Snow Monkeys & Beyond – A Winter Creative Escape to Japan 6–17 January 2027
If Japan has been calling your name — and the idea of snow-dusted villages, steaming onsen, handmade treasures and winter markets makes your heart flutter — this creative winter journey is for you.
Join Morgan Wills, founder of The Crafty Squirrel and long-time Japan enthusiast, for a 12-day fully escorted adventure through Tokyo, the Japanese Alps and the Hokuriku region. Designed for curious, creative women, this small-group tour (maximum 12 guests) blends iconic winter experiences with hands-on workshops, charming historic towns and unforgettable cultural moments.
From snow monkeys bathing in hot springs to kokeshi makers, rice cracker artisans, washi studios and vibrant flea markets — this is Japan in winter at its most magical.
Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, you’ll be warmly welcomed — and likely return home with new skills, new treasures and lifelong friendships.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1 – Wednesday 6 January | Tokyo
• Travel from Australia (flights not included)
Day 2 – Thursday 7 January | Tokyo
• Guided walking tour (craft & haberdashery shopping)
• Kumihimo braiding workshop
• Welcome Dinner together
Day 3 – Friday 8 January | Tokyo → Nagano
• Visits to traditional kokeshi makers
• Arrival at a traditional ryokan
• Kaiseki dinner and onsen experience
Day 4 – Saturday 9 January | Nagano → Matsumoto
• Visit Snow Monkey Park
• Visit Matsumoto City Museum of Art (Yayoi Kusama)
Day 5 – Sunday 10 January | Matsumoto → Takayama
• Visit Matsumoto Castle
• Rice cracker workshop
• Calligraphy workshop
Day 6 – Monday 11 January | Takayama
• Free morning exploring old town streets
• Visit Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum
Day 7 – Tuesday 12 January | Takayama → Kanazawa
• Washi paper workshop
• Guided visit to Johana Betsuin Zentokuji Temple
• Explore Higashi Chaya District (Eastern Teahouse District)
Day 8 – Wednesday 13 January | Kanazawa → Tokyo
• Kaga Temari workshop
• Time to explore the Craft Hirosaka district
• Shinkansen return to Tokyo
Day 9 – Thursday 14 January | Tokyo
• Free morning
• Visit teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills
Day 10 – Friday 15 January | Tokyo
• Visit Setagaya Boro-ichi Flea Market
• Gotokuji Temple — home of the lucky maneki-neko
Day 11 – Saturday 16 January | Tokyo
• Visit Handmade in Japan Festival
• Final fossicking, shopping and inspiration time
• Farewell Dinner together
Day 12 – Sunday 17 January | Departure
Total Tour Cost
$11,995 per person – single room
Payment Schedule
Non-refundable deposit: $995 due by 30 March 2026
1st payment: $3,500 due by 30 June 2026
2nd payment: $4,500 due by 30 September 2026
Final payment: $3,000 due by 30 November 2026
Final payment may include any additional charges due to currency rate fluctuations (to be advised prior to final payment).
Important Information
• You will need to complete and sign an indemnity form to participate.
• Flights are not included.
THE FINE PRINT!
To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of $995 is payable to The Crafty Squirrel upon a minimum number of participants (9) expression of interest. The balance of payment is then made in three parts.
You are welcome to travel with us as a group (or meet us there) on the flight over with return travel dates at your discretion. Personal, adequate travel insurance is essential for all to participate.
A good level of fitness is essential, and we ask that you have no preexisting medical issues that may inhibit you from actively participating in the tour. You will need to be able to undertake walking tours of 2-4 hours duration, including using stairs, walking over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces. You may need to stand for long periods in museums and other sites. You must be able to embark/disembark coaches and other methods of transportation without assistance. You must be able to handle your own luggage. We may occasionally sit on the floor for meals and activities. If you have any dietary requirements you must discuss these with the us prior to paying your deposit. Allergies and food intolerances can not always be catered for. Temporary stay visas are issued when you arrive in Japan for up to 90 days, your passport must have at least 6 months validity at the time of travel to be granted entry.
Please note: Tour prices are subject to change and dependent on the exchange rate and/or unexpected local cost changes. If the variance goes above 3% difference, there may be an additional amount included in your final payment instalment. In order to travel on the tour you will need to sign a Terms & Conditions agreement and indemnity form.
For more information or any questions, please email Morgan - [email protected]