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www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Matsumoto CastleThis wonderful escorted tour has been designed to experience Japan in the heart of winter when snow-covered plains, frost-fringed wetlands and steaming crater lakes set the stage for an incredible wildlife spectacle, and the traditional culture can be enjoyed away from the crowds. Whether you are discovering Japan for the first time or rediscovering this fascinating country, our tour promises to be enjoyable and enlightening and provides the opportunity to experience what is uniquely Japanese at this time of year.We begin our exploration with the bright neon lights of Tokyo where the cityscape of skyscrapers is interspersed with ancient temples and scenic gardens before flying to Hokkaido, Japan%u2019s northernmost outpost. During our time on this breathtaking island, we will visit some of the most remarkable national parkland including the Kushiro Marshlands where we hope to see Hokkaido%u2019s resident red-crowned cranes and witness their splendid courtship displays. Continuing on to Sapporo we have four days to explore Hokkaido%u2019s vibrant capital during which we will learn about the indigenous Ainu people and experience the world-renowned winter festival where approximately 400 giant snow sculptures occupy the city%u2019s spaces. We will also visit the spectacular Asahikawa Winter Festival with its World Ice Sculpture Competition and sample the delicious ramen noodles for which the city is famous.Returning to the island of Honshu, our next few days will be spent in atmospheric Kyoto, the former imperial capital which is Japan%u2019s cultural treasure house with an astonishing 1600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces and dozens of gardens and museums. Highlights will include the beautiful Golden Pavilion, the former imperial villa of Nijo Castle and the Gion district, Kyoto%u2019s famous geisha district whose winter charm can be enjoyed without the crowds of high season. We will then spend time visiting the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where we will hike through the valley and hope to witness the famous Japanese macaques as they stave off the cold in the mountain hot springs, Matsumoto Castle and the charming town of Obuse before returning to Tokyo by train for our final night in this truly timeless country.PACIFICOCEANSEA OFJAPANJAPANTokyoKyotoBullet TrainKushiroSapporoOtaruAsahikawaMatsumotoJigokudani Obuse HOKKAIDOOsakaHONSHUNagoya