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Japan Winter Adventure

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New Release Fully Guided Coach Group Rail Winter Scenic Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
Our Price From 8,104 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 376 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Osaka
 Trip Finishes
Tokyo
12 Day Japan Winter Adventure Itinerary (Trafalgar)
Countries Explored: Japan
Trip Style
Country Explorer
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
32
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
WJPA

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Trafalgar's 12 Day Japan Winter Adventure. From Kyoto’s golden temples to the icy seas of Hokkaido, visit Japan for a winter journey that combines iconic sights with rare seasonal experiences. You’ll wander through bamboo forests, hear the stories of Ainu artisans and cruise aboard an icebreaker. Discover Japan’s wintry beauty through cultural encounters, scenic rail journeys and a Stays with Stories experience at a traditional onsen.

Itinerary

Your winter adventure begins with an included transfer from Osaka to Kyoto, where the ancient capital's charm awaits. Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers later this evening for dinner at your hotel and an introduction to the days ahead. (D) Stay: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto

Start your Japan tour through Kyoto's scenic west as you wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the shimmering golden reflection of Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, before your Be My Guest experience. During an authentic kaiseki lunch, you'll meet your hosts, the Nakamura family, and learn about Japanese dining customs and etiquette in a traditional setting. Continue to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of vibrant red torii gates lead into the wooded hills. (B/L)

Board the iconic Thunderbird train bound for Kanazawa, where tradition and artistry thrive. On arrival, you'll Dive into Culture with a visit to a local sake brewery to discover the meticulous brewing process.

Afterwards, savour a locally inspired lunch paired with expertly selected sakes. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, or join an Optional Experience featuring a traditional shabu shabu dinner with unlimited drinks. (B/L) Stay: Kanazawa Tokyu

Step into the elegance of Kenrokuen, one of Japan's most celebrated gardens, before visiting the Nomura Samurai House. Enjoy time to explore and find a local lunch spot of your choice.

In the afternoon, Dive into Culture with a Local Specialist at the Ohi Gallery, where you'll learn about Ohi pottery and even try matcha served in a handcrafted Ohi bowl.

Later, explore the atmospheric Higashi Chaya District and visit Kaikaro, a 200-year-old chaya teahouse. (B)

Take the bullet train to Tokyo, then get ready to learn about traditional takoyaki before sitting down to a hearty ramen lunch. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Japan's Emperor Meiji, and see the Imperial Palace Plaza on a scenic drive. Settle in at your hotel with time at leisure this evening. (B) Stay: New Otani Garden Tower

This morning, explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji, and browse at the Nakamise Arcade, one of Tokyo's oldest shopping streets, where local vendors sell traditional souvenirs and crafts on the approach to the temple. Gaze over the city from Tokyo Skytree, then enjoy lunch at your own pace.

In the afternoon, uncover Japan's rich history with a visit to the Tokyo National Museum. (B)

Fly north to Memambetsu and stop by the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum to learn about the dramatic drift ice phenomenon.

Later, take to the icy seas aboard the Aurora, an ice-breaking ship offering views of rare marine life and seasonal landscapes. Check in to your traditional onsen hotel, where you'll enjoy a local dinner and the soothing hot springs. (B/D) Stay: New Akan

Enjoy a relaxed morning before your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

This afternoon, you'll visit an Ainu village to learn about Japan's Indigenous people. Try your hand at traditional wood carving, then return to the hotel for dinner.

This evening, you'll experience the soul of Ainu culture through dance and ceremony at the Ainu Kotan Theatre. (B/D)

Stop at the Akan International Crane Centre to see the red-crowned cranes, one of the rarest in the world and famous for their courtship dance. Continue to Sapporo, travelling by express train, and delve into Hokkaido's brewing legacy at the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can enjoy a guided tasting. (B) Stay: Sapporo Excel

Walk through Sapporo's central sights, including Odori Park and the iconic Clock Tower, before a photo stop at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. Then it's off to Otaru, a port town famed for its picturesque canal, glassworks and preserved warehouses. Return to Sapporo to celebrate your Japanese winter adventure in style. You'll take in sweeping views as you travel by ropeway to Mt. Moiwa, where you'll dine at The Jewels restaurant. (B/D)

Fly to Tokyo and Check in at your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, you might stroll through the neon-lit streets of Shinjuku, visit a temple, or browse the boutiques and street food stalls in Harajuku. (B) Stay: New Otani Garden Tower

Say sayonara to your Japan trip companions as you take your included transfer to the airport after breakfast, full of wintertime memories and cultural discoveries. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Explore Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Kushiro and Sapporo.
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Kenrokuen gardens and Nomura Samurai House in Kanazawa, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree and National Museum in Tokyo, Beer Museum in Sapporo and Otaru Canal.
  • View Odori Park, Clock Tower and Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium in Sapporo.
  • See Imperial Palace Plaza in Tokyo
  • Cruise Drift Ice Cruise

Be My Guest

  • Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.

Dive Into Culture

  • Kanazawa: Savour the flavours of Kanazawa with a sake tasting and lunch. Learn how rice, water and artistry combine to make sake, then lunch on regional dishes that reflect Ishikawa's culinary heritage.
  • Kanazawa: Discover the 350-year legacy of Ohi pottery in Kanazawa, where a Local Specialist will share the story behind this ceramic tradition, still crafted by hand today. You'll sip matcha from an Ohi bowl as you join in an immersive ritual that connects art, history and hospitality.

Iconic Experience

  • Kyoto: Admire the beautiful golden pavilion of Kinkakuji Temple.
  • Kyoto: You'll walk beneath a seemingly endless path of red torii gates at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, this sacred site invites you to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims through forested trails and striking shrines.
  • Kanazawa: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artefacts. You'll learn about samurai life and honour in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.
  • Tokyo: Experience a peaceful forest oasis in the heart of Tokyo at Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, this Shinto sanctuary invites your quiet reflection beneath towering torii gates and ancient trees, a serene contrast to the city's busy pace.
  • Tokyo: Visit the Tokyo National Museum to browse collections of Japanese art and archaeological objects.
  • Tokyo: Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji, in the historic Asakusa district. Wander through Nakamise Arcade, lined with traditional treats and crafts, before arriving at the main hall, a symbol of faith, resilience and local spirit.
  • Tokyo: Rise above the skyline at Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. From its observation deck, you'll take in panoramic views of the city, from Mount Fuji to Tokyo Bay. It's a modern marvel and an unforgettable moment that will leave you awestruck.
  • Sail across the frozen Sea of Okhotsk aboard an ice-breaking ship. When the temperature drops between late January and late March, your drift ice cruise will bring you face to face with floating ice fields and rare wildlife, like Steller's sea eagle and spotted seals.
  • Lake Akan: You'll be transported by an evening of Ainu storytelling through traditional dance, music and ritual at the Ainu Kotan Theatre. Through this performance, learn about Japan's Indigenous heritage, preserved with passion and shared with pride.
  • Sapporo: Visit the birthplace of one of Japan's most beloved brews at the Sapporo Beer Museum. You'll explore the history of Hokkaido's iconic beer brand, then enjoy a tasting that brings the story to life.
  • Otaru: Wander through Otaru, a port town known for its iconic canal and glass-blown artistry. Lined with old warehouses and gas lamps, the canal district is a great place to stroll through Japan's Meiji-era past.
  • Sapporo: Celebrate your journey with a memorable dinner at The Jewels, perched atop Mt Moiwa. Ride the ropeway to the summit, then dine with panoramic views over Sapporo's cityscape. This dinner is an unforgettable finale to your tour.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Lake Akan: Meet members of the Ainu community, the Indigenous people of Hokkaido, and learn about their deep connection to land and tradition. You'll visit an Ainu village and take part in a hands-on wood carving workshop, discovering the spiritual symbols and stories that live through their art. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Trafalgar Difference

  • Lake Akan: Soak up the serenity at New Akan, a lakeside onsen hotel nestled on the shore of mysterious Lake Akan. Unwind in the open-air sky garden spa, dine on Hokkaido flavours and experience the healing powers of a traditional onsen.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Must-sees to Local Secrets
Must-sees to Local Secrets

You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more

Connect with Locals
Connect with Locals

With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more

Stay With Stories
Stay With Stories

Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more

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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2025-26) Brochure

Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2025-26)

The best of the world is unlocked when you travel with Trafalgar. Every Trafalgar tour is carefully crafted so you can experience the places you visit, differently. We unlock the very essence of each destination, where you’ll get to know the locals and with everything taken care of by us at every step. As the world's most loved and awarded tour company...more since 1947, more than 5 million happy past guests have discovered our difference.

Availability USD USD

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Sunday 15 Nov 2026
Thursday 26 Nov 2026
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From: $8,650 $8,274
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Sunday 29 Nov 2026
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Saturday 19 Dec 2026
Wednesday 30 Dec 2026
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Sunday 10 Jan 2027
Thursday 21 Jan 2027
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Wednesday 20 Jan 2027
Sunday 31 Jan 2027
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Thursday 04 Feb 2027
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Wednesday 27 Jan 2027
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Sunday 14 Feb 2027
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Sunday 28 Feb 2027
Thursday 11 Mar 2027
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Sunday 15 Nov 2026
Thursday 26 Nov 2026
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Sunday 29 Nov 2026
Thursday 10 Dec 2026
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From: $9,670 $9,294
Save $376 Inquire
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Sunday 13 Dec 2026
Thursday 24 Dec 2026
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Saturday 19 Dec 2026
Wednesday 30 Dec 2026
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Sunday 10 Jan 2027
Thursday 21 Jan 2027
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Save $226 Inquire
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Wednesday 20 Jan 2027
Sunday 31 Jan 2027
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From: $9,425 $9,199
Save $226 Inquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 24 Jan 2027
Thursday 04 Feb 2027
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From: $9,670 $9,439
Save $231 Inquire
Exclusive Savings
Wednesday 27 Jan 2027
Sunday 07 Feb 2027
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From: $10,055 $9,817
Save $238 Inquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 14 Feb 2027
Thursday 25 Feb 2027
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From: $9,425 $9,199
Save $226 Inquire
Exclusive Savings
Sunday 28 Feb 2027
Thursday 11 Mar 2027
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From: $9,670 $9,439
Save $231 Inquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Trafalgar. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Trafalgar. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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