Itinerary
The Cultural Skier
This one is for those who want to experience the real Japan, in what we believe is the country's best season - winter. Notwithstanding the fact that anywhere just looks better with a sprinkling of white, the winter months also attract less crowds (the Kyoto experience is transformed as a consequence!) and the piercing clear blue skies make all the sights that little bit more photogenic.
After a few days to acclimatise in Tokyo, first head out for a couple fo days on the slopes in Japan's prettiest and most authentic ski resort, Nozawa Onsen. the snow monkeys are also waiting for you. The cultural odyssey then steps up a level as you head to Kanazawa to visit its castle, famous garden, local markets and samurai districts. Next it is back in to the mountains, to Takayama - perhaps our favourite place in all Japan - looking its finest in the snow. Finally it is a scenic rail journey out of the hills, down to the bullet-train tracks and on to Kyoto - Japan's cultural heart.
Day-by-day Itinerary
How much would this holiday cost?
Obviously, cost depends on the accommodation you choose, how many excursions and activities you want to book, whether you wish to include ski hire and local backcountry guides, etc.
An indicative lead-in price for this 16-day itinerary would be somewhere in the region of £3,500, including on moderate accommodation (mid / low season), transfers, lift passes in Nozawa Onsen, Japan rail pass, ski equipment hire, excursion to see the snow monkeys and economy class flights from the U.K.
If you were to move the dates to January (but still avoiding Christmas & New Year / Chinese New Year), this would then rise by approximately a couple of hundred pounds per person. And, of course, if you wanting the finest, most luxurious accommodation then....the sky's the limit really! Solo travellers should also be aware that costs increase, as you carry the burden of the accommodation cost alone.
We don't have to include international flights. However, by keeping it all within one package, your arrangements are protected by ATOL.
Different Snow strive to offer the most competitive prices in all instances. However, we pride ourselves first and foremost on quality - we are an independent specialist tour operator and, therefore, are not beholden to any supplier. We make our decisions based only on who's best in each and every instance.
Suggestions & Variations
With no set departures or fixed dates this itinerary can be extended, or even curtailed, to suit your available dates or match your budget.
This suggested itinerary merely scratches the surface of what's possible in Japan. Just staying on Honshu Island, we could add time in Matsumoto, the Kiso Valley, Hiroshima and Miyajima, Osaka, Kurashiki and Himeji...etc. The possibilities are endless and we know Japan, from top to bottom, better than anyone. If you prefer getting away from other tourists to find an authentic and rural Japan, then we know where to head (the Izu peninsula or the villages of Gifu Prefecture?). If you love big cities, but don't want to explore the obvious - then Kobe or Fukuoka are amazing. Want top get out and do some walking / trekking? The Kumano Kodo and Nakasendo Highway await.
Then there is the skiing. This itinerary gives you only three days on the slopes, which for most is not nearly enough. More time in Nozawa Onsen, or perhaps add time in the Hakuba Valley or Myoko Kogen?