Winter in Japan

January 15th - 18th | Kyoto

• Hotel The Mitsui

January 18th - 20th | Hakone

• Gora Kadan

January 20th - 23rd | Niseko

• Hilton Niseko Village

January 23rd - 26th | Tokyo

• The Kitano

Tokyo Partner Office - For urgent matters please contact:

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Visitors to Japan now have the option to complete a Visit Japan Web before their arrival. By providing all of the requested information before arrival, it should expedite procedures through immigration & customs when you land in Tokyo.

Note that this is not compulsory, and the relevant forms will be available when you land, but it will likely allow for a smoother arrival.

We have put together this Destination Guide for you, full of unique insights and ways to get excited before you travel, such as:

• Spotify playlists
  
• Dishes to try
  
• Helpful phrases
  
• Packing guide
  
• Tipping guides

Plus more!

• Scenset's Guide to Japan

You are scheduled to land into KIX Osaka airport in the evening.

Independently proceed through immigration & customs, before collecting your luggage. An English-speaking assistant will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your private transfer.

Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.

Proceed by private transfer to your hotel. From KIX Osaka, this should take about 1 hour & 30 minutes.

Hotel The Mitsui
Deluxe Room

• Breakfast included

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Touring today will be done by public transportation and taxis.

Your first stop will be Sanjusangendo, a historic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. The temple is famous for its impressive main hall, which features 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The hall is the longest wooden structure in Japan and dates back to the 12th century.

Visitors to Sanjusangendo can marvel at the intricate details of the temple's architecture and the beauty of the Kannon statues, which are said to represent the many faces of mercy. The temple also features a beautiful garden and several smaller shrines and halls that offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere for meditation and contemplation.

This enormous market’s maze of food stalls serve all manner of delicious Japanese snacks: yakitori (grilled chicken on a stick), fried fish and chicken, oshinko (pickled vegetables), kamaboko (fish dumplings), takoyaki (fried octopus balls), sake and much more. Nishiki is where many residents of Kyoto do their grocery shopping, and patronage by locals is always a sure sign of quality.

Enjoy a private tour of a Machiya Townhouse, which is a typical wooden structure and a protected cultural building in Kyoto. The homeowner will show you around, before you enjoy a traditional Obanzai lunch - Kyoto-style home cooking using seasonal ingredients.

Meal Included: Obanzai Lunch

Gion is a historic district located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. The area is famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture and for being the center of Kyoto's geisha culture.

Stroll through the narrow streets lined with tea houses, shops, and restaurants, and catch a glimpse of the geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they move between their appointments. The district is also home to several historic temples and shrines, including the Yasaka Shrine, which is one of the most famous in Kyoto.

Restaurant: Gion Karyo /祇園 迦陵
Time: Early evening
Seats: Counter
Location: 570-235 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan
Directions: From Hotel The Mitsui, the simplest option would be to take a short taxi ride. However, we may suggest staying in Gion upon conclusion of your touring, given that your reservation is on the earlier side.
Cancelation Policy: 100% charge of full set menu if cancelled on the same date

Reservation is under two guests - booked by Hotel The Mitsui

During one of your evenings, you may wish to take a stroll down Pontocho Alley, which is just to the west of the Kamo River.

There are many bars & restaurants to discover, and it feels like stepping back in time.

Nothing has been booked for today, and you're free to explore the city at your leisure. You may wish to head to Arashiyama in Western Kyoto, and suggestions have been provided below.

The bamboo forest offers paths for walking or biking. It is a must see for those visiting Arashiyama. The bamboo grown here has been used for centuries for creating crafts, such as tea whisks, sake cups, baskets and many others.

Suggested activity. Not booked by Scenset.

Kyotoarashiyama Jikasemen Shintogetsu is a good casual spot for udon noodles, located close to Togetsukyo Bridge.

Arashiyama Yoshimura is in the same area, and specializes in soba noodles, whilst also offering excellent river views.

Shigetsu is part of the Tenryuji Temple complex, and offers Shojin Ryori - a traditional Zen Buddhist vegetarian meal. Advanced reservations are recommended, and can be made here.

Arashiyama Kijurou is a great option if you're craving wagyu beef.

With a history dating back nearly 700 years, Tenryuji is one of Arashiyama's most visited sites, and for good reason. While the building complex has suffered from fire damage throughout history (like much of Japan), the stunning gardens remain in their scenset form. As you stroll through the garden, both from within the temple and on the garden paths, you'll move from the pond, which symbolizes a large lake, up the mountain and into the forest (where multiple cherry trees can be found). As you exit the temple, you'll come to the famous bamboo forest.

Suggested activity. Not booked by Scenset.

While many religious sites have a somber tone, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a fun twist on the Japanese temple experience. Here you'll find well over 1,000 small stone statues, called rakan, often depicting humorous and lighthearted disciples of the Buddha.

Suggested activity. Not booked by Scenset.

For a change of pace from traditional Japanese buildings and gardens, discover some native Japanese fauna at Iwatayama Monkey Park. Here, you can get up close and personal with the troop of around 170 Japanese macaques that live in the park, where you can also purchase monkey feed. To get to the park, there’s a hike of about 20 minutes or so up the mountain.

Suggested activity. Not booked by Scenset.

This castle was constructed by decree of the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which ruled for the entire Edo Period from 1600-1803. The castle remains remarkably well-preserved, and its main hall is open to the public for an extensive walking tour, during which visitors can learn in great detail about the lives of the samurai in whose footsteps they walk. The castle is also famous for its lovely gardens and its “nightingale floors”.

Suggested activity. Not booked by Scenset.

Restaurant: Moritaya Shijo Inokuma Honten / モリタ屋 四条猪熊本店
Time: Evening
Seats: Assigned at restaurant
Location: Japan, 〒604-8363 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nishikiinokumacho, 521
Directions: From Hotel The Mitsui it's a pleasant 15 minute walk to the restaurant.
Cancelation Policy: 100% charge of full set menu if cancelled on the same date

Reservation is under two individuals - booked by Hotel The Mitsui

Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transfer to Kyoto Station.

As you disembark the train you will be met by your English speaking driver on the platform. Note: they will know from which car you will be exiting.

Proceed by private transfer to your ryokan in Hakone (about 1 hour).

Gora Kadan
Meigetsu Room with Open Air Bath

• Breakfast & Dinner included

Spend your afternoon relaxing and enjoying the hot spring facilities at your resort.

Meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Touring today will be done by private vehicle.

Owakudani is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. This area is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hakone due to its volcanic activity and striking scenic views.

Whilst here you can sample a black egg, boiled in the volcanic water.

Embark on a shared boat cruise on Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone.

Note: This experience lasts for around 40 minutes, and is weather dependent.

Although the original checkpoint was torn down when the Meiji government gained control, it has since been rebuilt and is an accurate historical representation, complete with soldiers, a prison, and a look-out tower.

This sprawling sculpture park houses over 100 masterpieces by world-renowned masters of modern and contemporary art including Rodin, Bourdelle, Miro, and Moore. The museum also contains a collection of over 300 pieces by Pablo Picasso, one of the world’s largest collections of work by Henry Moore. Weary visitors are free to dip their tired feet in the Footbath Spa “Hot Foot,” a large outdoor trough fed by a local hot spring.

Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel in the morning and transfer to Haneda Airport (2 hours).

A boxed breakfast will be provided.

Independently collect your luggage. You will be met by your English speaking driver in the arrivals hall.

Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.

Proceed by private transfer to Niseko (about 2.5 hours). You will likely arrive in the afternoon.

Hilton Niseko Village
Deluxe Room

• Breakfast included

Important: We recommend renting your equipment on arrival as the office closes in the afternoon, and it's strongly advised to get everything set up the day before your lesson.

Location: the Niseko Village School Counter is located at the base of the Niseko Gondola, just outside of your hotel.

Niseko Village offers advance-booking rental services for ski/snowboard equipment exclusively for their guests.

Advance booking is possible through this link

Your NVSS Lesson Booking Reference Number is: will be provided.

Note: A customer ID will be generated for you after completing the rental form. Please provide this number to the rental team when starting the fitting process.

Approximate pricing is as follows:

Rental Upgrade skis, boots & poles
Rental Jacket & Pants
Rental Helmet

All pricing above is for two full days, per person.

Please note that ski caps, gloves, goggles, and ski socks are not available for rent, so please bring your own or purchase them in Niseko Village. A detailed catalogue of rentals and services can be fond here.

Given that you will be skiing at more than one resort, you can purchase an all mountain lift pass at Niseko United.

The website is incredibly detailed and provides step by step instructions on how to purchase the pass, along with how to redeem it at the resorts.

Restaurant: Sushi Rera
Time: Evening
Location: Hilton Niseko Village
Cancelation Policy: If canceled less than 72 hours before the reservation, a fee per person is charged.

Reservation is under two individuals.

Full details of your skiing lesson can be found in the images below, and also sent via email as a PDF. Your lesson is scheduled to start in the morning, so please arrive at the Niseko Village Snow School counter fifteen minutes beforehand.

Hit the slopes with your private ski instructor for several hours.

We note that you have independently booked Kobe Tei for dinner.

The Hilton Niseko concierge will be happy to arrange taxis on your behalf.

Most bars in Niseko do not accept reservations.

Bar Gyu+

Toshiro's Bar

Niseko Tap Room

Best to double check opening hours.

No skiing instructor has been arranged for today, and you are free to hit the slopes or explore Niseko at your leisure.

You may wish to try Tozanken Ramen, which is open in the evening.

Walk-in only. No reservations.

Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby in the morning, and proceed by private transfer to New Chitose Airport (approximately 2.5 hours).

Independently collect your luggage. You will be met by your English-speaking driver in the arrivals hall.

Note: Look out for a sign displaying your name.

Proceed by private transfer to your hotel (approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic).

The Kitano
Superior King Room

• Breakfast included

Restaurant: Seamon Ginza
Time: Evening
Seats: Counter
Location: 5 Chome-5-13 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan - 6th floor
Directions: From The Kitano you can walk to Akasaka-Mitsuke Station and take either the Marunouchi Line or Ginza Line to Ginza Station. From Ginza Station it's a less than 5 minute walk to the restaurant.
Cancelation Policy: If canceled within 24 hours a 100% charge will apply.

Reservation is under two individuals - booked by The Kitano

Tokyo is world renowned when it comes to nightlife, with popular areas including Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya and Golden Gai in Shinjuku.

A handful of bars to suggest include:

Two rooms - Sleek bar & restaurant located in Aoyama.

Sky Lounge Stellagarden - Rooftop drinks at the Prince Hotel

Tachigui Sakaba Buri - A casual sake bar located in Ebisu.

Recommended by The Kitano. Utilize the hotel staff and your guides for additional recommendations.

Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning.

Note: Your guide in Tokyo will be the same as in Hakone.

Touring today will be done by public transportation & taxis.

For the discerning traveler seeking an immersive and exclusive cultural experience, a visit to a Japanese fish market is a must. Witness the spectacle of the auction process and observe the skilled fishmongers at work. The outer market of Tsukiji is a great place to not only see seafood but also kitchen utensils and other Japanese ingredients.

Located in the heart of Tokyo, the vibrant Asakusa district is a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient traditions and modern attractions seamlessly coexist. Stepping into Asakusa feels like a journey back in time, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic landmarks. The district is most renowned for Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its magnificent red gate (Kaminarimon) and explore the bustling Nakamise shopping street, filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.

Beyond its cultural treasures, Asakusa offers a vibrant atmosphere with its lively marketplaces, traditional restaurants serving mouth-watering local delicacies, and the chance to experience traditional Japanese festivals and events throughout the year. Whether it's immersing in rich history, shopping for unique souvenirs, or savoring the flavors of Japan, Asakusa offers a captivating experience that showcases the essence of Tokyo's rich heritage.

Sensōji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, having been built in 645AD.

Unfortunately, after remaining relatively unscathed for 13 centuries, it was destroyed during WWII. Sensoji was rebuilt after the war and has become a symbol of rebirth of the city and the nation.
Nowadays, millions of people step through the Kaminarimon or Thunder Gate, famous for its huge lantern, and stroll along Nakamisedori, the street leading to the temple, filled with small shops selling all manners of goods.

Akihabara, also known as "Electric Town," is a bustling district in central Tokyo that is famous for its electronics stores, anime shops, and video game arcades. The neighborhood is a hub for technology enthusiasts and pop culture fans, with countless stores selling everything from the latest gadgets and electronics to vintage video games and anime merchandise. Akihabara is also known for its colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere, with countless neon signs and cosplay costumes adding to its unique character. Whether you're a tech lover, a gaming enthusiast, or simply looking for a taste of Tokyo's vibrant pop culture scene, Akihabara is a must-visit destination that has something for everyone.

The day is free to explore Tokyo at your leisure. Below are some suggested experiences, but note that nothing is booked.

Meiji Shrine was built nearly 100 years ago to commemorate Emperor Meiji’s contribution to modern Japan. The shrine is entirely surrounded by a forest, with an area of 70 hectares of land and over 120,000 trees, all of which were donated to the shrine from different parts of Japan.

Although rather young compared with other shrines, Meiji shrine has its own dramatic story to tell. While the original construction of the shrine was completed in 1926, the shrine was destroyed during the bombings of World War II and rebuilt in 1958.

If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a couple on their wedding day, making their way through the shrine’s grounds on their way to their ceremony.

Harajuku’s Takeshita Street - This narrow, crowded street is lined with shops that sell the latest fashion trends, sweets, and other interesting items. It is in this area that some of the outrageous fashion that Japan is known for originates.

As the trendy streets of Harajuku end, the amazing architecture of Omotesando begins. With seemingly endless modern, cutting-edge architecture, great shopping, and delicious restaurants, Omotesando is Tokyo’s Champs-Elysées Boulevard. Many of the buildings along this street were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architects such as Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa.

Oreryu Shio-Ramen offers some of the finest ramen, and is worth the wait. It's very popular with locals.

Harajuku Gyozaro is a great place to go if you want to try cheap and delicious gyoza.

In Shibuya one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of a faithful dog.

The Shibuya scramble is located in the heart of Shibuya's shopping district. Due to its proximity with many popular stores, Shibuya Station, and the location of countless delicious eating spots, the intersection regularly sees thousands of people cross each time the traffic lights turn red and the pedestrian lights turn green.

Also located in Shibuya is the bronze statue of the dog. The dog was well known for his loyalty in waiting for his owner for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of his owner's return from work.

Soon after, a statue was erected in his honor. Unfortunately the statue was melted down during World War II, but the current replica was commissioned shortly after.

Catch the best views of Tokyo at this 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Shibuya Sky is approximately 230 metres above ground and is the highest point in the district of Shibuya.

The ‘Sky Edge’, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape below without any obstructions and is a particularly good photo spot that provides a panoramic view of the city.

In addition to the breathtaking views, the rooftop also features hammocks for cloud watching and an observation compass to help you identify major landmarks in the distance such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium and even Mt Fuji (on a clear day). At night, you'll be able to see a light show called the 'Crossing Light' as 18 beams illuminate the city sky.

Note: Timed entry tickets can be purchased here.

Just adjacent to Ueno Park, find yourself back in time on the streets of old Tokyo, preserved in the district of Yanesen. The name Yanesen is a portmanteau of the three areas that make the district: Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi. Here you can find Yanaka Cemetery, where many historical Japanese figures are laid to rest, Nezu Shrine, a Buddhist shrine notable for its magical red tori gate corridor lined with gorgeous azaleas, and Yasuda House, one of the few large traditional residences remaining in Tokyo. These three areas make Yanesen a place where you can experience a slower and more relaxed side of the city strewn with small temples, craft shops, galleries, and cafes for you to discover.

Tip: There is great street food to be found on Yanaka Ginza Street.

Restaurant: Ten-Masa
Time: Evening
Menu: Miyabi Course
Location: Japan, 〒153-0051 Tokyo, Meguro City, Kamimeguro, 3 Chome−16−13 Ｃｕｂｅ－Ｍ B1
Directions: From The Kitano From Nagatachō Station you can take the Hanzomon Line to Shibuya Station, where you can connect to the Tōyoko Line (ExpressMotomachi-Chukagai). Take the train to Naka-meguro Station, from where it's a 6 minute walk.
Cancelation Policy: 50% cancelation charge the day prior. 100% cancelation charge the day of.

Reservation is under two individuals - booked by The Kitano

You will have some free time today before your airport transfer. You may wish to explore the Imperial Palace East Gardens, or browse the department stores in fashionable Ginza.

Tokyo is renowned for being home to high-end department stores where you can not only purchase quality souvenirs, but also sample some wonderful food at the expansive food courts. Below you will find some of our favorites:

Matsuzakaya Ueno
Address: 3 Chome-29-5 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8503, Japan
A must-go for those searching for the ultimate depachika experience - this department store has been offering the freshest groceries, most mouthwatering delicacies, and highest quality products for over 400 years.

Daimaru Tokyo
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-6701, Japan
With 13 floors of shopping and a fabulous food hall, the Daimaru department store in Tokyo Station is one of the largest in central Tokyo.

Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store
Address: 1 Chome-4-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-8001, Japan
Mitsukoshi is widely considered as the first modern department store in Japan, started as a kimono fabrics company, and now having 20 domestic and 30 overseas locations.

Takashimaya
Address: 2 Chome-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-8265, Japan
Takashimaya is the leading department store in Japan, with locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, offering the latest cosmetics, clothes, luxury items and food.

Department stores typically open sometime in the late morning

Meet your English speaking driver in the hotel lobby in the afternoon. Proceed by private transfer to Haneda airport (a transfer of approximately one hour).

Thank you for traveling with us.
We hope that we were able to help you build lasting memories of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make the trip a carbon-positive experience.

Currently, support is provided for Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.