Name: Japan Winter Adventure Tour - Snow Monkeys & Onsen | 11 Days
Brand: Zero Trace Tours
SKU: 44734852071600
Price: 3795.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Start and Finish

Tokyo - Osaka/Hiroshima

Fun Groups

Max 22 People

Difficulty

Easy +

Climate +

200% Co2 Offset

Japanese Winter Wonders | 11 Days of Shrines, Snow Monkeys & Onsen Steam (3 Day Ski Add-On Option)

Japanese Winter Wonders | 11 Days of Shrines, Snow Monkeys & Onsen Steam

Neon to snowfall, lanterns to steam—this winter edition strings Tokyo’s buzz with Hakone’s Fuji views, Kyoto’s temple glow, Osaka’s street-food energy and Nagano’s red-faced snow monkeys.

Hand-roll sushi with a pro, walk the vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari at dawn, bow to the Golden Pavilion dusted in white, try your hand at Kendo in a historic dojo, and warm up in onsen towns built for cosy nights. Finish with farewell karaoke—or tack on a 3-day ski add-on for extra powder.

Quick Facts

Duration: 11 days (+ optional 3-day ski add-on)
Style: Small-group winter edition
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate; brisk starts, stairs, city walks
Start/Finish: Tokyo → Tokyo
Transport: Bullet trains, Romance Car, subways & locals
Stays: 10 nights — pod/hostel, tatami guesthouse & hotels
Group Size / Age: Max 22 · 18–45 yrs

Trip Highlights

Senso-ji by night; Harajuku, Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine
Private sushi-making class; skyline strolls and Shibuya Crossing
Hakone day with Fuji outlooks (weather dependent) + homestyle nabe dinner
Kyoto: Fushimi-Inari at first light, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion evening walk
Kendo class with a Bushidō instructor; Golden Pavilion in winter finery
Osaka: Dotonbori food tour & castle gardens at sunset
Nagano: Jigokudani Snow Monkeys and time to soak in an onsen
Optional Fully Self-Guided Ski Extension: 3 days in Hakuba (lift pass, gear, transport & stay)

Good to Know

Fuji views are weather-dependent; your leader times the best chances.
Onsen etiquette: rinse before soaking; some venues restrict visible tattoos—cover-ups can help.
Winter kit: warm layers, beanie, gloves and grippy shoes make chilly mornings a breeze.
Airport transfers aren’t included; all on-tour transport is.

Booking Terms & Conditions

$350.00

RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT

Day 1 — Tokyo Arrival, Senso-ji by Night & Welcome Dinner

Touch down and settle into your Tokyo base. As evening falls, gather for a flavour-packed welcome dinner, then wander the lantern glow of Senso-ji Temple once the crowds thin—pure winter magic.
Stay: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar) — twin bunks
Meals: Dinner
Included: Welcome dinner; Senso-ji evening visit
Free Time: Tokyo Skytree views
Pace: Low

Day 2 — Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara

Start with a short Japan orientation—customs and handy phrases—then drift from Harajuku’s pop style to Meiji Shrine and quiet Yoyogi Park. Cap the day in neon-bright Akihabara: arcades, retro shops, or a quirky café if you fancy.
Stay: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar) — twin bunks
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Orientation; guided district walk (Harajuku → Meiji → Akihabara)
Optional: Maid café visit
Pace: Medium/High

Day 3 — Sushi Masterclass, Shinjuku Skyline & Shibuya Crossing

Roll sleeves for a private sushi-making class—miso soup, three sushi styles and teriyaki secrets (vegetarian on request with advance notice). Evening glide through Shinjuku’s alleyways to Shibuya Crossing in full electric bloom.
Stay: Sakura Hotel Nippori (or similar) — twin bunks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included: Sushi class; Shinjuku walk; Shibuya Crossing visit
Free Time: Toyosu Fish Market, Sengaku-ji/“Songokuji” temple area
Pace: Medium

Day 4 — Hakone: Romance Car, Fuji Outlooks & Nabe Night

Ride the Romance Car into Hakone’s hills. Mix-and-match local transports to explore, keeping eyes peeled for Mount Fuji when the winter sky is clear. Tonight, a homestyle nabe dinner in the guesthouse and cosy games to close.
Stay: Gora Gaku Guesthouse (or similar) — twin/triple tatami
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Included: Romance Car; Hakone exploring; Fuji viewing (weather-dependent)
Note: Brief Owakudani stop isn’t advised for asthma/respiratory conditions—chat to your leader for an alternate.
Pace: Medium

