Tokyo, Nagara, Mount Fuji, Sapporo.              Small group - February 2-11, 2026

Join us for a magical adventure filled with sake, sumo, sushi, and endless noodles!

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Japan, especially for its world-famous international ice event, now more popular than ever. Our previous groups have loved every part of it—from the incredible food to the fascinating culture, rich history, and traditions. You’ll get to experience vibrant entertainment, ride 200mph bullet trains, see breathtaking scenery, stay in AFS luxury hotels, and spend a night in a traditional ryokan (complete with your own kimono).

Looking for some fun in the middle of a dull February? Tour Tokyo, explore ancient Asakusa, and enjoy lunch with sumo wrestlers. Cruise down the Otaru Canal, where glowing lanterns create a magical atmosphere. Take a full-day trip to Hakone and see glorious Mt. Fuji—winter offers the clearest and most spectacular views.

Only in Japan: Visit the famous Monkey Park, where you can snap the best selfies. Every February, you’ll see iconic snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. These gentle macaques live in large social groups and pay no mind to human visitors, making for a wildly entertaining sight against the stunning winter landscape.

Experience the International Sapporo Snow Festival—by popular demand, we’re finally going! We’ll fly north to witness one of the world’s most spectacular events. You’ll wander among massive snow and ice sculptures, some as tall as buildings, crafted with incredible skill. Dine in a snow hut village or sample local delicacies from street food stalls. For fun, try snow tubing, slides, and mazes. At night, the festival transforms: enjoy sound and light shows, ice projections, and even fireworks. Japan tourism says “2027 will be bigger than ever!”

Don’t miss this small group vacation packed with fun and unforgettable experiences. Japan is a safe destination, and round-trip flights to Tokyo are easy with Singapore Airlines—deals start from just $900. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime visual feast. You have to see it to believe it. Grab your chopsticks and say “Ikuzo”—let’s go play in Japan!

LAND PRICE: $6695 per person twin share + $280 internal flight  our own AFS aircraft on flight from the Mara direct to remote Lentorre airstrip. Seats will be reserved upon initial deposit.  - Total $6975

Price based on 11 participants.  No single room supplement available.  Gratuities will be added later.

Price includes:

- 7 nights’ accommodation on twin/double sharing room basis at listed hotels (please note rooms at GM are "run of house".  All rooms are twin share, plus a family suite for four persons.)
- One group airport transfer on arrival and departure
- Bed and breakfast in Nairobi
- Full board on safari – B/L/D
- Stay at Lentorre Lodge includes
- All meals
- All beverages, including premium wine and spirits
- Day and night game drives
- Laundry
- Sundowners
- Access to photography hides
- Guided bush and nature walks
- Tubing in the river (dependent on the river levels and speeds)
- Stay at Fairmont Safari Club
- All meals
- Two shared daily game drives per day, with one bottle of water per game drive
- One White Rhino sanctuary visit per stay
- Soft beverages during meals only
- One Boma Experience dinner per stay (weather permitting)
- Stay at Giraffe Manor
- All meals
- House wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Laundry
- Wireless internet access
- Entrance to the AFEW Giraffe Centre
- Orchid House dining
- Access to The Retreat during check-in and check-out times
- Boules, croquet and VAT
- Full day city tour of Nairobi by air-conditioned bus on day 2
- All transport in designed safari vehicle (Non A/C – private usage) with a pop-up roof for maximum game viewing comfort with a professional English speaking driver/guide
- Park fees
- Private use of safari vehicle
- Visit to David Sheldrick Trust on day 2 in Nairobi
- Visit to Karen Blixen Museum
- All currently applicable park entrance fees
- Government tax

There are exceptionally priced fares now on Singapore Airlines out of Los Angeles. You fly round-trip USA into Narita. Dozens of airlines fly here.

Welcome to Tokyo! With everyone arranging different flights, transfer on own to your hotel. It is 90 minutes by bus or train. Details coming in trip tips. Remainder of day is at leisure. Meet-u p time will be set by the trip later in the hotel lobby bar.

