2 Tour Reviews

per person

2024 JAPAN PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS

BOOK

NOW

SAVE US$100

Group Tour | Deluxe

Tour Code: GTU3955940

Beyond Tokyo: Mt. Fuji & Snow Monkeys Winter Photography Tour
2 Reviews
5 days 4 nights

fromUSD $2898.00 (Limit to 10 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $360.00

More Details
Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

Go beyond Tokyo for a 5-day journey to Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Obuse, and Nagano prefecture, and photograph Japan's natural splendor including the adorable Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka.

Travel with AJT out of the big city for stunning nature and wildlife photography opportunities around Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Obuse, and Yudanaka. While Tokyo is one of the greatest cities in the world, and certainly picturesque as cities go, a tour beyond Tokyo is unmissable by nature- loving travelers looking to capture stunning memories of Japan's natural splendor. Mount Fuji is breathtaking in all seasons - especially in February on days when the weather is often dry and clear. And February is the prime month of the year for visiting the fascinating snow monkeys of Yudanaka for incredible pictures of these elusive primates bathing in a natural hot spring. The tour begins with a trip to Mount Fuji. Japan's snow- capped sacred mountain shines under a sunny sky, and is a sight any visitor to Japan should see at least once. At the base of the mountain is the idyllic Fuji Five Lakes region - a charming hilly landscape dominated by breathtaking lakes. There are also some towns with traditional buildings that look like a step back in time to the Edo period, groves of ancient trees, and the abundant wildlife that lives in the region.

The next day brings you to Matsumoto and the imposing grandeur of Matsumoto Castle - one of Japan's 12 original castles which have survived since the Warring States Period. This elegant six-tiered fortress, standing on a flat plain surrounded by a broad moat, its awe-inspiring walls stained pitch-black like a crow's feathers, creates a spectacular impression. After an opportunity to photograph this historic Japanese landmark, we continue on our way towards Yudanaka, stopping briefly in Obuse to visit the Hokusai Museum, which houses the works of one of the greatest artists in Japan (and arguably, the world): Hokusai. Known for his "ukiyo-e" woodblock print works of such iconic scenes as the "Thirty-Six Views of Fuji" and the "Great Wave off Kanagawa", the museum preserves many of his artworks, including woodblock prints, murals, and even a couple festival floats he designed. Finally, we arrive at Yudanaka Onsen for a day with the adorable "snow monkeys" of Jigokudani. Although their official name is the Japanese macaque, a day of viewing these fascinating creatures bathing in the natural onsen in winter will show why they are popularly known as "Snow Monkeys". Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime chance to photograph the wide range of expressions on the faces of these highly photogenic creatures up close in their natural habitat, as they bathe, groom each other, and play together. The tour ends with a trip back to Tokyo on a speedy bullet train. Join our AJT Beyond Tokyo Photography Tour to experience the beauty of Japan's nature and wildlife with a knowledgeable guide, traveling in a comfortable private coach to each of these must-see destinations. Browse our detailed itinerary below for more information.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

Please Note:

All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.

What's included

• 2 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 2 lunches and 2 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport

Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling.

Arrival Departure Airports

This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.

Meet and Greet

Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Tokyo
Day2 Mt. Fuji
Day3 Matsumoto - Obuse - Yudanaka
Day4 Yudanaka - Tokyo
Day5 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

NOTE 1: The meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.

NOTE 2: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.

Day2

Mt Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)

After breakfast, take a special photography tour with your private guide around the Fuji Five Lakes area. Mount Fuji is revered among the Japanese as a place of idyllic beauty, and the spectacular region around the iconic mountain known as Fuji Five Lakes is one of the most picturesque. The Five Lakes of Fuji are Lake Saiko, Lake Motosuko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Yamanakako, and enchanting Lake Kawaguchiko, and this area includes captivating lakeside scenes of Mount Fuji towering over its reflection in clear water, scenes of old-fashioned towns with buildings preserved from the Edo period, enchanting forest scenes full of ancient trees, and other stunning views. After we enjoy taking pictures of this incredible region, we head to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Fuji View Hotel or similar class

Day3

Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle), Obuse (Hokusai Museum)

In the morning, we travel from Mount Fuji to Matsumoto to see the impressive Matsumoto Castle. Also called "Black Crow Castle", this elegant flatland fortress is one of the twelve remaining original castles in Japan. The six- story central keep, with attendant towers and support structures feature pitch-black wainscotting that gives this feudal fortress its imposing aspect. We head from there to Obuse, an unassuming town that once housed the famous Edo period painter Hokusai. We visit the Hokusai Museum, which is dedicated to his most famous works, including his "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji", and "Great Wave off Kanagawa" which are painted in the "ukiyo-e" woodblock print style. Finally, we proceed to Yudanaka Onsen and a restful evening at the hotel.

Breakfast / Dinner

Ryokan Biyu no Yado or similar class

Day4

Yudanaka (Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park), Bullet train to Tokyo

Today begins after breakfast with a trip to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Yudanaka. This location is famous as the home of the Japanese Macaque, also called "Snow Monkeys". While the popular imagination may view monkeys as dirty and disgusting, the macaques of Jigokudani are some of the cleanest creatures around and can be viewed taking a bath in the hot springs in this peaceful woodland area. As you observe groups of these elusive creatures up close in their natural habitat, you may see the snow monkeys feeding, grooming, playing with each other, or simply enjoying the hot water. After we enjoy taking pictures of snow monkeys, we will board a bullet train to Tokyo for one final relaxing evening in Japan.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day5

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends.
Checkout time is 11 am.
Transfer to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport by Airport Limousine Bus.

Breakfast

NOTE 3: The departure airport transfer is ONLY available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay extra nights after the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to the airport on your own.

NOTE 4: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.

Experiences

Mt Fuji

The highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji is 3,776 meters above sea level, and is located more or less in the center of Japan, stretching over Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures. Its elegant conical form has frequently been depicted in many paintings and literary works since ancient times. Many artists have been captivated by the diverse expressions shown by this mountain depending on the season, or depending on the time of the day, whether in the morning or early evening. It is widely believed that Mt. Fuji is unparalleled worldwide as a mountain that has so frequently been narrated, sung in verse, and drawn.

Fuji Five Lakes

The Fuji Five Lakes region sits at the base of Mount Fuji, presenting a picturesque landscape of clear lakes surrounded by hills, offers some of the best views of the mountain as well as local historic towns.

Fuji Five Lakes is the name of an area in Yamanashi prefecture, at the base of Mount Fuji. It is a charming area full of hills and dominated by five lovely lakes created when Mount Fuji erupted long ago, which are called Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko, Lake Motosuko, and Lake Yamanakako. Lake Kawaguchiko is by far the most developed of the lakes, with such attractions as a hot spring town and even an amusement park called Fuji-Q Highland located nearby. Lake Yamanakako is the largest and has some beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Lake Motosuko is especially lovely in the spring with the blooming of the Fuji Shibazakura or "phlox moss", which looks like a beautiful pink and white carpet covering the grass. Lake Saiko has the nearby town of Iyashi no Sato, which preserves many buildings in a traditional Edo-era style. And finally, Lake Sojiko, the smallest lake, is a popular lake for camping and water sports. There is abundant natural beauty in the Five Lakes region, home to a variety of wildlife and wild birds, and truly spectacular opportunities to view the sacred mountain from numerous angles, and its close proximity to Tokyo makes it the perfect location for a trip away from the bustling capital city.

Matsumoto

Matsumoto is located in the Nagano Prefecture and is known for one of Japan’s most popular and original castles. Many people travel to Matsumoto to view the popular Matsumoto castle, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles and is one of Japan’s four National Treasure Castles. Another popular location is the Daio wasabi Farm, which is Japan’s largest wasabi farm. Matsumoto is also a popular location for people departing into Kamikochi, Norikura, or any of the popular Japanese Alps resorts locations.

Matsumoto Castle

One of Japan's premier historic castles, along with Himeji Castle and Kumamoto Castle.

Matsumoto is home to one of Japan’s four National Treasure Castles, the Matsumoto Castle. This castle is one of the most beautiful, and complete original castles in all of Japan compared to the other four National Treasure Castles. During the spring season, Matsumoto Castel is a very popular location to view the cherry blossoms.

Obuse

Obuse is a charming little town in Nagano prefecture, well off the beaten track for most travelers to Japan. It has one claim to fame – the town was the creative sanctuary of the Edo-period artistic genius Hokusai. Known for his paintings done in the Ukiyo-e style, Hokusai’s work is internationally acclaimed and has influenced artists from around the world. In the later years of his life, Hokusai moved to Obuse at the invitation of a wealthy admirer, and painted a number of masterpieces there, many of which are on display at Obuse’s Hokusai museum.
Obuse is also known by Japanese people for chestnuts, and has a few related attractions around town, including a walking path paved in blocks of chestnut wood, restaurants selling a variety of delectable chestnut- flavored sweets, and of course, groves of chestnut trees.

Hokusai Museum

About the famous painter from the Edo Period.

The Hokusai Museum features some of the works by Katsushika Hokusai, a famous ukiyo-e painter from the Edo Period. Hokusai is best known for his woodblock series known as “Thirty-six views of Mount Fuji.” Included in this series is the “Great Wave off Kanagawa” that has gained worldwide fame. The museum was built in honor of the time Hokusai spent towards the end of his life as a guest of Takai Kozan, a wealthy salt merchant in Obuse. The Hokusai Museum can be found in the center town and features two festive floats where the ceilings were decorated by Hokusai. A dragon with his signature waves is in one of the floats while the other dons a phoenix with the iconic waves design. At the Ganshoin Temple a Chinese style phoenix mural was painted by Hokusai in his final year. The incredible detail on the red mythical bird is a sight that should not be missed.

