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Winter
The surprise package of traveling in Japan in winter 2023!
Our 2023 Winter Tours of Japan showcase the Japanese winter, culture, breathtaking scenery and unique winter festivals.
Traveling Japan in winter is not just about skiing or snowboarding. Journey to the East Winter Tours offer the opportunity to experience what is uniquely Japanese in winter. You will be up close with the cute Snow Monkeys, experiencing the unforgettable Sapporo Snow Festival, riding an icebreaker or seeing graceful red-crested cranes dancing in a field of snow.
At XMAS time, white Christmas in Japan is on the cards. We will show the stunning winter light-ups and snow-covered castles. Naturally, these winter holidays in Japan also introduce you to the Japanese winter customs, food and delicate snowy scenery in this wonderland of the Japanese winter landscape.
Winter in Japan is a very special time of the year for the Japanese, it is full of traditional events, festivals and rituals. Especially around the New Year’s Day you will see the festive mood all over the country.
Why not travel Japan in the 2023/2024 winter season pre or post ski trip, or on its own, and create a unique memory of winter.
Tour Type
Signature
Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.
Active
Our Active tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.
Comfort
With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.
Seasons
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14 day tour
2024 Snow Spectacular Tour of Japan
This tour through Japan’s spectacular winter landscape has it all; the Sapporo Snow Festival, snow monkeys, dancing red-crested cranes, even an icebreaker ride.
Next Departure 24th Jan, 2024
15 day tour
2023 White Christmas Tour of Japan
Ever dreamt of fresh powder snow and perhaps making a snowman on Christmas Day? This tour is designed to travel Japan in the winter season experiencing a peaceful White Christmas as well as the traditional festive atmosphere towards the New Year in Japan.
Next Departure 15th Dec, 2023
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Winter Tours Features
Sapporo Snow Festival (February 2024)
The internationally popular Sapporo Snow Festival is featured in the 2024 Snow Spectacular Tour of Japan. The tour offers only two departures, and spaces are limited. Be quick and don’t miss out!
White Christmas in Japan
Ever thought of a white Xmas in Japan? We have a very special White Christmas Tour in Japan in December 2022. The tour covers the snowy Japan Alps region in Honshu as well as the northern island of Hokkaido. The tour is truly unique.
Why travel with us
At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.
We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.
With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!
We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.
Accommodation styles
Ryokans
Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.
Western Style Hotels
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Minshuku
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Shukubo (temple lodging)
The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.
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