UK
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Classic
Winter Highlights
14 Nights: from AU$11519 Trip Code: WH
Activity Rating: Active
Winter Highlights is a journey through Japan's wild, northernmost outpost. Timed with the legendary Sapporo Snow Festival and packed with wild bird spotting opportunities, this tour reveals a side of the country many visitors never encounter. Read more >
Heading north from Tokyo, you’ll swap skyscrapers for windswept plains and wild peninsulas, where still-smoking volcanoes provide a dramatic backdrop. Winter in Japan is deeply cold – but wrap up warm, and you’ll be rewarded.
In Tsurui, a bird expert will introduce you to Hokkaido's avian residents. Some 165 species of bird have been spotted here, but the red-crowned crane is the most iconic. Their elaborate winter mating dance – full of bows, jumps and wing-flashes – is a rare, theatrical spectacle for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
From here, you’ll travel east to Abashiri for one of Hokkaido’s most dramatic experiences: an icebreaker cruise through the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea. Steller’s sea eagles congregate here on the ice. For the history lovers (and those who love a great story), a trip to Abashari Prison reveals how Hokkaido came to be the island it is today (make sure you ask about the inmate who escaped using miso soup…)
Onwards through the wintery landscapes and into the Akan Mashu National Park, you’ll spot crater lakes and ancient forests, stopping for the evening at the hot spring town of Kawayu Onsen. Outdoor thermal baths (onsen) provide the perfect winter warmth as the sun begins to dip.
The train journey onwards to Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, is a spectacle in itself. Grab a window seat for windswept snowscapes and metres-high snow walls, created by the morning snow ploughs.
The tour arrives in Sapporo just in time for the snow festival – when over 400 snow sculptures take over the city: from popular manga characters to galloping horses and snow slides complete with inflatable “sledges”. They get more and more elaborate each year. The city is also famous for its beer – try the blue beer, made with drift ice, flowers and seaweed, best paired with buttery ramen noodles.
The hearty, warming cuisine of Hokkaido is a highlight for our customers too – in particular, the Genghis Khan BBQ (Jingisukan). Meat and vegetables are grilled in a traditionally Mongolian style, thought to have given the dish its name. For fish lovers, you’ll get the try the freshest catch from Hakodate fish market (right next to your hotel).
From the wilds of the north, your trip loops back through the centre of the country. Kyoto, busy with crowds in spring and autumn, takes on a quieter beauty in February. You’ll have a rare chance to experience the Golden Pavilion away from the highest volume of visitors – perhaps even under a dusting of snow. And Kanazawa, a city famous for its traditional gold-leaf crafts provides an ideal base for a visit to Shirakawago, a remote village famous for its impressive ‘praying-hands' thatched-roof houses standing proudly in the snow.
Even the metropolis of Tokyo takes a calmer turn in the colder months, shedding its peak season crowds. Warm your hands around a bowl of green tea at Hamarikyu Gardens, that much more peaceful in the winter months.
From ice-dancing cranes to blue beer, and snow festivals to snow-covered temples, Winter Highlights is the trip for you if you don’t mind wrapping up warm to discover something extraordinary.
Is this tour for you?
What's great
- Nature - much of this tour focuses on the wild landscapes of Hokkaido – with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
- You get a mix of rural and urban Japan - from Toyko skyscrapers to Tsurui mountains, lakes and onsen hot springs.
- You’ll see the Sapporo Snow Festival – over four hundred intricate snow sculptures – that get more elaborate every year (think Darth Vader and galloping horses!)
- It’s quiet – gone are the crowds of peak spring and autumn.
- Traditional accommodation – but just one night on a futon (floor level).
- You experience culture and adventure – from seeing the Kyoto Golden Pavillion without the crowds (hopefully wreathed in snow), to taking an icebreaker cruise on the Okhotsk Sea.
Things to consider
- It does get very cold! It can go down to as low as -20°C in Hokkaido. If you’re keen for a more specialist tour like this one, but without such low temperatures, try Hidden Japan or A Northern Soul.
