Hokkaido Winter Discovery Tour
Magnificent Wilderness
Winter Wonderland Hokkaido – Personalized Japan Tour
The northernmost and least developed of Japan’s main islands, Hokkaido is a vision of untamed, epic wilderness, providing numerous outdoor activities.
Its cities, nestled against the backdrop of mountains and lakes, provide a dose of culture and culinary delights, while world-renowned Niseko offers some of Asia’s finest powder skiing. Hokkaido’s abundant nature has made it one of the best culinary hotspots in Japan and is world-famous for its seafood and fish.
Hokkaido is truly a nature and food lover’s paradise.
Price
From USD 6,200 per person – excl. flights
(double occupancy)
When to visit
Early December ~ Early March
Length of stay
Ideally 8 Nights
- Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights like a local with your own private tour guide.
- Discover the heart and soul of Japan through curated experiences and gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
- Step into a world, a unique culture that fascinates many to which even some Japanese people have no access.
Perfect for
- Discovering Japan’s most pristine winter wilderness and snow-covered landscapes in Hokkaido.
- Adventure seekers who want both must-see landmarks and hidden gems, guided by local insights that only true Japan experts can provide.
- For travelers seeking to experience Japan’s authentic seasonal culture and the world’s best powder snow in Niseko.
What’s included
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- A curated collection of stays
- Large choice of tours & experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
Day 1 – Sapporo Arrival – Noboribetsu
Yokoso 札幌へようこそ！– Welcome to Sapporo!
Transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel in Noboribetsu.
The area is known as a destination for relaxation and has some of Hokkaido’s famous onsen, or hot springs..
Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Hokkaido just getting settled.
Indulge in an exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinner and finish the day with a soak in the hot baths and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2 – Noboribetsu / Niseko
Start your day with Jigokudani, known as Hell Valley, where you can see an active volcanic geothermal area at work.
Volcanic gases spout from the cracks in the bleached rocks, and the smell of sulfur along with the white smoke and steaming hot springs, are truly impressive and create a hellish landscape.
Discover indigenous heritage at Upopoy National Ainu Museum, celebrating Hokkaido’s native culture through interactive exhibits.
And Lake Toya or “Lakeland”, known for its beautiful caldera and stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. Some say it’s the most transparent lake in all of Japan.
Next, make your way to Niseko, one of the world’s top ski resorts.
Day 3 & 4 – Niseko
Niseko is regarded as the “Mecca of powder snow”.
Averaging an amazing 15m of snow each season, Niseko has long been recognized as one of Japan’s premier ski destinations,
The Niseko United Resort is made up of four individual ski resorts, all with their own base areas, and linked with the “All-Mountain Pass”. Each with its own charm and diverse terrain, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
For first-time skiers Niseko Village Snow School offers ski and snowboard lessons for both adults and kids. For advanced and expert skiers, Niseko is also known for its incredible off-piste and back country skiing opportunities. The resort boasts numerous in-bounds gates that provide access to challenging terrain and deep powder.
Day 5 – Otaru & Yoichi
Journey to Otaru, one of Japan’s most prominent port cities between the end of the 19th century.
You will wander down Sakaimachi, a preserved merchant street, filled with shops selling local crafts, glassware, music boxes and delicious sweets. And explore the charming Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and historic buildings, where you might consider a boat ride.
Continue your journey to Shakotan Peninsula, famous for its blue waters, its rugged coastline of natural rock formations, like the iconic Ebisu Iwa & Daikoku Iwa, named after the Japanese deities Ebisu (god of fishermen and good fortune) and Daikoku (god of wealth and harvest)
For Whisky connoisseur – a visit to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is an essential experience. Opened in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, often referred to as the father of Japanese whisky.
Day 6 – Otaru / Sapporo
Now a bustling metropolis, Sapporo was once nothing but a quiet hunting and fishing town in the Ishikari Plain of Hokkaido, settled by the Ainu.
The area that is now Sapporo was originally inhabited by the Ainu people. The name “Sapporo” is believed to derive from the Ainu words “sat poro pet,” meaning “dry, great river.”
Throughout the 20th century, Sapporo experienced rapid growth and modernization. It hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, which significantly boosted its international profile and led to infrastructure development.
Start the day with a scenic ride up Mount Moiwa via ropeway for breathtaking views of the city below. Then visit the iconic Clock Tower and stroll through Odori Park, a green oasis, before heading to Nijo Market, where you’ll be treated to a delightful, local lunch.
Finish the day at the Sapporo Beer Museum for a taste of brewing history and Jingisukan, consisting of grilled mutton or lamb and vegetables on a special iron plate called the “Genghis Khan”.
Day 7 – Final Day – Sapporo & Departure
Depending on your departure time, explore Sapporo’s vibrant markets for a final shopping —from the bustling Nijo Market featuring Hokkaido’s freshest seafood and local delicacies to charming neighborhood markets offering artisanal crafts, regional specialties, and unique souvenirs.
Transfer by private car to Sapporo Chitose airport for your flight back to Tokyo and home.
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