Explore Hokkaido with Skiing

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sapporo, Arrival

  The gorgeous northernmost island of Hokkaido is famous for its magnificent wonders of nature, unique indigenous culture, abundant powder snow, and fresh seafood.

  All these make Hokkaido the perfect escape in all seasons. Upon your arrival at Sapporo airport, our assistant will greet you and escort you to your hotel by private vehicle. Check into the hotel and relax.

  • Sapporo

• Day 2: Sapporo City Tour

  Sapporo, the capital and largest city of Hokkaido, a summer haven and winter wonderland, is well known for its ramen, beer, seafood, and theSnow Festival held every February.

  Today, delve into the history and culture of Sapporo on a guided tour. Discover Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the few surviving Western-style buildings in Sapporo. Take some photos and enjoy the exhibitions inside that showcase Sapporo's history. Proceed to Odori Park, a pleasant green area for relaxation and recreation, also the main site for popular seasonal events and festivals. Then walk into the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, one of the settings for the 1972 Winter Olympics. From the top of the stadium, you can admire the panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

  In the afternoon, go on a shopping spree at Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, one of the oldest and most popular shopping streets in Hokkaido. Round off the day with a stop at ShiroiKoibito Park, a wonderland of sweets where you have a chance to watch the favorite Japanese biscuit - ShiroiKoibito cookie being made at Ishiya Chocolate Factory, try some sweet, and even make your cookies or chocolate!

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  • Sapporo

• Day 3: Sapporo - Otaru - Sapporo, Discover Otaru

  Your destination today, the romantic port city of Otaru in the northwest of Sapporo, is famous for its well-preserved historic and picturesque canals lined with century-old brick warehouses and gas lights, as well as its glassworks, music boxes, and lively fresh seafood.

  Enjoy gourmet and shopping at Sakaimachi Street, a short walk from the canal area. Marvel at a variety of unrivaled glassworks in Kitaichi Glass's stores and the museum, one of the top manufacturers of glass products in Hokkaido, also have a chance to learn how to create glass and watch the glass manufacturing process at a workshop. Visit the Music Box Museum, sample the savory Kaisendon (seafood rice bowl) at Sankaku Fish Market, and finally, witness the brewing process and taste various sakes at Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura.

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  • Sapporo

• Day 4: Sapporo - Noboribetsu, Explore the Mysterious "Hell Valley"

  Spend a full day exploring Noboribetsu, known for its onsen (or hot springs) and the bubbling Hell Valley (or Jigokudani). Explore the Hell Valley first, a crater formed by the eruption of the Kuttara volcano. You can smell the scent of sulfur and see pure white steam rising from Hell Valley before reaching. The sulfurous gases, hissing vents, and seemingly blood-stained rocks make the whole hell valley more mysterious. Walk deeper into the hills to River Oyunuma Natural Footbath, soak your feet, and relax the plantar nerves. Proceed to visit Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura in the afternoon, a theme park to give people an idea of Japan in the Edo period. Step back in time to experience traditional games, activities, street performances, and more. You can better learn its culture by enjoying Ninja and Samurai shows there, but please check the schedules in advance.

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  • Noboribetsu

• Day 5: Noboribetsu - Niseko, Visit Lake Toya

  After breakfast, depart for Niseko. On the way, visit Lake Toya, a crater lake located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, a natural habitat of many kinds of birds and deer. Enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Toya from the Silo Observatory. Then, go down and take a sightseeing cruise on this picturesque lake. The nearby Toyako Volcano Science Museum will tell you how Lake Toya formed.

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  • Niseko

• Day 6: Niseko, Free Day at Niseko Ski Resort

  With perfect powder snow, the best off-piste terrain, spectacular backcountry, cat skiing options, and world-class facilities, Niseko earns a reputation as the most famous ski resort in Japan. Some ski areas have amazing snowfall every year, the thick snow makes the perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding. Enjoy your free day for various skiing activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, etc.

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  • Niseko

• Day 7: Niseko - Sapporo, Departure

  Bid farewell to Hokkaido! Make your way to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo for your onward flight home.The seasonal Hokkaido awaits your next holiday to experience other charms.

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