Winter Wonderland Adventures

Depart from your local airport and arrive at the Kansai International Airport.

From the Kansai International Airport, travel to Kyoto. Spend the day exploring various shrines and temples. Some suggested spots are Kyoto's Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle and Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge. For lunch try a traditional handmade tofu meal. From late afternoon, travel to Miyazu in Northern Kyoto. We suggest staying at the Miyazu Royal Hotel.

Miyazu is home to one of Japan's three most scenic views, Amanohashidate (also known as "The Bridge to Heaven"). Take the single-person lift to the top for the best view of this natural land bridge.

If you have time, we also suggest taking a cruise from Amanohashidate to the fishing village of Ine. The boat houses in this town are very picturesque, some describing it as Japan's Venice. If you are traveling around any time from mid January to mid May, you can also head over to Tango Kingdom for strawberry picking.

From Miyazu take the Kyoto Tango Railway (JR passes can not be used) to Kinosaki Onsen. Spend your afternoon exploring Kinosaki Onsen before taking the local train (JR pass can be used) to Takeno, a beach and seaside town. Even though it is winter, the town is still a great place to visit, especially since you don't have to worry about the summer crowds that fill the town.

Spend the night at Okukinosaki Seaside Hotel. Located along the coast of the Sea of Japan, you can listen to the gentle lapping of the waves outside your room. For dinner, we highly suggest ordering the crab cuisine. The crab of choice is Matsuba-gani or Snow Crab.

From Takeno take the train to Toyooka Station and then take the local bus to Izushi. Izushi was a castle town that flourished in the Edo era. Many of the original Edo style buildings are still preserved and line the streets to this day. To add to the experience you may consider renting a kimono to wear while sightseeing. There are kimono available for both men and women. The town is also famous for Sara Soba or plated buckwheat noodles. There are over 50 soba shops and workshops are also available. You can try your hand at making your own soba lunch.

After sightseeing in Izushi, head on up to the mountains of Kannabe. There are three ski resorts to choose from. If you are a beginner or first-timer we suggest Up Kannabe, as it has a great beginner course that is also perfect for kids. Up Kannabe also features a sledding hill and kids play area.

Tonight you can stay the night in one of the hotels or lodges located near one of the ski resorts. We suggest Kannabe Highland Hotel and a sukiyaki Japanese beef dinner course. You may also be interested in soaking in Yutorogi Hot Spring after playing on the slopes.

Travel back down south to enjoy a day of sightseeing in Himeji and Osaka. Himeji Castle has to be one of Japan's most beautiful and authentic castles. Spend all morning exploring the castle grounds and neighboring gardens. Tour around the many old rooms of the castle as you make you way to the top. You can also opt to tour Nadegiku Sake Brewery in Himeji. Grab lunch before making your way over to Osaka for the rest of your afternoon and for your last night in Japan.

Spend your last night exploring Japan's "kitchen", Osaka. Travel to Osaka's Dotonbori Area, the heart of Osaka. Here you will find countless restaurants, cafes and izakaya. This is also where you can see the famous Glico Running Man sign. Spend the night here in Osaka and rest up before your flight back home tomorrow.

Catch your flight back home from the Kansai International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your time.