Yudanaka Onsen

The Yudanaka Onsen area is known as one of Japan’s oldest and historic hot spring resort. It is also known as the main entry point into the Yamanouchi area, which is full of different tourist attractions. This old hot spring resort has seen recent development for tourist, so it gives visitors a more modern atmosphere, but still keeps that traditional onsen feeling. Visitors can enjoy any of the public baths or free foot baths available.

Snow Monkeys

Japanese macaque, a species of Old World Monkey that is native to Japan.

Probably one of the most famous monkey parks in the Japan and in the world is the Jigokudani Monkey Park. The park hosts a number of Japanese Macaques (also known as the snow monkeys), and many visitors can observe them up close. There is one large hot spring pool where the monkeys gather, but visitors can still see many groups on the walk over to the pool. Guests are not allowed to touch or feed the monkeys for their own safety.

Shinkansen

Japan's main islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Hokkaido are served by a network of high speed train lines that connect Tokyo with most of the country's major cities. Japan's high speed trains (bullet trains) are called shinkansen and are operated by Japan Railways (JR). The shinkansen network consists of multiple lines, among which the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka) is the oldest and most popular. All shinkansen lines (except the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen) run on tracks that are exclusively built for and used by shinkansen trains. Most lines are served by multiple train categories, ranging from the fastest category that stops only at major stations to the slowest category that stops at every station along the way.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

High-speed railway at speeds up to 300 km/hr.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

Accommodations

Tokyo (Day 1)

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Western Style Accommodation

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.

Mt. Fuji (Day 2)

Fuji View Hotel

Japanese Style Accommodation

Overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji View Hotel offers spacious accommodations surrounded by gorgeous Japanese gardens with lush greenery and cherry trees. The on-site hot springs public bath was renovated and reopened in March 2018. Guests can unwind in indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. Free WiFi is provided at the lobby. The hotel offers free shuttles to/from Kawaguchiko Train Station, a 10-minute ride away. All rooms are nonsmoking rooms and are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a fridge and a telephone. Large windows provide great views of either Mount Fuji or the lake. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding.

Yudanaka Onsen (Day 3)

Ryokan Biyu no Yado

Japanese Style Accommodation

Issanokomichi Biyunoyado is built at the heights in the old hot springs town of Yudanaka where hike poet Issa Kobayashi loved. Northern Alps can be seen in a distance and Hokushin five mountains are viewed closely. The hot spring is 100% natural spring and always flowing to heal a tired body.

Tokyo (Day 4)

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Western Style Accommodation

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Mt. Fuji

Fuji Five Lakes

Matsumoto Castle

Destinations

Mt Fuji - Matsumoto - Obuse - Yudanaka Onsen

Other Japan Tours You May Interested

Charms of Hokkaido: Birding & Wildlife Winter
Photography
Tour — Charms of Hokkaido: Birding & Wildlife Winter Photography Tour

Read More

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals

Read More

Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry
Blossoms & Snow Monkeys — Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Read More

Group Tour Style	Budget	Deluxe	Deluxe-Plus	Signature	Active
Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

REQUEST INFORMATION

Don't know which tour is suitable for you?

Beyond Tokyo: Mt. Fuji & Snow Monkeys Winter Photography Tour 2 Reviews 5 days 4 nights fromUSD $2898.00 (Limit to 10 guests) currency Single Supplement: USD $360.00

Go beyond Tokyo for a 5-day journey to Mount Fuji, Matsumoto, Obuse, and Nagano prefecture, and photograph Japan's natural splendor including the adorable Snow Monkeys of Yudanaka.

Tour Information

Dates & Price

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Day2

Mt Fuji (Fuji Five Lakes)

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day3

Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle), Obuse (Hokusai Museum)

Breakfast / Dinner

Day4

Yudanaka (Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park), Bullet train to Tokyo

Breakfast / Lunch

Day5

Tour Ends

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

Charms of Hokkaido: Birding & Wildlife Winter Photography Tour

Charms of Hokkaido Tour: Hokkaido Winter Festivals

Hokkaido & Beyond: Winter Festivals, Kawazu Cherry Blossoms & Snow Monkeys

Why Travel on Our Group Tours

Best Itinerary

Budget-friendly

Hand-picked Accommodations

Fully Guided

Unique experiences

Connect

Home

About Us

How to Make a Reservation

Travel Insurance

Don't know which tour is best for you? Let us help you.

Beyond Tokyo: Mt. Fuji & Snow Monkeys Winter Photography Tour
2 Reviews
5 days 4 nights

fromUSD $2898.00 (Limit to 10 guests)

currency

Single Supplement: USD $360.00

Why Travel on Our
Group Tours