- You won’t see all the big sights – this trip is about the wild wonders of the north. If you want to see the big, classic sights of Japan, Classic Japan may be for you.
- Dietary requirements - The food on this tour is ideal for omnivores and pescatarians, but if you have other dietary requirements, another tour may be better suited to you.
- Japanese accommodation – you’ll have shared bathing facilities at one traditional hotel, but this is all part of the experience.
- Solo travellers pay a single supplement.
- All accommodation is 3* and above.
- With an Active activity rating, this tour is for people confident spending a substantial amount of time on foot every day. Most of the snow is hard-packed, but we can’t guarantee it won’t be icy, given the season.
What's included
- Arrival and departure airport transfers by shared shuttle bus
- Full-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
- 14 nights' accommodation
- Breakfast every day, two lunches, and seven evening meals
- Your InsideJapan Info-Pack
- All transport between destinations in Japan, including airport transfers and domestic flights and an IC transport card with 3,000 yen credit
- Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
- Bird-watching guide in Tsurui
- Icebreaker cruise on the Okhotsk Sea
- BBQ dinner at the Asahi Beer Garden in Sapporo
- Afternoon tea with a maiko in Kyoto
- Day excursion by private coach to Shirakawago village
- Luggage forwarding from Tsurui to Sapporo, Sapporo to Kyoto & Kyoto to Tokyo
- Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip
What's NOT included:
- International flights
- Any entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
- Any local transport in each destination unless otherwise specified
- Baggage handling & luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified
Tour Price Information
2026
- Tour Price: From AU$11519
- Single Supplement: From AU$1071
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From AU$179 pp Single From AU$231 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From AU$263 pp Single From AU$336 pp
Tour Highlights
- Take an icebreaker cruise on the Okhotsk Sea
- See Steller's sea eagles on the drift ice
- Go red-crowned crane spotting with a bird-watching expert
- See the colossal snow sculptures at Sapporo's world-renowned Snow Festival
- Spot crater lakes and ancient forests
- Meet an apprentice geisha (maiko) in Kyoto
- Take a cable car up to Mt Hakodate - one of Japan's best nighttime views
- If all this sounds great and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your stay in Japan!
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 2104 5561
What, where, when and how...
Winter Highlights - 15 Days
Winter Highlights - 15 Days - Day by Day
Winter Highlights - 15 Days - Accommodation
Winter Highlights - 15 Days - Experiences
Winter Highlights - 15 Days - Booking
Single supplement from AU$1071
-
Day 1-2
Sip green tea in the tranquil environs of Hamarikyu Gardens, an unlikely oasis in the centre of the Tokyo Metropolis.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.
On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, before going on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the vibrant streets of Harajuku, known for its fashion and pop culture, or the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya. A visit to Tokyo's beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, an oasis of calm in the metropolis, will also be included today.
Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
Day 3
Fly north to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and home to spectacular wildlife and scenery.
Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festivals, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.
You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui , where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.
Overnight: Woody Hotel & Restaurant Yumekobo
-
Day 4
Witness the mating dance of the famous red-crowned crane in Tsurui.
Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!
This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Kawayu Onsen near to Lake Kussharo.Overnight: Kawayu Kanko Hotel
-
Day 5
Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the ice floes of the Okhotsk Sea and visit one of Abashiri's fascinating museums.
This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.
Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit the Abashiri Prison Museum, an interesting set of buildings that were constructed during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Dinner will be included tonight, at the hotel.Overnight: Abashiri Koso
-
Day 6-7
Marvel at the giant snow sculptures at Sapporo's famous Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival.
Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.
In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with two nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and most notably hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. You'll have a chance to explore the city and sample some of the unique cuisine such as the local buttery ramen noodles. The Odori Park in the centre of the city is a hive of activity during the annual snow festival, with snow sculptures and street food stalls providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach! The city also features some Meiji period architecture most notably at the city's iconic Clock Tower.
On day seven you have a full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city before an included dinner at the Asahi Beer Garden (indoor), where you can savour Hokkaido's famous "Genghis Khan" grilled lamb alongside plentiful beer in a fun and relaxed setting.Overnight: Cross Hotel Sapporo
-
Day 8
Spectacular nighttime views and samurai skirmishes await you in the port city of Hakodate.
