SAKURA & SNOW MONKEY JAPAN ADVENTURE

From snowy peaks to blooming cherry trees.

 

Feb 24th – Mar 5th

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🌞️ 9 Days, 8 Nights

📍7 Cities

$3,550 
$3,395 

2026 Dates Available

Feb 24th – Mar 5th

Early Birds | 5% OFF

$3,550

$3,395

Single Supplment Availble Upon Request

Two Seasons, One Perfect Trip

 This is your chance to see Japan in a way most people don’t. In the sweet spot of late winter, you can experience a land of snow one day and stand under blooming cherry blossoms the next—all before the peak-season crowds arrive.

Your adventure begins in the highlands of Nagano. You’ll warm yourself with steam rising from natural hot springs in a snow-covered valley, with Japan’s famous snow monkeys relaxing just feet away. From there, the journey continues to Lake Kawaguchiko for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, before we travel to Izu to catch the very first sakura of the year!

Beyond the rare experience of seeing two seasons in one trip, you will travel on to Kyoto and Nara, the ancient capitals, to explore their world-famous temples, shrines, and historic streets. And then, we’ll end the trip with a bang by diving into the lively energy and incredible food scene of Osaka. Visiting at this time of year allows you to visit these iconic Japanese sites with a fraction of the usual crowds!

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Every Destination We’ll Visit

Sakura & Snow Monkey Group Trip Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Japan!

New Year’s Eve events in Tokyo Tokyo Tower 2

Welcome to Japan! As you arrive in this incredible country, get ready to kick off an unforgettable adventure. You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Tokyo, where you can settle in and start soaking up the city vibes.

Food & Drinks Bar Tour- Discover Unique Tokyo Nightlife

In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner—your first taste of Japan’s amazing cuisine—where you can meet your fellow travellers and start making memories.

What’s Included: Airport Transfer, Welcome Pack, Welcome Dinner

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Day 2: Deep Dive into Tokyo

Tsukiji Market Tsukiji Food and Drink TourFrom the moment you step foot in Tokyo, you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and flavours. We’ll start our day at Tsukiji Market, where you can sample fresh seafood, savour local treats, and browse through a variety of goods.

Next, we’ll hop on the Asakusa line and head to the historic neighbourhood of Asakusa. Together, we’ll explore the iconic Senso-ji Temple and immerse ourselves in the rich cultural heritage.

As the day continues, we’ll make our way to Ueno, known for its cultural offerings and scenic Ueno Park. We’ll dive into the artistic atmosphere, explore museums, and discover what makes this district so special.

Finally, we’ll end our day in Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek paradise. From gaming and anime to unique shrines like Kanda Myojin, Akihabara is where subcultures come alive.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Transportation, Lunch at a Local Japanese Restaurant

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Day 3: Old Meets New in Western Tokyo

Flip tour guests Meiji JinguToday, we’ll start our journey by visiting the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a large Shinto shrine nestled in a peaceful forest park. This shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Next, we’ll head over to Harajuku, the epicentre of youth culture, street art, and fashion. We’ll take a stroll down Takeshita Street, a vibrant pedestrian zone filled with trendy boutiques, quirky cafés, and unique restaurants.

Our adventure continues in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most iconic districts. We’ll explore Shibuya Crossing, the bustling centre of activity, and enjoy the sights of Shibuya Sky, Hachiko statue, and Miyashita Park. It’s a vibrant area where old meets new, and tradition blends seamlessly with modernity.

We’ll end our day in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most lively districts. Here, we’ll explore the famous department stores, and perhaps enjoy a drink in one of the small bars that make this area so popular.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Transportation, Lunch at a Ramen Restaurant, Shibuya Sky Entrance

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Day 4: A Day with Nagano’s Snow Monkeys

Today, we’re off on an exciting day trip to Nagano’s Snow Monkey Park, where nature and culture intertwine beautifully. We’ll start our adventure at Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to the famous snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, who enjoy soaking in the natural hot springs against a backdrop of snow-covered landscapes.

