Example Itinerary
Nagano's Winter Wonderland
The exhilarating Nagano’s Winter Wonderland itinerary is perfect for culture vultures and winter sports fans alike, take in the dazzling sights and sounds of Tokyo, the amusing inhabitants of Jigokudani Monkey Park and the beauty of the traditional Japanese towns of Akihabara and Asakusa - famous for the Senso-ji temple, dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon - before traveling to the Nozawa Onsen for three days of skiing, cosy hospitality and winter frolics. With instructors on hand to guide newbies, this is an ideal trip for beginners, seasoned skiers and mixed groups.
This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.
Highlights
• Tokyo: The eclectic capital offers a mix of the historic, the cultural and the bizzare - take it all in with trips to Tsukiji Fish Market, Meiji Jingu Shrine and trendy Harajuku.
• Snow Sports: The Olympic slopes of Nozawa Onsen are ideal for a day of skiing, followed by a soak in natural hot spring baths.
• Monkey Business: Meet the cheeky Japanese macaques of Jigokudani Monkey Park - just like their human cousins, they love to warm up in the chilly months by bathing in hot spring pools.
• Matsumotojo: Discover the history of Crow Castle, one of Japan’s most picturesque and best-preserved original castles.
Day-by-Day
Day 1
MapTokyo
Arrive today in Japan’s thriving, exciting capital - Tokyo. Transfer to your luxury hotel get acquainted with your new surroundings as well as relax in preparation for the day ahead.
Hotel Options
Day 2
MapTokyo
Enjoy a full day exploring Tokyo. Start the day with a peek at the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world, and then move onto Jogai Shijo with its mixture of shops and restaurants - designed to celebrate traditional and innovative Japanese dishes - where you can also experience a fire ceremony at the at the local Fukagawa Fudoson temple. Continue your exploration of Tokyo with a visit to the well-known and revered Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji; then head to modern, funky and trendy Harajuku, before the more traditional towns of Akihabara and Asakusa, and experience the contrasting nature of Japan’s dedication to the future and reverence of the past.

Day 3
MapNozawa Onsen
Depart Tokyo on the Shinkansen high-speed train towards the town’s ever popular Jigokudani Monkey Park. The park is inhabited by Japanese macaques who live in the forests of the Jigokudani valley, gathering around the hot springs to escape the winter cold and, famously, often spied covered in snow relaxing in the bubbling waters of a hot spring, in a way not unlike humans. Although the park is open all year round, the bathing monkeys are best seen from December to February, when the entire area is covered in a layer of gleaming white snow. Head onto Nozawa Onsen, check into your ryokan and, like the Japanese macaque, you too can take a dip in the onsite hot-spring bath.
Hotel Options

Day 4
MapNozawa Onsen
Nozawa Onsen is in Nagano Prefecture, approximately 186 miles northwest from central Tokyo. The ski area is not large, but is extremely pretty and as off-piste skiing is also allowed, the actual skiable area is far bigger than it may first appear. Remote Lands will arrange your ski passes during your stay in Nozawa Onsen (rentals not included) and today you will have a full-day with a ski instructor, who will help you familiarize yourselves with the slopes.
Day 5
MapNozawa Onsen
Enjoy your day skiing with your pre-arranged ski passes, valid during your stay in Nozawa Onsen (rentals not included). Depending on your dates of travel, there may be an evening Winter Illumination or Festival - these run from December to March.

Day 6
MapNozawa Onsen
Today is your last full day of skiing. As on previous days, Remote Lands will organize your ski passes (rentals not included), enabling you to get on slopes without delay. So, make sure to rise early and make the most of this opportunity to work on your form and perfect your technique.
Day 7
MapTokyo
Today, you will return to Tokyo, with a stop to visit Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan, and view the legendary fortifications - also known as the "Crow Castle" due to the black exterior walls and ominous presence. Matsumoto is about a 50 minute train ride from Nagano, enroute back to Tokyo and your final night.
Hotel Options

Day 8
MapDeparture
Following a relaxing morning and check out, you’ll be transferred to Tokyo International Airport and for your onward journey.

Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Five Things to Know About Watching Baseball in Japan
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Cheerleaders, history, balloons — watching baseball in Japan is a whole new way to see the game.
Heal Your Soul: 5 Journeys Through Japan for Your Wellbeing
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Whether it’s the wilds of Tohoku or the hot springs of Ishikawa, Japan has a wealth of experiences for your wellbeing.
Naohito Ise: Japan National Tourism Organization on Post-Covid Travel
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Remote Lands speaks to executive director Naohito Ise of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) about the future of travel in Japan.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.

A Couple from San Francisco
The guides and drivers were very knowledgable about the areas and took care of us well

A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.

Family from Minneapolis
Our family's trip to Japan was extremely well planned and well executed, on very short notice... Hats off to you!