Day 5 — Bullet to Kyoto & Gion Evening Walk

Grab a quick bite en route and board the shinkansen to Kyoto. Settle in, then follow a local through the lanes of Gion—lanterns, wooden townhouses and the chance to glimpse a geiko or maiko.
Stay: Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar) — pod-style
Meals: None
Included: Gion district walking tour
Optional: Geisha performance (subject to availability)
Pace: Medium

Day 6 — Fushimi-Inari at Dawn & Kiyomizu-dera

Beat the crowds to Fushimi-Inari’s vermilion gates, then cross to Kiyomizu-dera, dramatic on its hillside—especially striking with winter air crisp and clear. The afternoon is yours.
Stay: Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar) — pod-style
Meals: None
Included: Fushimi-Inari; Kiyomizu-dera
Optional: Tea ceremony; kimono hire; Nishiki Market grazing
Pace: Medium/High

Day 7 — Golden Pavilion, Zen Garden & Kendo in a Historic Dojo

See the Golden Pavilion shimmering beside its mirror-lake—extra fairytale if dusted with snow—then a peaceful Zen garden pause. Later, step into a Kendo class led by a Bushidō instructor and descendant of a samurai.
Stay: Ryokan Hostel Gion (or similar) — pod-style
Meals: None
Included: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion); Kendo class
Free Time: Heian Shrine stroll
Pace: Medium

Day 8 — On to Osaka: Dotonbori Food Tour & Night Lights

Transit to Osaka and settle near the action. At dusk, dive into a guided Dotonbori food tour—steamy grills, neon reflections and the famous running-man sign.
Stay: Hotel WBF Namba Motomachi (or similar) — twin share
Meals: Dinner
Included: Dotonbori walk & street-food tasting
Optional: Osaka canal boat tour
Pace: Medium

Day 9 — Osaka Morning, Castle Gardens & Train to Nagano

Free morning moments, then wander the grounds of Osaka Castle before rolling north by train to snow-rimmed Nagano—gateway to winter valleys and onsen towns.
Stay: Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar) — twin share
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Osaka Castle gardens visit; intercity rail to Nagano
Pace: Low

Day 10 — Jigokudani Snow Monkeys & Onsen Time

Arrive early at Jigokudani Monkey Park to watch red-faced macaques steaming in hot pools while snow drifts around them. Afterwards, take it slow in Yudanaka—opt for an onsen soak or sample local sake—then regroup for a light-hearted farewell karaoke.
Stay: Toyoko Inn Nagano (or similar) — twin share
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Snow Monkey Park; karaoke send-off
Optional: Onsen town pass; sake tasting
Pace: Low

Day 11 — Back to Tokyo (Trip Ends)

Morning rail returns you to Tokyo. Goodbyes for those wrapping here; skiers continue on the add-on below.
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Train to Tokyo
Pace: Low

Day 11 — Nagano → Hakuba: Gear Up & First Runs

Transfer to Hakuba and collect your 3-day lift pass & gear for Happo One. Settle into your slopeside base and take those first winter laps.
Stay: Echo Guesthouse (or similar) — 4-share cabin
Meals: Breakfast
Included: Lift pass; ski/snowboard hire; Tokyo↔Hakuba rail (per package); local transfers as specified
Pace: Medium/High

Day 12 — Hakuba: Full Ski/Board Day

Choose your terrain—gentle groomers to leg-burners—with alpine peaks for backdrop and plenty of cocoa breaks.
Stay: Echo Guesthouse (or similar) — 4-share cabin
Meals: None
Included: Lift pass (day 2)
Pace: Medium/High

Day 13 — Hakuba: Last Laps

Chase that favourite line, then wind down with an onsen or ramen run.
Stay: Echo Guesthouse (or similar) — 4-share cabin
Meals: None
Included: Lift pass (day 3)
Pace: Medium/High

Day 14 — Hakuba → Tokyo: Extension Ends

Return to Nagano Station, then rail to Tokyo. Trip complete.
Meals: None
Included: Rail per package
Pace: Low

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Sleep

(winter-ready; “or similar” may apply)

Tokyo (Nights 1–3): Social hostel with twin bunks — close to trains and late-night snacks.
Hakone (Night 4): Cosy mountain guesthouse with tatami rooms (twin/triple) — perfect for warming nabe nights.
Kyoto (Nights 5–7): Stylish pod-style stay in the Gion area — walk to lantern-lit lanes.
Osaka (Night 8): Central twin-share hotel near Dotonbori’s food streets.
Nagano (Nights 9–10): Comfortable twin-share hotel — an easy hop to the snow monkeys and onsen town.

