Sapporo & Snow Monkeys

Prices 11 days from £4,990pp

Days 1-2 Fly to Tokyo

Fly overnight to the dazzling metropolis of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Explore Tokyo

Explore the exciting city of Tokyo. Start the day with a visit to Edo Tokyo Museum before heading to the vibrant district of Asakusa, where you will visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise shopping street. After lunch, take a boat cruise on the Sumida River, passing under 12 bridges. Disembark in Hamarikyu garden, an Edo Period Japanese garden surrounded by the Shiodome district's futuristic skyscrapers, a great example of how Japan is the land of contrasts.

Day 4 Fly to Sapporo

Transfer to the airport and fly to Sapporo. On arrival, transfer to your hotel, driving by the Tower Clock, an exquisite example of Meiji architecture. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 5 Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival

One of the largest events of its kind, Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival attracts sculptors from all over the world to compete, which inevitably leads to bigger and better creations every year! Today, wander along Odori Avenue and through the Susukino district, where hundreds of snow and ice sculptures will be on display. In the afternoon, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. There is an optional beer tasting before popping next door to the Sapporo Beer Garden to dine on a Genghis Khan dinner - barbeque lamb, a Sapporo special!

Day 6 Otaru

This morning, ascend to the Okurayama viewing point, soaring up to the summit of the Sapporo Winter Olympics ski jump by chair lift - the views over the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. Later, visit the pretty port town of Otaru and take some time to walk along the streets of the village, stroll along the canal and nosh on some of Japan's best sushi.

Day 7 Fly to Tokyo

Transfer to the airport and hop on a flight back to Tokyo. On arrival, head to the famous Shibuya Crossing and enjoy free time for lunch in Shinjuku, a buzzing entertainment, business and shopping area. Later, visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil Shinto shrine set amongst a stretch of woodland.

Day 8 Matsumoto Castle

Start the morning with a visit to the Tokyo Government Office Building's observatory deck for panoramic views of Tokyo and beyond, before transferring to Matsumoto to visit the magnificent 16th Century Matsumoto Castle, also known as Crow Castle due to its black exterior. Continue to the pretty mountain city of Nagano where you will stay for the next two nights.

Day 9 Snow Monkeys

Head to Jigokudani Yaen Koen. Walking through a picturesque forested valley, reach the steaming hot pools and spend some time watching the beautiful Japanese Macaques, or Snow Monkeys, bathe and play in the waters. This afternoon will be spent visiting the 7th Century Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most popular.

Day 10 Kyoto Tea Ceremony

Transfer to the train station and take a Limited Express train to Nagoya and then change onto one of Japan's super-fast bullet trains and wizz your way through the countryside to Kyoto. On arrival, head straight to a quintessential Japanese experience - a tea ceremony. This private tea ceremony, in a Kyoto tearoom, will demonstrate the traditional rituals of tea preparation and service.

Day 11 Explore Kyoto

An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for a thousand years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens. Start your day at Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Pavilion, Kyoto's most famous temple. Continue to Nijo Castle, and after lunch visit Sanjusangendo Temple before ending the day wandering through Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen. Gather tonight for a farewell dinner.

Day 12 Depart Kyoto

Transfer to Osaka Airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

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From £4,990 per person

Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.

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