Snow Monkey Explorer - 13 Days

Snow Monkey Explorer - 13 Days

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13 Days From

$4925

Snow Monkey Explorer - 13 Days

13 Days Starting and ending in Tokyo

Visiting: Tokyo, Toyko - Sensoji Temple district, Harajuku & Shibuya, Kamakura, Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple, Golden Pavilion & free time, Himeji, Miyajima, Nagano, Matsumoto

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2314/SME

Group Type:

Private

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Not recommended for under 5yrs. 

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $4925

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

PRIVATE TOUR: Watch Snow Monkeys bathing, explore Himeji Castle and beautiful Miyajima Island, in addition to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, on this magical 13 day tour of Japan. This is Japan in the winter at its best, without the crowds and blanketed in snow!

Highlights

  • Have a full day excursion of Yudanaka Onsen area visiting Snow Monkey Reserve (Jigokudani Yaen Koen) where you'll have the opportunity to see the Snow Monkeys bathe and play in their natural environment

  • Tokyo - Explore Sensoji Temple district and temple, Harajuku, Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing

  • Kamakura - Visit Big Buddha Statue, Hokokuji Zen Temple and the Bamboo Forest with its delightful village atmosphere. Why not opt to try a traditional Japanese Shabu Shabu dinner?

  • Lake Kawaguchi in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park - Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and views of Mt Fuji

  • Stay in a ryokan - Sample Japanese hospitality, bathe in natural hot springs, wearing a Yukata (casual Kimono) and sleep on a futon

  • Kyoto - Explore Sanjusagen-do Temple with its 1000 life-like statues and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) & Tea Ceremony

  • Kyoto - Join a walking tour of the famed Geisha District (Gion), with its ancient cobbled streets, streams, bridges and quaint tea houses and the opportunity to see Geisha and Maiko en route to their next engagement

  • UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle - See the towering 6 story structure is the best preserved and largest of all castles in Japan

  • Hiroshima - Visit Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, UNESCO Listed A-Bomb Dome and Children's Peace Monument (with thousands of paper cranes from children around the world)

  • Enjoy Miyajima Island with its UNESCO Listed iconic Red Torii Gate (Itsukushima shrine) standing in the sea. Cable car to the top of Mt Misen - The highest peak on Miyajima for spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea, some 150 islands and Hiroshima

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Arrive into either Narita or Haneda International Airport in Tokyo where, after clearing immigration you will be met by your transfer representative. Travel by train into the city centre and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or independently explore the sights.

Day 2: Toyko - Sensoji Temple District, Harajuku & Shibuya

Location: Toyko - Sensoji Temple district, Harajuku & Shibuya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Good Morning Tokyo! Today we explore this iconic city. First stop is Asakusa which is home to an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in the 7th century, Tokyo's oldest Sensoji. Nearby is the Nakamise Shopping Street, famous for its large variety of traditional souvenirs and interesting craft stalls which you have some free time to explore.





After, we find out where the finest of Tokyo's young and hip like to hangout when we head to Harajuku, with its on-trend shops and cafes. Take a snap next to the street sign and keep your eyes peeled for the 'best of the best' in young urban fashion before we head to the important Meiji Shrine, where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.





Our final stop is the Shibuya Crossing, perhaps one of the busiest intersections in the world. The famed intersection is a junction of no less than 7 pedestrian crossings. When the lights turn red, all 7 turn red simultaneously. The traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides. Known as 'the scramble' it’s an amazing spectacle which we'll watch from the second floor of Starbucks located directly opposite. Total walking distance today: Approx. 8 - 10km. This evening offers free time to independently explore.

Day 3: Kamakura

Location: Kamakura

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tokyo - Kamakura - Tokyo. This seaside city is the former seat of the Shogunate, though in modern day Japan, it is also renowned for its beautiful zen temples and pristine coastline and in contrast to Tokyo, provides a quaint village life feel. Here, you'll visit the iconic bronze Big Buddha and the Zen Temple of Hokokuji with its beautiful bamboo garden. We also drink tea and enjoy the laid back atmosphere before walking the cobbled streets of the shopping district of Komachi - ideal for locally made crafts, before returning to Japan’s bustling capital for the night.





Tonight, why not opt to enjoy a Shabu Shabu dinner - a traditional Japanese hot pot meal (book/pay locally).

Day 4: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today offers a guided tour of the Tokyo National Museum, housing a number of exhibitions from galleries to Japanese archeology. The Tokyo National Museum is located in Ueno Park, a large public park within central Tokyo and famous for a number of museums held within it's grounds. The remainder of the day offers free time to independently explore.

Day 5: Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Location: Mt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi. After breakfast travel by highway bus or train to stunning Lake Kawaguchi, located in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park (with luggage forwarding). Our base is the hot spring resort town of Kawaguchiko which boasts both beautiful scenery and unparalleled views of Mt Fuji. Whilst in the area ascend the Kachikachi-yama Ropeway some 400m to the observation deck near the peak of Mount Tenjo and if the weather is clear, enjoy unsurpassed views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.





Tonight, you'll stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan where we will be served a traditional Japanese dinner and there is also the opportunity to dip in the natural hot spring baths for which the town is famous for.

Day 6: Kyoto

Location: Kyoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Lake Kawaguchi – Kyoto. Early this morning and prior to breakfast you may wish to hike along the foreshore of the lake and take in its frozen mid-winter beauty. Later, you'll travel by bus to Mishima, then by bullet train to Kyoto - Japan’s ancient and cultural capital.





