Winter in Hokkaido
Truly immerse yourself in the local culture on this itinerary where you can learn about Ainu life and see Japan at its most authentic. Tokachigawa onsen is particularly unique with ice fishing and fresh fish tempura. Don’t miss the exhilarating dog sledding experience.
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.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour from an Ice Breaker
Go on a Drift Ice Walking tour
Cruise around the coast of Shiretoko spotting birds and animals
Trek the walking trails around Akan National Park, Japan
Go dog sledding through the wintery landscape
Lightfoot Travel is a fully licensed global tour operator with a 24/7 support line for our guests, giving you peace of mind on your vacation . We have three core values that underpin our commitment to creating meaningful vacations for our guests.
AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create vacations that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
EXPERT Travel with confidence, guided by experts. Our team boasts decades of first-hand knowledge and we are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for our guests. We specialise in unveiling the world’s most extraordinary and lesser-known destinations.
PERSONAL Your journey is as unique as you are. We take the time to understand what inspires and excites you, creating 100% tailormade itineraries that reflect your personality, interests, and vacation aspirations. Our bespoke vacations are designed to elevate every moment of your travel experience.
