Central Japan Discovery with Onsen and Skiing

Shiga Kogen Ski & Japan's Winter Highlights

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Tour Code: ODY-JP-2606

Destination: Japan

Duration 12 Days
Tour Type Private & Bespoke
Tour Style In-Depth

About This Trip

In this 12-day winter Japan itinerary, you will explore the golden route of Japan from Osaka to Tokyo, including the tranquil countryside discovery in Shirakawa-go, as well as the powder snow skiing in Shiga Kogen.

Touch down in vibrant Osaka, then step into the refined world of traditional Japanese aesthetics in Kyoto and Kanazawa. Capture Shirakawa-go's most iconic winter scenes before heading to Nagano to enjoy skiing, soothing hot springs, and an unforgettable encounter with snow monkeys.

Note: Shiga Kogen is renowned for its expansive interconnected terrain, reliable powder snow, and uncrowded slopes, ideal for dedicated skiers seeking quality time on the mountain from first lift to last run.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1	Osaka	Arrival & Free Exploration
2	Kyoto	Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion, Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience
3 - 4	Kanazawa	Day Excursion to Shirakawa-go
5 - 9	Nagano	Shiga Kogen Skiing, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
10 - 12	Tokyo	Senso-Ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Outer Market

Itinerary

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Day 1:Arrival in Osaka, Transfer to Kyoto

Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Osaka International Airport (ITM), your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Kyoto for check-in. The rest of the day is yours. Take time to rest or explore the city at your own pace.

Kyoto

Day 2:Kyoto City Exploration

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto

Your Japan winter journey will begin in historic Kyoto. Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha and follow the thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. After a scenic walk, refuel at the lively Nishiki Market with local dishes and street snacks.

In the afternoon, continue to Nijo Castle, where the black-and-gold interiors and the distinctive chirping of the nightingale floors bring history to life. End the day in Gion, dressing in a traditional kimono that blends well with the wooden streets, before taking part in a traditional tea ceremony.

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Kyoto

Day 3:Kyoto to Kanazawa, by Train

After your breakfast, take a short train ride to Kanazawa, the "Little Kyoto".

The remainder of the day is yours to explore freely, or join a 3-hour Shared night tour to explore the Geisha districts with a local guide, hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period, and sit down at a local restaurant for a set meal.

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Kanazawa

Day 4:Kanazawa, Day Excursion to Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go Village, Kanazawa

Let your guide lead you to Shirakawa-go today, a picturesque mountain village famed for its distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses.

In winter, the snow-covered village feels like a scene from a storybook. Wander along its peaceful lanes, step inside a traditional farmhouse, and enjoy panoramic views from the Shirakawago Observation Deck before returning to Kanazawa.

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Kanazawa

Day 5:Kanazawa to Nagano, by Train

Your Japan skiing tour at Shiga Kogen starts today. After breakfast, you will travel from Kanazawa to Nagano today. Upon arrival, transfer to the Shiga Kogen area, Japan's largest interconnected ski resort system.

Check in to your ski-in, ski-out accommodation, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, preparing equipment for the fresh snow, or just relaxing after your journey.

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Shiga Kogen

Day 6:Shiga Kogen, Self-guided Day for Ski

Begin your first full ski day exploring Shiga Kogen's vast network of interconnected slopes. Ski across areas such as Ichinose, Sun Valley, and Yakebitaiyama, enjoying wide groomed runs and forest trails.

Complimentary shuttle buses connect the various ski zones, providing seamless access throughout the wider highland region.

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Shiga Kogen

Day 7:Shiga Kogen, Self-guided Day for Ski

Head to the higher-altitude regions, including Okushiga Kogen and Yokoteyama, where you can ski above 2,000 meters and enjoy some of Japan's most reliable powder snow. Stop at a mountain hut such as Yokote Sancho Hutte for a warm meal above the clouds, with panoramic views of the Japanese Alps.

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Shiga Kogen

Day 8:Shiga Kogen, Self-guided Day for Ski

Continue exploring different ski zones at your own pace. Combine intermediate and advanced runs across multiple interconnected areas, taking advantage of both lift-connected slopes and complimentary inter-resort shuttle buses linking the wider Shiga Kogen ski system. End the day with a traditional onsen experience at your hotel.

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Shiga Kogen

Day 9:Nagano Exploration with Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

After breakfast, depart Shiga Kogen and head to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park just nearby. Follow the peaceful snowy trail to the forest park, where wild Japanese macaques are famously seen soaking in natural hot springs with steam and falling snow.

Next to Zenko-ji Temple, a historic pilgrimage site dating back over 1,400 years, with an optional experience walking through its mysterious underground "dark passage." In the late afternoon, continue a Shinkansen experience to Tokyo for your overnight stay.

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Tokyo

Day 10:Tokyo Highlights

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

Your Tokyo trip starts today with a visit to Meiji Shrine, which feels especially serene when dusted with snow, before heading to the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, where an array of fresh seafood and traditional snacks will warm both your body and your appetite.

Later, explore the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. The large red lantern hanging in the middle of the gate and the colorful wooden buildings will all be your inspiration for photography.

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Tokyo

Day 11:Tokyo, Free at Leisure

Ginza, Tokyo

Spend a full self-guided day at leisure in Tokyo to experience Tokyo like a local. Whether you prefer shopping in Ginza, exploring the lively streets of Shibuya, or discovering hidden cafés and local neighborhoods, this is the perfect opportunity to experience Tokyo beyond the guided itinerary.

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Tokyo

Day 12:Tokyo, Departure

Your winter Japan journey with Shiga Kogen skiing comes to an end today. Bid farewell to Tokyo and make your way to the airport for the international flight back home.