Start the tour with a stay at the centre of modernity, Tokyo. Venture outside the capital to the remote region of Yudanaka and the famous ‘Snow Monkeys’ who regularly take baths in the natural hot springs. Visit Matsumoto to see the historic black castle against the stunning backdrop of the Japan Alps; home to some beautiful areas of nature. Travel to Tsumago and the historical Nakasendo Path. Walk to the top of the historic ruins of Tsumago Castle for the chance to admire the view. Meander along part of the preserved trail between Kyoto and the ancient capital, Edo (Tokyo), as the town and trail transport you into another era before visiting the beautifully-preserved old and functioning market town of Takayama,
Itinerary
| Day 1 | London - Tokyo Depart London on a direct flight to Tokyo. |
| Day 2 | Tokyo Travel to your hotel using your JR Pass. Stay for 2 nights. |
| Day 3 | Tokyo Free to explore Tokyo or visit nearby Mount Takao. |
| Day 4 | Tokyo - Yudanaka (D) Using your JR Pass; travel by train to Nagano. Take a private line train to Yudanaka (pay locally). Stay in a ryokan for 3 nights. |
| Day 5-6 | Yudanaka (B, D) Free to explore Yudanaka, including the Onsen Monkeys (commonly known as ‘Snow Monkeys’) and surrounding nature trails |
| Day 7 | Yudanaka - Matsumoto (B) Using your JR Pass; travel by train to Matsumoto. Stay overnight. |
| Day 8 | Matsumoto - Tsumago (D) Using your JR Pass; travel to Nagiso. Transfer by taxi or bus to Tsumago (pay locally). Stay for 2 nights in a minshuku. |
| Day 9 | Tsumago (B, D) Free to explore Tsumago |
| Day 10 | Tsumago - Takayama (B) Transfer by taxi to Nagiso station (pay locally). Using your JR Pass; travel to Takayama. Stay for 2 nights. |
| Day 11 | Takayama - Tokyo Using your JR Pass, travel by train to Tokyo. Stay overnight |
| Day 12 | Tokyo - London Using your JR Pass, transfer by express train to Tokyo Narita Airport. Depart on a direct flight to London arriving the same day. |
Tour Prices for 2012
| Departure Date | Standard |
| 04 Jan - 18 Mar | £2,635 |
| 18 Mar - 31 Mar | £3,059 |
| 01 Apr - 08 Apr | £3,335 |
| 09 Apr - 21 Jul | £3,059 |
| 22 Jul - 21 Aug | £3,335 |
| 22 Aug - 08 Dec | £3,059 |
| 09 Dec - 23 Dec | £2,579 |
| Single Supplement | Available upon request |
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 3227. ATOL Protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
