Adventure Tours > Asia Adventure Tours > Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens

Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens Adventure Tour

Asia

Japan

Hokkaido in winter doesn't do subtle either - everything's just quieter under snow. Snowshoe deep into the frozen hush of Shiretoko Five Lakes, drift across sea ice off the coast, and spend an afternoon with the Ainu Kotan learning stories older than the season itself. The reward comes at dusk, in a traditional onsen, snow still falling outside.

Details

Prices from: €3549.00

Duration: 9 Days

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Travel Style: Active

Service Level: Standard

Merchandising: New Trips

Trip Type: Small Group

Call Us: 01 2311889

Day 1 Abashiri

Arrive at any time and meet your group and CEO for a welcome meeting in the evening.

Day 2 Abashiri

After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Primeval Forest area of Shiretoko National Park. Strap on some snowshoes and hike through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided four hour snowshoe trek 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 and maybe even a flying squirrel. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. In the afternoon, join a local guide for an incredible adventure across the ice. Walk safely over the drift ice that forms on top of the sea during the winter months and float in the water if you dare. Head back to Abashiri in the evening for dinner.

Day 3 Abashiri

Discover the unique history of Hokkaido's wild frontier with a visit to the notorious Abashiri Prison Museum. Marvel at the beautiful architecture and explore the world's oldest surviving five-winged wooden prison house. Inside, realistic life-sized displays bring the past to life, illustrating daily inmate routines, grueling frontier labor, and legendary prison breaks. The museum offers a profound look at how these convicts helped build Hokkaido's infrastructure under extreme winter conditions. You can even sample an authentic replica of a traditional prison meal at the onsite cafeteria if you wish. In the afternoon, take a fat bike tour along the beautiful Okhotsk Coastline, spanning from Siberia down to Hokkaido.

Day 4 Abashiri/Akan-ko

Depart Abashiri this morning and head inland towards Lake Akan. En route, stop at 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! A sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. The next stop is a visit to the active volcano, Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. 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.

Day 5 Akan-ko/Asahikawa

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. Leave room for dinner, because this evening we'll try the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.

Day 6 Asahikawa

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 the winter, you can expect snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.

Day 7 Asahikawa/Sapporo

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 to visit the Hill of the Buddha, a incredible and huge shrine. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.

Day 8 Sapporo

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.

Day 9 Sapporo

Depart at any time.

What's Included

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Ryokan Stay, Akan-ko
Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa, Asahikawa. Snowshoeing in Primeval Forest. Drift Ice Walk. Abashiri Prison Museum. Free Time in Abashiri. Sulphur Mountain & Lake Kussharo. Lake Mashu Observatory Deck. Ryokan Stay. Ainu Kotan - Ainu Culture Dance. Free Time in Akan. Try Asahikawa's famous ramen. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Hike. Free Time in Sapporo. Nijo Market. Sapporo Beer Testing.

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

Plane, private vehicle, local train, walking, snowshoe.

What are the age restrictions for this trip?

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.

Where will we stay during the trip?

Hotels (7nts), Ryokan stay (1nt)

Who will be leading the group?

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

What are the main highlights of this trip?

Snowshoe through the snow-covered Shiretoko Five Lakes, Soak in a soothing onsen at a traditional ryokan, Discover the culture of northern Japan's Indigenous Ainu people with a visit to Ainu Kotan Village, Float on the solid ice covering the sea

What meals are included in this trip?

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Are international flights included in this trip?

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, 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.

What is the maximum and typical number of participants on this tour?

Max 16, avg. 14

What activities are optional on this trip?

Sapporo
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
- Hill of the Buddha

What should I pack for this trip?

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
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• 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:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Tour Only

Prices from: €3549.00

9 day Active tour

Route Map

Call Us: 01 2311889

Adventure Tour Destinations

Asia Adventure Tours

1 Day Tours

3 Day Tours

4 Day Tours

5 Day Tours

6 Day Tours

7 Day Tours

8 Day Tours

9 Day Tours

10 Day Tours

11 Day Tours

12 Day Tours

13 Day Tours

14 Day Tours

15 Day Tours

16 Day Tours

17 Day Tours

18 Day Tours

19 Day Tours

20 Day Tours

21 Day Tours

22 Day Tours

23 Day Tours

24 Day Tours

25 Day Tours

26 Day Tours

27 Day Tours

28 Day Tours

29 Day Tours

30 Day Tours

31 Day Tours

Southeast Asia Immersion: Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand & Laos

32 Day Tours

33 Day Tours

39 Day Tours

40 Day Tours

41 Day Tours

Indochina In-Depth: Temples & Teal Water

46 Day Tours

Ultimate India by Rail

54 Day Tours

Indian Odyssey by Rail

Talk with people who like what you like.
Join us on Facebook
A video is worth a million words.
Visit us on YouTube
Find out what is happening right now.
Follow us on Twitter
Hangout together with Holiday Chat & Competitions.
Join us on Google+

Cookies Consent

Your Cookie & Data Settings

01 2311889

Manage My Booking

European

USA & Canada

Worldwide

Cruise Type

Cruise Companies

Regions

Escorted Tours

Last Minute Holidays

Active Holidays

Ski Holidays

Holiday Types

Specialist Holidays