STEAL THIS SMALL GROUP TOUR
A dream cultural adventure in Japan
Introduced by Rachel Japan Specialist
Our Winter Highlights Small Group Tour takes you to Japan's northern most outpost - Hokkaido, where remote, icy landscapes and wildlife await. There's plenty of time to explore the big cities, too.
The travellers
Erica and David are in their 60s. They were a bit nervous about exploring Japan themselves, but love meeting new people. Our Winter Highlights Small Group Tour immediately came to mind.
The trip
Erica and David will start their adventure in Tokyo before moving deep into wilder winter landscapes further north. They’ll visit Sapporo and explore Kyoto too, with significantly fewer crowds.
The adventure
Snow-topped skyscrapers in Tokyo
This Small Group Tour starts in Tokyo – ideal for Erica and David to get a slice of modern Japan city life before heading north.
Your client's Insider (expert local guide for the trip) will lead them through the diverse, contrasting pockets of Tokyo; from the more traditional Tokyo, with craft stalls and Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji, to more modern areas known for neon lights and cutting-edge electronics stores, like Akihabara.
During their free time, they can’t miss Hamarikyu Gardens. It's a serene spot to take in the skyscraper views, with a cup of traditional green tea.
Thermal baths and cranes in Tsurui
Under the wing of their Insider guide, David and Erica will travel to Tsurui – a remote and rural village beloved by birdwatchers.
165 species of bird have been recorded here, and with the help of an expert bird watching guide for the day, your clients could spot the famous red-crowned crane dance at Lake Kussharo. It’s a sight that many birdwatchers hope to catch on camera.
Your clients will travel through the Akan Mashu National Park, taking in epic views of mountains and lakes, stopping for the evening at the hot springs town of Kawayu Onsen, where they’ll slip into their own personal, outdoor thermal bath.
Take an icebreaker cruise in Abashiri
February is the best time to board an icebreaker cruise through the creaking floes of the Okhotsk Sea.
At this time of year the ice is at its thickest, cracking and dramatically parting ways as ships steer through. Steller’s sea eagles are known to congregate on the ice – your clients may be lucky to get some once-in-a-lifetime shots. It’s dramatic, deeply beautiful and shockingly cold.
That evening, your clients are in for a truly traditional treat – kaiseki – a multi-course meal, typically including sashimi, rice and flame-grilled food.
Gigantic snow sculptures in Sapporo
The train journey to Hokkaido’s capital is an experience in itself, with views of windswept snowscapes and walls of snow, metres high, created by the morning snow ploughs.
The Sapporo Snow Festival (4-11 February 2025) showcases over 400 snow sculptures across the city. Last year’s highlights included popular manga characters and a galloping horse – they get more and more elaborate each year.
Sapporo is also famous for its beer, with a few surprising flavours. There’s even a blue beer, made with drift ice, flowers and seaweed to give its blue colour. Our Insider’s tip: tuck into the local specialty: buttery ramen noodles before you leave the city.
Kyoto - without the crowds
Returning to the main island of Honshu, we’ll take your clients to visit the cultural centre of Kyoto. Visiting in peak winter, you have a rare chance to experience the Golden Pavilion away from the highest volume of crowds.
Kyoto is home to the famous geisha districts. For the best experience, for both Kyoto visitors and the geishas themselves, we offer a private audience with a maiko, a trainee geisha specialising in the art of dance. They will share their experience of learning this traditional art form, performing dances and introducing some traditional games.
Meet Rachel
Rachel lived in Hokkaido for a year and now loves creating trips for customers in Japan’s lesser-known northern frontier. Her favourite meal there was Jingisukan (also known as ‘Genghis Khan’) – grilled mutton with vegetables, served with soy or sake sauce. It’s cooked on a convex-shaped grill, conjuring images of a warrior’s helmet.
Did you know?
The younger Japanese generations are embracing a new Christmas tradition, eating KFC on Christmas Eve. You have to book it three months in advance because it’s getting so popular!
Japan’s secret power:
Its Shinkansen bullet train is so punctual, the average delay is just 18 seconds. These trains came onto the tracks in 1964, at the same time that steam trains were still in use in the UK. You can get ice cream on board, or a Shinkansen shaped bento box for lunch.
