Day 1 : Start Osaka
Kon'nichiwa 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.
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Day 2 : Osaka
Osaka is all yours today! Head to Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi-taisa for a dose of history, or to Nara to meet the cutest deers ever! This evening, you have the option to gobble down a delicious meal at an Izakaya - traditional little restaurants 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....
Accommodation : Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
Day 3 : Osaka to Kyoto
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.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Day 4 : Kyoto
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.
Accommodation : Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
Day 5 : Kyoto to Hiroshima
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.
Accommodation : Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 6 : Hiroshima (Including Miyajima)
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.
Accommodation : Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
Day 7 : Hiroshima to Tokyo (Including Hakone)
Tokyo you're firmly in our sights but on route, we'll make a stop in the peaceful mountain town of Hakone. Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. If the weather plays nice...you might spot the magnificent Mount Fuji. Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. 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.
Accommodation : Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 : Tokyo
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.
Accommodation : Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 : Tokyo
Today's our last day in Tokyo 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 effect on people. Or even better, a chance to visit a unique remote-operated robot restaurant. You gotta see it to believe it!
Accommodation : Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 : Tokyo to Hakuba
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 sports paradise.
Accommodation : Marion Shinano (or similar)
Day 11 : Hakuba
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 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
Accommodation : Marion Shinano (or similar)
Day 12 : Hakuba
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
Accommodation : Marion Shinano (or similar)
Day 13 : Hakuba
With two 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
Accommodation : Marion Shinano (or similar)
Day 14 : Hakuba
With one more full day 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
Accommodation : Marion Shinano (or similar)
Day 15 : Hakuba to Tokyo
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.