Travel by train this morning to Hakodate, Hokkaido's third largest and southernmost city. With a history closely tied to Japan's re-opening to the world in the nineteenth century after over 250 years of national isolation, Hakodate quickly became one of the most important Japanese hubs for foreign trade. This afternoon, explore the Meiji period red-brick warehouses, with many of them now converted into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, before diving deeper into the early modern history of the city at the unique star-shaped Goryokaku fort.
As the sun sets, you'll head to Mt Hakodate for a thrilling cable car ride to admire one of Japan's best panoramic nighttime views from the summit.Overnight: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
-
Day 9-11
Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, where you'll visit ancient temples and shrines and enjoy an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha.
After a visit to Hakodate's morning market, today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu, Japan's main island, by plane. Flying from Hakodate to Itami Airport, you'll then take the train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart and capital for over a millennium, from 794 until 1868. On arrival in the city, you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group. Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.
On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This afternoon you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world.
Finally, on day eleven, you will be free to continue exploring the countless sights of the city, or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader may be leading a tour of the former capital, Nara, just an hour's train ride away. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
-
Day 12-13
Visit a stunning landscape gardens in one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities.
This morning, you will leave Kyoto and travel by train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea coast, an area often referred to as yukiguni – snow country. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood and traditional crafts such as gold leaf and lacquerware. This afternoon you will visit Kenrokuen, ranked as one of Japan's top three gardens and particularly famous for the ‘snow ropes' that adorn the pine trees in winter, preventing the branches from breaking under the heavy weight of the snow. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market, samurai district, or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
On day 13 you will take a day excursion by private bus to Shirakawago, stopping off on the way for a hands-on lesson in the art of traditional Japanese washi paper making. Continuing to Shirakawago and after enjoying a traditional a hearty lunch on arrival, you will have the afternoon to enjoy exploring this UNESCO World Heritage designated village of traditional thatched-roof houses, referred to as gassho-zukuri, or ‘praying hands' houses, due to their impressive steep roofs. Late afternoon sees you heading back to Kanazawa for a free evening to explore the city's vibrant restaurant scene.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa
-
Day 14-15
Spend a final night in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo.
Finally, it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last afternoon and evening in the city. Arriving in style via one of Japan's newest bullet train routes from Kanazawa, you'll have some free time for any last-minute sight-seeing and souvenir shopping. A farewell dinner is included this evening, and we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for one last meal.
On day 15 a shared shuttle bus has been arranged to take you to the airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
-
Day 1-2
Sip green tea in the tranquil environs of Hamarikyu Gardens, an unlikely oasis in the centre of the Tokyo Metropolis.
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met at the airport by your driver and travel to your hotel in the traditional Asakusa district of the city by shared shuttle. Your tour leader will be waiting to welcome you in the lobby, and this evening you will convene with your group for an orientation meeting and a fabulous included meal at one of the area's great restaurants.
On day two of your itinerary we hope you're rested and ready for a tour of Tokyo's many exciting attractions. You will probably begin by exploring Asakusa's low-rise market stalls and its temple, Senso-ji, before going on to discover some of Tokyo's other distinct districts – perhaps the vibrant streets of Harajuku, known for its fashion and pop culture, or the famous scramble crossing at Shibuya. A visit to Tokyo's beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens, an oasis of calm in the metropolis, will also be included today.
Overnight: Gracery Asakusa Hotel
-
Day 3
Fly north to Hokkaido, Japan's second-largest island and home to spectacular wildlife and scenery.
Today you will hop aboard a private bus and head out of the city to Haneda Airport for your flight to Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan's four main islands, and yet it remains unvisited by most international visitors – and even by most Japanese! Known for its rare wildlife, rugged sweeping plains, volcanic landscapes and amazing snow festivals, Hokkaido is a superb winter destination and definitely off the beaten track.
You will land in Kushiro and transfer by private coach to Tsurui , where you'll be spending your first night in Hokkaido. A delicious home-cooked dinner will be included at your accommodation this evening.
