Australia
USA
Small Group Tour IJT Classic
Winter Highlights
14 Nights: from US$7131 Trip Code: WH
Activity Rating: Active
From incredible snowy landscapes and rare birds in Hokkaido to traditional gardens and cultural treasures on Honshu; this tour demonstrates the myriad attractions of the winter season on Japan's two largest islands. Read more >
Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost outpost, is remote but breathtaking. Here you'll wander vast, windswept plains and wild peninsulas where still-smoking volcanoes provide the backdrop, with a litany of rare birds to be spotted.
In Tsurui you'll receive an introduction to Hokkaido's avian residents accompanied by an expert birding guide, and whilst in Abashiri you'll take an icebreaker cruise amongst the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea. With a bit of luck on your side, the cruise will bring you within range of magnificent Steller's sea eagles, a fantastic opportunity for keen wildlife photographers.
A two-night stay in Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, includes a visit to the famous snow festival, during which approximately 400 giant snow sculptures occupy the city's spaces. Sapporo is famous for beer as well as snow, so in addition to enjoying the festival you'll take a tour of one of the city's breweries.
Before returning to the mainland, you'll also stop off for a night in Hakodate, a port city famous for its fresh seafood, nineteenth century history and stunning nighttime views.
Honshu is Japan's main island and offers a very different experience from Hokkaido. In Tokyo you can warm your hands around a bowl of green tea at Hamarikyu Gardens, whilst in Kyoto you might be lucky enough to enjoy the enchanting sight of the Golden Pavilion wreathed in snow. You will also have a private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha), which is sure to be a special moment.
Finally, one of the highlights of your trip will be a visit to Kanazawa, a city famous for its traditional gold-leaf crafts and the perfect base for a visit to Shirakawago, a remote village famous for its impressive? praying-hands' thatched-roof houses standing proudly in the snow.
If this sounds good and makes you want to see even more, why not extend your tour in Japan!
Important Tour Information
Travelling with family? Under 18s get 10% off the tour price.
The accommodation listed is for 2026 departures. Please note that accommodation is subject to change. Final details of the accommodation will be included in your Info-Pack, which will be sent out approximately four weeks before departure. If you would like to know more, please speak to your travel consultant.
Group Size: 4 - 14
Single Supplement: Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on this tour through the payment of a mandatory single supplement.
Fitness: Even when not using public transport, sightseeing in Japan often involves walking between sights, climbing up steps in temples and being 'on the go' for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness, able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty and able to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the majority of the group.
Check-in: Upon arrival you will probably be tired after a long international flight.Please note that rooms at the first hotel are only available from 2pm. (You can, however, securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).
Transport: Please note that most transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. This tour uses a mixture of domestic flights, trains, taxis, and boats, as well as private coaches for some transfers and sightseeing.
Luggage: We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack are most appropriate for this tour as you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators or elevators/lifts. You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack) for use when we forward our main bags to the next location.
Weather and clothing: We will be spending 6 days in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido and you should be aware that it will be extremely cold here. Night-time temperatures can get below minus 20 degrees centigrade. There are many days on which the temperature drops below 0 degrees centigrade all day long. You will need heavy overcoats, caps, gloves, scarves, etc. in addition to sweaters and jackets. Our accommodation will of course be heated but for the outdoors you will also need shoes that are suitable for walking on snow or ice, and rubber crampons.
Accommodation: Culturally, communal bathing is common practice in Japan. Please note that in some traditional accommodations fully private en suite facilities may not be available. We will do our best to secure rooms on tour with private toilet and sink however some accommodations are not able to offer private facilities. Shared facilities (when included) will always be separated by gender.
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are very much the norm, and there are far fewer double rooms available. Please understand that on this tour we are not able to offer double rooms at any of the locations.
International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airport. Please note that the included meet-and-greet and arrival transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
What's included
- 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 US$7131
- Single Supplement: From US$663
Extra Nights
- Pre-Tour: Twin Share From US$111 pp Single From US$143 pp
- Post-Tour: Twin Share From US$163 pp Single From US$208 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 nature expert
- Observe the colossal snow sculptures at Sapporo's world-renowned Snow Festival
- Marvel at Eastern Hokkaido's crater lakes
- Meet an apprentice geisha in Kyoto
- Take a cable car and admire one of Japan's best nighttime panoramic views from the top of Mt Hakodate'
- 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: + 44 117 244 3380
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 US$663
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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
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