Self-Guided Tours
Snow Monkeys
Explore spectacular mountain areas in Nagano, often referred to as The Roof of Japan and visit small villages where local life hasn’t changed for years.
Japan’s modern skylines are matched by its natural mountain ranges which is home to the Japanese Macaque, a monkey native to northern Japan.
Your journey begins in Tokyo where you can explore both its rich history with a visit to places like Kagurazaka and its dizzying modernity. Journey onwards to the precipitous cliffs of Nagano to watch the Macaque up close as they soak in the geothermal hot springs. It is of course, not only for Macaque, but you can also enjoy and relax in the bath with full of natural mineral water at Nozawa Onsen (Onsen means hot spring in Japanese). For those who would like to try skiing in Japan, may like to extend the stay here as it is one of the largest and the most popular winter sports area. Next stop is Kanazawa, a castle town, often called “Little Kyoto”. You will see well preserved Samurai district, Geisha district as well as traditional craftsmanship which is passed down for generations. The tour ends in Kyoto, the ancient capital for more than 1,000 years where you can visit the famous shrines and temples before heading home.
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore Tokyo, the capital of Japan and home for 14 million people
- Bullet train (Shinkansen) ride
- Visiting beautiful Japan Alps area and watching snow monkeys
- Staying at Japanese style Inn & Hot Spring experience in the authentic Japanese village
- Enjoy browsing Japanese traditional culture and architect in both Kanazawa & Kyoto
Included in Tour Arrangements
- Airport transfer from Tokyo Haneda Airport to hotel in Tokyo
- All accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Train tickets as indicated in the itinerary
- 7-days Japan Rail Pass – ordinary class
You will be met by an English-Speaking Assistant who will help you boarding a reserved taxi to your hotel.
Stay for 3 nights.
Park Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Shiba Park Hotel ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Tokyo.
Half-Day or One-Day Tokyo Sightseeing tours are available as an option.
Park Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Shiba Park Hotel ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Tokyo or visit nearby cities such as Nikko, Kawagoe or Kamakura.
Park Hotel Tokyo ★★★★ / Shiba Park Hotel ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Nagano by Bullet Train (Shinkansen). Visit Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Wild Snow Monkey Park) and watch snow monkeys frolic and bath in the natural hot springs. It is picture perfect.
Stay for 2 nights.
Japan Rail Pass from Tokyo to Nagano included
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano ★★★★ / Hotel JAL City Nagano ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Nagano, visiting Zenko-ji Temple which was found in 7th century and stored the first Buddhist statue brought into Japan. Or a day trip to nearby city, Matsumoto. Matsumoto castle, famous for the characteristic black wainscoting is one of the oldest castles in Japan, built in 16th century and listed as National Tresure.
Hotel Metropolitan Nagano ★★★★ / Hotel JAL City Nagano ★★★ or equivalent
Travel by train and bus to Nozawa Onsen. This is the only village in Japan has a word of “Onsen (=hot spring)” in the village name. There are 13 free public baths throughout the village to try out. Be aware that the temperature of Nozawa Onsen’s bath is extremely hot!
Stay overnight.
Japan Rail Pass from Nagano to Iiyama included
Sakaya Ryokan ★★★ or equivalent
After enjoying Japanese style breakfast at Ryokan, Travel onto Kanazawa, meaning “Marsh of Gold”, a capital city of Ishikawa prefecture. As the city escaped from military target in 2nd World War, Japanese traditional cultures, architecture and craftsmanship are carried on today.
Stay for 2 nights.
Breakfast included
Japan Rail Pass from Iiyama to Kanazawa included
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa ★★★★ / Hotel Vista Kanazawa ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kanazawa.
Visit Nagamchi Samurai District, Higashi Chaya Geisha district and Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Best Landscape Gardens.
Hyatt Centric Kanazawa ★★★★ / Hotel Vista Kanazawa ★★★ or equivalent
Travel to Kyoto.
Free to explore ancient capital, Kyoto.
Stay for 3 nights.
Japan Rail Pass from Kanazawa to Kyoto included
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kyoto, the city has many World Heritage Sites such as Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Nijo-jo Castle, Kiyomizudera Temple.
Half-Day or One-Day Kyoto & Nara Sightseeing tours are available as an option
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Free to explore Kyoto or visit Arashiyama and Sagano Bamboo Grove area.
Or a day to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in 710. The city remains Buddhism cultural treasures, including some of Japan's oldest and largest temples.
Hotel Granvia Kyoto ★★★★ / Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo ★★★ or equivalent
Tour ends upon check-out.
Accommodation Rating: ★★★★＝Superior, ★★★＝Standard
REMARKS and BOOKING CONDITIONS
Unless otherwise specified, Sightseeing Tours are seat-in coach, operated by our partner suppliers in Japan and may be combined with another group.
Local government taxes, such as Resort tax, Accommodation tax or Bathing tax are not included in the tour price. Please pay directly to the accommodation if applicable.
For General information and Jaltour Terms & Conditions, please access from here.