Japan’s Winter Wonderland: Snow & Ski in Hokkaido
Travel Destinations: Japan
9 Day Itinerary | Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Niseko, Otaru, Sapporo
Spend the most romantic time of the year in northern Japan exploring the white snow and sparkling lights sprinkled across the countryside and cities. This nine-day itinerary takes you through Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Niseko, Otaru and Sapporo. Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and action as you travel from hot springs to ski slopes. Take advantage of the magic the season brings with it to discover Southern Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
• Snow Sports: Niseko is one of the world’s best ski destinations, known for skiing, snowmobile rides, horse trekking, snow-rafting and more.
• Onsen: Après-ski with a difference as you soak tired muscles in natural hot spring baths.
• Food & Drink: Try some of Hokkaido’s specialties with trips to the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, Sapporo Beer Brewery and the port city of Otaru (famous for fresh seafood, cheesecake and chocolate).
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.
Ultra Luxe
Embark on an unparalleled journey of extravagance and exclusivity, where every detail is meticulously crafted to provide the utmost in opulence and personalized service.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Noboribetsu
• Welcome to Hokkaido
• Private transfer to Noboribetsu
Day 2 – Hakodate
• Private transfer to Hakodate
• Pass through Onuma National Park
Day 3 – Lake Toya
• Private transfer to Lake Toya
• Local fish market visit
• See monkeys bathing in onsen
Day 4 – Niseko
• Private transfer to Niseko
• Ice cream making class
• Snowsports in Niseko
Day 5 – Niseko
• Day at leisure
Day 6 – Otaru
• Private transfer to Otaru
• Tour of Otaru
Day 7 – Sapporo
• Private transfer to Sapporo
• Mt. Okura Ski Jump
• Ishiya Chocolate Factory visit
Day 8 – Sapporo
• Day at leisure
Day 9 – Sapporo
• Private transfer to the airport
Itinerary
Day 1 – Noboribetsu
Upon arrival at the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, you will be transferred to the city of Noboribetsu. The area is known as a destination for relaxation and has some of Hokkaido’s famous onsen, or hot springs. Explore the curious naturally-hot lakes and the valley that earned the town its nickname, Hell Valley. Check in to a luxury ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which often features hot spring baths, traditional Japanese meals, clothing and bedding. Indulge in an exquisite kaiseki dinner of small, meticulously prepared and finely presented dishes that are a delight to the five senses. Finish the day with a soak in the hot baths and a good night’s sleep.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Hakodate
Travel south by car to Hakodate, passing through Onuma National Park along the way. Look for the small islands sprinkled throughout the freshwater lakes in the park. Reach Hakodate, one of the oldest cities in Hokkaido. The area is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings. The old-world churches spotting the picturesque Motomachi Hills are worth wandering up the countryside to explore. Revel at the stunning view from Mt Hakodate at night when the stars are shining brightly. Spend the evening at a local ryokan.
Accommodation: Ryokan
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 – Lake Toya
Leave your hotel early this morning to visit the bustling morning fish market. Grab a quick photo of the monkeys bathing in the onsens before traveling to Lake Toya. The lake is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is famous for its active volcanoes.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 – Niseko
Gear up for some amazing skiing as you travel to Niseko, one of the world’s top ski resorts. Along the way, pause and enjoy lunch followed by ice cream, which you will learn to make yourself! Once you reach Niseko, you have the option to either ski, snowmobile, take a horse trek, go snow-rafting or attempt another sport that makes the most of the area’s snow-blanketed landscape. Relax at your luxury Niseko hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Niseko
You have the entire day to yourself to enjoy the fresh white powder and unique culture in Niseko. If you crave more time skiing, spend the day carving up the mountain. If you prefer to stay indoors, learn how to make pottery, take a cooking class or you can even relax with a massage or spa treatment. There are several onsens in the area if you care for a hot soak, particularly necessary for soothing any skiing-induced aches.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 – Otaru
Leave Niseko and travel to the charming port town of Otaru. Otaru is just outside of Sapporo and seems to be frozen in time. Check out the beautiful old bank buildings and warehouses. It’s easy to imagine that this was a busy hub when the town thrived on herring fishing. Treat yourself to some incredible, fresh seafood pulled straight from the local waters. The town is famous for glass, music boxes, cheese cake and chocolate– peruse the local shops and indulge in what Otaru does best. This evening, enjoy the magical scenery from your luxury Otaru hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 – Sapporo
Start the day off right by traveling to Sapporo and visiting the Mt. Okura Ski Jump. Feel posh and chic as you sip Japanese tea in Maruyama. Stroll through the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcades post-lunch in the Susukino Ramen Alley. That evening, view the sparkling Christmas lights at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. We recommend staying at the Suizantei Club Jozankei, just outside of Sapporo.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 – Sapporo
Explore the city at your own pace today. Shop in one of the many darling storefronts. Visit the TV tower, the clock tower or take a Sapporo Beer Brewery tour and see if the famous beverage tastes better fresh from the source. Stroll through the Christmas Market that evening. Keep an eye out for Sapporo Ramen, Genghis Khan and Soup Curry – three dishes the area is famous for. Spend a final evening in your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 – Sapporo
Make the most of your final day in the lively city! Savor a final authentic Japanese meal. Shop the outlets and stock up on last-minute Japanese fashion and souvenirs before you catch your flight 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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