Japan Winter Wonderland

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 8 nights of quality hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast

• Local English-speaking guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by air-conditioned private vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• 4 additional nights of quality accommodation
• Enjoy 4 additional meals
• One domestic flight from Osaka to Sapporo or Memanbetsu
• Guided tour of Sapporo including Hokkaido Museum, Nijo Market and more
• Day trip to the beautiful port town of Otaru where you may explore its canals at leisure
• Visit the Nikka Whiskey factory in Yoichi

• 
  
• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline (see checkout for details)

Today depart Australia for Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, your tour director will greet you and transfer you to the hotel to check in.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

Today enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Tokyo has to offer (not included).

Optional Activity: Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 9500 JPY (approximately $100 AUD)
First, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can encounter many kinds of traditional Japanese cuisine. Next, continue to Nakamise Shopping Street and Asakusa Kannon (Sensoji) Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Finally, enjoy the sweeping views of this vast city at the Observations deck at the famous Tokyo Tower, the landmark of Tokyo (entry included).

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Lake Yamanakako, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. Then visit Oshino Hakkai, made up of eight spring water ponds full of natural snow-melted water that has dripped down from Mount Fuji. They are a natural monument of Japan, part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site. Finish the day in Matsumoto/Nagano area, where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s highlight is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Established in 1964, Nagano's world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs.
The trail to the park is 1.6 km in both directions. It is unsealed but well-maintained and other than a short staircase at the trail entrance and a final steep staircase and sloped path at the end of the trail/entrance to the park itself, the trail is completely level and easy to walk.
With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don't worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as they walk about you in the snow, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favourite hot spring!

Afterwards, visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. A registered National Treasure, the temple's near-1400-year history is full of legend and myth. Continue to Nagoya where you will check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a fun day to visit the countryside of Japan and see how the local people live. Drive to Shirakawa-go which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. It’s famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old and noted for their slanted thatched gable roofs. They’re constructed at a steep angle to accommodate the heavy snow the town is known for as the snow is able to easily fall off the roofs in winter.

Lastly, visit Takayama Old Town and walk along Sannomachi Street, which survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, and restaurants. Finish the day in Gifu Region where you will check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Resol Gifu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning drive to Nara and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer - you can feed them deer senbei (crackers), which can be purchased at stalls throughout the park for 150 JPY a pack.

Then proceed to Osaka and enjoy some free time in Dotonbori and Shinsaibasisuji, the lively entertainment area renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a free day exploring Osaka. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Kyoto has to offer and experience a shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Osaka (not included).

Optional Activity: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Experience - 12,000JPY (approximately $130 AUD)
The tour includes a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto which has gold leaf-covered floors on the top two floors. Then proceed to Kyoto Station for a shinkansen (bull ride back to Osaka.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can relax at the hotel or your guide will offer a range of optional activities (not included) that will be communicated to you on tour.

Optional Activity: Hiroshima Tour - 45000 JPY (approximately $490 AUD)
This morning transfer to Shin-Osaka train station, where your bullet train awaits. Climb aboard and marvel at the train’s incredible velocity during a 2-hour ride to Hiroshima. On arrival, continue the journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train then board a boat travelling to the majestic Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima, or Divine Island. A landmass hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and discover the natural and cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island for 45-minutes with your guide. See the shimmering Itsukushima Shrine then revitalise with a delicious lunch in a local eatery (not included).

Re-board the boat and cruise back to Hiroshima to reflect on the history of the region. Take a moment of contemplation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a historical site near to where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that articulate the destruction the bomb caused and marvel at the city’s regenerative recovery. Finally, board a bus to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Return to the train station for the exhilarating return journey to Osaka on the bullet train, where the tour concludes.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at an appropriate time, you will be transferred to Kansai Airport for your homebound flight.

Please note: The standard check-out time is 12:00 noon. You can store your luggage at the front desk.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Today depart Australia for Tokyo, Japan. Upon arrival, your tour director will greet you and transfer you to the hotel to check in.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

Today enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Tokyo has to offer (not included).