Overnight in Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa

3 Chome-13-1 Takanawa, Minato City, Tokyo 108-8612, Japan

Tokyo grabs you the second you land—neon lights everywhere, trains running on the dot, and this wild mix of old temples and futuristic towers. It feels both familiar and totally new; you can grab a burger if you want, but you’ll probably end up eating ramen at a spot with only four seats and a vending machine for ordering. People are polite, the city is spotless, and you never really feel unsafe, even late at night. There’s something electric about wandering through Shibuya or finding yourself lost in the tiny alleys of Golden Gai, each bar with room for maybe six people and a story to tell. Shopping is next-level, from quirky street fashion in Harajuku to tech gadgets you didn’t know existed in Akihabara. And if you want a break from the city, hop on a train and you’re at Mount Fuji or soaking in an onsen before dinner.

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, meet with your guide in the hotel lobby for departure to Asakusa by private coach.

Step back in time as you wander the storied streets of Asakusa, a neighborhood that still hums with the energy of old Edo. Start your morning at Sensoji, Tokyo’s most iconic temple, where incense smoke drifts and fortunes are told beneath crimson eaves. Follow your curiosity down Nakamise Street, a lively avenue lined with stalls that have been serving up sweet rice crackers and hand-crafted keepsakes for generations.

Then, get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget: lunch with a sumo twist. Watch former professional wrestlers demonstrate the rituals and raw power of Japan’s national sport, just steps from your table. You’ll dine on Chanko hot pot—the hearty meal that fuels these athletes. Remember to slip off your shoes at the door, and settle in for one of Tokyo’s most memorable meals.

Return to hotel by private coach. Afternoon at leisure.   

Overnight in Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa.  B,L

Breakfast at hotel. The day is at leisure for your own exploration. We leave this day open for you with endless possibilities to have fun in Tokyo. See https://www.japan.travel/en/us/ for some thrills to explore this time of year! Many of our AFS’s have already visited Mount Fuji so we will make this optional at $195 per person, based on a minimum of 18 people.

Optional: Mt Fuji & Hakone Full Day Tour

Rise early and meet your guide for the journey to Hakone, winding through the countryside by private coach. If the weather’s on your side, you might catch a postcard-perfect glimpse of Mt. Fuji peeking above the clouds. Your first stop: Hakone Shrine, where a scarlet torii gate stands watch on the water’s edge, and the air feels thick with centuries of legend. Enjoy lunch wherever your appetite leads you—there’s time to wander and discover your own favorite spot.

Afterward, set sail on Lake Ashi aboard a sightseeing “pirate ship”—yes, really—gliding across the calm waters of this ancient volcanic crater. Once ashore, venture up to Owakudani, a steaming valley alive with sulfur vents and the famous black eggs, boiled right in the hot springs. Local lore says eating just one adds seven years to your life. (If you’re traveling in February, the ropeway won’t be running, so you’ll head up by bus instead). Return to Tokyo by private coach (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes).

Overnight in Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa      B

Pack an overnight bag for Nagano; main luggage stays at Tokyo hotel.

Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Meet your guide in the lobby for transfer to Tokyo Station by private coach. Board bullet train to Nagano (approx. 90 minutes). Upon arrival, transfer by coach to lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit the charming town of Obuse, known for chestnuts and as the home of Edo artist Hokusai. Visit the Hokusai Museum (permanent exhibit), and explore open gardens.

Transfer to your traditional ryokan by private coach.  Our past groups loved this place.  Follow the link to read all about this fabulous property.

Overnight in Nagano, Ryokan Biyunoyado (breakfast and dinner, Japanese style).  B,D

Nagano in February is a playground for anyone who loves winter. The city is surrounded by mountains that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, and you can still feel that energy on the slopes—whether you’re a seasoned skier or just want to try your hand at snowboarding for the first time. The famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani soak in hot springs nearby, and watching them is one of those quirky, unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else. After a day outside, nothing beats slipping into an onsen yourself, letting the heat chase away the chill. The food here is hearty and comforting, with soba noodles and local sake warming you from the inside out. Downtown, old temples and quiet streets offer a different kind of peace, especially when dusted with fresh snow. February in Nagano is all about crisp air, deep powder, and those little moments that make winter feel special.

