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9-Day Best of Japan’s Winter – Hokkaido Private Tour

9-Day Best of Japan’s Winter – Hokkaido Private Tour

By RobertUpdated Mar. 22, 2023
Revel in Japan's Snow and Have Fun in Hokkaido

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!

  • Days:
  • Best For:First-timers, Photographers, Nature lovers
  • Departure date:January to March
  • Sample Price:from US$4,599 each (2 per room)
  • Cancellations:100% refunded! (till 22 days before)

Journey Route

japan travel guide

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.

Highlights

Go outdoors and step into a white world made of frozen waterfalls and lakes and snow-covered houses.

the frozen world of Hokkaido
the tag of ah hand picked

Say hello to the cute animals of Asahiyama Zoo.

penguins at the zoo

Board an icebreaker ship and explore the floating ice!

cruise on ince
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See Japan's famous version of Alcatraz (The Rock).

Abashiri Prison Museum
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Compare the different frozen lakes of Hokkaido.

lake of Hokkaido in winter

Observe the wildlife of Kushiro Wetland.

red-crowned crane at Kushiro Wetland
the tag of ah hand picked

Visit Shiroi Koibito Park and sample its chocolate.

Shiroi Koibito Park
the tag of ah hand picked

Stay the night at a hot-spring hotel near Lake Akan.

hotel with hot spring
the tag of ah hand picked
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Tour Review
Lianne Stone, May 2023
LE, May 2023
Serene Storslett, May 2023
Lynette Whittle, Apr 2023
Madhu, Apr 2023
Luisa, Apr 2023
Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris, Apr 2023
Nancy K, Apr 2023
Laurie Lee, Feb 2023
Todd Hankinson, Dec 2022
Ginybel Belgira, Sep 2022
Geoff Rayner-Canham, May 2019
Ailsa West, Jul 2018
Tibor Marton, May 2018
Joe, May 2018
Teri Simpson, Apr 2023
Jennifer Roth Krieger, Apr 2023
Isabelle Dessaux, Apr 2023
Monica, Mar 2023
Leo Pospichal, Mar 2023

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.

Day 1
Hokkaido Arrival

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
The New Chitose Airport
Day 2
Travel to Asahikawa through Furano

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
The Shirahige Falls
Day 3
Asahikawa Highlights

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
The Snow Crystal Museum in Asahikawa
Day 4
Asahikawa to Abashiri
  • 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
Bird's view of the Abashiri Prison Museum
Day 5
Day Trip to the Ice World

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
Cruising on the icebreaker ship!
Day 6
Abashiri to Lake Akan

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
Lake Kussharo
Day 7
Lake Akan to Obihiro through Kushiro

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
The morning of Kushiro Wetland Park
Day 8
Obihiro back to Sapporo
  • Visit Shiroi Koibito Park — the most famous local chocolate/cookie manufacturer.

  • Discover downtown Sapporo — Sapporo Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower views ...

Otaro
A nice view in Otaro
Day 9
Depart Hokkaido

We hope the journey home provides a happy conclusion to your winter vacation!

Airport to hotel transport would be arranged in Sapporo.

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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
Hotel in Sapporo with nice location
Family friendly hotel in Kanazawa
Family-friendly hotel in Asahikawa
Hotel with Garden in Kyoto
Hotel with hot spring in Obihiro, Abashiri and Lake Akan

Our Service Includes:

9 days from
US$ 4,599
per person (based on 2 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transport and personal English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-jp-12

Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

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