Tour

Japan Winter Wonder | Plus Ski (Sapporo) | 2026-2027
from USD 3645

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: JPFS26
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 14 Days
Country: Japan

Say konnichiwa to the land of sushi, samurai & sake! In a country where the ancient and the modern collide in truly mesmerising style, you’ll make your way from Osaka to Tokyo, taking in temples, teppanyaki, geishas and gardens, plus miniature deer along the way. With time at the end to shred on the slopes.



Japan Winter Wonder plus Ski

Gold Seal Protection

  • Gold Seal Protection

Dining Summary

13 Breakfast (B)

Faqs

  • Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
  • Nara: What is the currency used in Japan? The currency (that can buy you some unbeatable authentic sushi) in Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).
  • Tokyo: How do I make my way to the starting point? Are transfers included? This will depend on which city you arrive at.TokyoTokyo is serviced by two major international airports, Narita and Haneda. You’re welcome to take a taxi to the hotel, but these tend to be quite expensive. That’s why, the best way to reach our hotel is by train. You can purchase tickets from the counter at the airport. And the journey will take you 1-2 hours.Osaka The Kansai International Airport in Osaka is around 45 minutes away from our hotel by bus. And the best way to get there is by bus, that’ll drop you off close to our hotel. You can get your tickets at the counter. We don’t recommend getting a taxi since they tend to be quite expensive.
  • Nara: What kind of luggage should I bring? What are restrictions? You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) – plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights on this trip.You’ll travel between a few destinations via the Shinkansen (bullet train), and won’t have your main luggage because of the space restrictions. But there’s no need to worry, because we’ll send everything forward to the next hotel via truck.In Hiroshima and Mt Koya, you’ll need to bring an overnight bag since you won’t have your main luggage with you. Your Trip Manager will advise you about what you should bring for each day.
  • Nara: Can bullet train tickets be used at a later date? Starstruck by the Shinkansen? Same. All bullet train tickets are one-use-only tickets (and not passes). So, you won’t be able to use them after the trip has concluded.
  • Nara: Will I be given a Japan Rail (JR) Pass? A Japan Rail Pass can be quite handy while travelling in Japan. But since we’ve got you covered for the transport, you won’t need a Japan Rail Pass. You’re always welcome to ask your Trip Manager where you can buy one once the trip ends.
  • Nara: Is Street Kart or Mario Kart available as an optional activity? Currently, Street Kart or Mario Kart aren’t offered on any Contiki trip. Who knows what the future holds, though?
  • Sapporo: Are ski passes and equipment included? You’ll need to arrange your own ski passes and equipment for this trip.
  • Nara: Can I bring my own ski/snowboard equipment? Yep, of course. You’ll have to carry your ski gear onto the train and store it in the overhead luggage space throughout the journey.And if you’d like, you can send your gear from Osaka to Tokyo for a small fee (we love not worrying about our luggage when in Japan!). Your Trip Manager will sort that out for you.

Included Experience

  • Kyoto: Tea houses. Kiyomizu Temple. The Golden Pavilion. Geishas. It’s all so surreal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a film set. 
  • Hiroshima: Visit the Peace Park and Peace Memorial Museum to commemorate the lives lost after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city. 
  • Hiroshima: This way to amazing! These are the sites you always see in those impossibly tranquil pictures of Japan. IRL. 
  • Hakone: Prepare to be impressed. An awesome cable car ride is set against dream-like views of Mount Fuji. 
  • Tokyo: Check out the Sensoji Temple, one of the most significant temples in Japan, decked with a 5-storey pagoda. Don't forget to snap a pic under the giant red lantern!
  • Tokyo: Get a piece of Japan to take back home from one of the many little stalls here on Nakamise Street, just a short walk from the Sensoji Temple.
  • Tokyo: Visit this Shinto shrine in Shibuya, dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shōken. You'll have the chance to wander through a tranquil forest, passing under the world-famous Tori Gate. And ofc, stop for a picture in front of the many colourful Sake barrels, and make a wish at the sacred Camphor tree.
  • Tokyo: Get ready for a riot of colour and vibrant fashion. This was (and still is) a home for Japanese fashion. Grab a vintage bag, a pair of sneakers or a kawaii outfit. And don't get us started on the food! You'll find rainbow cotton candy, candy covered strawberries or a rainbow cheese sandwich.
  • Tokyo: It's only the biggest pedestrian intersection in the world! Come watch the world go by (and grab an iconic picture) on the crossing.
  • Tokyo: Settle in for a full-day train journey north, with time to relax and watch Japan roll by. Enjoy the ride as the scenery slowly shifts toward Hokkaido. Oh, and don't forget to pack some snacks the day before.

  • Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)
  • Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)
  • Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)
  • Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)
  • Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel (or similar)
Day 1 Start Osaka

Kon'nichiwa friends, and welcome to the land of the rising sun. Famed for its beauty, culture, cuisine and just a touch of crazy, this is one trip you won't be forgetting any time soon. Get settled into your hotel before joining forces with your Trip Manager & travel crew & head out to explore the local area.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)

Day 2 Osaka

Osaka is all yours today! Head to Osaka Castle or Sumiyoshi-taisa for a dose of history, or to Nara to meet the cutest deers ever! This evening, you have the option to gobble down a delicious meal at an Izakaya - traditional little restaurants with rice beer, sake & locals finishing up their days. Still not done for the day? We sense some traditional Japanese PATI (that's Japanese for partying) and karaoke may be on the cards....

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Budget Osaka Umeda (or similar)

Day 3 Osaka To Kyoto

Tuck in to your tasty breakfast this morning, you're going to need the food fuel for a full day in Kyoto. Arriving into Kyoto, we'll kick things off with a guided tour of this beautiful, traditional city. Take in the sights of the city including temples, gardens, colourful shrines & world famous geisha girls. This evening is free for you to get to know Kyoto your way, most likely trying out local cuisine in the Shirakawa area & getting to grips with the buzzy Kyoto nightlife.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)

Day 4 Kyoto

Didn't feel like you had enough time yesterday to really get under the skin of this utterly unique city? We've got good news for you - today is completely free for Kyoto adventuring. Ask your Trip Manager for the essentials on what to eat and where to go, then our best advice? Go get yourself a little lost, it's undeniably the best way to get to know a new city.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Ibis Styles Kyoto Station (or similar)

Day 5 Kyoto To Hiroshima

Ready for a totally new experience? This morning it's all aboard the bullet train, travelling at a cool 320km/hr as we make our way to Hiroshima. Hello Hiroshima. We're kicking things off today with an optional but highly recommended Okonomiyaki lunch. Then, we'll learn about both the past and present on a sightseeing tour of this city that's remembered as the world's first atomic bomb target. The rest of the day will then be free to get to know Hiroshima however suits you best - food, shopping, history, it's all here at your fingertips.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)

Day 6 Hiroshima (including Miyajima)

We'll start the day with a ferry ride over to Miyajima Island where beautiful scenery and miniature deer await us. If you're impressed by the traditional Japanese gates at the entrance, just wait until you've seen the main event - the stunning Itsukushima Shrine. Culture goals ticked, we'll make our way back to Hiroshima to dig a little deeper into the city's noble history.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Vista Hiroshima (or similar)

Day 7 Hiroshima To Tokyo (including Hakone)

Tokyo you're firmly in our sights but on route, we'll make a stop in the peaceful mountain town of Hakone. Breathtaking views of some of Japan's most famous sights are courtesy of the Hakone Ropeway. If the weather plays nice...you might spot the magnificent Mount Fuji. Welcome to the bright lights & big city vibes of Tokyo, our home for the next 3 nights. You'll have the night to use as you wish. How about heading to Shinjuku, the epicentre of Tokyo's gritty but super fun night scene.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Tokyo

We'll dive right into this 24 hour city with a sightseeing tour of the best bits. We'll take a walk down Nakamise Street (one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan that dates back to the 1500's) to pick up treasures for family and friends back home, brave the busiest street crossing in the world (Shibuya), then round things off at the epicentre of youth culture & fashion, Harajuku. This part of town buzzes with cool vibes & crazy fashion, and we reckon you'll instantly fall in lust.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Tokyo

