Tokyo Lights and Hakuba Heights
Skiing · Japan

Tokyo Lights and Hakuba Heights

CountryJapan
CityTokyo
Duration9 days / 8 nights
DepartsDubai
Overview

About this trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern marvels. Your adventure begins in vibrant Tokyo, exploring historic temples, neon-lit districts, serene gardens and iconic landmarks such as Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine, while enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine. From Tokyo, travel to the spectacular Hakuba Valley, a premier ski destination renowned for its world-class slopes and breathtaking alpine scenery. Over five exciting days, expert instructors will guide skiers of all abilities. Beyond the slopes, enjoy memorable cultural experiences, including a powerful Taiko drumming performance and a visit to historic Matsumoto Castle. Returning to Tokyo, follow a scenic route to see the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park and explore the sacred Zenko-ji Temple. This inspiring itinerary combines adventure, culture and natural beauty, creating lasting memories of Japan.

Day by day

The itinerary

Trip highlights
  • Shibuya Crossing By Night
  • Meiji Shrine Serenity
  • Hakuba Valley Skiing
  • Goryu Taiko Performance
  • Matsumoto Crow Castle
  • Jigokudani Snow Monkeys
  • Zenko-ji Temple
  • Haku Bounce Party
  1. Day 1 of 9Tokyo

    Welcome to Vibrant Tokyo

    First impressions of one of the world's most dynamic cities, with a coach transfer past dazzling skylines, lively streets and illuminated districts before dinner.

    • Arrival transfer into TokyoFirst views of the skyline and illuminated districts

    Learning focus: Cultural Awareness

    Meals included: Dinner

  2. Day 2 of 9Tokyo

    Tokyo Old and New

    Ancient temples and tranquil gardens set against Shibuya's crowds and neon-lit streets, with authentic Japanese cuisine sampled between the city's contrasting faces.

    • Shibuya CrossingThe world's busiest pedestrian crossing
    • Meiji ShrineTranquil shrine symbolising Japan's spiritual heritage
    • Historic temples, shopping streets and gardensGuided exploration of Tokyo's contrasting districts
    • Authentic Japanese cuisineSampling local dishes during the day
    • Tokyo by nightThe city aglow with neon lights

    Learning focus: Cultural Studies · Religion · Urban Geography

    Meals included: Breakfast · Dinner

  3. Day 3 of 9Hakuba

    Into the Japanese Alps

    A five-hour scenic drive trades the city for Hakuba, the 1998 Winter Olympics village where 14 metres of annual snowfall feeds eleven resorts.

    • Scenic drive to HakubaFive-hour coach journey into the Japanese Alps
    • Hakuba ValleyOlympic alpine village with over eleven ski resorts
    • Exploring the local areaSettling in and discovering the alpine village

    Learning focus: Physical Education · Geography · Alpine Environments

    Meals included: Breakfast · Dinner

  4. Day 4 of 9Hakuba

    Slopes and Taiko Drums

    Full days of instructor-led skiing across all ability levels in Hakuba, closing with the thunderous rhythms of a Goryu Taiko performance before dinner.

    • Guided skiing lessonsProfessional instruction, 10:30am to 3:30pm, all skill levels
    • Supervised lunch breakRefuel and socialise between ski sessions
    • Goryu Taiko performanceTraditional Japanese drumming of raw, thunderous energy

    Learning focus: Physical Education · Japanese Culture · Performing Arts · Teamwork

    Meals included: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

  5. Day 5 of 9Hakuba

    Second Day on the Slopes

    Two structured ski lessons bookend a supervised lunch, building technique across a full day on Hakuba's snow fields.

    • Morning skiing lessonTwo-hour instructed session, 10:30 to 12:30
    • Supervised lunch breakOne hour on the mountain between lessons
    • Afternoon ski lessonTwo further hours of coaching, 13:30 to 15:30

    Learning focus: Physical Education · Skills Progression · Outdoor Education

    Meals included: Breakfast

  6. Day 6 of 9Hakuba

    Slopes, Then Crow Castle

    A third day of instruction on Hakuba's snow, followed by Japan's black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of late 16th-century design.