After our enchanting encounter with the snow monkeys, we’ll venture to the nearby town of Shibu Onsen. This charming town offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich hot spring tradition, with its historic public baths and traditional ryokans. We’ll explore the quaint streets and perhaps even soak in the therapeutic waters.

To round off the day, we’ll visit the iconic Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano city. As one of Japan’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Zenko-ji offers a spiritual and architectural experience that’s truly unforgettable.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Private Transportation, Lunch at a Local Japanese Soba Restaurant

Stay: Tokyo Hotel

Day 5: Embrace Nature in Izu and Kawaguchiko

Prepare for a scenic escape as we embark on a journey to Izu and Kawaguchiko. We’ll start our morning with a visit to Kawazu during cherry blossom season, where the Kawazu-zakura trees burst into vibrant pink hues along the riverbanks. It’s a peaceful moment to savour the beauty of these early blooms.

Next, we’ll head to Kawaguchiko, the gateway to the majestic Mount Fuji. We’ll explore the area around Kawaguchiko Station, taking in the stunning views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its picturesque view of Chureito Pagoda.

We’ll also visit Oshino Hakkai, a collection of eight pristine ponds fed by the waters of Mount Fuji, known for their crystal-clear water. After a day of natural beauty, we’ll take the shinkansen to Kyoto, where we’ll check into our hotel.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Private Van, Bullet Train Transportation, Lunch at a Local Hotpot Restaurant

Stay: Kyoto Hotel

Day 6: Dive into Kyoto’s Rich Heritage

Flip Japan photo of a woman in the torii gates at Fushimi Inari for Osaka vs Tokyo vs KyotoToday, we’ll dive into Kyoto’s rich history, starting with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vibrant red torii gates. Afterward, we’ll explore Kiyomizu-dera, a picturesque temple offering stunning views of Kyoto.

As we stroll through the neighbouring areas of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, we’ll soak in the traditional charm of Kyoto’s historic streets. We’ll also visit Maruyama Park, known for its cherry blossoms, and end the day in the Gion district, where we’ll enjoy a Geisha dinner.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Lunch at a Kyoto-Speciality Lunch Spot, Geisha Sinner

Stay: Kyoto Hotel

Day 7: Unveil Kyoto’s Natural Wonders

Kyoto-Arashiyama (Photo by Flip Japan)Wake up refreshed and ready to explore Kyoto’s treasures. We’ll begin our day with a visit to Arashiyama, known for its enchanting Bamboo Forest. We’ll wander through the serene bamboo grove, soaking in the tranquillity of this natural wonder. Next, we’ll visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we’ll admire the beautiful gardens and cross the iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge, offering picturesque views of the surrounding scenery.

After a peaceful morning, we’ll head to the Golden Pavilion, officially known as Kinkaku-ji. The temple’s stunning golden facade reflects beautifully in the tranquil pond, creating a postcard-perfect scene. We’ll take our time to absorb the serenity of the temple and explore the meticulously manicured grounds.

For lunch, we’ll savour the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine at Sabo Kinkaku-an, a restaurant located nearby, known for its delightful offerings. After our meal, we’ll make our way to Nijo Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its historical significance and architectural beauty. We’ll explore the castle’s intricate design, admire the stunning gardens, and delve into the rich history of this iconic landmark.

To make the experience even more memorable, for an additional fee, you’ll have the option to participate in a sushi-making class or join a tea ceremony session, deepening your understanding of Japanese culture through these hands-on activities.

What’s Included: Expert Local Guide, Private Van, Entrances, Lunch at a Local Lunch Spot

Stay: Kyoto Hotel

Day 8: Experience Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka's Highlights

Kyoto-Nishiki MarketWe’ll kick off our day at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” This lively market is a bustling hub of fresh produce, local delicacies, and culinary delights. We’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere, exploring the stalls and sampling delicious treats that represent the best of Kyoto’s food scene.

Afterward, we’ll travel to Nara, a city steeped in history and known for its friendly deer. Our first stop will be Nara Park, where you can interact with these gentle creatures that freely roam the park. We’ll then visit Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue. The immense size and beauty of the statue are awe-inspiring, and we’ll take time to explore the temple complex and its rich historical significance.

Next, we’ll make our way to Kofuku-ji, another renowned Buddhist temple in Nara, famous for its elegant pagoda and extensive museum. We’ll explore the temple grounds, taking in the peaceful ambiance and learning about Nara’s role in Japan’s cultural heritage.

What’s Included: Expert Local Guide, Entrances, Train Transportation

Stay: Osaka Hotel

Day 9: Ending with a Bang in Osaka

Osaka-DotonboriNext, we’ll venture to Osaka, a city that never fails to impress with its iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll start our Osaka adventure at Osaka Castle, where we’ll marvel at the castle tower and explore the surrounding gardens. The castle’s secondary citadels, gates, turrets, and moats provide a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

As the day progresses, we’ll head to Namba, one of Osaka’s main city cores. Here, we’ll explore Shinsaibashi, a bustling covered shopping street that connects to Amerika-mura, a district with an American motif and a hub of Osaka’s youth culture. We’ll delight in the vibrant retail scene, discovering trendy shops and unique boutiques that line the streets.

To conclude the day on a relaxing note, we’ll unwind at Solaniwa Onsen, a rejuvenating spa and hot spring facility. We’ll indulge in a soothing soak, enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, and cap off the day with a delicious meal at the on-site Japanese restaurant, savouring the flavours of traditional Japanese cuisine.

What’s Included: Hotel Breakfast, Expert Local Guide, Entrances, Train Transportation, Lunch at an Osaka Teppanyaki Lunch Spot

Stay: Osaka Hotel

Day 10: See You Again!

Waking up in the beautiful city of Osaka, it’s time to wrap up this adventure!

If you’re hoping to extend your trip, we are here to help you!

Please note that departure day is self-guided. If you need assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know.

What's included?

DAILY INCLUSIONS:

Daily expert local guide (excluding departure day)

Day 1:
Shared airport transfer
Welcome pack
Pre-loaded transportation card
Welcome dinner

Day 2:
Lunch

Day 3:
Lunch
Shibuya Sky Entrance

Day 4:
Private transportation
Snow Monkey Park entrance
Lunch
Zenko-ji Temple entrance

Day 5:
Private transportation
Hoto lunch
Bullet train from Mishima to Kyoto

Day 6:
Kiyomizudera entrance
Lunch

Day 7:
Tenryuji entrance
Kinkakuji entrance
Lunch
Nijo Castle entrance

Day 8:
Todaiji entrance
Lunch
Kofukuji entrance

Day 9:
Osaka Castle entrance
Lunch

    OPTIONAL ADD-ONS:

    Aizome experience
    Daruma experience
    Maiko dinner
    Solaniwa Onsen entry
    Departure airport transfer

    ACCOMODATIONS:

    Asakusa View Hotel or similar (including breakfast)
    Rihga Gran Kyoto or similar (including breakfast)
    Osaka View Hotel Honmachi or similar (including breakfast)

    What's not included

    ❌ Flight Ticket
    ❌ Travel Insurance
    ❌ Meals and experiences not listed in the itinerary
    ❌ Personal expenses
    ❌ Visa application and fees

    Ever wanted to explore Japan with a true expert? Now’s your chance!  

    You’ve seen her on Instagram, now you can travel with her in Japan! We are incredibly excited to announce that this Sakura & Snow Monkey adventure will be personally hosted by our founder, CEO, and the creative force behind Flip Japan Guide, Venese.

    A Japan resident for more than 13 years, Venese founded this company to help travellers experience Japan in a way that feels both luxurious and authentic.

    As your host, she’ll be sharing her deep knowledge and personal passion, taking you from the iconic sights of Tokyo to the secret spots only a local would know. Get ready for an adventure curated and led by the ultimate Japan insider!

    Add-on Experiences

    indigo dyeing experience

    Indigo Dyeing

    Tokyo

    Learn the art of “aizome,” a centuries-old technique that produces stunning shades of blue using natural indigo. Guided by skilled artisans, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore Japanese craftsmanship while making your own one-of-a-kind textile piece.

