You can't get a complete Hokkaido tour without skiing and hot springs in the cold winter! This 13-day Hokkaido winter tour itinerary visits an enchanting snowy wonderland through enjoying various winter experiences, like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe trekking.
Explore must-see sights, such as Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru Canal, Lake Toya, and Noboribetsu Hell Valley. Experiencing the winter festivals, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, and the Snow Light Path Festival in Otaru. Appreciate natural landscapes, from drift ice to snow-covered lakes and mountains.
Highlights
Marvel at the spectacular ice and snow sculptures and winter illuminations.
Ski on Niseko's world-class ski trails and play with winter snow.
Dress up as a ninja and travel back to the ninja and samurai era.
Encounter Hokkaido winter wildlife in nature on the easternmost part of Hokkaido.
Experience snowshoeing and the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival at Sounkyo.
Valuable drift ice experience, including drift ice cruises and walking.
Enjoy soothing Hokkaido winter onsen baths at different onsen towns.
Itinerary
Meet your private tour guide and driver at the airport on the first day of your Hokkaido tour. And then transfer to your hotel in Sapporo to check in. Have a nice rest and get ready for tomorrow's exploration.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Sapporo
In the morning, you will head to Shiroi Koibito Park for Hokkaido sweets.
You can visit the iconic chocolate factory and explore the outdoor grounds in the park. Learn about chocolate making and take a course to make Shiroi Koibito cookies. Next, stroll along the Tanukikoji Shopping Street, a buzzing area with dining and shopping places. You can see what daily life is like in Japan.
In the afternoon, you will explore Odori Park and enjoy the rare quiet time. Ascend the Sapporo TV Tower to enjoy an aerial view of Sapporo. Head to Susukino, a lively area for entertainment and nightlife.
Kind Reminder:
1. Sapporo White Illumination takes place from November to March. Dazzling light displays adorn the streets of Sapporo.
2. Early February, you can visit the Sapporo Snow Festival with snow sculptures at Odori Park (main venue) and Susukino.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Sapporo
Your first stop of the day is the Otaru Canal. You can wander along the promenade. Imagine the days when the Otaru Canal flourished. Pause to explore the historical buildings on both sides of the canal.
Make your way to Kitaichi Glass, a specialty store selling glass crafts. You will learn about how to make glass and experience glass-blowing. Create one-of-a-kind glassware as your souvenirs of Otaru. Continue to the Otaru Music Box Museum, where you can find a wide range of music boxes, including some antique music boxes. Enjoy fresh seafood and other local delicacies at Sankaku Market.
Kind Reminder:
Every February, the Snow Light Path Festival is mainly held along the Otaru Canal. Thousands of candles, lanterns, and illuminated snow sculptures create a dreamlike winter ambiance after dark.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Sapporo
Today, you will transfer to Niseko Ski Resort, which is famous for its world-class powder. After arriving, you will check in at the hot spring hotel or ski resort. Have a break and then explore the four resorts in Niseko however you like. With various ski runs in Niseko, you will get the best ski experience no matter what level you're at.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Niseko
Today, you will have all the time on your own to experience skiing. You can learn to ski and snowboard or challenge yourself on different trails. Enjoy the thrill of skiing down long trails and appreciate views of Mt. Yotei from the slopes.
Besides skiing and snowboarding, you can also try other snow activities, such as snowmobiling, hiking in snow, sledding, etc. After enjoying the snow, return to your hotel for a steaming hot spring bath, which helps you unwind.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Niseko
After breakfast, you will transfer to Lake Toya. You can immerse yourself in the mystical winter atmosphere by strolling and playing in the snow. Take in the stunning view of the lake and mountains from Lake Toya Observatory.
Visit Toyako Visitor Center with the Volcano Science Museum, where you can get an idea of the eruptions of Mt. Usu and the form of Lake Toya. At the shore of Lake Toya is plenty of onsen resorts, where you can soak in an outdoor hot spring and admire the surrounding scenery.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Lake Toya Onsen
In the morning, you will head to Noboribetsu, a famous onsen town, and visit Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley). You can follow the trails to explore Hell Valley with natural hot springs and hellish volcanic craters.
In the afternoon, you will discover Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, where you can experience Japanese culture in the Edo period in an immersive way. Participate in various cultural activities to explore the history and culture of samurai and ninja. You can visit the historical homes and watch geisha and ninja performances.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Noboribetsu Onsen
After breakfast, you will pay a visit to Asahiyama Zoo, which is known for its animals' behavioral displays. You can get close to the animals through glass tunnels and see seals and polar bears swimming in front of you. Observe cute penguins when they walk on the snow.
Embark on a culinary culture tour to Asahikawa Ramen Village. You can visit eight popular ramen restaurants and taste different kinds of ramen.
Next, you will experience the Asahikawa Winter Festival (in early February) and appreciate massive ice and snow sculptures, and live events. Nighttime illuminations make them more captivating.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Asahikawa
In the morning, you will depart Asahiyama for Sounkyo Gorge in Daisetsuzan National Park. Sounkyo is a top hot spring resort with well-known waterfalls, such as Ryusei Falls and Ginga Falls.
You can take the ropeway up to Mt. Kurodake for a sweeping view of the gorge and the Daisetsuzan mountain range covered by white snow. Experience snowshoe hiking to explore snowy landscapes in Sounkyo, including frozen waterfalls.
Visit the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival (from late January to late March), where you can appreciate amazing snow and ice structures with colorful illumination in the evening.
After that, stay overnight in the Sounkyo Onsen town and warm up in a soothing onsen bath.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Sounkyo Onsen
In the morning, head to Abashiri and experience an Abashiri drift ice cruise. You will sail into the frozen Sea of Okhotsk and see the incredible drift ice. You may have the opportunity to discover wildlife active in winter. Get a close-up look at the drift ice and try to walk on ice in the Sea of Okhotsk according to ice conditions.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Abashiri
Today, you will transfer to Shiretoko Peninsula and spend the following two nights in Utoro.
After arriving, check in at a hot spring hotel or resort for a rest. Later, you will head to the serene winter wonderland of Shiretoko Five Lakes. Embark on a guided snowshoe tour to hike on the frozen Shiretoko Five Lakes and snow-covered trails. You may have a chance to encounter free-roaming wildlife, like Ezo deer, Steller's sea eagles, foxes, and more.
Then, you will head to Shiretoko Pass for a stunning sunset. Continue to Utoro Onsen and enjoy an onsen dinner. Bathe in an open-air hot spring to get a great view of the Utoro Harbor and the sea.
Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Utoro Onsen
Enjoy a unique winter experience with a Shiretoko drift ice walk tour (usually from February to March). Accompanied by experienced experts, you will take a walk on the surface of the ice. You may meet brown bears and other animals.
In the afternoon, board a sightseeing boat to enjoy drift ice landscapes and discover overwintering wildlife and birds.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Utoro Onsen
Today is the final day of your Hokkaido winter trip. You will transfer to the Memanbetsu Airport and say goodbye to Hokkaido. We hope you depart with good memories and safe travels!
Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A
Include/ Exclude
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Private local English-speaking tour guide and driver service
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Private air-conditioned car with ample space
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Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station
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All admission fees and expenses mentioned in the itinerary
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Hotel accommodation with breakfast
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Meals mentioned in the itinerary. Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
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Our 1-on-1 travel consultation and tailor-made service
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International flights not included in the itinerary
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Visa fees, if required
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Meals not included in the itinerary
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Optional excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities for guides and drivers
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Customs taxes, overweight baggage fees, baggage storage fees
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