Cool Japan Winter Highlights

20th October 2010

Snow festivals, hot spring baths, warming sake, plus some sub-tropical sun: Japanese Winter Highlights revealed

Japan is a country full of stunning imagery. A dramatic transformation takes place when the red and gold of the leafy autumnal landscapes give way to another period of natural beauty – the pure white snow that covers the northern area of Japan. From skiing and hot spring baths in the mountains to seasonal festivals and a quieter Kyoto, winter is a magical time to visit.

Here, the team of experts at award winning Japan specialists, InsideJapan Tours, have put together their recommendations of the top winter experiences across the country:

Yudanaka snow monkeys
Yudanaka is found in the Japan Alps and has become famous for the Japanese macaque monkeys that bathe in the hot springs deep in the forests. We recommend paying a visit to our fury friends and staying for a night in one of the traditional ryokan guest houses, enabling you to enjoy the hot spring baths (onsen) yourself.

Snow festival
There are many festivals in Japan through the winter months. One of the most famous is Sapporo’s Yuki Matsuri snow festival taking place every February. Hundreds of huge and impressive ice sculptures are enjoyed with a party atmosphere, music, food and Sapporo beer. In 2011 it is held from 7 to13 February.

Hokkaido wildlife on ice
Hokkaido is a sub-zero wildlife haven. The remote Shiretoko Peninsula is deep in snow and the sea around it covered in drift ice. The area becomes a wildlife lover’s paradise with thousands of rare sea eagles taking up residence on the ice, while the area also witnesses the migration of red crowned ‘dancing’ cranes. Take an ice-breaker cruise around the peninsula.

Quiet Kyoto
This is arguably the best season to see the old ancient capital. There are relatively few tourists in Kyoto during winter allowing you to really enjoy the ambience in some of the more popular temples, shrines and gardens. If you are lucky you may catch a light dusting of snow to add to the beauty and atmosphere.

See the Emperor
It’s not every day that you get to see the Emperor, but there are two each year during winter when the public can catch a glimpse of Emperor Akihito himself, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Emperor and Empress greet the crowds on the Emperor’s Birthday (23 December) and at the New Year address (2 January).

Cosy ryokan relaxation – experience a traditional Japanese guest house
A ryokan stay is a must for a visit to Japan at any time of year, but during winter they are especially good. The atmosphere is unique to Japan with your kimono-clad hosts offering the best in hospitality, good food, warming sake and hot spring baths – often with great views - to keep you cosy whilst surrounded by snow.

Winter Sports
Japan has some of the best ski conditions in the world. Head up to Hokkaido for the guaranteed powder in Niseko and Furano. Alternatively, make the short trip from the capital to Honshu’s premier resort of Hakuba, or one of the hundreds of smaller ski resorts found on the mainland.

And if you want something a little warmer, that’s fine too:

For some sub-tropical sun make tracks to the Yaeyama islands and enjoy temperatures around 20˚C. Ishigaki island has plenty of beaches and nearby Iriomote island is particularly well covered in beach and jungle. Ideal for adventure or relaxation.

InsideJapan Tours can arrange fully-tailored winter itineraries to suit all budgets and can include any of the above experiences, and more.

InsideJapan Tours offers a 14-night Winter Highlights tour which takes in the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, the wildlife and drift ice of the Shiretoko Peninsula, the snow monkeys of Yudanaka as well as the culture of Kyoto and the excitement of Tokyo. Departing 2 Feb 2011, it costs Ł3,000 pp including hotel and ryokan accommodation with breakfast, some meals, transport within Japan, Sumida River boat cruise, Ice Breaker cruise in Rausu, local guide in Tsurui, guided walking tour of Kyoto’s Gion geisha district, guiding and an information pack. Excludes flights which can be booked through InsideJapan Tours.

To talk about an individual itinerary or to book call InsideJapan Tours on 0117 314 4620 (www.insidejapantours.com).