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Japan

Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided)

Tokyo → Osaka 10 days Up to 10

About this trip

Ten days across Japan, moving from Tokyo's mix of shrines and modern city life through the mountains to Kyoto's temples, with a private guide throughout.

You start in Tokyo, then head to Nagano to see the snow monkeys in their hot springs before continuing to the old town of Takayama and the thatched-roof village of Shirakawa-go. From there it's on to Kyoto for a run of classic sights, finishing with a scenic trip to Osaka.

Since it's private and fully guided, the pace and focus can flex a bit to suit you, and it's set up to work for families as well as couples or friends travelling together.

What you'll do

  • Watch the snow monkeys bathe in hot springs at Nagano's Snow Monkey Park
  • Visit Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace grounds and Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
  • Wander the preserved old streets of Takayama
  • See the thatched farmhouses of UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go
  • Visit Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto
  • End with a scenic journey to Osaka
Good to know
  • Private and fully guided throughout, so it's just your group and your guide
  • Rated easy, suiting a range of ages and fitness levels
  • Prices can change for peak periods such as autumn foliage, ski season, Thanksgiving, New Year and local public holidays
What travellers actually say

Worth it if you want Japan expertly arranged with top guides and don't mind navigating solo between cities. Think twice if it's your first time abroad and you need hand-holding through transport logistics.

  • Guides consistently praised as knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely invested in your experience.
  • Itinerary vague on independent segments; first-timers hauled luggage through confusing stations alone under time pressure.
  • Luggage lockers available everywhere but not flagged upfront; hotel locations sometimes far from day activities requiring long evening trains.
  • Hotels, dining, and transport arrangements consistently exceed expectations; staff responsive to changes and problems.

Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.

Tour dupe
Same trip, less money
£724 less all-in
Highlights of Japan
4.8from £2,04013 days
The trade-off: 3 more nights for less, with a different operator.
See the dupe
How it compares

The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.

Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.

Getting there

Tokyo
One-way · arrive 20 Jul 26

Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.

Where to stay

A night before your tour in Tokyo · 20 Jul21 Jul

Booked on their own sites, separate from your tour. We may earn a commission — it never changes your price.

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Explore Japan: Snow Monkey & Onsen (Private Guided) — Japan · 18-35 Travel