    Paint your own Daruma experience

    Paint Your Own Daruma

    Tokyo

    Explore the symbolism and cultural significance of Daruma dolls. In the workshop, participants will learn about the history and meaning behind Daruma dolls. You will be provided with an unpainted Daruma doll and a range of colors to choose from.

    Maiko dinner experience

    Maiko Dinner

    Kyoto

    Enjoy a special geisha dinner for an unforgettable cultural experience. Savour a traditional Japanese meal while watching a captivating performance by a maiko. You’ll also have the chance to chat with her — a truly memorable evening!

    Where You'll Stay

    *While we cannot guarantee accommodation at the specific property listed, please rest assured that we partner with clean, comfortable, and reliable 3- to 4-star properties that we know and trust.

    kaila hotel

    Asakusa View Hotel or similar

    Tokyo

    Offers stunning views of Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree

    Rihga Kyoto

    Rihga Gran Kyoto or similar

    Kyoto

    Guests can enjoy a private garden, seasonal dining, and a stylish sake bar

    room of dormy inn

    Osaka View Hotel Honmachi or similar

    Osaka

    A luxurious retreat with modern amenities and a touch of traditional charm

    Starts at

    Tokyo

    Ends at

    Osaka

    Stops

    Tokyo, Kyoto, Kawaguchiko, Nara, Osaka, Nagano, Izu

    Meals

    9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 2 Dinners

    Transport

    Mix of Private & Public Transpo

    Days

    10 Days

    Group Size

    6-12 Travellers

    Age

    Min 15

    Why Choose This Tour

    Welcome and Farewell Dinners

    Meet your fellow travellers and start making memories from day one — and celebrate your journey together at the end!

    w

    English-Speaking Guides

    Be guided by local experts throughout your trip, with seamless transport and insightful commentary every step of the way.

    Flexible Plans, Just for You

    Customise your experience with flexible options tailored to your group’s preferences — for a trip to Japan that’s truly your own.

    Please check this page for Flip Japan Guide Group Trip Terms and Conditions.

    Sakura & Snow Monkey Group Trip FAQs

    Will we definitely see both snow monkeys and cherry blossoms?

    This itinerary is carefully designed to give you the highest possible chance. We visit Nagano while it’s still cold, ensuring the monkeys are likely to be in their hot spring, and then travel to a region famous for its early-blooming sakura trees. While we can’t control nature, this schedule is your best bet for seeing these two iconic sights in one trip.

     

    What kind of shoes are essential for the snow monkey park?

    The trail to the monkey park can be snowy, icy, and muddy in March. Sturdy, waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip are essential. Regular trainers are not suitable as they will get wet and have poor traction.

     

    How cold will it be in Nagano?

    You should prepare for winter conditions in Nagano. Temperatures are often around freezing (0°C / 32°F). A warm, waterproof coat, along with a hat, gloves, and thermal layers, are necessary.

     

    What are our chances of seeing Mount Fuji?

    We take you to the Kawaguchiko area, one of the best spots for viewing the mountain. However, Mt. Fuji is famously “shy” and is often hidden by clouds. We can’t promise a clear view, but the itinerary is planned to maximise our chances.

    I have tattoos. Can I use the onsen in Osaka?

    Yes, you can. The Solaniwa Onsen we visit has a specific policy that allows guests with tattoos to use the facilities, provided they are completely covered. You will need to cover your tattoos with tattoo-concealing stickers, which are sold at the onsen. As long as any visible tattoos are fully covered by these stickers, you are welcome to enjoy the baths. Your guide can assist you with this on the day.

     

    What if the cherry blossoms aren't at their peak?

    While the tour is timed for the typical blooming season of the region’s early-flowering trees, nature is unpredictable. If the blossoms are not at their absolute peak, the stunning coastal scenery, traditional atmosphere, and unique experience of the area still make for a wonderful visit.

    Got another question? Find answers about booking, payments, and what to pack on the FAQ section on our main group trip page

    Don’t miss Japan’s magical spring

    Please feel free to ask us anything!

    You can also find our more about us here: @flipjapanguide

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