All properties are heated; most have individual climate control. Rooming is shared by default; upgrades may be limited in peak winter.

Optional Ski Extension (self-guided)

Hakuba (Nights 11–13): Slopeside 4-share cabins — lift pass & gear included; simple, to-the-mountains convenience.

What You’ll Eat (included meals only)

Meals are written exactly as included in the operator itinerary; everything else is at your own cost—ideal for sampling ramen counters, izakaya bites and market snacks.

Day 1 (Tokyo): Dinner — Welcome meal.
Day 2 (Tokyo): Breakfast.
Day 3 (Tokyo): Breakfast, Lunch — Sushi masterclass day.
Day 4 (Hakone): Breakfast, Dinner — Fuji day + homestyle nabe.
Day 5 (Kyoto): —
Day 6 (Kyoto): —
Day 7 (Kyoto): —
Day 8 (Osaka): Dinner — Dotonbori food tour.
Day 9 (Nagano): Breakfast.
Day 10 (Nagano): Breakfast.
Day 11 (Tokyo return): Breakfast.

Dietaries & style

Vegetarian and other dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice (some set menus on activity days).
Onsen towns: many venues are cash-friendly and cosy—think hot bowls, skewers and winter sweets.
Tip: carry small bills for kiosks and temple-side vendors; keep a reusable bottle for hot/cold refills.

✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

Tokyo: Welcome dinner; Senso-ji by night; Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park & Akihabara walk; private sushi-making class; Shinjuku stroll & Shibuya Crossing.
Hakone: Romance Car ride; multi-pass explore; Mount Fuji outlooks (weather dependent); homestyle nabe dinner.
Kyoto: Fushimi-Inari at first light; Kiyomizu-dera; Gion evening walk; Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji); Kendo class with a Bushidō instructor.
Osaka: Dotonbori food tour (dinner included); Osaka Castle gardens visit.
Nagano: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park; farewell karaoke.

Guides

Expert group leader throughout; licensed local guides for key sites/experiences (e.g., Kendo, food tour, district walks).

Accommodation

10 nights in winter-ready stays: Tokyo hostel (twin bunks), Hakone guesthouse (tatami twin/triple), Kyoto pod-style, Osaka twin hotel, Nagano twin hotel. (“Or similar” of equal standard may be used.)

Meals

6 × Breakfasts · 1 × Lunch · 3 × Dinners exactly as shown in the day-to-day (incl. welcome dinner, nabe night, Dotonbori tasting dinner).

Transport

All on-tour transport per itinerary: bullet trains, Romance Car, subways/local lines and intercity rail segments.
Station–site moves required for included activities.

Equipment & Support

All activity gear for inclusions (sushi class kit, Kendo equipment, safety kit as needed).
Daily briefings, winter tips and onsen etiquette guidance.

Fees & Impact

Entrance/participation fees for listed inclusions (e.g., temples/parks on the schedule, Kendo class, Snow Monkey Park).
Ethical wildlife & cultural guidelines followed at all times.

Optional Ski Extension (Add-On, extra cost)

3 days Hakuba: lift pass, ski/board hire, rail transport & accommodation (self-guided).

🚫 What’s Not Included

International flights, airport transfers, visas/entry docs and travel insurance.
Meals & drinks not listed in the itinerary.
Optional experiences & free-time add-ons, such as: Tokyo Skytree, maid café, Toyosu fish market wander, tea ceremony, kimono hire, geisha performance, Osaka canal boat tour, onsen town pass, sake tasting, extended karaoke, and any other personal extras.
Baggage services (luggage forwarding, station lockers), laundry, SIM/eSIM, souvenirs and personal expenses.
Tipping (at your discretion for great service).
Winter clothing (coats, gloves, boots) and personal cold-weather gear.
Ski Extension specifics: lessons, lunches, insurance, damage waivers, and local 5-minute taxi between station ↔ ski stay are not included.
Any item not expressly listed under What’s Included.

Notes:
• Fuji views and snowfall are weather-dependent; timings may flex to keep the best windows.
• Some onsen restrict visible tattoos—cover-ups help but aren’t provided.

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Japan’s classic four seasons shape this route—think cool, blossom-bright springs; steamy summers; crisp, colourful autumns; and clear, cold winters. Temperatures below are typical for the cities on this itinerary (Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka, Hiroshima); mountain stops (Hakone, Kōyasan, Takayama) run cooler.

Spring (Mar–May)

~8–22 °C. Mild days, cool nights. Showers possible.
Sakura (late Mar–early Apr): beautiful, busy; early starts help.
Mountains: expect a 2–6 °C drop vs the cities.

Rainy-Season/Early Summer (Jun)

~18–27 °C, humid. Frequent light–moderate rain (“tsuyu”).
Visibility: Mt Fuji viewpoints often cloud-affected.

High Summer (Jul–Aug)

~24–35 °C, very humid. Heat advisories are common; afternoon downpours.
Typhoons: risk rises late Aug. Indoor cultural stops and shaded walking routes keep the days comfortable.

Early Autumn (Sep)

~20–30 °C, humid. Occasional heavy rain; lingering typhoon activity.
Water & pace: slower, shaded walking blocks are planned.

Autumn Peak (Oct–Nov)

~10–22 °C. Drier, cooler, often clear—great for views.
Kōyō (autumn colours): mid-Nov around Kyoto—popular and spectacular.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

~0–12 °C. Cold, mostly dry; clearest Fuji views.
Snow/frost possible in Hakone, Takayama, Kōyasan; temple floors can be chilly—warm layers are essential.

Microclimates on This Tour

Hakone (mountain) — Breezy, changeable; 2–6 °C cooler than Tokyo. Ropeways/sections can close in high wind or volcanic gas alerts; alternative local routes keep the day on track.
Kōyasan (≈800–900 m) — Consistently cooler; expect frost or snow in mid-winter. Pack thermal sleepwear for the temple stay.
Takayama (inland) — Colder winters, warm summers with afternoon thunderstorms.
Hiroshima & Miyajima (coastal) — Milder overall; swells/wind can affect ferry timings in typhoon periods.

Crowd & Daylight Notes

Busiest: Cherry blossom (late Mar–early Apr) and autumn colours (Oct–Nov). Early starts and off-peak slots are used where possible.
Daylight: Longest in Jun–Aug (~14 h); shortest in Dec–Jan (~10 h).

Good to know: Weather is variable—Mt Fuji views are always weather-dependent. For the most accurate picture, check local forecasts 48 hours before departure and again daily while travelling.

Reviewed on tourradar.com

What to Pack

Pack for cold mornings, clear days and lots of walking. Layers beat bulk, and smaller bags make station hops a breeze.

Bags

Main bag: 40–60 L backpack or small soft roller (easy on trains and in pod rooms).
Daypack (15–20 L): for camera, layers, water and snacks.
Packing cubes + laundry bag: Japan has great coin-laundry—sort, wash, repeat.
Small zip tote/dry sack: for wet umbrellas/onsen bits.

Clothing (mix & match)

Base layers: 2–3 thermal tops + 1–2 thermal leggings.
Mids: 1 fleece/knit + 1 insulated jacket.
Outer: wind/water-resistant shell (city showers, Hakone breeze).
Bottoms: 2 pairs comfy trousers/jeans.
Evenings: 1 smart-casual outfit for dinners.
Accessories: beanie, scarf/neck gaiter, warm gloves, 4–5 pairs warm socks.
Temple etiquette: light scarf/cardigan to cover shoulders if needed.

Footwear

Primary: grippy, water-resistant walking shoes/boots.
Backup: comfy indoor shoes/slippers for overnights (many stays provide slippers, but your own feel nicer).
Blister kit: plasters + friction stick.

Onsen & winter comforts

Compact towel & small “modesty” towel (no swimwear in onsens).
Lightweight robe/loose clothes for the stroll to/from baths.
Moisturiser & lip balm: winter air is dry.
Hand warmers (kairo): cheap, brilliant, everywhere.

Day-to-day essentials

Reusable bottle (insulated works a treat).
Compact umbrella or packable rain shell.
Sunglasses (snow glare in Nagano can pop).
Tissues & hand sanitiser (handy at shrines/markets).

Tech & power

Universal adaptor + power bank + cables.
Phone with offline maps/translator downloaded.
Optional: small camera (night scenes and snow days shine).

Documents & money

Passport, travel insurance, and copies (digital + paper).
Debit/credit cards plus cash for small eats and shrine offerings.
Simple coin pouch (you’ll use more coins than usual).

Health

Personal meds + scripts.
Mini first-aid: pain relief, throat lozenges, antihistamine, antiseptic wipes.
Motion tablets if you’re sensitive on mountain trains/buses.

Ski Add-On (Hakuba)

Thermal base layers (top & bottom), ski socks (2–3 pairs).
Waterproof snow gloves, goggles, neck warmer/BUFF.
Beanie for off-slope; swimwear not needed for onsens.
Lift pass & hard gear are included; bring your own accessories or rent locally.

Nice-to-haves

Fold-flat tote for snacks/souvenirs.
Sleep mask + earplugs (shared spaces, early trains).
Spare zip-locks for receipts/chargers.
Notebook/pen (names, ramen recs, kanji you loved).

Leave at home

Bulky fashion boots, heavy hard-shell luggage, and anything you’ll stress about on a crowded train. Keep it nimble; winter Japan rewards travellers who travel light.

Local Insights — Winter Edition (Tokyo • Hakone • Kyoto • Osaka • Nagano)

Culture & Everyday Etiquette

A soft “sumimasen” (excuse me) gets you far; no tipping—excellent service is standard.
On trains: quiet voices, no phone calls, and queue at platform markings.
Escalators: stand left in Tokyo, right in Osaka; walkers use the opposite side.
Shrines/temples: hats off, shoulders covered; rinse hands at the temizuya (water basin) before entering.
Geiko/maiko in Kyoto: admire from a respectful distance; avoid blocking their path or using flash.

Onsen 101 (hot springs)

Wash first, soak second. No swimwear. Towels stay out of the water.
Some venues restrict visible tattoos—ask about cover-ups or book a private bath.
Move slowly on wet tiles; bring a small “modesty” towel for the dash between indoor/outdoor baths.

Winter Streets & Stations

Tiles can be slick in rain or frost—grippy shoes beat fashion boots.
Coin lockers are everywhere; pack smaller luggage for easy station hops.
Convenience stores (konbini) are gold: hot cans of tea/coffee, hand warmers (kairo), snacks, and reliable ATMs.

Money, Cards & Connectivity

Cards are widely accepted, but keep some cash for small eateries and shrine offerings.
An IC transport card (tap on/off, top-up) speeds you through trains, subways and some shops.
Free Wi-Fi pops up often; download offline maps for rural pockets.

Food & Seasonal Treats

Winter shines with nabe (hotpots), oden (brothy simmer pot), citrus like yuzu, and amazake (sweet, low-alcohol rice drink).
Market mornings are chilly—gloves you can tap a screen with are a small joy.
Street-food in Osaka: follow the crowd and queue etiquette; bins are scarce, so pack out your rubbish.

Fuji, Snow & Flex

Fuji views are best on cold, clear mornings—leaders time windows, but nature decides.
Jigokudani Snow Monkeys: keep a few metres’ distance, no eye contact, no food, and stow selfie sticks; it’s their spa, you’re the guest.
City snow is rare but possible; alpine trains may slow during storms—plans pivot, not downgrade.

Polite Sustainability

Refillable bottle, small tote, and reef/river-safe sunscreen for bright winter days.
Stay on paths (temple gardens and icy forest trails are fragile in winter).
If you smoke, use designated areas only.

Tiny tips that feel big

Carry tissues (public loos sometimes lack paper).
Keep a coin pouch—you’ll use more coins than you expect.
Dry air + heaters = lip balm & moisturiser on repeat.
New Year (late Dec–3 Jan) brings festive crowds and altered hours—magical, just busier.

Bottom line: move gently, queue neatly, and warm up often—Japan in winter rewards unhurried travellers with clear skies, quiet temples and very cosy nights.

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0.0tCO₂e

0.0t 10.0t

0–2 t Low · 2–4 t Moderate · 4–6 t High · 6–8 t Very High · 9+ Extreme

Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint — Full Report

Results Summary (Topline)
Per guest: 11-Day ≈ 5.45 tCO₂e · 11-Day + Ski Add-On ≈ 5.56 tCO₂e
Per tour (22 guests): 11-Day ≈ 120.0 tCO₂e · 11-Day + Ski ≈ 122.3 tCO₂e
Offset applied: 200% (we counterbalance double the estimate)
Method note: High-estimate using WTT and RF = 1.9 for aviation; includes single-origin guest travel, all meals (included + off-tour), electric rail, accommodation, and a +10% uncertainty uplift.