As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to an abundance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. This afternoon you'll enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Gion before a walking tour of this famous Geisha District.

Day 7: Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple, Golden Pavilion & Free Time

Location: Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple, Golden Pavilion & free time

Meals Included: Breakfast

Up first, we enjoy a guided tour of Sanjusagen-do Temple famous for its statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress clad in gold leaf. They stand in 10 rows of 50, each hand crafted and slightly different from the next. Next, Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion set upon a pond with landscaped gardens the large completely gilt structure is impressive as it is, beautiful. Kinkakuji continues to be one of Japan's most visited World Heritage Sites.





This afternoon offers free time for you to relax or to further discover the many sights of Kyoto your own way. Consider visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its winding path lined by thousands of bright red torii gates. Just a short train ride away from the main Kyoto Station, this must-see sight is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day. You might also wish to hire a Kimono and walk the streets as many Japanese do or take part in a cooking lesson.

Day 8: Himeji

Location: Himeji

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kyoto - Himeji - Hiroshima. You'll travel by bullet train to Hiroshima today, stopping en route at Himeji to visit the UNESCO Listed Himeji Castle. It was originally constructed of wood in 1346 and is renowned for its elegant shape, painted white exterior, together with a highly developed maze-like system of defence. Himeji dates from deep within the feudal era and is Japan’s best preserved and largest castle. After taking in the panoramic views from the top of its 6 story watch tower you'll take the bullet train to Hiroshima.





Tonight, take time to explore the city, try the local oysters which are said to be the best in all Japan or perhaps take to the streets and the laneways in search of an Izakaya (a tapas style bar) for a true Japanese experience.

Day 9: Miyajima

Location: Miyajima

Meals Included: Breakfast

Located off the coast of Hiroshima and said to be one of Japan's most scenic locations, we take the ferry and spend this morning exploring Miyajima Island. We take in the revered Miyajima Itsukushima-jinja Shrine and the renowned 12 metres high red 'floating' Torii Gate, a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site which appears to float on water. If it is low tide there may also be the opportunity to walk to the gate by foot. As we continue to explore the island we'll see further Shinto shrines, towering pagodas and pavilions before soaking up the incredible views of the Seto Inland Sea, dozens of nearby islands and Hiroshima city from our cable car ride to the top of Mount Misen, the highest point of the island.





After lunch we depart Miyajima by ferry and take time out to reflect at the more sobering side of Hiroshima's past when two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan at the end of World War II and Hiroshima was the first place to be hit. We visit the Peace Park, Peace Park Museum both of which are poignant reminders of this tragic past and then we'llsee the iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast.



Day 10: Nagano

Location: Nagano

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hiroshima - Nagano. Departing after breakfast and travelling by train via Nagoya, arrive in Nagano mid-afternoon. Nagano is your base for the next two nights which serves as the ideal location for setting off to see the Snow Monkeys in the nearby onsen towns. The remainder of today is at your leisure.

Day 11: Nagano

Location: Nagano

Meals Included: Breakfast

Setting off straight after breakfast we spend the day exploring the Yudanaka Onsen area - surrounded by mountains and famous for the Snow Monkey Park. Over 200 monkeys live in the park, play and keep warm during the winter months by bathing in the local hot springs (onsen). In addition to seeing these amazing creatures, there is opportunity to further explore the park by foot, indulge in a foot spa or visit a traditional Japanese village located nearby.





Return to the hotel and this evening is free for you to relax.

Day 12: Matsumoto

Location: Matsumoto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Nagano - Matsumoto - Tokyo. This morning we explore one of Japan's premier and oldest historic castle - Matsumoto Castle. Built in 1593, when covered in snow, this beautiful wooden structure allows us to imagine we have returned to the pre-modern world of the Samurai.





With a reputation of having some of the best Soba in Japan, we recommend noodles for lunch before we continue onto Tokyo, which we reach later this afternoon.

Day 13: Tokyo

Location: Tokyo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Japan adventure comes to an end today. Unescorted transfer to Narita or Hanada Airport to meet your onward flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Our rating: Standard

  • Breakfast daily and 1 Japanese dinner at the ryokan

  • 12 nights 3 star hotels and traditional ryokan stay.

  • Entrance fees to all included sightseeing

  • Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Kamakura, Lake Kawaguchi, Kyoto, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Yudanaka Onsen

  • Tea at Hokouji Temple, Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji - Kachikachi-yama Ropeway and Observatory. Jigokudani Yaen Koen (Snow Monkey Park)

  • Ferry to Miyajima Island and cable car to the top of Mt Misen

  • Escorted by licensed English speaking Japanese tour guides for all included site-seeing, unescorted train/bus travel between cities

  • Arrival transfer (escorted) - by train from Narita or Haneda International Airport. Unescorted departure transfer

  • All transportation and transfers - buses, trains and bullet trains including Suica swipe card

  • Baggage forwarding service from Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Nagano and from Nagano to Tokyo (one bag per person)

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

Age Policy

Not recommended for under 5yrs. 

Check out our Q&As

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Arrival transfer (escorted) - by train from Narita or Haneda International Airport. Unescorted departure transfer

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Visa not included.

  • What is the tipping policy?

    Tipping - An entirely personal gesture

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Standard

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Prices last published on 24-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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