OVERVIEW
The northernmost of Japan’s main islands, Hokkaido is a vision of untamed, epic wilderness in winter – snow-covered landscapes, world-renowned powder skiing at Niseko, steaming onsen at Noboribetsu, and the magical frozen beauty of Biei’s Blue Pond.
Hokkaido is also Japan’s finest food destination – world-famous for its seafood, dairy, ramen and Yoichi whisky. A nature and food lover’s paradise.
PRICE FROM
USD 6,250 per person
Double occupancy. Excludes international flights & insurance
WHEN TO VISIT
December – March
Peak powder snow: January & February
DURATION
9 days
Ideally 10–11 days
GROUP SIZE
Private – just your group
STYLE
Fully tailor-made
Every detail adapted to you
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ Private local guide
✓ Day-by-day itinerary
✓ Accommodation recommendations
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Transport planning & tickets
✓ 7/7 on-the-ground support
SAMPLE ROUTE
This is a sample route - every stop, duration and experience is adapted to you.
Yōkoso - welcome to Hokkaido. A private car transfers you to Noboribetsu, a place known for relaxation and home to some of Hokkaido's most famous onsen. Your first day is yours to settle in at your own pace.
Ease into the rhythm of the north - an exquisite multi-course kaiseki dinner, then a long soak in the hot springs and a good night's sleep.
Begin at Jigokudani - "Hell Valley" - an active geothermal field where volcanic gases hiss from bleached rock and the smell of sulphur, white smoke and steaming springs create a genuinely hellish landscape.
On to Lake Toya - its caldera scenery stretching as far as the eye can see, said by some to be the most transparent lake in all Japan - before continuing to Niseko, one of the world's top ski resorts.
Two days in Niseko, regarded as the "Mecca of powder snow." Averaging an astonishing 15 metres of snow a season, it has long been one of Japan's premier ski destinations. The Niseko United resort links four individual ski areas under a single All-Mountain Pass, each with its own character and terrain for every level.
First-timers can take lessons at the Niseko Village Snow School, for adults and children alike; advanced skiers will find legendary off-piste and backcountry, with in-bounds gates opening onto challenging terrain and deep powder.
Leaving Niseko, stop at the Nikka Yoichi Distillery - opened in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky - for a tasting among the snow-covered stone buildings. Then to Otaru, a leading port city of the late 19th century.
Wander Sakaimachi, a preserved merchant street of crafts, glassware and music boxes, and the charming Otaru Canal, lined with stone warehouses and especially lovely under snow. Continue to Sapporo for the evening.
Once a quiet Ainu settlement on the Ishikari Plain - its name from the Ainu sat poro pet, "dry, great river" - Sapporo grew into Hokkaido's vibrant capital and host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Ride the Mount Moiwa ropeway for sweeping city views, see the iconic Clock Tower and stroll Odori Park, then a local lunch at Nijo Market.
If your visit falls in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival fills Odori Park with vast ice and snow sculptures. Finish at the historic red-brick Beer Garden with Jingisukan - grilled lamb on the dome-shaped "Genghis Khan" iron plate.
Travel into central Hokkaido to Biei, its name from the Ainu Biyoro-pet, "shining river." Beneath deep snow, its famous patchwork farmland softens into rolling white.
At dusk, witness the Shirogane Blue Pond - an accidental gem born of a 1988 dam, glowing cobalt under a winter light show - and the icicle-framed Shirahige "white beard" Waterfall. Overnight at Shirogane Onsen or Asahikawa.
Begin with the morning Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo, a beloved winter tradition as the birds waddle a snowy path past delighted crowds. Or savour local sake in Asahikawa, a town whose clear, cold waters made it a quiet brewing capital.
Then drive back to Sapporo for a relaxed soup curry dinner in Susukino, the city's famous entertainment district.
Depending on your departure time, a final wander through Sapporo's markets - from the bustling Nijo Market with Hokkaido's freshest seafood to neighbourhood markets of artisanal crafts and regional specialities.
Private car transfer to New Chitose Airport for your flight onward.
PERFECT FOR
Skiers & snowboarders
Niseko’s legendary powder and varied terrain make this the ultimate ski itinerary in Asia.
Nature & wildlife lovers
Hokkaido’s untamed winter wilderness, frozen lakes and dramatic landscapes are unlike anywhere else in Japan.
Food enthusiasts
Hokkaido is Japan’s finest food island – seafood, crab, ramen, dairy and Yoichi whisky at their winter best.
Off-season Japan travellers
Travellers who want a completely different side of Japan, away from the Golden Route crowds.
