Snow & Serenity: Japan Winter Retreat Tour 2026 with Nagano and Niigata
Experience snowy adventures, soothing onsen nights, and heartwarming culture in Japan’s winter countryside
Get ready to traverse the fantastic winter landscapes of Nagano, Gunma, Niigata, and Karuizawa!
Ready for a truly magical winter getaway? Join us on the Snow & Serenity: Japan Winter Retreat, a 10-day journey that blends snowy fun with soul-soothing relaxation.
Trace the path from bustling Tokyo to historic post towns and snow-blanketed mountain villages, with highlights including strawberry picking in Minakami, sake tasting in Nagaoka, and a scenic train lunch through Nagano. At Jigokudani, you’ll meet the famous snow monkeys soaking in hot springs—and then get to do the same yourself! Seven out of nine nights on this tour include onsen stays, offering you the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure, just like the monkeys do.
Enjoy a full day of wintertime fun in the soft snow of Minakami Kogen, starting with a gentle dog sled ride through a peaceful alpine setting. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of light-hearted snow activities—try a sled ride, glide on a snowmobile, go snow rafting, or even give skiing or snowboarding a try (with rental gear and support available). This tour is designed with comfort and curiosity in mind, offering immersive cultural experiences, delicious regional cuisine, and serene snowy scenery at every turn.
Whether you’re out enjoying the snow or soaking in a warm onsen under the stars, this winter escape is the perfect way to embrace Japan’s seasonal magic.
What’s Included:
- Start your journey in peace, away from the airport crowds, with a chance to relax at HIS Hawaii’s exclusive LeaLea Lounge at Honolulu Airport before your flight.
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic seasonal and cultural experiences like a dog sledding, snowmobiling, sake tasting, fruit picking, soba making, and much more!
- Relaxing stays at top-rated hotels and onsen resorts
- 24 incredible meals, highlighting local and seasonal delicacies
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to loved ones back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Soak like the Snow Monkeys: Visit the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and enjoy your own onsen experience with 7 nights at onsen resorts, surrounded by beautiful winter scenery.
- Snow Day in Minakami: Start with a peaceful dog sled ride, then choose from fun snow activities like sledding, snowmobiling, snow rafting, or skiing/snowboarding—no experience needed!
- Cultural & Culinary Immersion: Make your own soba noodles and sasa-dango sweets, go strawberry picking, tour a historic soy sauce factory, and enjoy a guided local sake appreciation workshop
- Charming Historic Locations: Stroll through the preserved streets of Kawagoe (“Little Edo”) and Unno-juku, and explore the stunning Matsumoto Castle illuminated with winter lights.
- Scenic Winter Sights – Travel through the renowned Kiyotsu-kyo Gorge, see the sparkling icicles of Misotsuchi-no-Tsurara and witness the and famous “snow monster” trees from a ropeway. Dine aboard the elegant Rokumon sightseeing train as you travel from Nagano to Karuizawa, enjoying regional flavors and panoramic winter views along the way.
- Free Day in Tokyo: Enjoy a full free day in Tokyo to do any last minute shopping, enjoy any food you missed out on, or take one of our memorable day tours! Ask an HIS agent for suggestions.
Itinerary
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN
❄️Click here to see the full itinerary!❄️
Day 0 – January 10 (Saturday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the exclusive LeaLea Lounge and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1 – January 11 (Sunday): Arrival in Tokyo
- Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Haneda Airport and transfer to your hotel in Kawasaki, just outside central Tokyo. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel and even relax in the hotel’s sento (public bath) after that long flight!
- Hotel: Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu (sento hotel)
- Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – January 12 (Monday): Little Edo & Chichibu
- Travel to Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its charming historical streets. After lunch, visit a traditional soy sauce brewery, and, in the evening, experience the stunning Misotsuchi-no-Tsurara illuminated ice pillars in Chichibu. After dinner, you’ll have the option to explore the Kokuzo Bosatsu Ennichi Buddhist celebration nearby, or just relax in the onsen!
