This winter, escape to the magical snow country of Niigata for an unforgettable journey. This exclusive 2-day, 1-night tour is designed for those seeking a unique blend of winter scenery, traditional Japanese culture, and heartwarming local experiences. From stunning snowscapes to hands-on workshops and delicious local cuisine, you'll discover the unique charm of Niigata in its most beautiful season. A soul-enriching trip back to basics---Where ''Nothing'' Tastes Like Everything.
Options
Standard Plan (3～4 People 1Room / Price per person)
Standard Plan (5～6 People 1Room / Price per person)
The Highlight
A Scenic Winter Escape: Journey from the heart of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Niigata via a comfortable charter bus. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Kiyotsu Gorge, where a fusion of natural art and snowy scenery creates a truly unforgettable sight.
Snow Fun & Adventure: Discover the quiet beauty of Ogino-shima's thatched-roof village. Depending on snow conditions, enjoy a special snowshoeing experience, walking atop the soft snow with a local guide.
A Warm Winter's Night: Stay at the charming Jonnobi no Mura and soak in its famous onsen (hot springs) to relax after a day of adventure. As night falls, participate in unique activities like building an igloo (kamakura) or releasing a lantern into the winter sky.
Culinary Delights: Savor authentic local flavors, including a traditional soba noodle lunch at Kojimaya Sohonten and a luxurious premium dinner at Irori Dining Ginbei, where you'll enjoy a meal cooked over a traditional irori hearth.
Exclusive Winter Harvest Festival: Dive into the heart of a local celebration at the "Winter Harvest Festival." Get hands-on with traditional activities like mochi pounding, tofu making, and enjoying freshly made rice balls (omusubi). This is your chance to mingle with locals and experience authentic winter traditions.
The Experience
This winter, embark on a special 2-day journey into the snowy heart of Niigata. This tour is designed for you to fully experience the majestic winter landscapes, heartwarming local culture, and the exceptional culinary blessings unique to this region.
Day 1: Scenic Vistas & Winter Delights Your adventure begins with a comfortable bus ride from Tokyo. Our first stop is Kiyotsu Gorge, one of Japan's three great canyons. You'll be captivated by the winter scenery, where snow-covered cliffs meet the artistic flair of the tunnel's light installations—a truly miraculous sight only available in winter.
After soaking in the magnificent views, we'll warm up with a delicious soba lunch at a local eatery, a famous Niigata specialty. In the afternoon, we head to Ogino-shima, the village of thatched-roof houses. If the snow conditions are right, we'll don snowshoes for a peaceful hike across the silent, snow-covered fields.
The night will be spent at Jonnobi no Mura, where you can unwind in the soothing hot springs (onsen) before a delightful premium dinner at Irori Dining Ginbei, featuring local ingredients cooked over a traditional hearth. The evening continues with magical winter activities like building an igloo (kamakura) or releasing a lantern, creating unforgettable memories under the starry sky.
Day 2: A Taste of Harvest & Local Culture The second day is dedicated to experiencing Niigata's rich bounty and the warmth of its people. We'll start the morning with a hands-on fermented food workshop, such as miso making, where you'll learn the culinary wisdom passed down through generations in this snow country.
Next, we'll join the main event: the "Winter Harvest Festival" at Jonnobi no Mura. You'll participate in various activities celebrating the winter harvest, including mochi pounding, tofu making, doburoku (unfiltered sake) tasting, and making fresh rice balls. This is your chance to mingle with the locals and fellow travelers, making your experience even more special.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the historic Ishizuka Sake Brewery to learn about Niigata's proud sake culture. Through a guided tour and tasting session, you'll discover the profound flavors that make Niigata's sake world-renowned.
With full hearts and happy stomachs, we'll begin our journey back to Shinjuku, taking with us cherished memories of our time in the snow country.
Tour Operator Information
Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd. Address: Kamiyacho Trust Tower 5F 4-1-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-6905, JAPAN Registration Number: No.724 by Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency
Tour Information
From: TOKYO to NIIGATA Number of Days: 2 Days, 1 Night Means of Transportation: Chartered Bus Bus Company Name: Jonnobi Takayanagi Village service bus Meals: Breakfast 1, Dinner 1, Lunch 1 Minimum Number of Passengers to Operate: 10 Number of Tour Condactor: 1
Tour Operations Manager: Kyota Kasai *The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
- Mandarin Chinese
Itinerary
- Include: Lunch, Dinner
- 07:30Meet at Shinjuku West Exit "LOVE". (Meeting time :7:15)
- 11:00Arrive at Kiyotsu Gorge(free time to explore the stunning Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel/70min)
- Lunch ( Niigata famous local soba noodles/60 mins)
- Head to Ogino-shima,(a village of thatched-roof houses, for a snowshoeing hike/60 mins)
- Check in at Jonnobi no Mura Onsen Hotel. You'll have time to relax in the hot springs
- 18:30Premium Dinner at Ginbei
- Kaiseki dinner at the hotel (picture for illustration only)
- 19:30Participate in evening activities like building an igloo (kamakura) or a lantern release. Afterward, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
- Include: Breakfast, Lunch
- 08:00Breakfast(Japanese Style Breakfast at hotel)
- 09:00Check out
- Participate in a fermented food workshop(miso paste making/120 mins)
- 11:00Join the main event: the "Winter Harvest Festival. (Try various hands-on experiences, including mochi pounding, tofu making, doburoku (unfiltered sake) tasting, and preparing rice balls. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with local people.)
- 14:00Depart for Ishizuka Sake Brewery.
- Take a tour of the brewery and enjoy a sake tasting(30 mins)
- 15:00Depart for Shinjuku and arrive at approximately 18:00.
- 18:00Tour end at Shinjuku
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- Minimum Group Size: This tour requires a minimum of 15 participants to operate. If the minimum number is not met, the tour may be canceled, and a full refund will be issued. We will inform you 13days before the tour day.
- Pricing: The listed price is per person and applies when there are two or more people staying in one room. Pricing for single occupancy may differ.
- Physical Requirements: This tour involves walking and outdoor activities, including a potential snowshoeing hike. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.
- What to Wear: Please dress in layers and wear warm, waterproof clothing and shoes with good traction, as the itinerary includes outdoor activities in a cold, snowy environment.
- Snowshoeing: This activity is dependent on sufficient snow coverage. In the event of little to no snow, the activity will be replaced with a regular nature hike.
- Evening Activities: Evening events like building an igloo (kamakura) or releasing a lantern are also weather and snow-dependent. If conditions are unfavorable, these activities may be canceled or substituted.
Participant Restrictions
- Japan
Important Booking Information
Punctuality: Please arrive on time at the designated meeting point. The bus will depart promptly at the scheduled time based on the tour conductor's judgment. No refunds will be given for late arrivals or no-shows.
Arrival Delays: We are not responsible for delays caused by traffic or other road conditions. We cannot compensate for any costs incurred, such as taxis or lodging, due to late arrivals.
Bus Seating: Your bus seat will be assigned by the tour company. We may not be able to accommodate specific seating requests.
Vehicle Type: The bus size (medium or small) may change depending on the number of participants.
Onboard Rules & Etiquette Smoking: The bus is a non-smoking environment.
Reclining Seats: In principle, reclining your seat is not permitted to ensure comfort for all passengers.
No Onboard Restrooms: The bus is not equipped with a restroom. Restroom stops will be made periodically throughout the journey.
Sharing a Seat: In case of an emergency, you may be asked to share a seat with the tour conductor.
Important Notes About Services Service & Tour Conductor: In accordance with Japan's "Work Style Reform Act," the tour conductor's meal times are considered their rest periods. The conductor may also stay at a different accommodation from the guests. During free time, guests are expected to spend time on their own.
Special Requests: Please inform us of any food allergies or special needs at the time of booking. While we will do our best to accommodate these requests, we may not always be able to meet them.
No Refunds for Unused Services: No refunds will be issued if you do not use any part of the included services or benefits.
Lost & Found: We will hold any forgotten items for a maximum of two weeks after the tour ends. Perishable items will be disposed of immediately.
Pets: For the comfort and safety of all guests, no pets are allowed on the tour.
Tour Operation Changes & Cancellations: The tour may be subject to changes or cancellation if the minimum number of 15 participants is not met. We will notify you at least 3 days (13 days for tours with accommodation) prior to the tour start date in such cases, or in the event of unforeseen circumstances like a disaster or accident.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 21 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 20 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)
