9-Day Highlights of Hokkaido in Winter Sightseeing Tour

Experience the spectacular Winter Wonderland of Hokkaido on a snowy yet incredible 9-day journey around Japan’s northern island. Appreciate the picturesque natural landscapes, experience the fascinating cultural heritage, and taste the mouth-watering local specialties. You will experience popular winter festivals in Hokkaido, stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, see the legendary Ezo Red Fox at Kitakitsune Farm, and take part in exciting seasonal experiences unique to the season.

Tour Highlights

• Experience the Winter Highlights of Hokkaido in 9 unforgettable days

• Join the popular winter festivities, including Sapporo Snow Festival, Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival

• Stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan

• Taste the famous Otokoyama Sake

• Catch a glimpse of the Ezo Red Fox at Kitakitsune Farm

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sapporo

Arrive at New Chitose Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2

Tour the Impressive Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Begin the day in the Land of the Ainu People, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. You will learn about the unique Ainu history and experience the fascinating Ainu culture.

See the Amazing Ice Sculptures at the Lake Shikotsu

Continue to Lake Shikotsu to take part in the popular Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. Walk among the incredible ice sculptures and snow buildings as you marvel at the picturesque scenic landscape of Lake Shikotsu. Then, head  back to Sapporo to enjoy a mouth-watering crab dish for dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 3

Experience the Ultimate Sapporo Snow Festival

Start the day with a trip to the biggest snow festival in Hokkaido by train. Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival and check out the snow sculptures with different shapes and sizes. You will then spend the rest of the day at your own leisure. Feel free to ask your expert local guide to make arrangements depending on your preferences or needs. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4

Stop by the  Amazing Okurayama Ski Jump Observatory

Begin the day with a visit to the former Olympic Ski Jump Stadium. Here, you can check out the museum at the bottom of the Okurayama Ski Jump structure and enjoy an incredible panoramic view of Sapporo from the observatory.

Tour the Impressive Historic Village of Hokkaido

Visit the amazing Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum providing a realistic perspective of Hokkaido’s development through 60 different buildings and structures representing iconic landmarks around the Northern Island of Japan.

Explore the Historic Otaru

Travel to the quaint town of Otaru, a historical port city known for its trade canals and glassblowing expertise. Take in the nostalgic charm as you leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved Sakaimachi Street in the city center of Otaru. Meet expert glassmakers and learn about excellent glass craftsmanship at the Kitaichi Garasukan, the most famous blown glass factory in Otaru. Stop by the unique Otaru Music Box Museum and discover a wide range of charming music boxes made from glass, wood, or even traditional Japanese fabric. Then, take a walk along the scenic Otaru Canal lined with old warehouses as you listen to the story behind the fall of the canal. Continue to Otaru Sushi District, explore at your own leisure and get a taste of Otaru’s finest and mouth-watering specialties. Feel free to ask your expert guide for some recommendations on the best stalls and restaurants to check out. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 5

Experience the Fascinating Asahikawa Winter Festival

Start the day with a scenic drive from Sapporo to Asahikawa for its popular Asahikawa Winter Festival. Although Asahikawa may not be able to boast having the biggest winter festival in Hokkaido, it has one of the biggest snow sculptures among all the winter festivals. 

Visit the Renowned Otokoyama Sake Brewery

Continue to the Otokoyama Sake Brewery in Asahikawa. Tour the facility, get an insight into the sake traditional production process, and enjoy a sake tasting experience. You will also get to know the story behind the success of Otokoyama's sake.. 

Enjoy the Vibrant Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival

Head to Sounkyo Gorge in Daisetsuzan National Park to enjoy the lively scenes of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival’s snow sculptures featuring different cultural sites and pop culture characters. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

See the Beautiful Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls

Explore the Sounkyo Gorge area to see the notable Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls. A popular ice climbing spot, admire distinct features of the two waterfalls which flow opposite each other at different angles. 

Catch Sight of the Legendary Ezo Red Fox

Drive to the small town of Kitama in the countryside. Visit the Kitakitsune Farm to see one of the native treasures of Hokkaido, the Ezo Red Fox. You will see the adorable foxes roaming freely around the farm and learn about its significance in the traditional Shinto mythology.

Visit the Fascinating Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum

Continue to the town of Abashiri. Famous for its Ryuhyo Drift Ice, tour the interesting Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum and be fascinated with the interactive exhibits related to the drift ice coming to Abashiri. Learn the nature, culture, and life of the Okhotsk Bay area and get a rare opportunity to see the mysterious Cliones known as sea angels. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7

Experience the Incredible Ice Breaker Cruise

Board on the popular Ice Breaker and depart from Abashiri Port. Cruise your way through the floating drifts of ice. One of the best and easiest ways to see the drift ice, see different species that come to migrate or live in the area all year-round. 

Visit the Historic Abashiri Prison Museum

See the remnants of the Abashiri Prison. An open air museum, check out the exhibits showcasing the unlivable conditions of the prison and hear the stories behind the life of the Abashiri prisoners. 

Tour the Famous Lake Tofutsu and Lake Akan

Continue to the scenic Lake Tofutsu, a certified and registered Wetland Habitat for Waterbirds in the Ramsar Convention. Lake Tofutsu is also known as the Lake of the Swans. Observe many Whooper Swans and other wild birds flock to the lake and enjoy the breathtaking lake view with the mountains as the backdrop. Then, head to Lake Akan to experience the local practice of Wakasagi Smelt fishing in a special tent site on the ice of the lake. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8

See the Historic Ainu Kotan

Start the day with a visit to the historic Ainu Kotan in Lake Akan. Explore one of the largest traditional Ainu villages in Hokkaido, get an insight into the ancient Ainu culture and traditions, and check out the small museum displaying various handicrafts, cultural items, and other souvenirs from the native Ainu heritage. 

Visit the Notable Akan International Crane Center

Drive to Kushiro, a port city in Eastern Hokkaido known for the largest marshland in Japan. Visit the Akan International Crane Center, observe the beautiful cranes in their natural environment, and learn more about the ecosystem and life of the cranes through the comprehensive exhibits.

Admire the Spectacular Views of the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Make a short stop at the Kushiro Marsh Observatory to enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Kushiro Shitsugen, the city of Kushiro, and the mountains of Akan. A dedicated national park, Kushiro Shitsugen is home to the rare, wild Japanese Tancho “Red-Crowned” Cranes. 

Explore the Famous Washo Market

Make your way through the bustling Washo Market. One of the top three markets in Hokkaido, the Washo Market offers a variety of fresh seafood and vegetables with about 60 stalls. Catch a glimpse of the local culture, check out the selection of seafood and produce, and get a taste of the popular Kattedon, a personalized donburi rice bowl. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 9

Depart from Kushiro

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, transfer to Kushiro Airport by Airport Limousine Bus for your journey back home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusions

• 8 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel

• Airport Transfers

• Private Coach Transfers between Destinations

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Breakfast (8)

• Lunch (5)

• Dinner (4)

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• The departure airport transfer is only available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay additional night(s) after the tour, please inform us to provide airport transfer instructions in advance.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.