Hokkaido – Winter Wonderland
Duration: 7 days
Highlights: Discover the winter wonders on Hokkaido, the most northerly of Japan’s four main islands. The area benefits from incredible snowfalls for winter sports and Hokkaido leads the way with Asia’s finest ski resorts.
Discover the winter wonders on Hokkaido, the most northerly of Japan’s four main islands. With its far northern location Hokkaido is blest with pristine nature, clean ocean waters and an abundance of winter snow, some of the greatest accumulations of snow on earth. These incredible snowfalls mean winter sports and Hokkaido leads the way with Asia’s finest ski resorts. Enjoy a week-long adventure beginning in Sapporo, the island’s charming capital and culminating in two full days of skiing in Niseko the Mecca for all skiers in Japan.
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Tokyo – New Chitose - Sapporo
Today, you will arrive into Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport where, after clearing immigration and customs entry formalities, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking assistant in the Arrivals Hall and you will be assisted with the check-in for your domestic flight to the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
Upon arrival at the New Chitose Airport where, after claiming your bags, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking assistant in the Arrivals Hall and transferred to your hotel in Sapporo.
Overnight: JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
Day 2 - Sapporo - Niseko
This morning, following breakfast, meet your guide and commence a half-day tour of Sapporo.
Capital of Hokkaido, the most northerly of Japan’s main islands, Sapporo (population 1.9 million) has a fresh frontier appeal that matches the rugged beauty of the island. Famous for its locally brewed beer and gateway to a year-round wonderland of outdoor activities, Sapporo is a refreshing change from the densely populated cities of the south. For winter warriors, this is the gateway to Asia’s best skiing and the world’s snowiest regions.
You begin at the Okurayama Observatory. Located above the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, which hosted the Winter Olympics 1972 ski jump competitions, the observatory promises spectacular views of Sapporo.
Work up a lunchtime appetite during the short drive to Sapporo's Central Wholesale Market, which is famous for its fresh seafood and enormous crabs. Ask your guide to point out the best places to savor what's on offer. Be sure to try the sashimi and legendary cream puffs.
After a half-day of sightseeing, you will be transferred overland to your hotel in Niseko (approximately 3.5 hours).
Overnight: AYA Niseko Or Hilton Niseko Village Resort Or SHIKI Niseko
Meal Plan: B
Day 3 - Niseko
Today you will be at leisure to enjoy your time in Niseko as you please. You can enjoy skiing on your own or take a professional ski lesson with an English-speaking ski instructor.
Overnight: AYA Niseko Or Hilton Niseko Village Resort Or SHIKI Niseko
Meal Plan: B
Day 4 - Niseko
Today you will be at leisure to enjoy your time in Niseko as you please. You can enjoy skiing on your own or take a professional ski lesson with an English-speaking ski instructor.
Overnight: AYA Niseko Or Hilton Niseko Village Resort Or SHIKI Niseko
Meal Plan: B
Day 5 - Niseko - Otaru - Sapporo
This morning, following breakfast, transfer overland from Niseko to Otaru which will take approximately 3 hours.
Your visit in Otaru is to the Music Box Museum at the southern end of Sakaimachi. As you enter, note the steam clock, a gift from the city of Vancouver. The small museum here is complemented by a large store with a variety of music boxes on sale.
The Otaru Canal is an altogether different perspective of the area lined with the grand architecture of Otaru's 19th and early 20th century days of commercial glory.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After sightseeing, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sapporo (Approximately 1.5 hours)
Overnight: Sapporo Grand Hotel
Meal Plan: B
Day 6 - Sapporo - New Chitose - Tokyo
This morning at the appointed time your guide will transfer you from your hotel to the New Chitose International Airport where you will board your domestic flight to the Tokyo Haneda International Airport.
Upon arrival at the Tokyo Haneda International Airport where, after claiming your bags, you will be welcomed by an English-speaking guide in the Arrivals Hall and commence a half-day tour of Tokyo.
Capital of Japan since 1889 and with a population of 38.1 million (greater Tokyo), Tokyo is the dynamic epicenter of 21st century Japan. A dazzling fusion of ancient and modern, traditional and the avant-garde, the city pulsates with promise. Asia’s financial center and one of the world’s alpha cities, Tokyo offers the traveler a myriad of activities that draw on the city’s imperial history, innovative technology, exciting art and design, and the charming kindness of her people. For food, fun, and fashion there is no city quite like Tokyo.
Your first stop is the Imperial Palace Grounds, the former site of Edo Castle where their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside. Set on 1.15 million square meters of land in the heart of the city, Edo Castle was the official residence of the Tokugawa shogunate who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Although much of the palace grounds are closed to the public, you can still take a leisurely stroll through many areas around the premises.
Transfer to Senso-ji, the oldest and most impressive temple in Tokyo. It was built in 645 to house a tiny golden statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Dating back to the 17th century, Nakamise, the 250-meter approach to Senso-ji, is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Japan. The temple precincts bustle with people praying, shopping and sightseeing.
This evening enjoy a nighttime tour of the izakayas of Shinjuku for an authentic foodie experience.
Overnight: The Peninsula Tokyo
Meal Plan: B
Day 7 - Depart Tokyo
Today, after breakfast, you will be transferred to either of the two Tokyo Airports (Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport) where you will be assisted with the check-in for your departure flight.
Meal Plan: B
