This trip covers Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagano and Hakone, with skiing in Nagano as the core highlight. Spend full days at Nagano’s popular ski resorts, where well-maintained slopes covered in soft powder suit skiers of all levels. After enjoying exciting snow activities, unwind in traditional onsens to soothe tired muscles. Aside from the prime skiing experience, you will also explore distinctive charms of other destinations: bustling Tokyo, historic Kanazawa and scenic Hakone, creating a balanced itinerary centered around your anticipated Nagano ski adventure.
Sumo Demonstration Experience
Watching live sumo matches in Tokyo. Feel the arena’s sacred atmosphere, hear wrestlers’ powerful collisions, and witness salt-throwing rituals. Every moment blends intense sport and ancient tradition, an unforgettable cultural immersion.
Relax in Onsen
Once your skiing session comes to an end, head for traditional public onsens to release fatigue. Soak in warm mineral-rich hot spring water that gently soothes stiff and aching muscles. Take your time to appreciate the tranquil winter surroundings and settle your mood before returning to your lodging for the night.
Ski in Nagano
You will spend the whole day at a reputable ski resort located in Nagano. A wide range of well-groomed trails are blanketed with fine powder snow, accommodat-ing beginners and experienc-ed skiers alike. You can glide down the slopes at your own pace and fully immerse yourself in the fun of winter snow sports amid the crisp outdoor air.
Sumida River Cruise
Enjoy a leisurely Sumida River Cruise to explore Tokyo. Glide past Tokyo Skytree, historic bridges and riverside scenery. Day trips showcase city views, while night cruises present dazzling nightscapes. In spring, beautiful cherry blossoms line the banks. It’s a wonderful way to experi-ence both traditional and modern Tokyo.
Ninja & Samurai Experience
Experience authentic ninja and samurai culture in Tokyo. Dress up in traditional costumes, try shuriken throwing and basic sword skills. Watch wonderful live performances of classic martial arts. It is a fun and immersive activity for all ages, letting you dive into Japan’s legendary warrior heritage.
DAY 1 Departure
Upon arrival in Tokyo, we will be picked up at the airport and head to hotel.
This day is for classic Tokyo landmarks. Wander around Senso-ji Temple and the lively Nakamise Street, where you can browse traditional handicrafts and local snacks. Take a fun Rickshaw ride around the temple grounds to explore the old streets in a traditional way. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring authentic Sumo Demonstration Experience cuisine. Later, head to Tokyo Skytree and take a relaxing Sumida River cruise. Experience the perfect blend of time-honored folk culture and vibrant modern urban scenery along the river banks.
DAY 2 Trendy Urban Highlights
Today explores trendy downtown Tokyo. Start with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful green oasis in the busy city. Then visit Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue, iconic symbols of modern Tokyo. Head up to Shibuya Sky Observation Deck to overlook the bustling cityscape from above. Stroll along Takeshita Street in Harajuku and elegant Omotesando. End the day at Roppongi Hills to admire the stunning panoramic city night view.
Day 3 Tokyo Tower & City Culture Tour
Start the day with a visit to the iconic Tokyo Tower and enjoy panoramic city views. Next, explore Tokyo National Museum to learn about Japanese history and art. Roam around Akihabara, a paradise for pop culture and electronics lovers. In the afternoon, wander through upscale Ginza, browse elegant stores and taste delicate local treats along the streets.
DAY 4 Transfer to Kanazawa
Depart Tokyo Station in the morning via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, reaching Kanazawa in about 2.5 hours.
After checking in, head straight to Kanazawa Castle Park, where stone walls and wooden turrets reflect feudal-era grandeur. Next, walk to Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, famed for its seasonal beauty, ancient pine trees, and tranquil ponds.
In the afternoon, wander the preserved Nagamachi Samurai District, with its narrow lanes, wooden machiyas, and former samurai residences. End the day with a stroll along historic streets, savoring local specialties like gold-leaf sweets and fresh seafood bowls, immersing in Kanazawa’s blend of tradition and quiet elegance.
DAY 5 Shirakawa & Takayama Trip
We set off from Kanazawa by private car early in the morning and head for Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses with distinctive thatched roofs. Take a leisurely walk along the quiet village paths, step inside old residential buildings to experience local rural life, and capture breathtaking scenery from the viewing platform. We will have a delicious authentic lunch at a nearby restaurant to recharge ourselves.
After the meal, continue our trip to Takayama, a charming ancient town nicknamed "Little Kyoto". Roam its well-preserved historic quarters, visit traditional craft shops and local sake distilleries, and try various regional delicacies. As the day draws to an end, we drive back to Kanazawa.
DAY 6 Nagano City Cultural Tour
We explore central Nagano to uncover its rich spiritual heritage. Head to Zenkoji Temple, a revered ancient Buddhist site with peaceful grounds, inner sacred chambers and historic gate structures. Wander nearby pedestrian streets lined with local confectionery shops and souvenir stores selling regional treats. Savor hearty soba noodles, Nagano’s iconic staple dish, for a satisfying lunch. After leisurely city exploration, check into a local hotel to settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s natural excursion.
DAY 7 Snow Monkey Park Adventure
Journey from downtown Nagano to Jigokudani Yaen Koen, famously known as the Snow Monkey Park. Follow a gentle forest trail through quiet woodland to reach the natural hot springs where wild Japanese macaques bathe freely. Observe the monkeys’ natural behaviors in their undisturbed mountain habitat. On the way back, stop at a rural eatery for farm-fresh local cuisine and enjoy the serene alpine scenery surrounding Nagano Prefecture.
DAY 8-9 Alpine Ski & Onsen Retreat
Spend the two days at a renowned Nagano ski resort surrounded by rugged mountain ranges. Glide across well-groomed slopes blanketed in soft powder snow suitable for all skill levels. After a full day of skiing, unwind in traditional public onsens, letting the warm mineral waters soothe tired muscles. Immerse yourself in the cozy winter mountain atmosphere before returning to your accommodation for the evening.
DAY 10 Transfer to Hakone & Lakeside Scenery
Depart from Nagano in the morning and travel to Hakone.
Check into a cozy traditional ryokan after arrival. In the afternoon, take a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the lakeside Hakone Shrine. Wander along the shore to soak up the peaceful lakeside scenery. Unwind with authentic Japanese hot spring and delicate kaiseki dinner in the evening.
DAY 11 Hakone Volcanic Scenery & Art Visit
Continue your leisurely exploration of Hakone today. Take the Hakone Ropeway to travel across mountain ranges and arrive at Owakudani Valley. Explore the unique volcanic landscape here and try the famous local black eggs. Afterward, visit the artistic Hakone Open-Air Museum. Wander through art installations surrounded by natural scenery, and fully embrace the serene charm of this famous hot spring resort.
DAY 12 Warm home
Leave Hakone early in the morning and Your driver will transfer you to Tokyo airport . You can do some last-minute souvenir shopping and casual sightseeing around the city. End this unforgettable journey.