Purpose

Provide a transparent, conservative emissions estimate for informed choice—and to document the 200% counter-impact applied.

Tour Header

Tour: Japanese Winter Wonders | 11 Days of Shrines, Snow Monkeys & Onsen Steam
Versions: 11-Day (Tokyo → Tokyo) and 11-Day + 3-Day Ski Add-On (self-guided Hakuba extension)

Scope & Boundaries

Included: Return guest travel from a single origin hub to the tour start/finish; all on-tour transport per itinerary (bullet trains, Romance Car, subways/locals); accommodation for all nights; all meals counted at 3 per day (included + off-tour); +10% uncertainty uplift across totals.
Excluded: Shopping and personal gear, medical care, optional extras not listed in the itinerary, and travel beyond the route.

Feeder Hub (single origin city)

Baseline assumes Sydney (SYD) as the origin. Totals vary with different origin cities; closer hubs reduce flight impact.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults

Aviation (economy, WTT + RF 1.9): 0.30 kg CO₂e per passenger-km
Electric rail (shinkansen/local): 0.05 kg CO₂e per passenger-km
Accommodation: 12 kg CO₂e per room-night per guest (HCMI-aligned)
Meals (all types): 2.5 kg CO₂e per meal per guest
Other site energy/consumables: small fixed allowance included

Activity Data (indicative, per guest)

11-Day core itinerary

Flights: SYD ↔ TYO approximately 15,600 km total.
Rail (electric): Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Osaka → Nagano → Tokyo approximately 1,200 km.
Nights counted: 10.
Meals counted: 33 (3 per day × 11 days).

Ski Add-On (incremental over 11-Day)

Rail (electric): Tokyo ↔ Hakuba approximately 600 km.
Nights counted: +3.
Meals counted: +9 (3 per day × 3 days).
Resort energy: modest fixed allowance.

Results — Per Guest (with +10% uncertainty uplift applied)

11-Day

Flights: around 4.68 tCO₂e.
Rail: around 0.06 tCO₂e.
Stays: around 0.12 tCO₂e.
Meals: around 0.0825 tCO₂e.
Other (minor site energy/consumables): around 0.01 tCO₂e.
Total: approximately 5.45 tCO₂e.

11-Day + Ski Add-On

Flights: around 4.68 tCO₂e.
Rail: around 0.09 tCO₂e.
Stays: around 0.156 tCO₂e.
Meals: around 0.105 tCO₂e.
Other (incl. small resort allowance): around 0.02 tCO₂e.
Total: approximately 5.56 tCO₂e.

Results — Per Tour (assuming 22 guests)

11-Day: approximately 120.0 tCO₂e.
11-Day + Ski: approximately 122.3 tCO₂e.

Assumptions

Long-haul routing fixed to Sydney; totals shift with different origins.
Distances rounded and conservative; rail segments approximate the published route.
All meals counted to reflect real behaviour (included + off-tour).
City transport is primarily electric rail; road legs are negligible.
The ski add-on is self-guided with modest resort energy captured.
+10% uplift applied to totals to remain on the conservative side.

Versioning

Zero Trace CO₂ Standard v1.3 — DEFRA-aligned factors; WTT and RF = 1.9 for aviation; HCMI for hotels; +10% uncertainty uplift.
To update: change the origin hub, guest count, or routing, and recalculate with the same methodology.

Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto: cool and mostly dry (~6–12 °C day). Hakone is colder; Nagano can be below freezing with snow. Pack layers, gloves, beanie and grippy shoes.

Starts Tokyo, finishes Tokyo (optional 3-day Hakuba ski add-on returns to Tokyo at the end).

Rated Easy–Moderate. Expect urban walking, station stairs and standing time in museums/templesEasy–Moderate. Expect cool mornings, stairs at shrines, platform changes and plenty of walking. Think 8k–15k steps on city days. Comfortable shoes = happier knees.

Typical full days can feel like a long city stroll—comfortable shoes make all the difference.

