Urban Wonders and Alpine Serenity from Tokyo to Nagano

Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Narita International Airport (NRT).

On your first full day in Tokyo, you'll depart in the morning (via the Tokyo Metro) to explore Asakusa. Asakusa, once an entertainment hub during the Edo era, featuring traditional theater like Kabuki, Asakusa has evolved from its historical role and is now a lively area filled with charming shops and restaurants. Explore the area then participate in a traditional tea ceremony. After breaking for lunch on your own, you'll hop on a metro train across the city to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a renowned Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife. The visit included Shinto rituals and free time to explore Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, a vibrant street symbolizing Japan's unique youth culture. For your final stop, you'll take the metro over to Shibuya, where you'll get to experience the famous Shibuya crossing, indulge in some of the best shopping in Tokyo, and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife. You'll conclude the day with a metro ride and a short walk back to your hotel. For today's exploration, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring cash for souvenirs and food!

• Asakusa Exploration

  From the hotel you'll walk 10 minutes to the nearest metro station and then take a 15 minute metro train ride to Asakusa. You'll then walk 5 minutes to reach Kaminarimon (Temple Sensoji entrance gates). Once an entertainment hub during the Edo era, featuring traditional theater like Kabuki, Asakusa has evolved from its historical role and is now a lively area filled with charming shops and restaurants. Nestled in the Taito ward of Tokyo, Japan, Asakusa seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Its centerpiece is the iconic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple dating back to the 7th century. The district is famous for Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street that leads to the temple, offering an array of traditional goods, souvenirs, and mouth watering street food. Be sure to bring cash for souvenirs and food!

  10:00· 60 min· Asakusa, Tokyo
• Tea Ceremony

  Learn about the techniques, history and importance of the Japanese tea ceremony with guidance from a tea master at a ceremony room in Asakusa, Tokyo. This small group immersive experience invites you to partake in the ceremony, kneeling and sipping green tea in the same way it’s been done for centuries.

  11:00· 60 min· Asakusa
• Meiji Jingu - Harajuku

  After visiting Asakusa, you will travel across Tokyo on a 50 minute metro train ride to Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the deified spirits of the former Emperor and his wife, Meiji Shrine is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan. Enter through the 12-meter-high Torii gate into the tranquil grounds, where you'll wash your hands as per Shinto ritual of cleansing before entering this sacred space. Observe Shinto rituals and prayers as you walk through the area, connecting with the traditions of this unique culture. Then, you will have free time to explore one of the most funky streets of Tokyo: Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, a bustling and vibrant street that epitomizes Japan's unique and eclectic youth culture. Lined with an array of quirky and fashionable boutiques, Takeshita-dori is a haven for fashion enthusiasts seeking the latest trends, bold styles, and kawaii (cute) fashion. The street is also known for its diverse range of themed cafes, offering visitors a chance to experience the whimsical and imaginative side of Japanese pop culture.

  15:15· 105 min· Meiji Jingu, Harajuku
• Shibuya Exploration

  From Takeshita-dori in Harajuku, you'll take an 8 minute metro train to Shibuya. The world-famous Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, is a mesmerizing spectacle as a sea of people converges from all directions. Surrounding the crossing, Shibuya is a hub of fashion, entertainment, and youth culture. The fashionable Shibuya 109 building stands tall as a symbol of the district's trendsetting fashion scene, offering a myriad of trendy boutiques and cutting-edge styles. Beyond fashion, Shibuya is also home to vibrant nightlife, trendy cafes, and a diverse array of shops and restaurants. You'll then take a 25 minute metro train ride back to Shimbashi and walk 10 minutes to the hotel.

  17:15· 45 min· Shibuya, Tokyo

This morning, you'll check out from the hotel and store your luggage with the concierge before beginning today's foodie adventure. Then, hop on the metro train to Yanaka to explore the back streets and hidden gems and get a rare taste of Tokyo's past. Here, you'll have free time to explore the area and to try local street snacks, stop by shops that are over 100 years old, and see local shrines and temples. During this time, you'll have lunch on your own before you heading back to the hotel by metro train to check out of the hotel, and then taking a short metro ride with your luggage to Tokyo station where you will board a Shinkasen bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano.

• Yanaka Ginza Exploration

  This morning you'll take a 30 minute metro train ride to Yanaka Ginza. You will have time to explore the back streets and hidden gems in Yanaka, a rare taste of Tokyo's past. Make your way through the charming area of Yanaka - one of the few remaining districts in Tokyo where the shitamachi (downtown) atmosphere - a feeling of Tokyo from past decades, still survives. Your local guide will recommend some must try snacks to discover such as senbei, menchikatsu, and taiyaki. You'll then take a 30 minute metro train ride back to the hotel.

