Never been to Japan in winter? Drift-ice sightseeing and an icebreaker ship experience is a must-try there! Here we present with pleasure our winter best-seller, and hope this well-planned, though customizable, journey meets your needs!
You can walk on an iceberg, enjoy the view comfortably from inside an icebreaker ship, or go out on deck and take in the views along with the Okhotsk Sea winds. Smile to the winter animals, explore a famous chocolate factory, and shop on the snowy streets like a local.
Keep warm discovering authentic winter experiences in northern Japan!
This is an ideal tour for first-time visitors and families. Sign up for your favorite part of the tour or simply treat the whole tour as inspiration, designing each element specially for you.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Excellent Agent for Travel
![]() Yeliz Wong was our advisor at Asia Highlights for our 10 day tour of Japan. She was well organized, always reachable by Whatsapp and gave insightful and helpful recommendations for our itinerary, and made changes as necessary. Yeliz was very responsive and updated us on any changes to our itinerary. Yeliz facilitated refunds for missed excursions due to scheduling issues. We highly recommend her for her professionalism and attention to detail. More
cseg, May 2024
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Our 17 day Journey thru Japan and…
![]() Our 17 day Journey thru Japan and China, arranged by Sharon was super. The up front communication with her was very easy despite our time differences. She went out of her way to talk when it was convenient for us. More
Mick Rings, Apr 2024
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Very attentative customer service
![]() All my requests were answered in very short time, even on weekends. Yeliz made a big effort to plan the perfect trip for me More
Heinz Brunner, Apr 2024
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Highlights
Go outdoors and step into a white world made of frozen waterfalls and lakes and snow-covered houses.
![the frozen world of Hokkaido](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Say hello to the cute animals of Asahiyama Zoo.
![penguins at the zoo](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Board an icebreaker ship and explore the floating ice!
![cruise on ince](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
See Japan's famous version of Alcatraz (The Rock).
![Abashiri Prison Museum](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Compare the different frozen lakes of Hokkaido.
![lake of Hokkaido in winter](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Observe the wildlife of Kushiro Wetland.
![red-crowned crane at Kushiro Wetland](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Visit Shiroi Koibito Park and sample its chocolate.
![Shiroi Koibito Park](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Stay the night at a hot-spring hotel near Lake Akan.
![hotel with hot spring](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
![the tag of ah hand picked](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Journey Route
![japan travel guide](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Itinerary in Detail
We arrange plenty of unique activities to help create memorable experiences along the way; such as enjoying the hot spring, discovering the local village & waterfall, and visiting the local chocolate factory. We also take time to board the ice-breaker ship and cruise on the frozen world, observe red-crowned crane, regarded by Japanese people as a symble of longlife.
Welcome to Sapporo — capital city of Hokkaido!
You will be met on arrival at New Chitose Airport and have a transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure.
![the new chitose airport near Hokaido](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Today, we would explore the frozen world of Furano:
- Walk in a cozy world of crafts — Ningle Terrace ('Forest Elf Terrace')
- Enjoy the winter beauty of Furano — Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.
![Shirahige Falls](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Have a day excursion in Asahikawa, have fun with the cute creatures, and dive into the local art.Today, we would explore the frozen world of Furano:
- Visit the Asahiyama Zoo, and meet the lovely animals, including penguins.
- Delve into the local art scene at Snow Crystal Museum.
- Sample the famous local flavor — Asahikawa ramen — at its famous Ramen Street.
![exterior of Snow Crystal Museum](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
- Pass Abashiri Prison Museum — an outdoor exhibition (enter if interested).
- Drive on Ten Ni Tsuzuku Michi ('Road to the Heaven').
- Take photos at Cape Notoro — the cape with the famous Notoromisaki Lighthouse, beside Utsukushi-Misaki Ranch in northwestern Abashiri city, close to Lake Notoro.
- Visit the northernmost church in Japan — Christ Brethren Shari Church.
![Abashiri Prison Museum](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Ready for the Ice World? Let go!
- Board an icebreaker ship in the morning.
- Try walking on drift ice on your own if the weather permits.
- Discover Shiretoko Nature Center on foot (1 hour) and Shiretoko Five Lakes.
![cruise on icebreaker ship](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
This morning, make your way to southeast after breakfast.
- Start the day trip by visiting Lake Kussharo — a caldera lake in Akan National Park.
- Drive to Lake Akan — another beautiful crater lake by Mount Oakan.
![Lake Kussharo](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
Today you explore the natural sites of Kushiro and Obihiro.
- Enter Kushiro Wetland Park and see the rare and auspicious red-crowned cranes.
- Head to Tokachigawa Hot Spring for a natural moisturizing and smoothing bath.
![Kushiro Wetland Park](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
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Visit Shiroi Koibito Park — the most famous local chocolate/cookie manufacturer.
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Discover downtown Sapporo — Sapporo Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower views ...
![Otaro](https://data.asiahighlights.com/grey.gif)
We hope the journey home provides a happy conclusion to your winter vacation!
Airport to hotel transport would be arranged in Sapporo.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
![]() Hotel in Sapporo with nice location
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![]() Family-friendly hotel in Asahikawa
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![]() Hotel with hot spring in Obihiro, Abashiri and Lake Akan
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Tour Price:
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the peak (winter) season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-jp-12
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
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At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.