A journey through Japan — from alpine Hakuba to tropical Okinawa
This time, we explore Japan in its full breadth — from North to South — through flavors, experiences, and culture. We begin with skiing and snowboarding in Hakuba, then continue on to the historic regions of Kyoto and Nara. We dip our toes into warm waters in tropical Okinawa, make a stop in Hiroshima, and also discover the capital, Tokyo.
Day-by-day itinerary of the Japan trip
Hakuba Mountain Resort (24–29 January 2027)
24 January – Arrival in Tokyo and transfer to Hakuba; journey from the airport to the Hakuba resort area.
◦ Cultural experiences: temples, shrines, and local cuisine.
Accommodation in Hakuba.
25–28 January – Snow activities in Hakuba:
◦ Happo-One Resort: the legendary Nagano Olympic slopes, reaching an altitude of 1,071 m. Suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers. A wide selection of restaurants and cafés offering local and international cuisine.
◦ Cortina Resort: for ski and snowboard enthusiasts — tree runs and freeride opportunities.
◦ Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park: professional-level runs, jump areas, and a wide variety of features and attractions.
◦ Jigatake Resort: gentle, peaceful ski runs, ideal for families and beginners.
◦ Snow conditions in Hakuba: renowned for Japow — light, dry powder formed by cold air masses from Siberia interacting with moisture from the Sea of Japan.
Average annual snowfall depth: 11 m
Season: November–May
Key highlights:
◦ Skiing and snowboarding at multiple resorts (Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba 47);
◦ Instruction with local instructors for beginners;
◦ After-ski experiences: Japanese cuisine, hot springs (onsen), bars and restaurants;
◦ Weather monitoring and mountain safety.
29.01 – Hakuba → Kyoto
Train from Hakuba → Nagano → Kyoto
◦ Evening city walk and hotel check-in in Kyoto
30.01 – Kyoto
◦ Fushimi Inari Taisha: thousands of vermilion torii gates;
◦ Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion): a reflecting pond and gold-leaf-covered pavilion;
◦ Kiyomizu-dera: a hillside temple offering magnificent views over the city;
◦ Gion: a walk through the historic district, discovering geisha culture and traditional tea houses (optional Geisha theatre performance available at an additional cost).
31.01 – Nara / Osaka
Base: Kyoto
Choice: Nara (historic city) or Osaka (street food mecca)
Examples from Nara:
◦ Tōdai-ji Temple: one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, home to the Great Buddha statue;
◦ Kasuga Taisha Shrine: the oldest and most important Shinto shrine, known for its vermilion torii gates;
◦ Kōfuku-ji Temple: the Golden Hall and a five-story pagoda;
◦ Nara National Museum: Buddhist art and historical exhibits.
01.02 – Hiroshima
Bullet train Kyoto → Hiroshima (~1.5 h)
◦ Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome);
◦ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum;
◦ Lunch: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (Mitchan, Okonomimura);
◦ Shukkeien Garden;
◦ Hiroshima Castle;
◦ Evening promenade and dinner (local dishes: anago, ramen);
◦ Optional: Hiroshima Museum of Art.
02.02 – Hiroshima
Continued exploration of Hiroshima and its surroundings
03 February – Flight from Hiroshima to Okinawa
◦ Day 1 – Naha culture and cuisine;
◦ Kokusai Dori: markets, street food, shops;
◦ Lunch: Makishi Public Market – local seafood, Okinawa soba;
◦ Shuri Castle: history and architecture of the Ryukyu Kingdom;
◦ Naminoue Shrine (with ocean views);
◦ Dinner at izakayas: goya champuru or rafute;
◦ Accommodation: hotel, ryokan, or minshuku.
04.02 – Chatan & the beach – surfing and sea bathing
◦ Bus from Naha to Chatan (~1–1.5 h);
◦ Beach day at Sunabe Seawall: swimming, SUP, kitesurfing, snorkeling;
◦ American Village: shops, cafés, and a unique blend of American and Japanese culture;
◦ Dinner at a beachfront restaurant or BBQ;
◦ Accommodation: hotel, ryokan, or minshuku.
05.02 – Northern Okinawa: Aquarium & Emerald Beach
◦ Early departure by Yanbaru Express bus (~2.5–3 h);
◦ Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: whale sharks, manta rays, and diverse marine ecosystems;
◦ Walk to Emerald Beach (swimming and relaxation);
◦ Optional visit to the ruins of Nakijin Castle;
◦ Evening and accommodation in Motobu: hotel, ryokan, or minshuku.
06.02 – Okinawa: Shopping & Culture
◦ Bus back to Naha → hotel;
◦ Final shopping on Kokusai Dori;
◦ Walk along the Naha coastline;
◦ Dinner at izakayas with live Okinawan music (shamisen);
◦ Accommodation: hotel, ryokan, or minshuku.
07.02 –Flight to Tokyo
◦ Day in Tokyo: Shibuya, Ginza, food streets, and other key sights
08.02 – Tokyo & return flight home
◦ Late-evening flight to Estonia
What’s included:
The trip is organized by Allan, who has traveled extensively in Japan, together with Seikluskliinik OÜ.
Group size: 12 participants (exclusively Old Hapsal Hotel hiking enthusiasts).
Land package price: €2,900 (payment possible in three installments during 2026).
Seikluskliinik OÜ takes care of:
◦ Group transportation between cities and destinations: train, bus, taxi
Tokyo ↔ Hakuba, Hakuba ↔ Kyoto, Kyoto ↔ Hiroshima
◦ Accommodation in hotels and ryokan in Hakuba, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okinawa, and Tokyo
◦ Breakfasts
◦ Tour guide
… does not cover:
◦ Flights: Tallinn ↔ Tokyo ↔ Tallinn (~€800–1,000), Hiroshima ↔ Okinawa ↔ Tokyo (~€300);
◦ Meals and drinks during the trip;
◦ Additional transportation and transfers;
◦ Entrance fees to temples and museums;
◦ Ski/snowboard equipment;
◦ Lift passes;
◦ Travel insurance.
Your organizing team: Daire and Allan
Places are limited — for more information, contact Daire at info@oldhapsalhotel.ee
