2024 Snow Monkeys of Japan

regional and premium class flights may be available on request

Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel to begin your three night 'Snow Monkeys of Japan' land tour with Wendy Wu Tours

Today, transfer to Nagano. Your first stop will be the 7th Century Zenkoji temple before lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue to Jigokudani Monkey Park, home of the famous Japanese Snow Monkeys, where you will walk through the forested valley. From the car park you will walk approximately 30 minutes along sometimes snowy paths on an incline, to the main pool where the Monkeys bathe. Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed from very close and almost completely ignore their human guests.

After this amazing experience, transfer back to your hotel in Tokyo and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure (B, L)

After breakfast, embark on a full day tour of Tokyo. Begin with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, followed by a wander down Nakamise Shopping Street. This street has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. Next, head to Tokyo Sky Tree to admire the panoramic views, then participate in a sushi making class where you'll enjoy your own creations for lunch.

This afternoon, visit the Imperial Palace Plaza and make a quick photo stop at Shibuya Crossing before visiting the Meiji Jingu Shrine. Finally, continue on to Takeshita Street where you can sample some local treats.

Finally, return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the evening at leisure (B,L)

Transfer to the port and embark Norwegian Spirit for your 12 night voyage (B)

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

During your time at sea aboard Norwegian Spirit, why not head to the Stardust Theater?

Considering its population was just seven in 1857, Sapporo is one of Japan's youngest major cities. Hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics gave the city a lot visibility. Catch a chair lift to the top of a ski jump to Okurayama Observatory for incredible views of Sapporo below. Or, head to the Historic Village of Hokkaido just outside the city to tour around 60 buildings dating from 1868 to 1926, which are set up as a typical town as well as fishing, farming and mountain villages. Alternatively, pay a visit to Noboribetsu to pamper yourself in healing, mineral-rich hot springs.

Explore Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan from the base of Hakodate or fall in love with the city itself.

Head to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa Prefecture and you step back in time to the Edo Period (1603 to 1886), the height of samurai culture. Thankfully, Kanazawa was the second-largest city (after Kyoto) to make it through World War II intact. As a result, parts of the old castle town, including the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in pretty good condition. Keep your camera ready to capture the rows of teahouses in the historic Geisha district. Kanazawa also boasts attractive temples, a wide variety of museums and a lively market dating back to 1721. About an hour away is Kaga Onsen, healing hot springs that are well worth a day trip.

Busan - South Korea's second largest city - is a harmonious blend of age-old culture and contemporary metropolitan flair. The downtown skyline and Bampo Bridge are two of Busan's visual wonders. The old-world Buddhist temples and vintage structures preserve the essence of Korean history and culture. Equally captivating is the abundance of Busan's natural landscape, from miles of unspoiled beaches to expansive mountainous terrain. Busan is also home to one of the largest trading ports in the world, and its growing popularity in tourism and commerce makes this South Korean city a must-see destination.

What used to be an old fishing village, Sasebo has been a major naval port since the late 19th century - first with Imperial Japanese Navy and today as a base for the U.S. Navy. Don't miss a boat tour of the emerald-green 208 Kujuku Islands nearby, a beautiful sight set against the deep-blue waters of the bay. On shore, explore Sasebo's Zoological and Tropical Botanical Garden, featuring 80 animal and 1,200 plant species, all with spectacular views of the Kujuku Islands. And if you want to go Dutch, head to Huis Ten Bosch, a recreated 17th-century Dutch village complete with colourful tulip fields. For something more authentically Japanese, head to the Yorozu-cho district to visit a market teeming with fresh produce and seafood as well as handmade clothing and pottery.

Visit the exquisite Iso-Teien Garden and its villa, built in 1660, and enjoy gorgeous views before a short ferry ride to smoking Sakurajima for a close-up view of the volcano and its lava fields. Or journey into the countryside to Chiran and its well-preserved streets lined with samurai homes. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Lake Ikeda and the stunning vistas of the Satsuma Peninsula. Local Satsuma dolls, unique cards printed with ink made from volcanic ash, and unusual wooden toys make interesting souvenirs. And be sure to try some miso soup, sashimi or ramen, the area's famous noodles.

Engage with locals and indulge in local flavours in this welcoming city, known for its famed dish Katsuo no tataki (a type of tuna Tataki). The city centre was initially settled in 1601 as a town surrounding Kochi Castle, which is now one of the region's principal attractions. Delve into times gone by as you stroll along the famed, red Harimaya-bashi - the basis for an old local folklore song. Discover the lovely Katsurahama beach area, where the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial overlooks the sea and honors this legendary Japanese peace negotiator.

Situated between mountains and the sea, Kobe is Japan's sixth-largest city and a port bustling with culture and fine cuisine. Named after its origin, famous Kobe beef is one of the delicacies to enjoy at the many gourmet restaurants. Don't miss the chance to visit Ikuta Shrine - one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines - or tour a museum to learn about local culture. For sweeping views of the vibrant city, explore one of the nearby mountainsides through a diverse selection of activities.

In the shadow of Mount Fuji, Shimizu is one of the most beautiful ports in Japan. Walk through the pine groves of Miho, home to a 650-year-old Japanese black pine, or enjoy spectacular views of Mount Fuji from the lush, forested hill of Nihondaira. Take in the seascapes on a bay cruise, or learn of undersea delights at Japan's first sushi museum, and get a glimpse at feudal life in Japan in 200 BC at the archaeological site of Toro. Shop for traditional Japanese wooden handcrafts and fabrics unique to the region, and sample some yokan, a sweet jellied confection.

A city where you’ll find centuries-old culture jostling for position next to cutting-edge technology – a fabulous blend of history and modernity that has to be seen to be believed.

Disembark and transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to London

regional and premium class flights may be available on request