    • Morning ski lessonTwo hours of instruction refining technique on the slopes
    • Afternoon ski lessonFurther two-hour session building confidence on piste
    • Matsumoto CastleBlack-walled National Treasure with steep staircases and armour displays

    Learning focus: Physical Education · Japanese History · Architecture · Heritage Conservation

    Meals included: Breakfast · Dinner

  7. Day 7 of 9Hakuba

    Another Day on the Slopes

    A full second day of instruction in Hakuba, with morning and afternoon lessons building technique and confidence, and lunch taken slopeside.

    • Morning ski lessonInstructor-led session on the Hakuba slopes
    • Afternoon ski lessonContinued coaching and progression on the mountain
    • Lunch on the slopesMidday break taken up on the mountain

    Learning focus: Skiing Technique · Physical Education · Teamwork

    Meals included: Lunch · Dinner

  8. Day 8 of 9Hakuba

    Final Runs and Haku Bounce

    Two closing ski lessons on Hakuba's slopes give way to freestyle trampolining across floors and walls, then a private party-zone dinner.

    • Final two ski lessonsLast instructed sessions on Hakuba's slopes
    • Hakuba BounceFreestyle trampolining stretched over floor and walls
    • Private dinner party at Haku Bounce party zoneGroup celebration dinner in the party zone

    Learning focus: Skiing Technique · Physical Education · Teamwork

    Meals included: Dinner

  9. Day 9 of 9Tokyo

    Snow Monkeys and Farewell

    Wild macaques bathing in steaming hot springs and a great pilgrimage temple in Nagano punctuate the road back to Tokyo for the flight home.

    • Jigokudani Monkey ParkWild Japanese macaques in snowy hot-spring forests
    • Zenko-ji TempleHistoric pilgrimage temple with striking architecture
    • Scenic coach journey from HakubaPrivate coach through snowbound mountain landscapes

    Learning focus: Wildlife Studies · Religious Studies · Japanese Culture

Speak to our team

Every itinerary can be tailored to your dates, group size, budget and learning objectives. We come back to you within 24 hours.

Call +971 4 420 6965
Email info@premiumchoicetravel.com
Book an appointment

Tell us about your trip

Choose how you'd like to meet and our Dubai team will be in touch within 24 hours.

What's included

Everything in the price

  • Return International flights
  • Return Airport transfers
  • All coach transfers
  • 2 Nights stay in Tokyo
  • 6 Nights stay in Hakuba Ski resort
  • Daily Breakfast and Dinner
  • 4 lunches from day 4 to day 7
  • Gratuities for all transport , accommodation , activities etc.
  • On ground tour manager
  • Activities Listed in the Itinerary
  • Travel Insurance
  • Applicable taxes
Booking terms & conditions
  1. Upon confirmation of the booking, a 25% deposit is non-refundable.
  2. Passport copies of all passengers are required within 10 days of confirming the booking.
  3. Cancellation 90–61 days before departure: 50% of the total cost is charged.
  4. Cancellation 60–31 days before departure: 75% of the total cost is charged.
  5. Cancellation 30–1 day before departure: no refund is given.
  6. Visa refusal or no appointment available: 25% non-refundable from the date of confirmation; 90–61 days 50%, 60–31 days 75%, 30–1 day 100% non-refundable.
  7. If passenger numbers are reduced, rates are subject to revision.
Cultural awareness

Customs & norms in Japan

A little cultural fluency goes a long way — these are the habits your hosts will notice and appreciate.

  • Bowing is the standard greeting; a small nod from visitors is appreciated.
  • Keep quiet on trains — phone calls are not made on public transport.
  • Shoes come off in homes, temples and some restaurants; eating while walking is avoided.