Start the morning with breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a memorable day ahead. Afterward, meet your guides and set out by private coach on a scenic ride to Jigokudani Yaen Koen. Get your cameras ready.  Here, you’ll have the rare chance to watch Japan’s famous snow monkeys as they soak contentedly in steaming hot springs—a scene that feels almost otherworldly against the snowy backdrop. The park’s trails are mostly level, but winter can turn the paths icy; snow grips and sturdy footwear will be provided, and extra guides are on hand to help larger groups make the most of the visit.

Once you’ve had your fill of monkey mischief, head back to the hotel to gather your things and get ready to move on. Around midday, you’ll transfer by private coach to Nagano Station, a picturesque drive of about an hour. From there, settle into your seat on the shinkansen—Japan’s legendary bullet train—for a smooth 90-minute ride back to Tokyo.

On arrival in Tokyo, transfer to hotel by private coach.  Overnight in Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa.  B

Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Meet your Guide in the lobby for a transfer to the airport, around one hour.. Fly from Haneda to Chitose Airport at 11 AM – 12:40 PM on NH 61.   On arrival, we transfer to our hotel.   Welcome to Japan’s fifth largest city, famous for past Olympic winter games, beer museums and Ramen noodles as well as one of the biggest festivals in the world!

Overnight in Sapporo, Sapporo Prince Hotel       B

Sapporo in February feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale. The city comes alive with the Sapporo Snow Festival, where massive ice sculptures line the streets and twinkle under neon lights. You can sip hot chocolate or mulled wine as you wander through Odori Park, bundled up against the crisp northern air. The food is perfect for the season—steaming bowls of miso ramen and fresh seafood from local markets warm you up fast. Skiing and snowboarding are at their best just outside the city, with powdery slopes that draw enthusiasts from around the globe. Evenings are lively, with cozy izakayas offering Hokkaido specialties and local beer. There’s a sense of celebration everywhere you look, making February the perfect time to see Sapporo at its most magical.

Take your time wandering the park, ducking into warming stations for a cup of hot cocoa or snapping photos of mythical creatures, famous landmarks, and pop culture icons—all brought to life in crystalline white. The festival pulses with energy: live music, food stalls serving up steaming bowls of ramen and grilled seafood, and revelers marveling at the illuminated sculptures after dark.

When you’re ready, return to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Sapporo as you wish—whether that means sampling local specialties, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere at your own pace. Nights are especially fun here. A must-visit is Kamakura Village, which operates a “snow hut village” featuring lunch and dinner dining inside snow domes.  Reservation suggested, more later.

Overnight in Sapporo Prince Hotel         B

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel, then set out with your guide for a journey to Otaru—a charming port city just an hour away by private coach. Your first stop is the Canal Area, where cobblestone paths and vintage gas lamps line the water’s edge, giving the town a storybook feel. If the weather plays along, you’ll board a canal cruise and drift past historic warehouses, their reflections shimmering on the surface during a relaxing 40-minute ride.

Back on shore, make your way to Sakaimachi Street, once the bustling center of Otaru’s merchant life. Today, it’s a treasure trove of boutiques, sweet shops, and glass workshops. Don’t miss a visit to Kitaichi Glass, a beloved institution dating back to 1901, where you can watch artisans create delicate works of art from molten glass.

Lunch is at a local restaurant—Otaru is known for its fresh seafood, so be sure to try something from the day’s catch. Afterward, you’ll return to the hotel, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax or explore at your own pace.

Overnight in Sapporo Prince Hotel

Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Transfer to airport.  We fly from Chitose Airport to Narita 9:30 AM to 11 AM. From here you catch your flights back to USA. Schedule flights home after 2 PM or some may want to add an additional night or two.