Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

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Japanese Winter Wonderland

12 Days Starting in United Kingdom and ending in Sapporo, Japan

Visiting: Osaka, Kyoto, Nagano, Tokyo, Hakodate, Sapporo

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTWJP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Special Events

Activities:

Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's winter wonderland, exploring the vibrant cities of Kyoto, Nagano, Tokyo, and Hakodate. Witness the enchanting Jigokudani Monkey Park, the serene Onuma Quasi National Park, and the dramatic Hell Valley. Experience the magic of the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival and the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival. Travel in style with international flights, bullet train journeys, and coach transfers, including a VIP door-to-door travel service. Enjoy 10 nights in comfortable hotels and a special stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan. This tour promises a seamless blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and festive celebrations.

Highlights

  • City tours of Kyoto (with Nijo Castle), Nagano (with Zenkoji Temple), Tokyo, and Hakodate

  • Jigokudani Monkey Park

  • Onuma Quasi National Park and Hell Valley

  • Mount Hakodate night visit

  • Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

  • Sapporo Snow Festival

  • Nishijin Textile Centre fashion show of Maikos

  • Tokyo National Museum and Skytree visit

Places You'll See

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Japanese Winter Wonderland

Itinerary

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Day 1

Location: Osaka

Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Osaka.

Day 2

Location: Kyoto

Accommodation Name: Hotel

We touch down in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. We’ll be back to explore its skyscrapers and temples later on in our tour, but for now we take a connecting flight to Osaka and transfer to Kyoto and check into our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

Day 3

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Surrounded on three sides by snow-covered mountains, Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital. Hidden within its maze of winding old streets is a collection of some 1,500 religious temples and shrines, geisha scurrying to tea ceremonies and dinky bars serving steaming bowls of ramen.Our tour takes us to Nijo Castle and the Nishijin Textile Centre, where we’ll watch a short fashion show of Maikos (apprentice geishas) in traditional dress. We’ll also stroll over to the Nishiki Market; a long, narrow street lined by more than 100 shops and restaurants. Known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, the stalls all specialise in food that are typical to Kyoto, like dried seafood, sushi, pickles and sweets.

Day 4

Location: Nagano

Accommodation Name: Traditional Japanese Ryokan

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Japan holds a world record that impresses train spotters and speed addicts alike. Some of the world’s fastest trains whizz through the countryside at speeds of 198mph and today, you’ll experience this engineering marvel for yourself. Step aboard for our journey from Kyoto to Nagoya, from where we’ll connect to Nagano.On arrival, we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour that takes in the Zenkoji Temple, one of the most important and popular temples in Japan. You’ll have some free time for lunch; Nakamise is one of Japan’s oldest shopping streets, where you can find traditional snacks and souvenirs.Our final stop of the day is Yudanaka where we check into our hotel; a traditional Japanese Ryokan surrounded by spectacular - and often snow-covered - mountain scenery. Known as the world’s oldest hotels, some inns have been around since the 7th century when they were built for nomadic samurai traders. Think rice-straw tatami matting flooring, low tables and fusuma screens as doors. This promises to be a very special experience.

Day 5

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

We’ll appreciate the snow-smothered landscapes today as we take a walk to the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) live, completely unrestricted by fences. Keep your camera at the ready to snap away at families of monkeys warming up in hot springs.Late morning, we depart for the neon lights and skyscrapers of Tokyo.

Day 6

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arriving in Tokyo is undoubtedly a surreal experience. This is a city that is always on the move; it dazzles with shiny new things, whilst keeping one foot firmly rooted in its traditions and culture. We’ll spend the whole day today learning all about this fascinating city.We’ll take in the Tokyo National Museum and colourful Ameyoko Shopping Streets and enjoy a short walking tour of Yanaka; one of the few districts in Tokyo that still holds the city’s traditional rustic charm. We’ll also take in the view of the whole city from the top of the Skytree, a 634m-tall communications tower (and one of the world’s tallest structures).

Day 7

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free for you to explore Tokyo, with many sights to choose from and innumerable shrines to find, including the exquisite Senso-ji Temple. There are also a number of excellent theatres, including the historic Kabuzi-za, where you may see a traditional, highly skilled Kabuki performance.For a different experience that will leave you in no doubt that you’re in Tokyo, head to the intersection in front of Shibuya Station, famously known for the scramble of hundreds of pedestrians simultaneously crossing the road in all directions. Or for a moment away from the city bustle, Ueno Park is the city’s largest green space.

Day 8

Location: Hakodate

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We take to the bullet train once again today - this time all the way up to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, travelling to Hakodate.Once we arrive and settle in at our hotel, we will spend some time at leisure until this evening, when we ascend Mount Hakodate by coach. The views from here are simply incredible - especially at night, when the city lights stretch for miles in front of you.

