Day 1
Depart from the U.K., flying to Hokkaido Island in Japan.
Day 2
Probably transferring through Tokyo, you arrive in Sapporo Chitose Airport. It's then coach or private transfer to Niseko, where you check in to your accommodation and relax after the international flights.
Days 3-7
Five days' skiing or snowboarding in and around Niseko. We can hire backcountry guides, make full-day excursions to nearby Rusutsu, Moiwa or Kiroro and / or head off snow cat skiing for the day.
Day 8
Transfer to Sapporo Chitose Airport and fly down to Tokyo Haneda. Make your way to your central hotel. Spend a first evening of neon-induced sensory overload in the Shinjuku district of the capital city.
Day 9
A full day at leisure in Tokyo, ticking off the sights and exploring the backstreets.
Day 10
Catch the morning shinkansen (bullet-train) to Nagano prefecture and head up to Nozawa Onsen village. Excursion to visit the nearby snow monkeys in the afternoon.
Days 11 & 12
Two days' skiing in Nozawa Onsen, enjoying the hot spring village in the evenings.
Day 13
Train from Iiyama Station (close to Nozawa Onsen) to Kyoto, perhaps breaking the journey in Kanazawa en route and visiting its Samurai district.
Day 14
Exploring the cultural heart of Japan in Kyoto. We have excursions on offer, or you could head out under your own steam and explore the temples, shrines and palaces.
Day 15
Make your way to Kansai Airport and fly home.
Obviously, cost depends on which accommodation you choose, how many excursions and activities you want to book, whether you wish to include ski hire and local backcountry guides, etc. An indicative lead-in price for this 15-day itinerary would be circa £2,884 per person, including on moderate accommodation (mid / low season), transfers, lift passes in both Niseko and Nozawa Onsen, Japan rail pass, excursion to see the snow monkeys and economy class flights from the U.K.
We don't have to include international flights. However, by keeping it all within one package, your arrangements are protected by ATOL.
Different Snow strive to offer the most competitive prices in all instances. However, we pride ourselves first and foremost on quality - we are an independent specialist tour operator and, therefore, are not beholden to any supplier. We make our decisions based only on who's best in each and every instance
1. Get in touch with Different Snow
Whether you wish to plan your trip around one of these sample itineraries or you have other ideas, simply get in touch by phone or online. If using our online form, ideally we would like to still try get in contact with you by phone to discuss your requirements, but this is not essential.
2. Let us create a bespoke itinerary
We have the first-hand knowledge, travel industry experience and local contacts required to put your plans into action. We can answer your questions, offer suggestions and advice to suit your tastes and budget. We will carefully design your trip, creating a detailed itinerary which you will receive via email. We can then refine it until you are completely happy.
3. Confirm the arrangements with us
Once you are satisfied with all the arrangements, we ask you to complete a booking form and pay a deposit to secure your trip. Everything is secured once you receive our confirmation invoice. Even after booking, you’ll undoubtedly think of more questions. Feel free to call us at any time!
4. We'll send you your travel documents
Approximately three weeks before travel you will receive your travel documents. We will also provide additional information, such as restaurant recommendations, cultural notes, packing lists and one or two home-spun guides - created through our personal experience.
5. Tell your friends about Different Snow
It is important to us that your holiday exceeds your expectations! Different Snow will continue to grow through personal recommendations and word of mouth and, therefore, it is essential to us that you have a great holiday. We want you to travel with us again. Once you've returned we want to hear all about it and we'll certainly encourage you to tell all your friends!
