Japan Winter Classic 11 Day Tour
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day Tour
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day Tour
11 Days Starting in 3-chome-43-15 Sendagi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0022, Japan and ending in 1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Visiting: Tokyo, Harajuku, Tsukiji, Hakone, Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Osaka, Nagano
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JPW11D
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
3 - 22
Age range:
18-45
Special diets catered:
Halal, Meat, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
One Life Adventures is a premium youth operator, specialising in trips for travellers aged 18-45 years inclusive (at the time of travel). Japan in Winter! Japan is a fascinating country where traditional and modern elements coexist. The country boasts spectacular natural landscapes, futuristic cities adorned with neon lights, world-renowned cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. To maximise your winter travel experience in Japan, we have created an 11-day itinerary that highlights some of the country’s top attractions during the winter season. This itinerary is a twist on our well-known and popular 10-day group tour, perfect for those who are keen to travel over Winter. You will get to learn how to hand-roll sushi, take a Kendo class with a descendant of a real samurai warrior, visit the red-faced snow monkeys in Nagano, opt to soak in an Onsen Hot Spring, admire Mount Fuji’s majestic beauty (weather permitting), and witness the enchanting Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto glitter in the snow. Our adventure is led by award-winning and expertly trained tour guides, who promise an immersive experience like no other. Our itinerary is packed with a diverse array of activities, ensuring that every moment is filled with wonder and excitement. From exploring vibrant cities to soaking in serene hot springs, each stop along the way offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Rest assured that every aspect of your journey has been fine-tuned with care, as our team has personally tried and tested each tour feature to provide you with the best possible experience. This trip promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Japan! Tokyo Time
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Touch down in Tokyo! Arrive at your Tokyo hostel and relax until the evening. Tonight we’ll take you out to feast on Japanese cuisine and meet the rest of your group. After dinner when the crowds have all dispersed, we explore the iconic Tokyo Senso-ji Temple by night.
Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Welcome Dinner, Senso-Ji Temple
Free Time Suggestions: Tokyo Skytree
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Low
Day 2 : Explore Tokyo: Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara
Location: Harajuku
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We will begin the morning with a Japan Orientation Briefing where you will learn about simple Japanese customs and phrases to help you navigate your way throughout the country. Then, we will move on to Harajuku, which is the birthplace of Japanese teen pop culture. We will explore the area and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. Next, we will go to Yoyogi Park, which is home to the beautiful Meiji Shrine.
Later, we will head to Akihabara, which is known as Tokyo’s electric town. You will be amazed by the neon lights and crazy shops. You can challenge each other in the arcades, visit the famous Maid Cafes, or just wander around the area.
Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Japan Orientation, Tokyo Districts
Free Time Suggestions: Maid Cafe
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 3 : Tokyo: Sushi Making Class & Shibuya Crossing
Location: Tsukiji
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, we will be attending a private sushi-making class. During the class, you will learn how to make Miso soup, three types of sushi, and the secrets behind Teriyaki. If you prefer the vegetarian option, inform your guide or One Life a week before the tour starts.
In the evening, we will be heading to Shinjuku. There, we will have an opportunity to see the unparalleled skyline of Tokyo, visit the famous Omoide Yokocho Alley and enjoy some dinner before viewing the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing.
Accommodation: Twin Bunks – Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar)
Activities: Sushi Making Class, Shibuya Crossing
Free Time Suggestions: Toyosu Fish Market, Songokuji Temple
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 4 : Hakone: Mt Fuji Viewing & Romance Car
Location: Hakone
Accommodation Name: Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we take the “Romance Car” to the stunning mountain town of Hakone. After checking into our guest house situated in the mountains, we will spend the day exploring the surrounding areas on a variety of different transports.
Why is Hakone so special? Well, not only is the food incredible but you can get a spectacular view of Mount Fuji (weather dependent). After a day of exploring and taking photos of Japan’s most famous mountain, we’ll arrange a traditional Japanese Family Nabe dinner in our guesthouse and finish the day playing some games.
If you have asthma/respiratory conditions, the brief visit to Owakudani is not advisable, please speak to your guide for an alternate arrangement.
Accommodation: Twin/Triple tatami mats -Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar)
Activities: Mt Fuji Viewing, Romance Car
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 5 : On To Kyoto! Gion District Walking Tour
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Hostel Gion
We’ll grab a quick breakfast on our way to catch our bullet train to Kyoto. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the beautiful city in Winter during the first half of the day. In the evening, your tour guide will take us around Kyoto’s Gion district, which is known for Geishas (Japan’s traditional art form of entertainment). If you’re lucky enough, you might even spot one!
