Travelzoo Exclusive - Snow Monkeys and the Moonlit Path

CruiseAway & Princess Cruises - Snow Monkeys and the Moonlit Path

Embark on the journey of a lifetime with CruiseAway’s expertly curated cruise and tour experience. Set sail on board the Diamond Princess from Yokohama visiting Beppu, Hiroshima, Kanmon Straits, Shimonoseki, Busan, Nagasaki, Miyazaki (Aburatsu), Kochi and Toba.

Steaming onsens, snowy temples and wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs—winter in Japan is unlike anything else. This 17-night, flight-inclusive escape blends storybook scenery with soul-stirring culture. Begin with a 7-night guided tour through tranquil towns and frosted alpine landscapes. Sip sake in the Japanese Alps and stroll Takayama’s lantern-lit old town. Marvel at Shirakawa-go’s postcard rooftops, blanketed in snow. Cruise Lake Kawaguchiko, calm as glass, for your clearest view of Mt Fuji’s snowy crown. Then board Diamond Princess for a 10-night coastal voyage in a Mini Suite through Japan and South Korea. Visit Nagasaki’s Peace Park, Kochi’s hilltop castle and Busan’s colourful seaside enclaves. Winter cruising means crisp skies, high visibility and blissfully quiet ports. Each moment feels like stepping inside a snow globe dream..

Travelzoo members save up to 30% when compared to booking everything separately. No stress. No crowds. Just one unforgettable Japanese winter.

Escorted Tour Highlights

• • ● Fully-guided 7-day Land Tour from Osaka to Tokyo
  • ● Visit to Nara Park - home to free-roaming deer
  • ● Visit to Todaiji Temple
  • ● Scenic transfer and tour of Takayama Old Town
  • ● UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go visit
  • ● Visit to the Zenko-ji Temple with sake-tasting and lunch after
  • ● Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park experience
  • ● Visit to the Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station
  • ● Cruise on Lake Kawaguchiko
  • ● Tokyo guided tour, including a visit to the Meiji Shrine and the exterior of the Imperial Palace

Your Tour Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

• ● Arrival from Sydney to Osaka. Transfer to hotel.
• ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Day 2: Osaka | Nara | Kyoto | Gifu (Nagoya)

• ● Morning Nara Park visit - the park is home to more than a thousand free-roaming deer.
• ● Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most significant historical landmarks, visit.
• ● Transfer to Kyoto, afternoon at leisure (optional guided tours available).
• ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast Included

Day 3: Gifu | Takayama | Shirakawa-go | Nagano

• • ● Scenic two-hour drive to Takayama, followed by Takayama Old Town exploration.
  • ● Visit to the UNESCO-listed village of Shirakawa-go.
  • ● Transfer to the Nagano Region. Evening at leisure.
  • ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast & Dinner Included

Day 4: Snow Monkeys & Zenko-ji Temple

• ● Morning visit to the Zenko-ji Temple, followed by a sake-tasting experience and lunch nearby.
• ● Afternoon transfer to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park to encounter the world-famous Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs.
• ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Nagano | Mt. Fuji | Tokyo

• ● Morning transfer to the Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, located 2,300 metres above sea level.
• ● Short cruise on the Lake Kawaguchiko.
• ● Afternoon transfer to Tokyo, followed by the rest of the day at leisure.
• ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast Included

Day 6: Tokyo Sightseeing

• ● Morning guided tour of Tokyo City, including the Meiji Shrine and the exterior of the Imperial Palace.
• ● Afternoon at leisure.
• ● Overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast Included

Your Cruise Itinerary in Detail