Optional Activity: Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 9500 JPY (approximately $100 AUD)
First, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market, where you can encounter many kinds of traditional Japanese cuisine. Next, continue to Nakamise Shopping Street and Asakusa Kannon (Sensoji) Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist sites. Finally, enjoy the sweeping views of this vast city at the Observations deck at the famous Tokyo Tower, the landmark of Tokyo (entry included).

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to Lake Yamanakako, at the foot of Mt. Fuji, and enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. Then visit Oshino Hakkai, made up of eight spring water ponds full of natural snow-melted water that has dripped down from Mount Fuji. They are a natural monument of Japan, part of the Mount Fuji World Heritage Site. Finish the day in Matsumoto/Nagano area, where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s highlight is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Established in 1964, Nagano's world-famous Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is home to the only troop of monkeys in the world known to bathe in hot springs.

The trail to the park is 1.6 km in both directions. It is unsealed but well-maintained and other than a short staircase at the trail entrance and a final steep staircase and sloped path at the end of the trail/entrance to the park itself, the trail is completely level and easy to walk.

With no barriers between you and the monkeys (don't worry, they are very calm) this is a unique opportunity to observe these curious creatures in close proximity as they walk about you in the snow, wrestle with each other, endlessly groom, and of course, soak in their favourite hot spring!

Afterwards, visit Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest, largest, and most important Buddhist temples in Japan. A registered National Treasure, the temple's near-1400-year history is full of legend and myth. Continue to Nagoya where you will check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a fun day to visit the countryside of Japan and see how the local people live. Drive to Shirakawa-go which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995. It’s famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old and noted for their slanted thatched gable roofs. They’re constructed at a steep angle to accommodate the heavy snow the town is known for as the snow is able to easily fall off the roofs in winter.

Lastly, visit Takayama Old Town and walk along Sannomachi Street, which survives in a particularly pretty state with many old homes, shops, and restaurants. Finish the day in Gifu Region where you will check into your hotel for an evening at leisure. \r\\n

Overnight: Hotel Resol Gifu or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning drive to Nara and enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour. Visit Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer - you can feed them deer senbei (crackers), which can be purchased at stalls throughout the park for 150 JPY a pack.

Then proceed to Osaka and enjoy some free time in Dotonbori and Shinsaibasisuji, the lively entertainment area renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage, and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a free day exploring Osaka. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional tour to see some of the highlights Kyoto has to offer and experience a shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Osaka (not included).

Optional Activity: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Experience - 12,000JPY (approximately $130 AUD)
The tour includes a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto which has gold leaf-covered floors on the top two floors. Then proceed to Kyoto Station for a shinkansen (bull ride back to Osaka.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can relax at the hotel or your guide will offer a range of optional activities (not included) that will be communicated to you on tour.

Optional Activity: Hiroshima Tour - 45000 JPY (approximately $490
This morning transfer to Shin-Osaka train station, where your bullet train awaits. Climb aboard and marvel at the train’s incredible velocity during a 2-hour ride to Hiroshima. On arrival, continue the journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train then board a boat travelling to the majestic Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima, or Divine Island. A landmass hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes. Disembark and discover the natural and cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Island for 45-minutes with your guide. See the shimmering Itsukushima Shrine then revitalise with a delicious lunch in a local eatery (not included).

Re-board the boat and cruise back to Hiroshima to reflect on the history of the region. Take a moment of contemplation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a historical site near to where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that articulate the destruction the bomb caused and marvel at the city’s regenerative recovery. Finally, board a bus to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Return to the train station for the exhilarating return journey to Osaka on the bullet train, where the tour concludes.

Overnight: Hotel Osaka Castle, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today transfer to Osaka Airport for your flight to Sapporo. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Tokyo.

As the cold begins to draw in, the first snowfall of the year in Sapporo can be seen in November. From late December, the amount of snow begins to increase as Sapporo transforms into a winter wonderland just waiting to be explored, covered in pure white snow that lasts until March. With an average snowfall of 4.79m per year, Sapporo is one of few metropolises in the world with such heavy snowfall.

Winter is an incredible experience, with a variety of winter activities to be enjoyed, including skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, as well as events such as the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival, which takes place around the city when the cold reaches its peak in January and February.

Overnight: Tokyu Stay Sapporo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and together using public transport, take a tour of Sapporo starting with a visit to the Hokkaido Museum and Nijo Fish Market. Also visit the famous Sapporo Beer Museum and journey on the Moiwayama Ropeway for sweeping views of the city. Should the ropeway be suspended due to weather conditions, head to the JR Tower Observatory for 360 views of Sapporo, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Tokyu Stay Sapporo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide will again meet you at your hotel and together you will transfer to Okurayama where you will take to the summit of the Okurayama ski jump by chair lift to enjoy the breathtaking surroundings (weather permitting).

Next, travel to the beautiful port town of Otaru. From the early days of Hokkaido's colonisation in the late 1800s, Otaru served as a major trade and fishing port. It was hence chosen as the terminal station of Hokkaido's first railway line that connected the port with nearby Sapporo. Many old warehouses, canals and former office buildings by shipping and trade companies give Otaru's city centre a special character reminiscent of past decades. Here, enjoy some free time to walk along the main street and canals and do some shopping. Your final stop of the day will be Yoichi, where you will visit the Nikka Whiskey factory before returning to your hotel in Sapporo for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Tokyu Stay Sapporo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Take today to enjoy the city of Sapporo at leisure.

Overnight: Tokyu Stay Sapporo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can relax at the hotel or your guide will offer a range of optional activities (not included) that will be communicated to you on tour. You will then be transferred to Sapporo Airport for your homebound flight.

Please note: • Standard check out time is 12:00. You can store your luggage at the front desk.
• Due to flight scheduling you may be required to stay overnight in Tokyo or Osaka, with overnight accommodation provided.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Covid-19 Booking Policy

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 22nd March 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies:

• 10-day standard package: $700 per person

• 14-day extension package: $1350 per person

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates       

2024:

January: 19^^

February: 23

March: 01, 08, 22*^

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note: 

• dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $350 per person.

• dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $500 per person.

• dates/months with a ^^ incur a high season surcharge of $600 per person.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth

Departure City Surcharges

Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth: $300 per person

Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Qantas Airways, All Nippon Airways, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Eva Air, Singapore Airlines, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways and partners (subject to availability).

Guaranteed Airline surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• All Nippon Airways: $300 per person 

• Qantas: $550 per person 

Please note: 

• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

Domestic Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Route: Osaka to Sapporo

• Airlines: All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, Spring Japan, Air Do, Skymark Airlines (subject to availability).

Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive early in Tokyo, Japan

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-in. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

• 1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024

Stay behind in Osaka, Japan (Itinerary 1 Only)

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

• 1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024

Stay behind in Sapporo, Japan (Itinerary 2 Only)

$300 per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• Only available for purchase by calling Qantas Tours

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

1 December 2023 – 31 January 2024

Stopover Packages

Not available

Flight Class Upgrades

Business or Premium Economy Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note:

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration. 

Accommodation Used

3-star Properties (self rated)

Tokyo: Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Ueno, Okachimachi or similar

Matsumoto/Nagano: Sotetsu Fresa Inn, Nagano-Zenkojiguchi or similar

Gifu: Hotel Resol Gifu or similar

Osaka: Hotel Osaka Castle or similar

Extension Only:

Sapporo: Tokyu Stay Sapporo or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available.

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available

Bedding Configuration

Twin or Double Bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 9,500 JPY (approximately $100 AUD)

Day 6: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Shinkansen (Bullet Train) experience - 12,000JPY (approximately $130 AUD)

Day 7: Hiroshima Day-Trip Tour - 45,000 JPY (approximately $490 AUD)

Please note:

Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

November:

Fall brings cool and generally crisp weather to many parts of the main islands of Japan. The major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka enjoy mild temperatures in November, with average highs of 17° C, and lows of 10° C. You'll need a jacket in most central and southern parts of the country, but nothing too heavy.

