Winter in Hokkaido | MTJ | The Japan Specialist

THE WHITE MAGIC WINTER OF HOKKAIDO, SNOW FESTIVALS AND DANCING CRANES

Discover a remote Japan of breathtaking landscapes, exceptional and unspoiled nature, unique and extremely varied gastronomy, and participate in the winter festivals, an unforgettable and overwhelming experience.

In this journey, you will have at your disposal a local guide and a private vehicle for the entire trip.

For complete information and prices contact us

7 Days/6 Nights

Travel program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN KUSHIRO

Meeting with our local guide at Kushiro Airport.
Visit Akan Crane Center and Kushiro Marshland, top sites for Tancho crane watching, the symbol of Japan.
Afterward, Washo Market to taste the freshest seafood in Hokkaido.
Overnight in Kushiro.

DAY 2: FROM KUSHIRO TO LAKE AKAN

Today we will visit Tsurui Village and Lake Akan, a wonderful reserve of lakes, forests, volcanos, and hot springs. Free time available at Akan Winter Festival with several activities to do.
Later, visit a traditional Ainu Kotan Village and Ainu Theatre Performance with ceremonial and contemporary dance and digital art show.
Ryokan experience with onsen on Lake Akan.

DAY 3: KUSSHARO LAKE AND SHIRETOKO PENINSULA

In the morning we will explore Lake Kussharo followed by the active volcanic area of Mount Iou and Mashu Lake, a volcanic lake whose waters are rated among the world’s clearest.
Transfer towards the Shiretoko Penisula, UNESCO World Heritage Site for its irreplaceable value of ecosystem and biodiversity.
Overnight in Utoro. The city hosts a delightful small winter festival with igloos, ice-lights up, etc.

DAY 4: SHIRETOKO PENINSULA AND ABASHIRI

Exciting cruise on the Aurora Drift Ice Breaker directed to Shiretoko Cape on the Okhotsk Sea. This is the most southerly place in the world with drift ice; alternately the vessel will cruise along the coast to catch panoramic glimpses.
Afterward, visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples and Abashiri Prison Museum, the most feared prison in all of Japan during the Meiji Restoration Period.
Overnight in Abashiri.

DAY 5: SOUKYO GORGE AND ASAHIKAWA

Admire the wonderful Sounkyo Gorge and the frozen waterfalls of Ginga-no-Taki and Ryusei-no-Taki.
Later, enjoy Sounkyo Ice Festival, one of Hokkaido’s best winter festivals and Asahikawa Winter Festival with huge snow structures, ice sculptures and a variety of food stalls.
Overnight in Asahikawa.

DAY 6: FROM ASAHIKAWA TO SAPPORO

Visit Otokoyama Sake Brewery and enjoy the adorable penguin parade up close in Asahiyama.
In the afternoon, Biei Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls with huge icicles hanging off the waterfall-laden cliff.
Departure for Sapporo where we will join the Sapporo Snow Festival, the most famous in Japan with over 2 million visitors every year that come to admire the giants and beautiful snow and ice sculptures.
Overnight in Sapporo.

DAY 7: SAPPORO – DEPARTURE

At due time, transfer with private vehicle to New Chitose Airport.