12-Day Japan Winter Adventure 2026

Tour Code 483-21103 Language English
From
US$8075
¥54483
€6985
C$11266
Rs.768239

Highlights

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.
  • 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
  • Kyoto: Meet Nakamura Family for a kaiseki lunch at a traditional Japanese Restaurant near Kyoto and learn about local customs.
  • 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: Savor the flavors 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: Step back in time at the Nomura Samurai House, once home to a respected warrior family. Explore its gardens, traditional architecture and treasured artifacts. You’ll learn about samurai life and honor in feudal Japan with a rare glimpse into the elegance of Edo-period craftsmanship.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Tokyo: 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 Theater. 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.
  • 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 flavors and experience the healing powers of a traditional onsen.
  • 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.

Dates & Prices

Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)

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Itinerary

Includes & Excludes

Price Includes

  • 4 Dinner (D)
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
  • 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 and free time
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Additional Notes

  • TRANSFERS: Complimentary transfers from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) are available on the arrival day of the itinerary or in conjunction with a pre-trip accommodation booked through Trafalgar. Complimentary transfers to Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND) are available on the departure day of the itinerary or in conjunction with a post-trip accommodation booked through Trafalgar.
  • MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Please note the itinerary involves some walking, including stairs, narrow streets, and occasional crowded areas, where using a scooter may not always be practical. Additionally, many traditional Japanese temples and venues have restrictions on scooters, wheelchairs, and walking sticks. Guests will also be asked to remove their shoes at certain locations. At times, please also be aware that, the coach may need to park a short distance from the sites, so a bit of walking will be required. During rail journeys, stairs or escalators might be necessary, as lifts are not always available, and the walk between the coach park, platforms, and trains can sometimes be a bit longer than expected.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Paths in Japan are not well gritted or cleared of snow. Advisory for guests to ensure they have appropriate winter footwear, walking sticks and consider shoe snow grippers.
  • TRAIN: No luggage cars on the trains and no porterage at the train stations. Guests will need to carry their hand luggage through the train stations and the main luggage will travel separately by road in luggage vans. The luggage is transported by road and delivered to the hotel on the same day. Wheeled small bag is recommended as that is easier to move through the train stations.
  • INTERNAL FLIGHTS: This tour has an included internal flight; any excess luggage charges are at your own expense.
  • LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Each guest is permitted one bag with maximum dimensions of 58 linear inches (147 cm), the total of length, width, and height - and a weight not exceeding 44 lbs (20 kg). Guests may also bring one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or similarly sized item that fits comfortably under the seat in front of them or the overhead compartment weighing no more than 15 lbs (7kg).
  • IMPORTANT: Minivans or minibuses may also be used depending on the group size. Motorcoaches without toilet facilities are used; the Tour Director will ensure to arrange regular stops on longer journeys to ensure guests' comfort throughout the tour.
  • GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.

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From
US$8075
¥54483
€6985
C$11266
Rs.768239
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