Today's our last day in Tokyo so let's make it one to remember. With a free day to explore Japan your way, we have a sneaking suspicion Harajuku may be calling you back - it kind of has that affect on people. How about a cosplay restaurant? Or even better, a chance to visit a unique remote-operated robot restaurant. You gotta see it to believe it!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Daiichi Ryogoku Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Tokyo To Sapporo

Ski time! Get ready for a full-day train journey north, swapping Tokyo streets for wide-open views along the way. Stock up on snacks, queue up a podcast, and let the scenery do its thing.By late afternoon, we’ll roll into Sapporo and check into our base for the next part of the adventure. Your Trip Manager will give you a quick orientation to get your bearings, then it’s goodbye for now (the next few days will be unescorted and totally yours to do your way). Tonight, stretch your legs, hunt down a warming dinner, and ease into Hokkaido life.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Sapporo

From Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower to peaceful temples and standout city sights, there’s plenty to wander into today. Maybe even cap it off with a local favourite like the Sapporo Beer Museum? Or keep it low-key and see where the day takes you.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Sapporo

Using Sapporo as our base, today’s all about getting out into Hokkaido’s winter playground. Hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts like Sapporo Kokusai or Niseko, or switch skis for snow tubing, rafting, or snowmobiling at Bibai Snowland. Powder days, playful snow time, or a mix of both — you choose the pace.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Sapporo

How about slowing things down and leaning into local flavour today? Warm up with Sapporo favourites like ramen, gyozas, or king crab if you’re feeling fancy. Or take a day trip out to Jozankei and soak it all in at a traditional onsen — cold air outside, steaming water inside. Heck yeah.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Sapporo Tokyu Rei Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Sapporo

Sorry folks, ski time’s up. Say goodbye to your crew and the snowy days you’ve shared together.

Duration: 1 Day

Departs On Returns On Single OccupancyTwin Room Definite Departure  
Wed, 25 Nov 2026 Tue, 08 Dec 2026 USD 4,860USD 3,675
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Sat, 28 Nov 2026 Fri, 11 Dec 2026 USD 4,860USD 3,675
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Wed, 02 Dec 2026 Tue, 15 Dec 2026 USD 4,860USD 3,675
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Sat, 05 Dec 2026 Fri, 18 Dec 2026 USD 4,860USD 3,675
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Wed, 09 Dec 2026 Tue, 22 Dec 2026 USD 4,860USD 3,675
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Wed, 16 Dec 2026 Tue, 29 Dec 2026 USD 5,400USD 3,965
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Sat, 19 Dec 2026 Fri, 01 Jan 2027 USD 5,630USD 4,075
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Wed, 23 Dec 2026 Tue, 05 Jan 2027 USD 5,630USD 4,075
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Sat, 26 Dec 2026 Fri, 08 Jan 2027 USD 5,630USD 4,075
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Wed, 30 Dec 2026 Tue, 12 Jan 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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Sat, 02 Jan 2027 Fri, 15 Jan 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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Wed, 06 Jan 2027 Tue, 19 Jan 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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Sat, 09 Jan 2027 Fri, 22 Jan 2027 USD 4,790USD 3,645
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Wed, 13 Jan 2027 Tue, 26 Jan 2027 USD 4,790USD 3,645
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Sat, 16 Jan 2027 Fri, 29 Jan 2027 USD 4,790USD 3,645
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Wed, 20 Jan 2027 Tue, 02 Feb 2027 USD 4,790USD 3,645
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Sat, 23 Jan 2027 Fri, 05 Feb 2027 USD 5,780USD 4,175
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Wed, 27 Jan 2027 Tue, 09 Feb 2027 USD 5,780USD 4,175
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Sat, 30 Jan 2027 Fri, 12 Feb 2027 USD 5,850USD 4,205
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Wed, 03 Feb 2027 Tue, 16 Feb 2027 USD 5,850USD 4,205
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Sat, 06 Feb 2027 Fri, 19 Feb 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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Wed, 10 Feb 2027 Tue, 23 Feb 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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Sat, 13 Feb 2027 Fri, 26 Feb 2027 USD 5,090USD 3,785
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