The northern island of Hokkaido is a different story, with winter setting in earlier at this latitude. Average November highs in Sapporo are just 8° C, and lows 1° C, and temperatures will be much colder further north on the island. This is still warmer than it will become in Hokkaido later in the winter, though. At the other end of the country, the subtropical and tropical islands of Okinawa remain quite warm but drop a few degrees from their summer highs. The average high temperature in Naha in November is 24° C, and the low 20° C. 

Rainfall is low across the country in November, and average sunshine hours are high. Hokkaido does get some snow in November, though. 

December:

December is the start of winter across Japan, but it tends to be a milder month than January or February. Wherever you go, you'll need a good jacket, but in many places the temperatures aren't cold enough to avoid outdoor sightseeing. Temperatures tend to be warmer earlier in the month than later.

The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience average December highs of around 12° C, and lows of 5° C. The Japan Alps area of Honshu is significantly colder, with the city of Takayama experiencing highs of 6° C and lows of -2° C. 

January:

Japan's weather is very varied, and between Hokkaido in the north to the islands of Okinawa in the south, there's no uniformity in the weather in January. That being said, January is mid-winter and the coldest month throughout the country.

Some snow can still be expected in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto in January. These three cities, as well as Fukuoka in Kyushu, experience average January highs of around 10° C, and lows of 2° C, though temperatures will be on the colder end when there's snow.

February:

February is the last month of winter in Japan, and the traditional lunar calendar actually marks February 3 as the first day of spring, although this isn't reflected in the reality of the weather. Japan is a long and mountainous country with many different sub-climates, so mid-winter temperatures are very varied.

Along with January, February is the coldest month—there's very little difference in average temperatures between the two months. By the end of the month, some southern parts of the country may be starting to feel spring-like, but other areas are still very much in the throes of winter even in late February.

In general, the further south you travel, the warmer the temperatures will be at any time of year, but the major exception to this is that the Sea of Japan coast of Honshu gets very harsh winters with a lot of snow. The mountains through the middle of Honshu shield the east coast from the worst winter weather coming off Siberia and China, but the west coast gets the brunt. 

March:

Temperatures throughout the country start to rise in March, after the cold winter. While northern parts of Japan (Hokkaido, Tohoku) are still cold, they're less cold than in January or February.

The major cities of Honshu and Kyushu (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka) experience warmer daytime temperatures, especially as the month progresses. Average March highs in these cities sit at around 14° C, with lows of 5° C. Subtropical and tropical Okinawa is even warmer, with average highs in Naha of 21° C and lows of 16° C.

Japan's wet season throughout the country is the summer, so rainfall remains low in March. In Hokkaido and on the Sea of Japan Coast of Honshu, there is still quite a lot of snowfall in March, though. That's because the Sea of Japan coast gets the brunt of the cold winter weather coming off Siberia and China, which the east coast of Japan is shielded from by mountains.

Japan's famous hanami, or cherry-blossom-viewing parties, begin in some parts of the country (such as Kyushu) in mid-late March. The exact date varies from year to year, as temperatures aren't always uniform. Sunnier late-March weather can be conducive to sitting outside, in the shade of a cherry tree, and celebrating with some Nihonshu. But, be warned if you're continuing the celebration after dark that evening temperatures are likely to still be cold.

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

At Qantas Tours, we do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

Coach Tour

Meals

8 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Mobility

If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required

A easy/low level of fitness will be required. 

Easy/low is described as Light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $10 AUD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing

Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for Australian or New Zealand citizens visiting Japan for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

Includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

 • Changes - $100.00 per booking + additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking + any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Travel Offer you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Travel Offer due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. Qantas Tours has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances. If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If Qantas Tours cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.