Accommodation: Pod-style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Gion District Walking Tour
Free Time Suggestions: Geisha Performance
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 6 : Kyoto: Kiyomizu-Dera & Fushimi-Inari
Location: Kiyomizu-dera
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
We will wake up early and catch the subway to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, so we can avoid the crowd of tourists and work our way through the mountain and explore the endless corridors of red gates. After that, we will visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, which is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It is a beautiful bamboo and wooden complex that sits high on the mountainside. Later, you can opt in to participate in a traditional Tea Ceremony and rent kimonos. You will have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure.
Accommodation: Pod-style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi-Inari
Optional Extras: Kimono Hire, Tea Ceremony
Free Time Suggestions: Nishiki Market
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium/High
Day 7 : Kyoto: Golden Pavilion! Zen Garden & Kendo Class
Location: Kinkaku-ji
Accommodation: Hostel
Accommodation Name: Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
We will head to the Golden Pavilion, a beautiful gold-laden building surrounded by a lake. Although it is a popular destination throughout the year, it is particularly breathtaking during winter. Witnessing the golden pavilion set amidst the silver snow will make you feel like you are in a fairytale.
Later in the day, we will attend a traditional Kendo class in the dojo where it all began. Your instructor will be an authentic Bushido practitioner, a descendant of a real Japanese Samurai, who will teach you the principles of this respectful martial art.
Accommodation: Pod style per person -Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar)
Activities: Golden Pavilion, Kendo Class
Free Time Suggestions: Heian Shrine
Meals: N/A
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 8 : Kyoto To Osaka, Osaka Dotonbori Food Tour
Location: Osaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Take advantage of the morning to explore before we head to the station for our next destination. From there, we will travel to Osaka where you will have some time to explore. In the evening, we will have a food tasting tour in the famous Dotonbori area. You will be able to experience the food, people, lights, and colours of the “kitchen of Japan”.
Accommodation: Twin Share -Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi (or similar)
Activities: Dotonbori walk, Food Tour
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Osaka Canal Boat Tour
Meals: Dinner
Physical Rating: Medium
Day 9 : Osaka To Nagano
Location: Nagano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Before we head to the station to catch our train to Nagano, we will have some time in the morning to explore Osaka some more. You can enjoy the impressive view of Osaka Castle and then collect your bags from the hotel before boarding the train to Nagano.
Nagano is surrounded by some of the best ski fields in the world and is famous for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. In winter, it is truly amazing, with mountains covered in thick snow and beautiful frosted white sakura trees.
Accommodation: Twin Share -Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Activities: Osaka Castle grounds visit
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low
Day 10 : Nagano, Snow Monkeys And Onsens
Location: Nagano
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we will be waking up early to explore a winter wonderland that is just a short train ride away. We will arrive at the Jigokudani Monkey Park when it opens to avoid the crowds. After a short walk through the beautiful scenery, you will catch your first glimpse of the famous red-faced Snow Monkeys as they bask in the warm hot spring waters.
You’ll have some free time to spend in the magical onsen town called Yudanaka. There, you can soak in the hot springs while feeling the cool air around you or taste some local sake. In the evening, we will meet up for our farewell karaoke (for those ending their trip tomorrow).
Accommodation: Twin Share – Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar)
Activities: Snow Monkey Park, Karaoke
Optional Extras: N/A
Free Time Suggestions: Onsen (hot spring) pass, sake tasting
Meals: Breakfast
Physical Rating: Low
Day 11 : Back To Tokyo And Goodbye! (Japan Winter 11 Day Tour)
Location: Tokyo
Meals Included: Breakfast
For those who are not staying for the ski package, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends who are staying on to ski and catch your train back to Tokyo, which is included in the package. This is where the 11-day tour ends.
SKI Extension is available upon check out
What's Included
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Accommodation
10 nights of accommodation (13 when including the Addon Ski Package)
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Fully Guided
Your group leader & your local guides
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Transport
All transport Day 2 to 11 (or 14 if on ski package extension). Bullet train, subways & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 10 excl.)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Return to Tokyo on the last day of the tour.
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Meals
6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 3 Dinners
Mode of Transport
All transport Day 2 to 11 (or 14 if on ski package extension). Bullet train, subways & more (Airport transfers Day 1 & 10 excl.)
Accommodation
10 nights of accommodation (13 when including the Addon Ski Package)
Check out our Q&As
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On the Ski Extension Package where will we get snow/ski gear from?
The following items are included: Skiing equipment (skis, poles, and boots) or snowboarding equipment (board and boots). Clothing rental is also available for an additional fee. Contact enquires@onelifeadventures.com.au for more information.
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Is the return to Tokyo included in this tour?
Yes, if you are on the 11-day tour or the Ski Extension, the tour price includes the return train to Tokyo.
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What fitness level is required to join this tour?
This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the amount of walking involved. There will be some days where you will be walking more than approximately 8-10km. Please bring appropriate footwear for this! If you are on the Ski Extension we advise a moderate to high fitness level, to make the most of your time on the slopes.
