Japan Winter Wonder Plus Ski | Plus 6 Day Ski | 2024-2025

What's Included

• Meals

  Meals are included as part of the tour package.

• Transport

  Transport includes a bullet train ride from Kyoto to Hiroshima and a train from Tokyo to Nagano.

• Guided Tours

  Guided tours are provided in Kyoto and Hiroshima.

• Skiing

  Skiing at Hakuba, one of the world's best skiing spots with 9 resorts and 200 runs.

• Accommodation

  Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel, and Hotel Abest Hakuba Resort.

• Included Experience

  Experiences include visiting Kyoto's tea houses, Kiyomizu Temple, The Golden Pavilion, Geishas, Hiroshima's Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum, Hakone's cable car ride with views of Mount Fuji, and exploring Tokyo's Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Street, and Shibuya Crossing.

What's Not Included

• Free Time Add-On Experiences

  Optional experiences such as the Izakaya foodie experience in Dotonburi are not included.
  
  

• Unescorted Ski Package

  The Add-on Ski Package in Hakuba is unescorted.
  
  

• Personal Expenses

  Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
  
  

• Transport to Hakuba

  Transport from Tokyo to Hakuba is included, but the journey from Hakuba Station to the hotel is not escorted.
  
  

• Lift Pass and Equipment Hire

  Lift passes and ski equipment hire are not included in the trip.
  
  

Mode of Transport

Transport includes a bullet train ride from Kyoto to Hiroshima and a train from Tokyo to Nagano, offering a fast and efficient way to explore Japan's diverse landscapes and cities.

Dining Summary

• 14 Breakfast (B)

FAQs

• Nara: Do I need a visa to enter Japan? Generally, not. Most of our travellers can get a visa on arrival in Japan. But your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship (and also according to the length and purpose of your visit). We always recommend that you check out our visa guide for more information.
• Nara: What is the currency used in Japan? The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).
• Tokyo: How do I make my way to the starting point? Are transfers included? This will depend on which city you arrive at.TokyoTokyo is serviced by two major international airports, Narita and Haneda. You’re welcome to take a taxi to the hotel, but these tend to be quite expensive. That’s why, the best way to reach our hotel is by train. You can purchase tickets from the counter at the airport. And the journey will take you 1-2 hours.Osaka The Kansai International Airport in Osaka is around 45 minutes away from our hotel by bus. And the best way to get there is by bus, that’ll drop you off close to our hotel. You can get your tickets at the counter. We don’t recommend getting a taxi since they tend to be quite expensive.
• Nara: What kind of luggage should I bring? What are restrictions? You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) – plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights on this trip.You’ll travel between a few destinations via the Shinkansen (bullet train), and won’t have your main luggage because of the space restrictions. But there’s no need to worry, because we’ll send everything forward to the next hotel via truck.In Hiroshima and Mt Koya, you’ll need to bring an overnight bag since you won’t have your main luggage with you. Your Trip Manager will advise you about what you should bring for each day.
• Nara: Can bullet train tickets be used at a later date? Starstruck by the Shinkansen? Same. All bullet train tickets are one-use-only tickets (and not passes). So, you won’t be able to use them after the trip has concluded.
• Nara: Will I be given a Japan Rail (JR) Pass? A Japan Rail Pass can be quite handy while travelling in Japan. But since we’ve got you covered for the transport, you won’t need a Japan Rail Pass. You’re always welcome to ask your Trip Manager where you can buy one once the trip ends.
• Nara: Is Street Kart or Mario Kart available as an optional activity? Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?
• Nara: Is a lift pass and hire equipment included in the trip? You’re covered for the accommodation and transport when you’re with us. But you’ll have to hire your own equipment and life passes on this trip.
• Nara: Where can I rent ski gear or find information on pricing for gear and lift passes? If you’re looking to rent your ski gear, we recommend the Rhythm Japan Ski Shop. For your lift passes, you can visit the Ski Hakuba website. Oh, and if you’re a frequent skier, there’s some good news. You might be eligible for a free ski pass since Hakuba is a part of the EPIC Ski Pass, which includes iconic slopes like the Perisher, Whistler and so many more.
• Nara: Can I bring my own ski/snowboard equipment? Yep, of course. You’ll have to carry your ski gear onto the train and store it in the overhead luggage space throughout the journey.And if you’d like, you can send your gear from Osaka to Tokyo for a small fee (we love not worrying about our luggage when in Japan!). Your Trip Manager will sort that out for you.
• Nara: How many days will there be to Ski if doing the Ski add-on? Chosen to do the Ski add-on? Amazing! Our trip will depart from Tokyo in the morning on day 10, and will arrive at Hakuba at approx. 2pm.This means you’ll have Day 11, 12 (and 13 & 14 if you’ve picked the 6-day package) to spend skiing. And guess what? Some slopes offer night skiing too!
• Nara: Is night skiing possible? Looking to spend a night on the snowy swooping slopes? Great news! There are some slopes that keep the lights on for all of us nightowls. But there isn’t a fixed timetable, so remember to check when you arrive in Hakuba.
• Nara: Will there be a Trip Manager on the Ski portion of the Japan Winter Wonder 4 & 6 Day Ski? The ski portion of this trip is an add-on, so you’ll have to say goodbye to your Trip Manager before heading to Hakuba. But don’t worry, they’ll hand over your train tickets right before you leave Tokyo.
• Nara: What time will passengers doing the ski package arrive back in Tokyo? Your pre-booked train will arrive in Tokyo at 12:30 PM. So, if you’re booking your departure flight, we recommend that you book them after 7 PM on the final day of the trip.

Included Experience

• Kyoto: Tea houses. Kiyomizu Temple. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set.
• Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city.
• Hiroshima: This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL.
• Hakone: Prepare to be impressed. An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji.
• Tokyo: Check out the Sensoji Temple, one of the most significant temples in Japan, decked with a 5-storey pagoda. Don't forget to snap a pic under the giant red lantern!
• Tokyo: Get a piece of Japan to take back home from one of the many little stalls here on Nakamise Street, just a short walk from the Sensoji Temple.
• Tokyo: Visit this Shinto shrine in Shibuya, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. You'll have the chance to wander through a tranquil forest, passing under the world-famous Tori Gate. And ofc, stop for a picture in front of the many colourful Sake barrels, and make a wish at the sacred Camphor tree.
• Tokyo: Get ready for a riot of colour and vibrant fashion. This was (and still is) a home for Japanese fashion. Grab a vintage bag, a pair of sneakers or a kawaii outfit. And don't get us started on the food! You'll find rainbow cotton candy, candy covered strawberries or a rainbow cheese sandwich.
• Tokyo: It's only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.

Accommodation

Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Elcient Osaka, Elcient Kyoto, Hotel Vista Hiroshima, Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel, and Hotel Abest Hakuba Resort, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey in Japan.

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