- Hotel: Hotel Route Inn Grande Chichibu (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – January 13 (Tuesday): Fruit Picking & Local Crafts
- Head to Minakami for a hands-on morning at Mogitore Minakami Fruits Land, where you’ll enjoy strawberry picking and a BBQ lunch. In the afternoon, visit Takumi-no-Sato, and try your hand at some local crafts. Spend the evening relaxing winding down in the hotel onsen.
- Hotel: Hotel Juraku (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – January 14 (Wednesday): Minakami Snow Day
- A day of snow-filled fun at at Minakami Kogen Ski Resort! Start with an exciting dog sledding experience, followed by a buffet lunch. In the afternoon, choose between snowmobiling, snow rafting, sledding, skiing, or snowboarding. Finish the snow day by warming up in the hotel onsen.
- Hotel: Hotel Juraku (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – January 15 (Thursday): Kiyotsu-kyo Gorge & Sake Culture
- Visit the breathtaking Kiyotsu-kyo Gorge, one of Japan’s most beautiful scenic wonders. After lunch, enjoy a hands-on sasa dango (sweet rice cake) making experience. In the evening, delve deep into Japan’s sake culture with a tasting at Asahi Sake Distillery and a unique local sake appreciation workshop at the Nagaoka Jizake-juku. Finish the day with an onsen soak!
- Hotel: Hotel Sunrolla (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – January 16 (Friday): Sights & Snow Monkeys
- Travel to Nagano to see the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park. Board the elegant Rokumon sightseeing train and enjoy a gourmet lunch while traveling to Karuizawa. Check in to your hotel and relax in this beautiful mountain resort town with a chance to enjoy the hotel onsen.
- Hotel: Karuizawa Prince West (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – January 17 (Saturday): History & Wine Tasting
- Explore Unno-juku, a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town. Then, visit Chateau Mercian Mariko Winery for a tour and tasting. In Matsumoto, visit the iconic Matsumoto Castle, try your hand at soba noodle making, and enjoy your handmade meal. Cap off the evening with a special view of the castle lit up at night and – you guessed it — a dip in the onsen!
- Hotel: Asama Onsen Jimotoya (onsen hotel)
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – January 18 (Sunday): Snowy Scenes & Farewell Dinner
- Visit Suwa Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, then ride the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway to see Japan’s spectacular snow-covered landscapes and famous “snow monster” trees. After lunch, head back to Tokyo with a quick stop to shop along the way. Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner in the city.
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – January 19 (Monday): Tokyo Free Day
- Enjoy a full free day at leisure to explore Tokyo’s endless attractions, shopping, or local neighborhoods at your own pace. Ask an HIS agent for recommendations on day tours from Tokyo!
- Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – January 20 (Sunday): Free Day in Sapporo
- On your final morning, participate in a special calligraphy and Zen experience, offering a peaceful, reflective close to your adventure. Transfer to Haneda for your return flight home.
- Meals included: Breakfast
This thoughtfully designed winter journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and serene onsen retreats of Japan’s snow-covered landscapes.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*limited seats for upgrade available
$5,390.00
$4,490.00 **
$1,200.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early Bird Special: Save $100 when you’re one of the first 10 to sign up!
Here’s just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Temperatures will likely range from -7°C to 10°C (21°F to 50°F), with some areas colder depending on elevation and wind. Definitely expect to see snow!
Q: What kind of clothing should I pack?
A: We recommend dressing in layers: thermal base layers, fleece or down mid-layers, and a waterproof, insulated outer jacket. Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, scarf, and waterproof boots with good grip.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: This tour may involve light to moderate walking on snowy and sometimes uneven surfaces. Most activities are beginner-friendly, but guests should be comfortable with winter conditions. Our optional snow activities allow for guests of all fitness and mobility levels to enjoy the winter fun!
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are moments of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a free day in Tokyo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners (25 meals total). Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local tastes independently.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of modern hotels and traditional onsen resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. Onsen baths are available at six of the seven accommodations.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, as well as domestic flights within Japan, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: Each group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
