HOKKAIDO A Private Winter Journey 8 Days
February Departure (Tentative)
Drift ice, illuminated winter nights and warm retreats.
An eight-day escape through Japan's northern island.
Day1 Welcome to Hokkaido
Arrive at New Chitose Airport and meet your airport assistant. Your private vehicle takes you directly to Sapporo for a relaxed first evening.
Day2 Wildlife & a night of ice
Travel to Asahikawa for Asahiyama Zoo, then continue to Sounkyo. After your hotel dinner, visit the Hyobaku Ice Fall Festival.
Day3 From frozen falls to the sea
Visit Ginga and Ryusei Falls before crossing to Abashiri. Board a drift ice cruise, then settle in for dinner at your hotel.
Day4 Into Shiretoko
Continue to Shiretoko and stay in Utoro. Add an optional drift ice walk or a snowshoe outing around Shiretoko Goko or Furepe Waterfall.
Day5 Wild seas & Lake Akan
Travel to Rausu for the Shiretoko Nature Cruise with drift ice and bird watching. Continue to Lake Akan, with a scheduled winter fireworks visit.
Day6 Ainu culture & graceful cranes
Explore Ainu Kotan. Optional wakasagi smelt fishing may be added. Visit the Akan International Crane Center, then travel via Obihiro to Tokachigawa Onsen.
Day7 Back to Sapporo
An optional morning hot-air balloon experience starts the day. Return to Sapporo to see Odori Park, the Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building.
Day8 A final taste of the city
Visit Hokkaido Shrine, ride the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and explore the Sapporo Beer Museum (tasting excluded). Transfer to New Chitose Airport for departure.
*Airport arrival target 16:30. Timings, cruises and events are subject to confirmation.