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Hokkaido may be Japan's second largest island, but it's brimming with adventure, best explored on your own two feet. This nine-day journey takes you through Hokkaido's stunning national parks during the island's temperate months. Trek through the wild beauty of Shiretoko National Park, ride the Asahidake Ropeway to jaw-dropping heights in Daisetsuzan National Park, and unwind with a blissful overnight stay at a traditional onsen. Cap it all off with a cold Sapporo beer right in Sapporo city. It's the perfect blend of epic hikes, rich culture, and well-deserved relaxation!
Hotels (7nts), Ryokan stay (1nt)
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Maximum 16
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.
Plane, private vehicle, local train, walking.
Twinshare hotel
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Ryokan Stay, Akan-ko
Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa, Asahikawa. Shiretoko Five Lake trek. Furepe waterfall hike. Primeval Forest hiking. Sulphur mountain visit. Lake Kussharo hot spring beach. Lake Mashu Observation Deck. Akan Ryokan stay. Asahikawa Ramen dinner. Asahidake Ropeway. Sugatami Pong hike. Free time in Sapporo. Nijo Market visit. Sapporo Beer Museum visit and beer tasting. All transportation to and from included activities. Internal air.
Shiretoko
- Hot Springs Village
- Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Centre
Otaru
- Half Day Cycling Tour of Otaru
Sapporo
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Max 16, avg. 14
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Trek through Shiretoko, Akan Mashu, and Daisetsuzan National Parks, Learn about one of the two remaining indigenous groups in Japan in the Ainu Kotan Village, Try local the ramen specialty and the oldest beer in Japan.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. There's no time to waste as you join your fellow travelers in the morning for a welcome briefing with your CEO and head towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, head to your hotel outside Shiretoko National Park and enjoy dinner together with your CEO and new travel mates.
This tour departs from Tokyo today, so if you want to spend more time in Tokyo, consider joining the Active Northern Japan: Tokyo & Hokkaido adventure.
Please not this tour begins with a flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido. This internal flight is included in the cost of your tour. Please make sure to arrive at your meeting point hotel no later than 10:00 am to ensure you do not miss the flight.
After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lo. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea.
Another morning hike in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the Primeval Forest area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. The afternoon is at leisure, and you can choose to relax at your hotel bathing facilities, or walk into the village area some 20 minutes away.
Depart the Shiretoko area this morning and head slightly inland towards Lake Akan. En route stop to visit active volcano Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. From there continue on to the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! Yet another sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art.
Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Don't fill up too much during the day, because dinner this evening is the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.
It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes.
It's important to note that in Spring and Fall, its common to still have snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.
Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO on a half day cycling tour of Otaru, a nearby town full of historical gems to explore. Or, choose to walk on foot to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.
Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location.
Depart at any time.
Details
Prices from: €3829.00
Duration: 9 Days
Merchandising: New Trips
Trip Type: Small Group
Service Level: Standard
Travel Style: Active
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Prices from: €3829.00
9 day Active tour
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