Japan - She Explores Snow and the Soul | 12 Days | 8 January 2026

Japan Snow & Soul – Women's Winter Retreat

Duration: 12 Days
Dates: 8 - January (to align with snow, ice events, and minimal peak congestion)
Start/End: Tokyo
Group Size: 10–14 women

Embrace the serene magic of Japan in winter on this 12-day women's retreat, designed for connection, culture, and calm. From Tokyo’s vibrant traditions to the snow-dusted temples of Nagano and the fairytale charm of Shirakawa-go, this journey blends peaceful onsen escapes, mindful workshops like ikebana and calligraphy, and unforgettable encounters—like watching snow monkeys soak in hot springs. With highlights including a women-led cooking class, sacred mountain moments, and the sparkling beauty of Hokkaido’s snow sculptures, this tour invites you to slow down, reflect, and share the wonder of Japan’s most enchanting season with like-minded women.

Day 1: Thursday January 8, 2026, | Arrive in Tokyo

• Private transfer from airport

• Welcome tea ceremony and orientation

• Group dinner and introductions at a women-owned restaurant

Stay: Boutique hotel in Asakusa or Shibuya
Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Friday January 9, 2026 | Cultural Tokyo

• Morning: Ikebana (flower arranging) workshop with a female instructor

• Afternoon: Visit Meiji Shrine and walk Omotesando

• Evening: Optional visit to teamLab Planets (art, light, and immersion)

Stay: Tokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Saturday January 10, 2026 | Tokyo to Nagano (Snow Monkeys + Onsen)

• Scenic train journey to Nagano

• Transfer to Yamanouchi area

• Visit Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

• Evening soak in a traditional onsen

Stay: Traditional Ryokan with onsen
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Sunday January 11, 2026 | Zen and Snow in Nagano

• Morning Zazen meditation at a local temple

• Afternoon: Calligraphy or Kintsugi workshop

• Optional: Snowshoe walk through quiet forests

Stay: Nagano
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Monday January 12, 2026 | Nagano to Gifu-ken (Takayama)

• Train journey to Takayama via scenic route

• Explore Takayama old town and visit Hida Folk Village

• Stay in ryokan with local kaiseki cuisine

Stay: Takayama Ryokan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Tuesday January 13, 2026 | Gifu-ken (Shirakawa-go Day Trip)

• Day trip to UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go – famous for gassho-style houses in the snow

• Hot drink & local sweets in a traditional farmhouse

• Evening free for rest or journaling

Stay: Takayama
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Wednesday January 14, 2026 | Gifu-ken to Nagoya

• Transfer to Nagoya

• Women-led Japanese cooking class (comfort food, winter warmers)

• Visit to Osu Kannon Temple and surrounding markets

Stay: Nagoya modern hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Thursday January 15, 2026 | Nagoya to Sapporo (Fly North)

• Morning flight to Sapporo (for snow sculptures & northern charm)

• Explore Sapporo city and local female-led design stores

• Relaxed dinner at a local izakaya

Stay: Sapporo boutique hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Friday January 16, 2026 | Sapporo Ice & Illumination

• Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival sites (early prep areas) or Okurayama ski jump

• Afternoon: Glasswork or accessory-making workshop

• Evening: Illumination walk + hot cocoa

Stay: Sapporo
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Saturday January 17, 2026 | Sapporo to Hakodate or Lake Toya (Optional Retreat Option)

• Optional scenic route to Lake Toya onsen resort or continue cultural sightseeing in Hakodate

• Relaxing onsen, lake walk, and wellness circle

Stay: Onsen resort or Hakodate ryokan
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Sunday January 18, 2026 | Return to Tokyo

• Return flight to Tokyo

• Free afternoon for shopping or visiting a women’s co-op or NGO project

• Farewell dinner with reflection circle

Stay: Tokyo
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Monday January 19, 2026 | Departure Day

• Breakfast and transfers to airport

• Optional group photo exchange & closing ceremony (short, heartfelt)

Included Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

• Accommodation (mix of boutique hotels and ryokans)

• Internal transport (trains, transfers, flights where needed)

• Most meals (10+ breakfasts, several lunches/dinners)

• All listed workshops, entry fees, and cultural activities

• Female guides, artisans, and hosts wherever possible

Full payment options via website cart. All booking forms to complete available HERE

For DEPOSIT ONLY options and all booking forms please refer to Booking Details