A mix of hostel twin bunks, tatami guesthouse rooms, pod-style stays and twin-share hotels. Warm, winter-ready, well located. Shared by default; upgrades may be limited in peak season.

Onsen etiquette—what should I know?

Wash first, soak second; no swimwear; keep towels out of the water. Some venues restrict visible tattoos—cover-ups or private baths can help (ask your leader).

Is karaoke really included?

Yes—farewell karaoke in Nagano (light-hearted and optional).

I’m nervous about chopsticks/ordering—will I be okay?

Absolutely. Your leader will help with key phrases and simple ordering. Many spots have pictures or display dishes.

How much luggage should I bring?

Keep it nimble for trains and stations: backpack or compact roller plus a daypack. Coin lockers are everywhere; luggage forwarding is easy (pay-as-you-go).

Is there Wi-Fi? What about power?

Most stays have Wi-Fi. eSIM/SIM is easy to arrange. Japan uses Type A/B plugs, ~100 V—bring a universal adaptor and a power bank.

Can I skip an activity?

Yes—everything listed as included is guided, but you can opt out and rejoin later. Let your leader know so timing stays smooth.

What’s included on the Ski Add-On?

3 days in Hakuba with lift pass, ski/board hire, rail transport & accommodation. It’s self-guided. Not included: lessons, lunches, insurance, damage waivers, and the short local taxi between station ↔ stay.

Is travel insurance required?

It’s strongly recommended for winter travel (medical, cancellation, gear).

Money—cash or card?

Both. Cards are common, but carry some cash for small eateries, temple offerings and kiosks. An IC transport card is handy for taps on subways and some shops.

Laundry on tour?

Yes—coin laundry is widely available. Pack quick-dry basics and rotate.

Accessibility notes?

Expect stairs, uneven temple paths and occasional icy sections (Hakone/Nagano). If you have specific needs, tell us early so the leader can plan smooth alternatives.

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

0.0tCO₂e

0.0t 10.0t

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Tours Confirmed! It’s time to make any arrangements to reach the tour’s start point on time.

5. Your Adventure Begins

You'll be connected with your expert guides, fellow travelers, and begin adventuring.

FAQ's

Zero Trace Tours is a curated marketplace, not a tour operator.

We handpick the best guided adventure tours from expert local operators and bring them together in one place. Think of us as your shortcut to the world’s most unforgettable, low-impact travel experiences—without the overwhelm of researching every operator yourself.

We only partner with & list high-quality, trusted operators.

Every tour you see on Zero Trace is run by a professional provider with proven experience, proper licensing, and strong safety practices. We don’t just take anyone—each operator is thoroughly vetted before their tours go live. You’re not just booking an adventure. You’re booking peace of mind.

Every tour on our platform includes a built-in environmental offset.

We calculate the footprint of each experience—from travel to food to gear—and contribute directly to landscape restoration projects that heal degraded environments (Twice Over!!).

It’s not a vague promise—it’s built into the business model. You travel, we restore.

If you’re into off-the-beaten-path, small-group, experience-rich travel—this is for you.

These aren’t cookie-cutter trips. They’re for people who care about nature, love a bit of challenge, and value quality over quantity. Some are rugged, some are luxurious—but all are run by experts who live and breathe the places they guide in.

Each tour follows the cancellation policy set by its operator, which is clearly listed before you book.

Zero Trace handles all your booking admin, so if your plans change, just reach out to us—we’ll coordinate directly with the operator to get it sorted. No call centre runaround, no being passed off. We’ve got your back from booking to departure.

Find out More

Country/Region

Country/Region

Japanese Winter Wonders | 11 Days of Shrines, Snow Monkeys & Onsen Steam

Start and Finish

Fun Groups

Difficulty

Climate +

Japanese Winter Wonders | 11 Days of Shrines, Snow Monkeys & Onsen Steam

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Sleep

What You’ll Eat (included meals only)

✅ What’s Included

🚫 What’s Not Included

Seasonal Weather Expectations

What to Pack

Local Insights — Winter Edition (Tokyo • Hakone • Kyoto • Osaka • Nagano)

Save time planning with our helpful travel tools

Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

CO₂ Footprint — Full Report

This Tour Has An estimated footprint of :

Travel

Restore

Repeat

Bookings with Us

1. Choose Your Tour

2. Pick Your Dates

3. Reserve Your Spot

4. Plan Your Logisitics

5. Your Adventure Begins

FAQ's

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets