Japan Winter Experience: Onsens and Snow Monkeys

Fly into Japan's ultra-modern capital, Tokyo. After passing through customs and luggage collection, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred via private vehicle to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to relax and recover from jet lag.

Your guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby to lead you on a discovery journey of the city's highlights. The first stop is the celebrated Meiji Shrine built in 1920 to venerate modern Japan's first emperor and empress. Then, go for a stroll around the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, just as the locals do in their daily walking workouts.

At lunchtime, stop by the lively Tsukiji Outer Market to warm yourself up with some popular Japanese winter food like nabe hotpot. Continue onto Tokyo's oldest temple - Senso-ji Temple, instantly recognized by its giant red lantern of Kaminarimon Gate. Here, walk down the lively Nakamise Dori leading up to the temple, admire the golden statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon, and light sticks of incense to say prayers.

On a winter evening, most of the streets in Tokyo get decorated with colorful lights. As you like, head out to enjoy the winter illumination independently.

After breakfast, ride the 1.5-hour bullet train on your own to Nagano, the proud host of the 1998 Winter Olympics Games.

Upon arrival, settle into a local onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese hot spring inn) near Jigokudani Monkey Park. The rest of the day is for you to explore the park independently. What a great chance to observe wild Japanese macaque (popularly known as snow monkeys) soaking in hot springs against a snowy backdrop!

Travel onward today by 1.5-hour bullet train to Kanazawa. Situated on the Sea of Japan, this winter wonderland is blessed with snow-covered scenery and seasonal gourmet seafood.

After checking into your ryokan, head out with your local guide to take in the city's major sights, including Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle Park, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Omicho Market.

Today, continue on the 2.5-hour bus ride departing the seaside Kanazawa for the mountainous Takayama. In the distance, the white-blanketed Japanese Alps may come into your view.

Upon arriving, settle into your ryokan, rest up a little and go around by yourself. You may like to enjoy a soothing onsen bath, explore the excellently preserved Old Town, and have fun skiing or snowboarding.

Venture out on an excursion to the UNESCO-recognized village of Shirakawa-go, just an hour's bus ride from Takayama. After crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Sho River, you'll get amazed by its iconic winter scene of traditional gassho-zukuri (meaning "constructed like hands in prayer") farmhouses covered in silvery white snow. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beauty of this fairytale village.

By Japan's efficient railway system, take a limited express train (140 minutes, one train per hour) on your own to Nagoya in time to connect with the Shinkansen train (35-45 minutes, several trains per hour) to Kyoto. Upon arriving, you will have the remainder of today to relax, indulge and explore your beautiful surroundings.

Considered the cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to numerous temples, shrines, palaces, and gardens. Led by your guide, you will admire the gold-leaf-covered Kinkakuji Temple, delve into Kyoto's rich history at the once-mighty Nijo Castle, and experience the refined world of tea ceremony within the quaint Kodai-ji Temple.

A few hundred meters away is the famous geisha district, Gion. Immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of traditional Kyoto and encounter an elegant geisha before returning to the hotel.

Today is on your own to further explore Kyoto, so perhaps delve into Japan's history inside the warm museums or sample winter specialty dishes on a street food tour. Alternatively, it is worth taking a day out to explore the neighboring Nara.

After enjoying your breakfast and having a fresh morning, get to the railway station for a bullet train back to Tokyo. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, you can explore the vibrant city or just relax at the hotel.

The final day of your journey is open for your own urban adventure in the gorgeous capital. Consider visiting an antiquities museum or a Japanese garden, taking in the organized chaos at Shibuya Crossing, and strolling through the shopping streets of Harajuku to pick up some trendy souvenirs.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a taxi or shuttle bus independently to the airport for your return flight home.