Japan Winter Wonderland

• Return international flights (economy class) surcharges may apply.

• 8 nights quality hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast

• English-speaking tour guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary.
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today depart Australia for Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, your tour director will greet and transfer you to the hotel to check-in.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

Today enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Tokyo has to offer (not included).

Optional Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 9,500 JPY per person
First, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can encounter many kinds of traditional Japanese cuisine. Next, continue to Nakamise Shopping Street and Asakusa Kannon (Sensoji) Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Finally, enjoy the sweeping views of this vast city at the Observations deck at the famous Tokyo Tower, the landmark of Tokyo (entry included).

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Lake Yamanakako, at the foot of Mt Fuji, and enjoy beautiful views of Mt Fuji.

Then visit Oshino Hakkai, made up of eight spring water ponds full of natural snow-melted water that has dripped down from Mount Fuji. They are a natural monument of Japan, part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site.

Finish the day in Matsumoto/Nagano area, where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s highlight is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Established in 1964, Nagano's world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the world famous group of monkeys known to bathe in hot springs.

The trail to the park is 1.6 kilometres in both directions. It is unsealed but well-maintained and other than a short staircase at the trail entrance, a final steep staircase and a sloped path at the end of the trail/entrance to the park itself, the trail is mostly level and easy to walk. With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don't worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as they walk around you in the snow, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favourite hot spring!

Afterwards, visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in Japan.

A registered National Treasure, the temple's near-1400-year history is full of legend and myth. Following this, return to your hotel in Matsumoto/Nagano and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a fun day to visit the countryside of Japan and see how the local people live.

Drive to a Wasabi Farm where Japan’s most famous and flavourful crop is grown in pristine and mineral-rich waters flowing down from the North Alps.

Then proceed to Shirakawa-go - declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, it’s famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old and noted for their slanted thatched gable roofs. They’re constructed at a steep angle to accommodate the heavy snow the town is known for as the snow is able to easily fall off the roofs in winter.

Lastly, visit Takayama Old Town and walk along Sannomachi Street, which survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, and restaurants.

Finish the day in Gifu Region where you will check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Resol Gifu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning drive to Nara and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour.

Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer - you can feed them deer senbei (crackers), which can be purchased at stalls throughout the park.

Then proceed to Osaka and enjoy some free time in Dotonbori and Shinsaibasi-Suji, the lively entertainment area renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a free day exploring Osaka.

Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Kyoto has to offer and experience a shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Osaka (not included).

Optional Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Shinkansen (Bullet Train) experience - 12,000 JPY per person
The tour includes a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion Torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto which has gold leaf-covered walls on the top two floors. The last stop of the tour is to witness a Kimono Fashion Show where beautiful women wearing varieties of kimono and obi (sash) appear on stage with Japanese music.

Then proceed to Kyoto Station for a shinkansen (Bullet Train) ride back to Osaka.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can relax at the hotel or your guide will offer a range of optional activities (not included) that will be communicated to you on tour.

Optional Hiroshima Tour - 55,000 JPY per person
This morning transfer to Shin-Osaka train station, where your bullet train awaits. Climb aboard and marvel at the train’s incredible velocity during a 1.5hour ride to Hiroshima. On arrival, continue the journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train then board a boat travelling to the majestic Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima, or Divine Island, a landmass hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and discover the natural and cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island for 45-minutes with your guide. See the shimmering Itsukushima Shrine then revitalise with a delicious lunch in a local eatery (not included). Re-board the boat and cruise back to Hiroshima to reflect on the history of the region. Take a moment of contemplation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a historical site near to where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that articulate the destruction the bomb caused and marvel at the city’s regenerative recovery. Finally, board a bus to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Return to the train station for the exhilarating return journey to Osaka on the bullet train, where the tour concludes.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy another free day to further explore Osaka before being transferred to Kansai Airport for your homebound flight.

Please note: The standard check-out time is 12 noon. You can store your luggage at the front desk.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 4th March 2025.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $620 applies. 
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates     
2024
November: 26*

2025
January: 14^
February: 17
March: 4

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges
Please note: 
• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $400 per person.
• dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $600 per person.