  10:30· 180 min· Yanaka, Tokyo
• Transfer · Tokyo → TYO

  Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Tokyo to Nagano. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

  other · 60 min
• Transfer · Tokyo → Nagano

  Take the local train to Ueno station, the closest Shinkansesn station in the area. You'll then board a Shinkasen bullet train from Tokyo to Nagano.

  train · 80 min

After breakfast, you'll start the morning off with a half hour walk to Zenko-ji Temple. Along the way, you'll get to walk through the town of Nagano, passing through Nakamise street that is lined with shops. This is a great way to learn the lay of the land. You'll arrive at Zenko-ji Temple, a sacred site with a history spanning nearly 1400 years. The Main Hall of this spiritual haven is not only a testament to architectural prowess but is also designated as a National Treasure. Zenko-ji Temple is a repository of legends and myths, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese history and spirituality. Take your time to visit the temple and to explore the surrounding streets that lead to the main gate where you will find small shops with souvenirs and street food. You'll then walk or take the metro train back to the hotel and spend the rest of the day free at leisure to explore the quaint town of Nagano.

• Zenko-ji Temple

  You'll start the morning off with a 30 minute walk through Nagano passing through Nakamise street with shops on your way up to Zenko-ji Temple (you'll also have an option to take a 15 minute metro train ride with a 10-15 minute walk to the temple). Having proudly hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, this city is steeped in both modern sports history and ancient cultural significance. One of its most renowned landmarks is the venerable Zenko-ji Temple, a sacred site with a history spanning nearly 1400 years. The Main Hall of this spiritual haven is not only a testament to architectural prowess but is also designated as a National Treasure. Zenko-ji Temple is a repository of legends and myths, offering visitors a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of Japanese history and spirituality. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the temple, exploring its sacred halls and absorbing the cultural significance that permeates the air. As you venture through the temple grounds, meander along the surrounding streets that lead to the main gate. Here, you'll discover quaint shops offering souvenirs and street food. You'll then walk 30 minutes back to the hotel or take the metro train. Remember to bring cash with you!

  09:30· 150 min· Nagano

Today you are off on an adventure starting with a private transfer out to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Once you arrive, you'll walk through the forest to find the Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, who gracefully navigate the snow-covered landscape and indulge in the park's natural hot springs. You'll then transfer to Yudanaka Onsen Town, particularly famous for its historic ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and public baths, where visitors can immerse themselves in the restorative effects of the natural hot springs. You'll have free time to enjoy the foot bath just near the train station or explore the town. Note that some onsens do not allow travelers with tattoos and you'll have to be naked, so if you are not comfortable, you can take the time to soak your feet and explore the town! You'll then take a transfer back to the hotel in Nagano for an evening at leisure.

• Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

  Once you arrive in Jigokudani, walk through the forest for 30 minutes (an easy and paved walk) to reach the monkeys. This park is renowned for its resident Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, who gracefully navigate the snow-covered landscape and indulge in the park's natural hot springs. You can witness these charming primates soaking in the warm waters, providing an extraordinary and heartwarming spectacle. You'll typically see them soaking during the autumn and winter seasons, during the hotter season they will usually just be playing around the area). You'll then walk 30 minutes back through the forest to be picked up by the private bus. Depending on the weather, there could be some difficulties due to snow. There are hiking gears for rent at the beginning of the hike (not included).

  10:00· 120 min· Nagano
• Yudanaka Onsen Town Exploration

  You'll then take a 20 minute private transfer to Yudanaka Onsen Town. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this onsen town offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. Yudanaka is particularly famous for its historic ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and public baths, where visitors can immerse themselves in the restorative effects of the natural hot springs. You'll have free time to enjoy the foot bath just near the train station or walk up to the Sekai Heiwa Kannon, a 25-meter-tall bronze statue of Kannon, goddess of mercy. Note that if you want to visit an onsen, depending on the onsen, travelers with tattoos are not permitted. You will also need to be naked at the onsen, so if you are not comfortable, you can opt for the foot bath and enjoy exploring the town. The onsen might have limited capacity to take the entire group, so shifts might be required.

  12:10· 230 min· Nagano
• Transfer · Nagano → Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

  Take a private transfer from the hotel in Nagano to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

  private · 60 min
• Transfer · Yudanaka → Nagano

  Take a private transfer from Yudanaka Onsen Town back to the hotel in Nagano.

  private · 60 min

After breakfast, you'll bid farewell to Nagano and take a bullet train back to Tokyo. Once you arrive in Tokyo, you'll take a short metro ride with your luggage to your hotel where you'll check in and have the remainder of the afternoon free at leisure to explore Tokyo on your own and buy any last minute souvenirs. In the evening, you'll walk to a local Japanese Izakaya for a final farewell dinner with the group to celebrate an amazing week of new friends and new memories. Finally, conclude your trip with an amazing karaoke night!

• Karaoke Party

  After dinner, you'll sing your heart out! Head to a local karaoke bar and enjoy your last night with your group, singing some of your favorite songs! A private karaoke room is included. 1 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink is included. Additional drinks will be at your own expense.

  20:30· 120 min· Tokyo
• Transfer · Tokyo → TYO

  Today, your luggage will be transported separately from Nagano to Tokyo. (One piece per person is included, additional luggage will be charged on the spot per piece based on size, payment must be made in cash - Japanese Yen)

  other · 60 min
• Transfer · Nagano → Tokyo

  After breakfast, you'll check out of the hotel and board a Shinkansen bullet train from Nagano back to Tokyo. Once you arrive in Tokyo, you'll take a 15 minute metro ride to Shimbashi and a short 5 minute walk to the hotel.

  train · 106 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Narita International Airport (NRT).