Путешествие на Хоккайдо - это прежде всего путь из заключенной в металл и бетон современности назад, к неукрощенной человеком природе, создавшей здесь за века и тысячелетия удивительные шедевры, повторить которые не способны ни перо писателя, ни кисть художника. Наше путешествие по чудесной стране Эдзо начнется с одного из таких шедевров - озера Сикоцу, прозванного за удивительную чистоту его вод "японским Байкалом". Заглянув в обрамленное высокими горами диковинное зеркало, обращенное к северному небу, и испросив у божеств этой древней земли благословения на продолжение пути, мы переместимся в расположенный неподалеку небольшой загородный курорт "Nidom", где вам предстоит провести ваш первый вечер на Хоккайдо. Разместившись с комфортом в уютном коттедже на берегу пруда, вы сможете отдохнуть и набраться сил после долгой дороги, наслаждаясь единением с природой, домашним теплом и тишиной.

Winter Tokyo is very cool in many senses of the word, and the day will be centered around making the most out of its hibernal perks. After a short stop in Asakusa and its famous temple, you will visit the observation deck of the 634-meter Tokyo Skytree. As the winter air is usually very dry, you will get excellent visibility from atop the tower, including the mountains to the west of Tokyo and possibly even Mt. Fuji. Of course, there are also great views of Tokyo Bay to the east, which connects to the Pacific Ocean.

Appropriately, your lunch in Tsukiji are the freshest products from the ocean. You will feast on some of the best seasonal seafood in the city. Afterward, you will drive around the Imperial Palace and its neighborhood before arriving at Tokyo Dome City. Relax in an urban onsen attraction, and marvel at the stunning light-up show that starts after sunset. Enjoy the winter festivities of Tokyo before you return to your hotel in the evening.

This morning, you will be heading toward the mountains you saw yesterday, beyond which stands the greatest and most sacred of them all, Mt. Fuji. Get one of the finest panoramic views of the mountain from beyond the Chureito pagoda in Arakura Sengen Shrine. Behold its snow-capped peak beyond the icy Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy the signature dish of the area, a bowl of udon cooked with locally harvested vegetables.

The main highlights of the day are the two caves in the Sea of Trees at the foot of Mt. Fuji. These perpetually cold grottos are natural wonders of interesting variety. Explore the ice and wind caves, and check out the icicles and lava ropes that form within, and the faintly glowing moss. After the exciting excursion, you will return to Tokyo for another stay.

Checking out of Tokyo in the morning, you will take the famous bullet train to Nagano Prefecture, a region at the heart of the Japanese Alps. As soon as you arrive, you will enjoy a serving of Shinshu soba, the trademark buckwheat noodles from this mountainous region. After that, you will be brought to the Jigokudani - literally Hell’s Valley - which is today’s main attraction.

You will be trekking into the valley to the Monkey Park. Along the way are spectacular views formed by the combination of the volcanic activity and heavy snowfall of this region. At the end of the walk is a curious wildlife situation, where Japanese Macaques soak themselves in onsen baths. Observe the monkeys as they blissfully enjoy nature’s luxury and play with each other. After the exciting excursion, you will be brought to your own hot spring accommodation in Shibu Onsen.

Matsumoto is surrounded by mountains, and is best known for its ironically flatland castle. Also known as the “black raven fortress”, Matsumoto Castle is one of the top three castles in Japan, its wooden structures having survived since its construction in the 16th century. This unique castle will be your first destination today.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy lunch in a wasabi farm just outside Matsumoto. The Daio Wasabi Farm is the largest in the world. The Japanese horseradish in this farm is grown with clear water flowing from the mountains, and it is a great example of mountain harvest. Apart from trying out and buying different wasabi products, the farm also offers very scenic walking trail along the river and between the fields. After a pleasant time in this farm, you will return to Nagano and check into your new hotel.

It is time to bid goodbye to Nagano. From the central station, you will take another shinkansen, this time to Kanazawa, a city by the Sea of Japan. Your first destination upon arrival is the fish market, which serves the freshest sushi from the western coast of Honshu. Afterward, you will be brought to the famous castle-and-garden set of this city.

As one of the three most beautiful Japanese gardens, Kenroku-en does not only offer a dreamlike scenery within its premises, but also overlooks the entire city.of Kanazawa. Depending on the weather, you may also be able to witness a snow-covered wonder during your time in the garden. Experience the best of Kanazawa in winter before you check into your hotel.

You have completed the Alpine Adventures tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!