Overnight: Woody Hotel & Restaurant Yumekobo
-
Day 4
Witness the mating dance of the famous red-crowned crane in Tsurui.
Tsurui is famous as a breeding-ground for the rare red-crowned crane, and this morning you will have the services of an expert local guide in addition to your tour leader as you take a bird-watching tour of the area. Hopefully you'll be lucky enough to see the cranes perform their incredible mating dance – don't forget to bring your camera!
This afternoon you'll transfer by private coach to Kawayu Onsen near to Lake Kussharo.Overnight: Kawayu Kanko Hotel
-
Day 5
Take an icebreaker cruise amongst the ice floes of the Okhotsk Sea and visit one of Abashiri's fascinating museums.
This morning it's time to board an icebreaker for a cruise on the Okhotsk Sea. From your boat you'll be able to appreciate the wild scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula and perhaps even get up close to a flock of Steller's Sea Eagles as they congregate on the ice floes.
Later on you will once again climb aboard a private coach and make your way to Abashiri, where this afternoon you'll visit the Abashiri Prison Museum, an interesting set of buildings that were constructed during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Dinner will be included tonight, at the hotel.Overnight: Abashiri Koso
-
Day 6-7
Marvel at the giant snow sculptures at Sapporo's famous Yuki Matsuri, or snow festival.
Today you will take the train from Abashiri to Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital city. The train ride will be an experience in itself, offering fantastic views of Hokkaido's vast, windswept snowscapes as you journey across country.
In Sapporo you'll have a chance to slow your pace a little and relax, with two nights in your hotel located conveniently next to Sapporo station.
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and most notably hosted the Winter Olympics in 1972. You'll have a chance to explore the city and sample some of the unique cuisine such as the local buttery ramen noodles. The Odori Park in the centre of the city is a hive of activity during the annual snow festival, with snow sculptures and street food stalls providing a feast for the eyes and the stomach! The city also features some Meiji period architecture most notably at the city's iconic Clock Tower.
On day seven you have a full day to enjoy the winter wonderland of Sapporo. We recommend visiting the Nijo Fish Market, checking out the Ainu Museum about Hokkaido's indigenous people, or perhaps scaling the TV tower for great views of the city before an included dinner at the Asahi Beer Garden (indoor), where you can savour Hokkaido's famous "Genghis Khan" grilled lamb alongside plentiful beer in a fun and relaxed setting.Overnight: Cross Hotel Sapporo
-
Day 8
Spectacular nighttime views and samurai skirmishes await you in the port city of Hakodate.
Travel by train this morning to Hakodate, Hokkaido's third largest and southernmost city. With a history closely tied to Japan's re-opening to the world in the nineteenth century after over 250 years of national isolation, Hakodate quickly became one of the most important Japanese hubs for foreign trade. This afternoon, explore the Meiji period red-brick warehouses, with many of them now converted into trendy shops, cafes and restaurants, before diving deeper into the early modern history of the city at the unique star-shaped Goryokaku fort.
As the sun sets, you'll head to Mt Hakodate for a thrilling cable car ride to admire one of Japan's best panoramic nighttime views from the summit.Overnight: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel
-
Day 9-11
Explore Kyoto, Japan's ancient capital, where you'll visit ancient temples and shrines and enjoy an exclusive audience with a trainee geisha.
After a visit to Hakodate's morning market, today it's time to leave Hokkaido behind and return to Honshu, Japan's main island, by plane. Flying from Hakodate to Itami Airport, you'll then take the train to Kyoto, Japan's cultural heart and capital for over a millennium, from 794 until 1868. On arrival in the city, you will drop off your luggage at your hotel in time to enjoy a delicious included meal with your group. Kyoto's illustrious history as the seat of Imperial rule has left it with a bounty of ancient temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. In fact, Kyoto's heritage was considered so significant that it was spared bombing raids during World War Two, meaning that many of these historical treasures remain intact to this day.
On day ten your tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of the city, introducing you to some of its famous sites as well as some of its lesser-known treasures. This afternoon you will have the privilege of an exclusive audience with a maiko - or trainee geisha. This is a rare opportunity to ask questions and discover what life is like in this notoriously secretive world.
Finally, on day eleven, you will be free to continue exploring the countless sights of the city, or to make a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations within easy reach by rail. Your tour leader may be leading a tour of the former capital, Nara, just an hour's train ride away. You can choose to accompany the group, or make alternative plans if there is something else you'd like to see.Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
-
Day 12-13
Visit a stunning landscape gardens in one of Japan's best-preserved traditional cities.
This morning, you will leave Kyoto and travel by train to Kanazawa on the Japan Sea coast, an area often referred to as yukiguni – snow country. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared bombing during World War II thanks to its impressive collection of religious sites and important cultural assets. Today it is one of Japan's best-preserved historical cities. The region is renowned for its great seafood and traditional crafts such as gold leaf and lacquerware. This afternoon you will visit Kenrokuen, ranked as one of Japan's top three gardens and particularly famous for the ‘snow ropes' that adorn the pine trees in winter, preventing the branches from breaking under the heavy weight of the snow. Additionally, if you have the energy after a busy tour, you might wish to visit the local market, samurai district, or the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
On day 13 you will take a day excursion by private bus to Shirakawago, stopping off on the way for a hands-on lesson in the art of traditional Japanese washi paper making. Continuing to Shirakawago and after enjoying a traditional a hearty lunch on arrival, you will have the afternoon to enjoy exploring this UNESCO World Heritage designated village of traditional thatched-roof houses, referred to as gassho-zukuri, or ‘praying hands' houses, due to their impressive steep roofs. Late afternoon sees you heading back to Kanazawa for a free evening to explore the city's vibrant restaurant scene.Overnight: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa
-
Day 14-15
Spend a final night in the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo.
Finally, it's time for you to return to Tokyo for one last afternoon and evening in the city. Arriving in style via one of Japan's newest bullet train routes from Kanazawa, you'll have some free time for any last-minute sight-seeing and souvenir shopping. A farewell dinner is included this evening, and we highly recommend that you join your tour leader and group for one last meal.
On day 15 a shared shuttle bus has been arranged to take you to the airport for your flight home. Have a safe trip!Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Winter Highlights
Read more >Good advice and communication prior to the trip and very slick organisation in Japan once we arrived.
Small Group Tour Winter Highlights
Read more >Great work - seamless admin
Tour Gallery
Tour Reviews
Small Group Tour Winter Highlights
Read more >Good advice and communication prior to the trip and very slick organisation in Japan once we arrived.
Small Group Tour Winter Highlights
Read more >Great work - seamless admin
4.9 out of 5 from 34 reviews Show all Winter Highlights Reviews
Latest from Twitter
Head north to experience Japan in autumn that is rarely seen by travellers... #AutumnLeaves #AutumnColours… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
Other IJT Classic Tours you may like...
-
Small Group Tour
A Northern Soul (IJT Classic)
- Tokyo
- Nikko
- Hiraizumi
- Naruko Onsen
- Kesennuma
- Sendai
- Niigata
- Sado Island
- Tokyo
A Northern Soul takes you away from the well-worn tourist route and into Japan's northern landscapes and communities. If you've got a sense of adventure and a desire to get deeper into everyday Japanese culture, this is your tour.
14 nights: AU$10952 Read more >
-
Small Group Tour
Spring Elegance (IJT Classic)
- Tokyo
- Matsumoto
- Takayama
- Kanazawa
- Kyoto
- Hakone
- Tokyo
From neon cityscapes to towering mountains and back, Spring Elegance provides an excellent balance of superb experiences and value for money.
13 nights: AU$11907 Read more >
-
Small Group Tour
Hidden Japan (IJT Classic)
- Kyoto
- Mount Koya
- Tokushima
- Takamatsu
- Kotohira
- Matsuyama
- Hiroshima
- Kyoto
Discover the road less travelled
12 nights: AU$10448 Read more >
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
+ 61 7 3186 8800