Japan: Land of the Snow Monkeys
Overview
Highlights
- Japan is a year-round destination with something in store for every season, and this Land of Rising Sun looks especially spectacular in winter. We are taking you to some of the best winter destinations in Japan on this trip, mixed with the other must see highlights too.
- There’s no better way to get around Japan than the country’s famous railway system. Be impressed by the efficiency and ultra-modernity as you zip from place to place with your included 14-day Japan Rail Pass.
- Enjoy some proper winter experiences in Yamagata and Yunadaka, admiring the unique 'snow monsters' and watch the snow monkeys enjoy their hot onsen in snow.
- Stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and sample simple home-cooked fare in Edo-era Takayama. Explore local markets, the Hida Folk Village and perhaps stop by a sake brewery.
- A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Park is a sobering but important experience for understanding the tragedies of Japan’s not-so-distant past.
- Finish off your time in the Land of the Snow Monkeys in Kyoto, the country’s 'cultural capital' and home to a stunning selection of temples, tea houses and frozen-in-time Zen gardens.
- Visit the country in a relatively quiet time, esp. in Takayama and Kyoto, that'll allow you more time to enjoy each destination without the crowds.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Popular Trips
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, there are many sides of Tokyo to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping, to neighbourhood backstreets lined with restaurants and karaoke bars. Your adventure begins with a Welc...
Venture out with your leader on the metro to the buzzing Shibuya area and explore both the well-known and secret gems of Tokyo. Look down on the one of the busiest intersections in the world then visit the statute of Hachiko, the famously loyal dog, then head to a dep...
This morning, a 40-minute bus journey will take you to the town of Zao Onsen. If the weather is behaving, the group'll take the Zao Ropeway (cable car) to the top of Mount Zao. The views of the snow-coated landscape are incredible, and the area is famous for its spect...
Depart Yamagata for Yudanaka in search of Japan's famous snow monkeys (approximately six hours). Stop en route at Zenkoji Temple, a large 7th-century temple complex in Nagano that stores the first Buddhist statue brought to Japan and one of the most important pilgrima...
Take a thirty to forty-minute walk through the forest to the aptly named Jigokudani (Hell Valley), named for its steep cliffs from which fountains of hot water and steam emit. The Jigokudani Monkey Park offers visitor the unique experience of seeing monkeys in the wil...
Travel to Takayama by bullet and local trains (approximately five hours), reaching speeds of 270 kilometres per hour. Takayama, a charming town from the Edo period, is located in the Japanese Alps and famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the museum of H...
The Gifu prefecture is known to produce many fine altitude vegetables, and today you’ll visit morning markets that date back over 600 years. Browse the stalls of seasonal vegetables brought in from the surrounding countryside, set up by local farm women from 6 am ever...
Take a train for approximately 5 hours to Hiroshima. Visit the Genbaku (A-Bomb) Dome and the Peace Memorial Park, both of which emotionally stand testament to the fateful day in August 1945 when Hiroshima was chosen as target for the first ever wartime use of the atom...
Head for the serene, enchanting island of Miyajima, reached after a short ferry ride (30 kilometres) across the Inland Sea. The island is home to the venerable Shinto shrine of Itsukushima, famous for its huge bright orange gate (tori) that rises majestically out of t...
Leave Hiroshima today and head to Japan’s most impressive samurai castle at Himeji by train (approx. one hour). The building, which has survived earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, was restored to its full glory in 2015. The moats, baileys, towers and wall...
With its many cultural landmarks and historical sites, and the abundance of traditional arts and literature, Kyoto is regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Kyoto is a city that lends itself to walking, and there are a number of walks available. Visit some of the be...
Make the most of your last day in Kyoto. If you haven’t done so already, you may like to see Japan’s largest pagoda at Toji. Consider doing one of our Urban Adventure tours, such as the cycling tour of the Path of Philosophy (see urbanadventures.com for more informati...
Your trip come to an end this morning and you’re able to depart at any time
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings
Had an amazing and knowledgeable guide
Recently completed Intrepid’s Essential Japan tour for 18-29 year olds. Absolutely loved it. Had an amazing and knowledgeable guide, who always went above and beyond...
Other Intrepid Travel Reviews
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food…
We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information....
Central Asia Explorer
This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...
Do not book a tour with Intrepid
Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
The Intrepid Travel Experience
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.
Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.
Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.
Why Intrepid?
- Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
- Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
- Local leaders - authentic perspectives
- Local transport - get close and personal
- Local accommodation - experience real living
- Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions
History
Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.
Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.
Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.
Values
On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:
- Integrity – Doing the right thing
- Responsible – Think global, act local
- Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
- Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
- Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
- Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer
Associations
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations
