Japan: Central Hokkaido for Adventurers
Travel Destinations: Japan
7 Day Itinerary | Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Akan National Park, Sapporo
Not for those looking to just lay on the beach, this seven-day Central Hokkaido for Adventurers itinerary will keep you excited and enjoying the great outdoors in Japan’s beautiful snow-covered nature. The trip takes you into Mt. Taisetsu, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Akan, Tokachigawa and finishes in Sapporo. Prepare yourself for trekking, snowshoeing, canoeing, skiing and exploring the beauty of Japan’s countryside. Keep your eyes peeled so you don’t miss spotting beautiful cranes or steam pouring out of a volcano.
• Hiking: Trek up to the summit of Mt. Taisetsu wearing snowshoes and peer over the edge of active volcanoes spitting steam into the chilled air.
• Canoeing: Paddle down the Kushiro River, one of the best canoe destinations in the world, for mirror-clear waters, challenging rapids and wildlife sightings of Yezo deer and white-tailed eagles.
• Food: Sample chocolate in Sapporo at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory and pick up some Shiroi Koibito cookies (two thin butter cookies sandwiched with layer of white chocolate) as delicious souvenirs.
• Onsen: The healing waters of natural hot baths in Sounkyo are the perfect place to unwind after your outdoor adventures.
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Adventure
Explore thrilling and challenging destinations, engaging in activities such as hiking, trekking, and adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Luxury
Dive into elegance and premium perks, enjoying the finer side of travel tailored to your taste.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Asahikawa
• Airport Meet & Greet
• Airport Transfer
Day 2 – Sounkyo
• Asahidake Ropeway
• Guided snowshoe trek
• Onsen (hot spring) relaxation
Day 3 – Sounkyo
• Frozen waterfalls of Ginga and Ryusei
• Ice fishing
Day 4 – Akan National Park
• Canoeing down Kushiro River
• Lake Mashu and Lake Akan discovery
Day 5 – Sapporo
• Crane spotting in Akan
• Flight to Sapporo
Day 6 – Sapporo
• Tour of Ryugetsu sweet factory
• Ishiya Chocolate Factory visit
• Mt. Okura Ski Jump
Day 7 – Sapporo
• Depart at any time
Itinerary
Day 1 – Asahikawa
Arrive in the snow ridden, mountainous Hokkaido region by flying into Asahikawa airport. Depending on your arrival time, you may visit the diverse Asahikawa Zoo and enjoy the famous delicious local ramen.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Sounkyo
Sit back and enjoy the ride up the Asahidake Ropeway that crawls up the mountainside. Enjoy the rest because now you will embark on an exciting snowshoe trek with a professional guide. Make your way all the way to the top of the ropeway and peer down to search for steam coming out of the volcano. After an active day, relax in a natural hot spring known to the Japanese as an onsen. After exploring the hot baths, finish the day soaking in the area’s best onsen.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Sounkyo
Journey into the chilly outdoors and explore the frozen waterfalls of Ginga and Ryusei. The waterfalls appear to be paused mid-rush. Smelt ice fish on the frozen lake with the locals. You can even fish and sample piping hot fried smelt fish on the lake. A crab dinner in town is an indulgent and not-to-be-missed experience.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Akan National Park
Begin the morning by canoeing down the Kushiro River, the most popular canoeing river in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for sun pillars or diamond dust – natural phenomenons only appearing in the winter. Discover the natural, unspoiled beauty of Lake Mashu and Lake Akan. Relax your hard-worked muscles at your hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 – Sapporo
Akan is the crane capital of the country. Watch these beautiful, elegant birds for long enough, and you may witness one of the beautiful dances performed by crane couples. Drive towards Kushiro city and stop at Kushiro Washo Market for lunch. Grab a bowl of rice and pick your fish and ingredients as you peruse the many options available. Locals love the dish with soy sauce on top! Fly onward to Sapporo to spend the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Sapporo
Fix your sweet tooth as you begin the day with a tour of the Ryugetsu factory. Try the different authentic sweets and learn about how they’re made. The Baumkuchen, a layered type of cake originating from Germany, is to-die-for. Savor hot, fresh ramen in the famously-coined “Ramen Alley” in Susukino. It’s time for more sweets as you visit the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. The factory has a gorgeous museum and tons of chocolate for sampling or bringing to loved ones at home. Finish the day by burning off those goodies as you give the Mt. Okura Ski Jump a whirl. Spend a final night at your luxury hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Sapporo
Make the most of your last day in Sapporo, shopping the chic fashions at the Mitsui Outlet. Stock up on the latest accessories and any final souvenirs before catching your flight home out of the Chitose Airport. Don’t forget to squeeze in one last delicious ramen lunch before your journey to your next onward destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
Additional Information
This sample itinerary is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose. Itinerary details and availability are subject to change, please inquire for up-to-date information and pricing.
What’s Included
• A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
• 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
• All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
• A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver – your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
• Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
• A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
• One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What’s Not Included
• Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing from our Air Team
• Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour
• Visas (unless noted)
• Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
• Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
• Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, optional tours, or local camera or video fees
• Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Book This Trip
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