Japan Winter Wonder plus 6 Day Ski

Konnichiwa friends, and welcome to the land of the rising sun. Famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine and just a touch of crazy, this is one trip you won't be forgetting any time soon. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew & head out to explore the local area. Stay: Elcient Osaka (or similar)

Universal Studios, Osaka Castle, iconic Dōtonbori - today is yours to take on Osaka as your heart desires. History lovers can experience a slice of the past at the 16th-century Osaka Castle, one of the city's best known landmarks, or those keen for a little slice of Shinto could experience Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of the country's oldest Shinto shrines.

This evening, why not get to know your new travel friends over our Free Time Add-On foodie experience? We'll be heading to an Izakaya in the bustling hub of Dotonburi. These traditional little restaurants are like a trip back in time, with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. Still not done for the day? We sense some traditional Japanese PATI (that's Japanese for partying) and karaoke may be on the cards.... (B)

Tuck in to your tasty breakfast this morning, you're going to need the food fuel for a full day in Kyoto. Arriving into Kyoto, we'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful, traditional city. Take in the sights of the city including temples, gardens, colourful shrines & world famous geisha girls.

This evening is free for you to get to know Kyoto your way, most likely trying out local cuisine in the Shirakawa area & getting to grips with the buzzy Kyoto nightlife. (B) Stay: Elcient Kyoto (or similar)

Didn't feel like you had enough time yesterday to really get under the skin of this utterly unique city? We've got good news for you - today is completely free for Kyoto adventuring. Ask your Trip Manager for the essentials on what to eat and where to go, then our best advice? Go get yourself a little lost, it's undeniably the best way to get to know a new city. (B)

Ready for a totally new experience? This morning it's all aboard the bullet train, travelling at a cool 320km/hr as we make our way to Hiroshima. A city remembered as the world's first atomic bomb target during WWII, we'll learn about both the past and present on a sightseeing tour. The rest of the day will then be free to get to know Hiroshima however suits you best - food, shopping, history, it's all here at your fingertips. (B) Stay: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)

We'll start the day with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island where beautiful scenery and miniature deer await us. If you're impressed by the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance, just wait until you've seen the main event - the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. Culture goals ticked, we'll make our way back to Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into the city's noble history. (B)

Tokyo, you're firmly in our sights... Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. We'll dive right into this 24 hour city with a sightseeing tour of the best bits. We'll take a walk down Nakamise Street (one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan that dates back to the 1500's) to pick up treasures for family and friends back home, brave the busiest street crossing in the world (Shibuya), then round things off at the epicentre of youth culture & fashion, Harajuku. This part of town buzzes with cool vibes & crazy fashion, and we reckon you'll instantly fall in lust. (B) Stay: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Taking a brief reprieve from the buzz of Tokyo, this morning we'll head south to Hakone. Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. Returning to Tokyo this afternoon, you'll have the night to use as you wish. How about heading to Shinjuku, the epicentre of Tokyo's gritty but super fun night scene. (B)

Today's our last day in Tokyo, and our last day on tour, so let's make it one to remember. With a free day to explore Japan your way, we have a sneaking suspicion Harajuku may be calling you back - it kind of has that affect on people. (B)

We may be parting ways with some of the group today but for those heading to the slopes, there's so much more to look forward to. Make your own way to Tokyo station where you'll catch your included train to Nagano.

Upon arrival at Nagano, take a local bus to Hakuba Station, where your time in the snow will begin... Hello Hakuba! Widely recognised as one of the world's best skiing spots, this cute mountain village is guaranteed to take your breath away. Boasting 9 resorts, 135 lifts and over 200 runs, Hakuba is a winter spots paradise. (B) Stay: Hotel Abest Hakuba Resort (or similar)

Rise and shine, there's a whole ski resort out there to keep you busy, no matter your level of experience. If you're a seasoned pro you know the drill, but for beginners or those keen for a refresher, why not opt for a couple of lessons to learn the ropes. Want to try something different? Mountain gliding is also available here and trust us, it is INSANE.

Later and after a full day on the powder, why not relax tired bodies in a steamy onsen, then refuel on tasty katsu curry. This is the snow life, Japan style... Please note: the Add-on Ski Package is unescorted (B)

With three more full days in the snow, we don't think you'll need much encouragement to get up and get going. Explore a different resort to yesterday, brave a black run to prove you can do it, or maybe get off the mountain early afternoon to spend a little more time in those ever so tempting onsens... Please note: the Add-on Ski Package is unescorted (B)

And just like that, it's all over. Waving goodbye to Hakuba this morning, we'll trace our steps back to Tokyo, by jumping on the train. Your trip comes to an end in Tokyo, but you'll keep the memories (& photos) forever. (B)