Day 9

Location: Hakodate

Meals Included: Breakfast

We have a busy morning ahead of us today and we’ll start it off with some early morning seafood at the renowned Hakodate morning market. Here, 300 stalls prepare and serve all manner of fresh fish dishes; giant squid flattened into pancakes, crab grilling over hot coals and dried scallops al to the sound of sing-song call of vendors.We ascend Goryokaku Tower for fabulous views across the city, and head to the Bay Area, where red brick warehouses stand as symbols of the shipping industry that thrived here as Japan opened up to international commerce.We’ll also visit Motomachi, an area that also flourished with the influx of trade and the influence of western culture is apparent in the old consulate buildings and pretty, foreign churches.

Day 10

Location: Sapporo

Accommodation Name: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a visit to Onuma Quasi National Park, a beautiful area that includes serene lakes marked by small islands and the majestic snow-smothered dormant volcano, Mount Komagatake. We also visit Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a small town surrounded by countless onsen (hot springs), before arriving in Sapporo.After checking into our hotel, we’ll head out to explore the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. This festival of flickering lights and glowing snow statues lights up the port town every winter; the canal is particularly charming, dotted with lanterns along its whole length.

Day 11

Location: Sapporo

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Sapporo Snow Festival is the most famous of the Japanese winter festivals. It started in 1950 with just six statues carved from snow by school students. Today it is an incredible display of around 250 imaginative snow and ice sculptures of giant proportions illuminated by candles and coloured bulbs. Wander the collection and watch some of the works in progress, enjoy a local tipple at the ice bar and perhaps even glide down the giant snow slide. A day you won’t soon forget.

Day 12

Location: Sapporo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to the airport and your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Day 13

Location: Sapporo

Upon arrival your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • International Flights

    Prices are based on return flights with British Airways and Japan Airlines from London Heathrow via Tokyo. Supplements may apply from other airports.

  • Meals

    11 meals: 10 breakfasts (days 3-12) and 1 dinner (day 4).

  • Excursions and Visits

    10 excursions and visits including city tours of Kyoto, Nagano, Tokyo, and Hakodate.

  • Bullet Train Journeys

    Experience bullet train journeys as shown in the itinerary.

  • Jigokudani Monkey Park

    Visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park to see wild Japanese macaques.

  • Onuma Quasi National Park and Hell Valley

    Explore Onuma Quasi National Park and Hell Valley.

  • Mount Hakodate Night Visit

    Enjoy a night visit to Mount Hakodate for incredible views.

  • Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

    Experience the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

  • Sapporo Snow Festival

    Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring around 250 imaginative snow and ice sculptures.

  • Portable Audio Headset System

    Use a portable audio headset system on excursions.

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What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and additional meals are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with international flights, bullet train journeys, and coach transfers, including a VIP door-to-door travel service for a seamless experience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 10 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in flight, with a special stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes international flights, bullet train journeys, and coach transfers. Additionally, there is a VIP door-to-door travel service for a seamless experience.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will enjoy 10 nights in comfortable hotels and 1 night in flight. There is also a special stay in a traditional Japanese Ryokan surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 11 meals: 10 breakfasts (days 3-12) and 1 dinner (day 4).

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include city tours of Kyoto, Nagano, Tokyo, and Hakodate, visits to Jigokudani Monkey Park, Onuma Quasi National Park, Hell Valley, Mount Hakodate, Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, and the Sapporo Snow Festival. You will also visit the Nishijin Textile Centre for a fashion show of Maikos and the Tokyo National Museum and Skytree.

  • What activities are planned for the free day in Tokyo?

    On the free day in Tokyo, you can explore many sights including the Senso-ji Temple, historic theatres like Kabuzi-za for a Kabuki performance, the famous Shibuya crossing, and Ueno Park, the city's largest green space.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park?

    At the Jigokudani Monkey Park, you will see wild Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) living freely without fences. You can capture photos of families of monkeys warming up in hot springs.

  • What is special about the stay in the traditional Japanese Ryokan?

    The stay in the traditional Japanese Ryokan offers a unique experience with rice-straw tatami matting flooring, low tables, and fusuma screens as doors. These inns are some of the world's oldest hotels, dating back to the 7th century.

  • What can I expect at the Sapporo Snow Festival?

    The Sapporo Snow Festival features around 250 imaginative snow and ice sculptures of giant proportions illuminated by candles and colored bulbs. You can wander through the collection, watch some of the works in progress, enjoy a local tipple at the ice bar, and perhaps even glide down the giant snow slide.

  • Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?

    In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Nic (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful travel company I booked my...

15-Jun-2024

Wonderful travel company I booked my first tour to lndia and was wonderfully taken care of Highly recommended, especially tour guide Janice

Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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