This wonderful small-group tour takes in Japan's iconic natural beauty with stops in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka, at the best time of year to go.
Our The Times Japan Cherry Blossoms and Snow Monkeys tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Learn the basics of how to make sushi, during an informative workshop.
See the snow monkeys as they bathe in the hot springs.
See the magical cherry blossom in full bloom.
Experience an overnight stay in a traditional Ryokan.
Coronavirus Update for Japan - Japan is on the UK Government Covid Safe List meaning visitors do not need to quarantine themselves on returning home.
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On arrival in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant, innovative capital city, transfer by private vehicle to your hotel where you will have any free time to relax or explore.
Today, soak up the ambience of Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, before browsing the stalls of Nakamise shopping street. You will then have the opportunity to take part in a Sushi making workshop, where you will be able to taste your own creations for lunch. Afterwards, take part in a Shodo experience, where you will learn the traditional art of Japanese calligraphy. This evening, cruise the waters of Tokyo Bay and enjoy dinner from the perfect vantage point to admire the supercharged lights of the city.
This morning, travel around 3 hours by road from Tokyo to Mount Fuji where you'll ascend 2,400 meters up Japan's most iconic sight to the 5th Station (weather permitting). Transfer to the spa region of Hakone and embark on a cruise on the spectacular Lake Ashi. Next, fly high above the lake on the Komagatake Ropeway to the summit of Mt Komagatake where the views of Mt Fuji will be breathtaking. Later, transfer to Yudanaka, where on arrival you will check in to your ryokan and enjoy a Japanese style dinner.
After your Japanese style breakfast at your ryokan, travel deeper into the Japanese Alps to see the Japanese Snow Monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. These creatures are unique in the fact that they make use of the area's natural hot springs, bathing and playing in and around the water. Later, transfer to Nagano, where you will spend the afternoon visiting the 7th century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most popular.
Today, transfer to Nagana station to take the JR limited express train to Nagoya. Once you arrive at Nagoya change trains to board the JR bullet train to Kyoto. On arrival in Kyoto, transfer to your hotel where the rest of your day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Begin your exciting tour of Kyoto by visiting the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the
Take a private transfer to Osaka, where on arrival you'll learn about the turbulent history of the magnificent Osaka Castle followed by the Umeda Sy Garden, which offers great views of the city. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel.
Drive to Nara, a former capital of Japan, Admire the magnificent Daibutsu, the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha at Todaiji. The grounds of the temple are occupied by Sika Deer, regarded as messengers of the Shinto gods. Next, visit Kasuga Shinto Shrine, one of Nara's most famous shrines. After lunch, transfer back to Osaka where the rest of the day is free time to begin discovering this exciting city. In the evening, sit down to enjoy a farewell meal.
After breakfast, transfer to Kansai airport by private vehicle and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms are bursting into life and autumn (September to November) when the scenery is ablaze with colour.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
