Hiking The Japanese Alps: Encounter Snow Monkeys In Japan

Welcome to Tokyo!Upon your arrival at the International Airport, our Tour Guide will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.After checking in at 15:00, take some time to relax and explore the city at your leisure. Meet our tour guide in the hotel lobby by 5:30 for a tour briefing before we head out for a Welcome Dinner.

Today, immerse yourself in the heart of Tokyo with a sightseeing tour via public transportation, offering an authentic experience of Japan. Begin at the Imperial Palace, once Edo Castle and now the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family.Next, journey to Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship boasting Japan’s largest paper lantern. Explore Nakamise Shopping Street for a taste of traditional shopping.In the afternoon, ascend Tokyo Tower's 333-meter height and enjoy panoramic views from the 150-meter high observatory deck. Conclude at Shibuya, home to the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, Shibuya Crossing.Return to the hotel at your leisure.

Your breath taking day tour today begins with a transfer to Mt. Fuji where we travel up to the 5th Station and take in the panoramic view.  Make sure you try one of the Mt Fuji cakes at the top cafe/ shop at 5th Station.We then journey to the lakeside resort of Hakone renowned for its hot springs and make a stop at Hakone Open Air Museum which is an outdoor sculpture gallery that plays with nature. Depending on weather conditions you will have a breath taking view of Mt Fuji as we climb aboard the Hakone Ropeway, an aerial cable car before we proceed to Owakudani, located in an active volcanic zone.After a full day we head back to Tokyo and our hotel.

Today, we're headed to the remarkable Jigokudani Monkey Park in Yudanaka, where you'll encounter Japan's famous snow monkeys. Jigokudani is renowned for its natural hot springs, where these adorable creatures enjoy bathing.Snow monkeys, unlike other breeds, are adapted to colder temperatures and are uniquely found in Japan, drawn to the abundance of natural hot springs. At Jigokudani, tourists gather to witness them bathing in specially designated hot springs.In the afternoon, we'll check into your hotel in the Shinano Omachi Area.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a premier mountain sightseeing route traversing Japan's Northern Alps, with towering 3,000m peaks. We'll journey 37.2km from Ogizawa Station in Nagano Prefecture to Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture, reaching a high point of 2,550m.A highlight is the majestic Snow Corridor, where towering snow walls reach up to 20m high, creating a breathtaking spectacle along a 500m stretch of road.Experience various vehicles:Tateyama Cable Car ascends 500m in 7 minutes.Tateyama Kogen Bus offers scenic views.Kanden Tunnel Trolleybus travels through a historic tunnel.Tateyama Ropeway, known as the “Moving Observatory,” provides panoramic views.Kurobe Cable Car runs underground.Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus moves underground between Kurobe Dam and Ogizawa.Overnight in Toyama.

Drive to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hidden in the mountains. Explore the harmonious village known for its gassho-zukuri-style houses with thatched rooftops resembling praying hands. Visit Wada House, once owned by one of the wealthiest families and now a museum.Next, journey to Kanazawa to explore Kenrokuen Garden, renowned for combining six attributes of a perfect landscape. Discover Japan's oldest fountain and the iconic Kotoji-toro stone lantern.Try your hand at decorating souvenirs with Kanazawa's famous gold leaf, produced in the city for over 400 years.Continue to Awara Onsen Area and your hotel.

This morning, the rugged cliffs of Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture offer a picturesque coastal scene, shaped over millions of years by erosion from the Sea of Japan.Now, it's on to Kyoto! Once the Imperial capital, Kyoto seamlessly blends its rich history with modern cosmopolitanism. With over 2,000 temples and shrines, reminders of its past are around every corner.In the afternoon, explore Arashiyama, where Tenryuji Temple showcases traditional Zen garden design. Wander through bamboo groves to the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River.Finally, delve into Gion, Kyoto's old Geisha Quarter, and Pontocho's lively cobblestone alleys. Tonight, savor dinner with a Maiko Lady, rounding off our day.

Today, our first stop is Nijo Castle, dating back to the early 17th century. Within its grounds lies Ninomaru-goten Palace, a beautifully preserved example of period architecture.Next, we'll visit the Nishijin Textile Center, showcasing stunning kimono displays and offering captivating kimono fashion shows.Our journey continues to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, adorned with 18-carat gold leaf. Originally constructed in 1397 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, this three-story structure is a testament to Japan's rich history.Afterward, we'll return to your hotel.

In the morning, we head to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, home to the colossal Great Buddha. Surrounded by Nara Park, the temple shares its grounds with over a thousand free-roaming Sika deer, beloved symbols of the city.On our return to Kyoto, we pause at Katsuragi, the birthplace of sumo wrestling, offering a chance to experience this iconic sport firsthand.Back in Osaka, explore the vibrant Dotonbori district before a visit to Shinasaibashi, one of the city's oldest shopping areas.Finally, we'll transfer you to your hotel near Kansai Airport, where you'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast we will assemble in the hotel foyer and walk to the airport where you will proceed to your airline check-in counter for your next destination.Farewell Japan.