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Can I bring a suitcase on this trip & is there a luggage limit?
We would highly recommend bringing no more than 15kg on this trip, and bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase if you can. You won’t need to carry your luggage around during daily excursions, but you will need to transport your luggage between each accommodation so we recommend packing as lightly as possible. The luggage limit on the Shinkansen (bullet train) is very strict. Bags over 160cm (height x width x length) need an advance reservation and bags over 251cm cannot be accommodated even with a reservation.
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I’m arriving at 9pm on day 1, will this be a problem?
Arriving at 21:00 is not a problem at all, but you will miss the welcome dinner and night walk at Senso-ji Temple. Just be mindful that all public transport into the city stops running around midnight so keep this in mind if any of your flights are delayed. If this is the case, there is information in your welcome email about how to get into the city after midnight.
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What type of ski experience do we need to have for the extension - e.g. Beginners/Int/Advanced ok?
Any level can join our Ski Extension Package, if you are a beginner and would like to purchase lessons, please send a message for more information.
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Can I book a single upgrade on this tour?
We are unfortunately not able to offer a single supplement for our Japan tour, simply because it’s extremely difficult to find a single room, almost every room is a twin so it would essentially mean the guest would need to cover the cost of two people to be able to have a room to themselves. However, we will absolutely try and put you with another solo traveler.
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How much spending money do I need for this tour?
We would advise $600 – $700 AUD for the duration of the 11-day tour. This is a safe amount to cover lots on the tour, however you will have lots of opportunities to withdraw more cash throughout the trip. You will need a bit more cash for meals if you are on the Ski Extension.
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What if I bring my own ski gear, do I send it to the starting place of where we ski?
Speak to our team before you leave to understand what is best to do if you wish to bring your own ski gear. However gear rental is included in the price of the tour.
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Do we have to carry our luggage around with us each day? Is there a luggage delivery service on this trip?
You will need to transport your luggage between accommodations, but during the day when out and about you can leave your luggage safely stored away at the hostel. We do not offer a luggage delivery service but our guide can direct where you need to go to do it yourself.
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How is WiFi and data access on the trip?
As Japan is a developed country, Wi-Fi and data access is excellent. All the hostels that we stay in have strong and consistent Wi-Fi. If you’d like to stay connected whilst on the road you can pick up a tourist sim card at the airport, these will cost you anywhere between $20-$40 for 2 weeks worth of data.
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Do we need to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is not included and you don’t need to purchase one as we take care of all the transport for you. We try to use local transport for a more authentic experience.
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We are travelling together, can we upgrade to have a private room for all nights?
We cannot offer upgrades to our nights in Kyoto but for the rest of the tour you will be in twins! On the ski extension you will stay in 6 share pod style dorms.
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Is there much free time in each location?
The itinerary in Tokyo is fairly packed, but you can always stay in an area for longer and return to the accommodation on your own if you would like to explore more. While there’s not much free time in Hakone, in Osaka you will have some free time in the morning before heading to Nagano. In Kyoto you will have a half day free to explore on your own.
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Can I book the Ski Extension Package while on the 11 day tour?
No, this tour must be booked in advance either online or with a travel agent.
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What is the age range of this tour?
We have an age range of 18 – 45 years old for our tours. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old, though this range varies to slightly older with certain destinations, and are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of all different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded conscious fellow travellers.
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How much free time is there in Tokyo if I’d like to do some shopping & optional activities like Mario Kart?
While there is free time allocated during our time in Tokyo to explore each area a little further, there isn’t enough free time for bigger activities unless you miss some of the inclusions. If you’d like to do the Mario Kart racing for example, we recommend you arrive earlier than day 1 to give yourself some extra time in Tokyo.
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Where should I fly into? Where do we spend the first night of the tour?
You can fly into Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND). It doesn’t matter which one you fly into. We don’t offer airport pick-ups on this tour but we include incredibly detailed information on how to get to the hostel from both airports in your welcome pack. The first night is at Sakura Hotel Nippori in Tokyo. You will be notified in the unlikely case that there are changes.
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How big are your group sizes?
Our groups are capped at 22 people maximum.
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Do I have to have travel insurance to come on a tour?
Travel insurance on all One Life Adventures trips is compulsory and we will check for it on tour, if you do not have travel insurance when you arrive on your tour you will not be able to continue without purchasing it.
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What's the general age range on your tours?
We have an age range of 18 – 45 years of age. Most of our guests are aged between 21-35 years old are looking to experience our adventurous “flashpacking” style of travel. Our tours are perfect for people of different backgrounds to share travel experiences with like-minded fellow travellers.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes, we do. We cannot guarantee single sex rooming arrangements in multi-share accommodation (e.g. shared dormitory hostels), but twin share rooms will always be single sex.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of one life adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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