, your tour group will delve into the old town district of Asakusa for some traditional Japanese souvenir and gift shopping at the Nakamise area. Your Japan tour will also travel through the majestic Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous shopping district. Enjoy Japanese arts and traditional snacks with your tour group through this can't miss Tokyo temple. For lunch, enjoy a Japanese seasonal dining experience, before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the unique Japanese scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy district home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion and Japanese street fashion style. Be sure to visit one of Harajuku's local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii Tokyo treats in the lively Takeshita Dori. The decadent Omotesando is also nearby, home to incredible Japanese cafes and luxury shopping!

Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. While here, our Tokyo tour will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when visiting Shibuya Station. Anime fans have probably seen this famous statue and crosswalk in some of their favorite anime & manga works like Persona5 or Tokyo Ghoul. After making our way through the crossing with your tour guide, we will then return to the hotel.

Day 6 Mt. Fuji & Hakone | Unwind with a relaxing Japanese Hot-Spring Stay

Our first stop is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy viewing statues and stroll through beautiful nature in the stunning landscape of Hakone. After spending our morning in fresh air, we will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish served in an iron cast pot that is the perfect comfort food.

Next, we have a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area and, if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg. Boiled in one of the vents, it is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life!

The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

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 7 Kyoto & Nara | Meet & Greet the friendly Deer of Nara

Our day begins with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride. In Kyoto, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the lunch is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our photos, we head out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. This street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We then proceed to the hotel.

Day 8 Kyoto & Nara | The Breathtaking Kin-Kaku-ji Japanese Temple

Our day begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

After our time at the Golden Pavilion, we will stop at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink. We will also stop for a kaiten sushi lunch. Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax and enjoy Japanese culture. After our tea ceremony, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. We then return to the hotel.

Day 9 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)