Departure Cities     
Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges
*Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth: $400 per person
*Auckland: $500 per person

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Thai Airways, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, China Southern, Air China, China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, ANA and partners. (subject to availability).
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Missed Flights 
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Arrive early in Tokyo
$500 AUD per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 10th December 2024 - 31st January 2025

Stay behind in Osaka
$500 AUD per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
• 10th December 2024 - 31st January 2025

Stopover Packages 
Not available
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed

Accommodation Used:
3-star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Tokyo: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar
• Matsumoto/Nagano: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar
• Gifu: Hotel Resol Gifu or similar
• Osaka: Hotel Osaka Castle or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available at check-out. 
Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin or Double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities

• Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 9,500 JPY per person
• Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Shinkansen (Bullet Train) experience - 12,000 JPY per person
• Hiroshima Day-Trip Tour - 55,000 JPY per person

Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
November:
Fall brings cool and generally crisp weather to many parts of the main islands of Japan. The major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka enjoy mild temperatures in November, with average highs of 17° C, and lows of 10° C. You'll need a jacket in most central and southern parts of the country, but nothing too heavy.

The northern island of Hokkaido is a different story, with winter setting in earlier at this latitude. Average November highs in Sapporo are just 8° C, and lows 1° C, and temperatures will be much colder further north on the island. This is still warmer than it will become in Hokkaido later in the winter, though. At the other end of the country, the subtropical and tropical islands of Okinawa remain quite warm but drop a few degrees from their summer highs. The average high temperature in Naha in November is 24° C, and the low 20° C. 

Rainfall is low across the country in November, and average sunshine hours are high. Hokkaido does get some snow in November, though. 

December:
December is the start of winter across Japan, but it tends to be a milder month than January or February. Wherever you go, you'll need a good jacket, but in many places the temperatures aren't cold enough to avoid outdoor sightseeing. Temperatures tend to be warmer earlier in the month than later.

The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience average December highs of around 12° C, and lows of 5° C. The Japan Alps area of Honshu is significantly colder, with the city of Takayama experiencing highs of 6° C and lows of -2° C. 

January:
Japan's weather is very varied, and between Hokkaido in the north to the islands of Okinawa in the south, there's no uniformity in the weather in January. That being said, January is mid-winter and the coldest month throughout the country.

Some snow can still be expected in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto in January. These three cities, as well as Fukuoka in Kyushu, experience average January highs of around 10° C, and lows of 2° C, though temperatures will be on the colder end when there's snow.

February:
February is the last month of winter in Japan, and the traditional lunar calendar actually marks February 3 as the first day of spring, although this isn't reflected in the reality of the weather. Japan is a long and mountainous country with many different sub-climates, so mid-winter temperatures are very varied.

Along with January, February is the coldest month—there's very little difference in average temperatures between the two months. By the end of the month, some southern parts of the country may be starting to feel spring-like, but other areas are still very much in the throes of winter even in late February.

In general, the further south you travel, the warmer the temperatures will be at any time of year, but the major exception to this is that the Sea of Japan coast of Honshu gets very harsh winters with a lot of snow. The mountains through the middle of Honshu shield the east coast from the worst winter weather coming off Siberia and China, but the west coast gets the brunt. 

March:
Temperatures throughout the country start to rise in March, after the cold winter. While northern parts of Japan (Hokkaido, Tohoku) are still cold, they're less cold than in January or February.

The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience warmer daytime temperatures, especially as the month progresses. Average March highs in these cities sit at around 14° C, with lows of 5° C. Subtropical and tropical Okinawa is even warmer, with average highs in Naha of 21° C and lows of 16° C.

Japan's wet season throughout the country is the summer, so rainfall remains low in March. In Hokkaido and on the Sea of Japan Coast of Honshu, there is still quite a lot of snowfall in March, though. That's because the Sea of Japan coast gets the brunt of the cold winter weather coming off Siberia and China, which the east coast of Japan is shielded from by mountains.

Japan's famous hanami, or cherry-blossom-viewing parties, begin in some parts of the country (such as Kyushu) in mid-late March. The exact date varies from year to year, as temperatures aren't always uniform. Sunnier late-March weather can be conducive to sitting outside, in the shade of a cherry tree, and celebrating with some Nihonshu. But, be warned if you're continuing the celebration after dark that evening temperatures are likely to still be cold.

FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR
Meals:
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The highly recommended tip is $10 AUD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for Australian or New Zealand citizens visiting Japan for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities.
Important: 
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.