Winter in Hokkaido

Day 1

Arrival Memanbetsu

Upon arrival you’ll be met by your guide and escorted by private car to your accommodation.

You’ll get straight into your holiday with a sightseeing journey on the Ice Breaker cruiser Aurora. Take in the landscape as your ship powers through the ice, allowing you to see the likes of Steller’s sea eagles and spotted seals.

Day 2

Drift Ice Walking

Today you’ll head on a Drift Ice Walking tour where you can touch the ice, experience it from different angles, and learn about its formations from your guide.

Day 3

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Spend your time off the coast of Shiretoko on a cruise.

See birds and animals from all over the world such as white-tailed sea eagles and Steller's sea eagles. The captain, a former fisherman, will acquaint you with local life, which includes cod-fishing.

Day 4

Sea Urchin

Go in search of sea urchins with your guide and learn how to catch, prepare and eat them.

Afterwards, explore the local fish market with local your guide and learn about local life.

Day 5

Lake Akan

Today you’ll visit Mt. Meakan, the main peak of the Akan Volcanic Complex, on the southwest shore of Lake Akan.

Walk along several trails around the mountain, and you can also explore the visitor centre and forest of nearby Kawayu Onsen.

Kawayu Onsen is also the home of the Ainu people who you’ll get to meet and learn about their traditions, customs and daily life.  

Day 6

Lake Akan

Today will be spent at your leisure enjoying the activities available such as snow sledding, tubing, riding on a snowmobile or snowshoeing.

Your Lightfoot Travel Designer will discuss options that best suit your needs prior to your departure.

Day 7

Tokachingawa Onsen

This morning you’ll be privately escorted to Tokachigawa.

After settling into your accommodation, you’ll enjoy a Japanese cooking class learning how to prepare soba, udon, sweets, and sushi with seasonal ingredients. Your chef will talk to you about local ingredients and culture as you go.

Depending on when you travel, you'll have time to enjoy Sairinka, a festival that takes place at the end of January each year based on the theme of the more than 1,000 white swans that fly to Tokachigawa Onsen. Various attractions take place, such as a laser show and a fantastical forest of light bulbs and LEDs.

Day 8

Dog Sledding in Shikaoi

Today you’ll be taken on a short drive to embark on some Dog sledding. Sit back and relax as you travel with the dogs through the wintery landscape, taking in the scenery and enjoying the ride!

Day 9

Smelt Ice Fishing

This morning you’ll head out with an experienced guide to learn how to do ice fishing. Drop a lure through the thick ice hoping to pull in a catch, learn how to prepare and cook and it, and enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Day 10

Lake Shikotsu - Otaru - Sapporo

This morning you’ll be driven to Otaru for some sightseeing.

You’ll get to see Otaru Canal which was a central part of the city's busy port in the first half of the 20th century. Today it bustles with artists, shops and restaurants, and serves as the main site of the town's Snow Light Path Festival.

In the late afternoon you’ll be driven to Sapporo.

Day 11

Sapporo

Today will be free to spend at your leisure.

You'll have our list of recommendations and your private guides on hand, and Lightfoot Travel can also arrange excursions prior to departure.

Day 12

Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.