Winter Ski in Hakuba

You'll take an overnight flight from Europe to Tokyo, rest up and get ready for the adventure that awaits!

After arriving at Tokyo, you'll head directly to Hakuba by bus. The journey takes about five hours, but there will be stops along the way at a few rest areas, so you can stretch your legs and buy some snacks. Upon arriving in Hakuba, we suggest you relax with a hot bath after the long trip. All our hotels have their hot springs.

Hakuba is a ski haven. The most popular of the area's 11 resorts are Happo-one, Hakuba 47 and Hakuba Goryu, where most hotels are also located. These areas also have a large selection of restaurants and shops during the ski season.

Included in your travel package is a Hakuba Valley Pass, which provides unlimited access to all lift systems and slopes. There's a shuttle bus running between the 11 different ski resorts, so you can try them all out. The area has 149 slopes and 115 lifts (110 seats and five cabins).

Start your day by taking the shuttle bus to one of the other areas you haven't yet explored. There are many restaurants in connection with the lift stations at the top of the mountain, so you can enjoy lunch before taking a trip down the slopes. Hakuba is a very lively area, even in the evening, so head out into town to make the most of its vibrant nightlife.

Note that you have six full days in Hakuba, but as your ski pass only covers five days, we suggest you take time off from the slopes and explore the area today.

Choose between:

• The snow monkeys in Jigokudani and the Zenkoji temple
• Itogawa gourmet tour with sake tasting and fish market
• Kimono and tea ceremony (only for women, minimum two registered)

If you'd like a break from skiing, Hakuba is also conveniently located close to many fascinating attractions. Visit historic Matsumoto, home to Matsumoto Castle, one of four castles designated as "National Treasures of Japan".

Cortina is the place for off-piste tours. Night skiing is also possible in Happo-one, and the illuminated slopes are usually open until 9:00 pm.

In the morning, travel by bus and shinkansen to Kyoto, where you'll experience the classic culture, history, traditions, and food.

On your first day in Kyoto, visit the UNESCO-protected samurai castle Nijo, which once served as the residence and office of the Shogun during his visits to Kyoto in the old days. Be sure to spend some time in the Japanese garden outside with ponds, ornamental stones and manicured trees.

Walk to the Kamo River, walk down along the river to Sanjo Station, and then end your afternoon in the Teramachi shopping arcades or Kawaramachi street.

Today we suggest you consider joining our morning tour. However, if you want to travel solo, you could head to the western part of Kyoto to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo groves and the beautiful Hozu River.

The area around Arashiyama is a great place to rent a bicycle too. Before dinner, take a scroll in the narrow lanes of Pontocho, one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. Crossing the bridge of Kamo River, take an evening walk in the Gion area, the famous geisha district and home to many machiya merchant wooden houses.

Head by shinkansen to Tokyo, where you'll have three nights in the middle of a city known for its neon-drenched streets, shopping, culture and technology. We suggest you visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to enjoy free panoramic views of Tokyo from the observatory.

In the nearby area of Shinjuku, you have plenty of restaurants to choose from. But regardless of the area you stay in; you'll find plenty of excellent restaurants. Tokyo is one of the world's most exciting dining destinations, boasting Michelin starred establishments to cheap hole-in-the-wall joints.

Start your day by taking the subway to Asakusa, one of the oldest historical areas of Tokyo. Make sure to visit the impressive Senso-ji temple, the oldest in Tokyo, for something unique; buy an Omamori (temple lucky charm) here!

From Senso-ji you can take the Sumida River cruise to Hamarikyu landscape garden. The garden was originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo period (1603-1867).

From here, you can take the Yamanote Line and get off at Shibuya, and head to the Shibuya Sky top floor for some panoramic views of Tokyo (and, if you're lucky, Mt. Fuji).

On your last full day in Japan, we suggest you visit the traditional Tsukiji or the new Toyosu fish market.

Also, check out the Imperial Palace, the trendy Ginza district, the futuristic neighbourhood of Odaiba or marvel at the anime culture of electric town Akihabara.

Today It's time to say goodbye to Japan and hop on your return flight to Europe. We hope that what you have seen, felt and tasted in Japan, something that truly enriches your life.