Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan is famous for its natural beauty and pristine areas filled with wildlife, excellent skiing sports, and the indigenous culture of the Ainu people. Let’s join JNTO in a meticulously designed itinerary to fully experience the flavors of Hokkaido.
Day1
Welcome to Winter Wonderland Hokkaido
Your journey begins as you land at Memanbetsu Airport in Ozora, Hokkaido, Japan. As your plane touches down on the runway, you’ll be greeted by rugged coastlines and picturesque snow-covered landscapes. Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a wild paradise renowned for its rich natural resources, proudly home to hundreds of brown bears and thousands of Stellar eagles. Keep your eyes peeled for one of these magnificent creatures as you travel to the stunning Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort.
Upon arrival, take a moment to unwind in the world-class hot springs and indulge in a delightful dinner featuring fresh sashimi or perfectly cooked Wagyu beef, paired with exquisite wine.
Day 2
Adventure on the Ice Floes
Wake up to the breathtaking scenery of the Shiretoko Peninsula, where the pristine coastline of Hokkaido features long, sweeping beaches and towering cliffs. Enjoy a leisurely morning with a traditional Japanese breakfast, perhaps savoring a steaming bowl of miso soup or a Western-style meal, accompanied by a cup of green tea or coffee and pastries from an award-winning bakery.
After breakfast, take some time to relax and soak in the onsen hot springs. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a bento box or izakaya-style dishes, preparing you for your winter adventure in Hokkaido. A professional guide will lead you on a 2-kilometer hike across the ice floes formed from rivers in Russia, navigating through ice blocks that can reach heights of up to 3 meters. To keep warm, you'll be equipped with a dry suit that will also help you float on the frigid waters, allowing you to experience the sensation of drifting on the icy currents.
Upon returning to the hotel, warm your feet in the foot bath of the onsen. If you’re still craving more of the cold, consider visiting the Shiretoko Drift Ice Festival. To end your day, gather with friends and family to share stories over a Japanese-style Kaiseki dinner featuring a variety of dishes, all while enjoying a warm cup of local sake.
Day 3
Admire the Majestic Beauty of Nature and Onsen Hot Springs
Leave the hotel behind and immerse yourself in the stunning nature of Hokkaido. You can go skiing in Shiretoko National Park to witness the breathtaking frozen Furepe Falls, or if you’re an experienced diver, drive to the eastern part of the peninsula for a morning of diving beneath the drifting ice floes.
In the afternoon, your journey will take you to Kawayu Onsen hot springs. On the way, you'll enjoy scenic views of the countryside and mountainous forests. A highlight of the trip is the magnificent Iwo Volcano, an active volcano that was once a sulfur mining site but has since transformed into a nature reserve teeming with diverse plant life.
Tonight, you’ll rest at the Kinkiyu Hotel, a traditional ryokan. Here, you can relax in the mineral-rich onsen hot springs before indulging in a sophisticated Japanese kaiseki dinner. In the evening, you’ll have the opportunity to witness an emotional contemporary art performance by the Ainu people, blending modern sounds with the ancient rhythms of Hokkaido's indigenous culture.
Day 4
Explore the Indigenous Culture of Hokkaido
After a restful night, don't forget to energize yourself with a simple yet delicious Japanese breakfast. Then, get ready to embark on a journey to explore the rich cultural heritage that awaits you. This morning, you'll delve into the local Teshikaga pottery and learn how to craft a tea cup from Hokkaido clay under the guidance of skilled local artisans.
Next, you'll visit a local kitchen to savor distinctive flavors by making your own buckwheat pancakes and eggs (or a vegan alternative) using fresh ingredients from nearby farms!
After lunch, you'll continue your journey to the Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga resort hotel. Once you arrive, take a stroll around the Ainu village by beautiful Lake Akan, where you'll find handcrafted items and traditional artifacts of the Ainu people. Additionally, Lake Akan is situated within Akan National Park, famous for its rare green marimo algae and the trails that meander through sulfur streams and mud ponds that are easily traversable. Don't forget to capture a photo of the iconic red-crowned cranes, known as symbols of prosperity in Japan.
End your day with a delicious and varied buffet dinner, followed by a relaxing evening drink by the warm fire at the Apaso Lounge.
Day 5
Savor Hokkaido at a Leisurely Pace
Today's adventure options include a guided fat bike tour through the Akan Forest or a trek in the Hikari no Mori area, a privately-owned land by the Maeda Ippoen Foundation dedicated to the conservation of the Akan forest. Throughout your journey, you will be accompanied by professional local guides from Siri Adventure Base.
For lunch, you can experience dining at a local noodle shop or izakaya.
In the afternoon, take some time to relax in a luxurious onsen or stroll on the frozen lakes. Additionally, you can enjoy a dinner featuring authentic Hokkaido-style ramen at the ramen counter right in the hotel, or explore one of the many nearby local restaurants. If you have the chance, consider attending a traditional Ainu dance performance while you're out!
Day 6
Crane Dance and a Night in the Town
Leave the hotel and head to the Akan International Crane Center. On your way to the station, make sure to visit the winter nesting site of the Japanese crane, a bird that has been present and living here for about 1,000 years. After reaching the station, you will catch a limited express train to Sapporo, a journey that takes approximately four hours. Onboard, take time to relax in the comfortable train seats, enjoy food and beverages, and connect with your travel companions.
Upon arriving at Sapporo Station, it will take an additional 20 minutes by car to reach the Sapporo Park Hotel. Your dinner will take place at a local izakaya in Susukino, a vibrant entertainment district in Sapporo. In contrast to Hokkaido's vast natural landscapes, the urban atmosphere of Sapporo offers a rich experience of Japanese culture, renowned for its lively nightlife, street food, and the world-famous namesake beer..
Day 7
Return to Modern Civilization
Conclude your journey in Hokkaido by exploring the cities of Sapporo and Otaru. Your first stop will be the Takaragawa Sake Brewery in Sapporo, where you can enjoy a sake tasting experience! After indulging in the flavors of sake, head to Otaru-Fukuzushi for a hands-on sushi-making experience for lunch.
Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming port city of Otaru and visit a Shinto shrine. Finally, the Sapporo Beer Museum and its beer garden restaurant will serve as the perfect finale for your week of exploration in Hokkaido. Wrap up the evening with chilled Sapporo beer and savor delicious grilled lamb, creating a memorable end to your adventure.
Day 8
Sayonara, Hokkaido
It’s time to bid farewell to the winter wonderland of Japan. You will travel to Shin-Chitose Airport, a journey that will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes, before boarding your flight home.
Suggested Additional Itinerary
If you love skiing, consider extending your stay in Hokkaido to experience skiing on some of the world's finest powder snow slopes. You can try skiing at the ski hills located within the city of Sapporo, or travel to nearby resorts like Niseko, Furano, or Kiroro, all of which offer hundreds of miles of powder ski runs.
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