Japanese macaque, Jigokudani

The famed “snow monkeys” of Jigokudani bathe in natural hot springs in the Alps of Japan. Staying in ryokans, we enjoy the winter beauty of Japan, from its wildlife reserves for wintering cranes to the lively Sapporo Snow Festival.

Photo by Jon Arnold / Danita Delimont Agency

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Japan: Kyushu, Honshu & Hokkaido

Dancing Cranes, Bathing Monkeys & the Sapporo Ice Festival

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: TBA  
Length: 13 days
Arrive: Osaka, Japan
Depart: Tokyo, Japan
Lodging: 7 nights ryokans, 5 nights western-style hotels
Meals: All meals included except lunches
Activity: Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Walking, including some steep stairs, 6-7 hours a day, Japanese-style dining (sitting on floor)
2 explain

Highlights

  • Sapporo ice festival, with its giant sculptures
  • Red-crested cranes, symbol of Japan
  • Famed snow monkeys of the Japanese Alps

Choosing the Right Trip

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References

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Repertory Trip

This is one of our special Repertory Trips offered only every two to five years. The exact dates have not been finalized but we expect they will be in February 2012. The “Itinerary at a Glance” and the “Full Trip Brochure” are available below. Please note there may be slight changes to the itinerary for future departures. Contact us to receive early notification of the trip dates. These special trips fill very quickly once the exact dates are set!

Our journey to the islands of Kyushu, Honshu, and Hokkaido is full of delights and surprises, from the spectacle of the masses of cranes gathered together at Izumi to the sight of the wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs. Beginning in Kyushu, we visit the Arasaki Crane Reserve, home to one of the largest gatherings of wintering white-naped cranes and hooded cranes in Asia. Then it’s on to Honshu to view the famed snow monkeys, a photographer’s delight as they bathe in their own natural hot springs. On the island of Hokkaido, we begin with the fun and fantastical Snow Festival and its myriad of sculptures in the lovely city of Sapporo. We then train across the island to Kushiro to visit several of the "Tancho" (Japanese Crane) reserves nearby. The snowy landscape provides a lovely backdrop for the red-topped cranes as they cavort about—it’s a sight not soon to be forgotten. We spend our last night in Hokkaido at the lovely frozen Lake Akan before returning to Tokyo.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-4
Osaka / Kumamoto, Kyushu / Arasaki

We fly to Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu and enjoy a visit to Kumamoto Castle and the lovely Suizenji Koen gardens. A train brings us to Arasaki, where we find the largest winter gathering of cranes in Asia. Over 8,000 hooded cranes as well as 3,000 white-naped cranes mass here annually at the Arasaki Crane Reserve. We enjoy the splendid sight of the cranes as well as visiting the Izumi Samurai residences and learning about the history of the Kyushu samurais. Return to Kumamoto on Day 4.

Days 5-6
Tokyo / Nagano / Japanese Alps / Snow Monkeys

From Tokyo station, we catch our train to Nagano in the Alps of Japan, with two overnights to ensure ample opportunity to see the famed snow monkeys (Macaca Fuscata) who soak up the watery warmth of a hot spring in the midst of a bone-chilling, winter landscape.

Days 7-8
Hakkaido / Sapporo Ice Festival

We fly to Sapporo for the spectacular sights of the Sapporo Snow Festival. Giant snow and ice sculptures line the streets and parks and a festival atmosphere prevails. We join in the fun and magic of this winter event.

Days 9-13
Kushiro / Red-Crested Crane Sanctuary / Lake Kussharo

We depart via train for Kushiro, home of the tancho tsuru, the red-crested crane, a beloved symbol of Japan. We delight in the opportunity to see and learn about them as we visit local sanctuaries and explore the marshland where these lovely birds live. At frozen Lake Kussharo, we see the whooper swans from Siberia. Our days also include scenic Lake Mashu and perhaps the chance to spot a wild red fox. Depart from Tokyo on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure