Luxury Winter Discovery of Japan: History, Culture & Outdoor Fun on Hokkaido - 14 Days

Highlights

• Discover the highly ritualized art of tea-making at a kimono tea ceremony
• Ski and snowboard down the snowy slopes of world-class ski resorts in Niseko
• Say hello to curious penguins during their daily walkabout at Asahiyama Zoo
• Soak in your private, open-air bath at the luxe Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza hotel

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, Self-Guided Culinary Tour of Michelin Restaurants

Welcome to Japan! Your flight arrives in Sapporo, located on the northern island of Hokkaido. The island is known for its natural hot springs, national parks, and outdoor activities, as well as its rich history and culture. Your driver will collect you from the airport and transfer you to your accommodations at the 5-star JR Tower Nikko Sapporo. With rooms and suites located on the 23rd and 24th floors of Hokkaido's tallest building, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city while chic, contemporary furnishings and Japanese bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay. 

After resting and regrouping at the hotel, it's time to take a culinary journey through Sapporo. The city is home to more than 50 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it a gastronomic wonderland for even the most discerning foodies. If you're a crab enthusiast, start at Hyousetsu No Mon. Here, you'll indulge in an array of delectable crab dishes that showcase the quality of Hokkaido's seafood. Next, head to Mikuni Sapporo for French-inspired cuisine with a Japanese twist—the restaurant blends French techniques with Hokkaido's freshest ingredients, resulting in a memorable dining experience.

Continue to Araki Tempura Restaurant and watch chefs expertly fry seafood and vegetables in a light batter, then savor each bite with a side of zesty dipping sauce. Sushi Miyakawa is the next stop, a high-end sushi establishment where you'll watch the sushi master expertly craft each piece, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Finish the day at Ramen Shingen, an unassuming restaurant beloved by locals for its delicious miso ramen. Slurp down steaming bowls of noodles topped with flavorful broth and all the fixings. Head back to your hotel for what will surely be a good night's sleep on a full stomach! 

Day 2: Kimono Tea Ceremony, Ishiya Chocolate Factory, Okurayama Visit

Experience one of Japan's most unique cultural traditions—the highly ritualized art of taking tea, a ceremony known as sado or chanoyu, which originated in the city of Kyoto in the 16th century. Meet your private guide in the morning and head to one of Sapporo's most notable tea houses. Here, you'll be invited to change into a kimono and learn the importance of Zen and meditation before sampling traditional Japanese sweets and drinking traditional matcha green tea.

This afternoon, visit Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park owned by the renowned Ishiya Chocolate Factory. The factory is known for its delicious Shiroi Koibito cookie, which consists of two butter cookies layered with their signature white chocolate. Observe the production process and create some treats to take home, and be sure to purchase extras for friends and family, as the cookies are also one of Hokkaido's most popular souvenirs. Before returning to your hotel, stop at the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, one of the settings for the 1972 Winter Olympics and the perfect spot to gaze over Sapporo's wintry cityscape.

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru: Glassworks, Music Boxes & Ropeway Views

Today's excursion takes you to Otaru, a picturesque harbor town located just northwest of Sapporo on Ishikari Bay. Meet your private guide for the quick drive and start the tour with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Completed in 1923 after nine years of construction, the waterway spans 3,740 feet (1,140 m) in length and 131 feet (40 m) in width. Learn more about the canal's significance and the role it played in Otaru's economic growth, then make your way to Sakaimachi Street, a lively shopping area where you can find local glasswork, melodious music boxes, and sweet shops.

Peruse the stores and galleries where you'll have the opportunity to meet the artisans at work and perhaps even have the chance to create your own glass masterpiece or customize a music box to take home as a souvenir. End with a ride on a scenic ropeway that takes you to the incredible views of the Mount Tengu Observatory. Enjoy the panoramas of the gorgeous countryside, and take a few moments to capture the perfect photo while your guide points out key landmarks. 

Day 4: Morning Market Tour & Cooking Class, Transfer to Niseko

There's no better way to get a true feel for a city than through its food, and today, you'll spend the morning doing exactly that as you set out on a private tour of two of Sapporo's famous food markets. Alongside your host and chef, you'll learn about local culinary traditions and purchase fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Then, join your host in their kitchen and learn how to prepare a traditional homemade Japanese meal as you master the art of dishes such as kinpira-gobo (sweet and salty cooked burdock), agedashi tofu (deep-fried and seasoned tofu), and miso soup. 

Later, meet your driver for a two-hour private transfer to Niseko, Hokkaido's premier ski resort. Thanks to the Siberian winds that blast the region during the winter months, the Niseko ski area, which is made up of four interlinked resorts, gets about 50 feet (15 m) of snow each year and has long been a popular luxury ski resort.

Check into your deluxe studio or penthouse at the opulent Setsu Niseko hotel residences, flanked between the mountain ranges of Mount Yotei and Annupuri. Meticulously designed rooms and apartments offer elegant Japanese-inspired interiors furnished with local artworks and thoughtfully fitted with contemporary luxuries. Settle in and unwind in one of the indoor or outdoor onsens, then dine at one of the hotel's five restaurants, headed up by some of the region's finest Michelin-starred chefs. 

Days 5-7: Skiing & Snow Adventures in Niseko

The next three days are yours to enjoy Niseko's snowy slopes and world-class skiing facilities. With light, powdery snow, courses for every level of skier, and spectacular views of the area, Niseko United's four ski resorts, Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, can all be accessed on one lift pass. Experienced skiers won't want to miss Hirafu's long, groomed trails that run over 3 miles (5 km) while the highest vertical rise reaches 3,000 feet (940 m). Thrill seekers will want to check out Mizuno-no-Sawa, one of the steepest courses on the mountain and Niseko's only avalanche-controlled area.

If you aren't up for multiple ski days, there are plenty of other snow-filled activities to enjoy. You can take a private snowshoeing tour among Niseko's winter wonderland scenery, treading pristine trails that aren't accessible to skiers or snowboarders, or see more of the countryside via snowmobile. Niseko also offers snow rafting tours, which, just as it sounds, involves riding an inflatable raft across the snow—a fun option for all ages!

End your active days with soaks in Niseko's mineral-rich hot springs. This tradition dates back thousands of years as a way to relax and rejuvenate the body, and Niseko has an abundance of onsens scattered around its four resorts. Many have both public and private baths available, with a wide range of amenities. There's nothing quite like soothing tired muscles in the healing waters, watching the sunset across snowcapped mountains. 

Your next destination is Kamikawa, a village located near the Taisetsu Highlands and Ishikari River. Your driver will collect you in the morning, and you'll set out, making a stop in the town of Biei. Biei is most known for its Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls, both of which have cobalt-blue waters and incredible landscapes. 

Together with your guide, take a short walk through the forest to the Blue Pond. Named for its startling turquoise color, which comes from natural minerals in the water, the pond presents different shades of blue depending on the time, weather, and season. Soak up the serene vibe and capture some great shots, then continue to Shirahige Falls. Fed by an underground river, the white streams of the waterfall gush down rocky cliffs into the Biei River. The falls are gorgeous during the winter months, set against the backdrop of frosty trees and stark cliffs. 

Arrive in Kamikawa and proceed to your accommodations in Asahidake Onsen, the Hotel Bearmonte. Featuring 56 comfortable rooms, the Bearmonte boasts timeless Japanese elegance, with warm wood furnishings, mountain views, and options for maisonettes or mini-kitchen amenities. The hotel also offers a large public bath with a sauna and has an on-site restaurant, library, and workstation areas. Relax in your room or on the hotel grounds tonight, resting up for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 9: Visit Asahiyama Zoo, Kamui-Kotan Walking Tour & Ramen Village 

Bring out your inner child with a visit to Asahiyama Zoo today. This top-rated zoological garden is located just outside central Asahikawa City. Your private guide will meet you after breakfast, and you'll make the short drive to the zoo, then spend the morning visiting with the more than 800 animals that live here. The zoo specializes in cold-climate species, and you'll get the opportunity to see polar bears, seals, and for the highlight of the day, the famous penguin walk, where penguins stroll freely around the grounds.

Afterward, experience the splendid beauty of Asahikawa with a visit to the valley of Kamui Kotan. Here, the Ishikari River turns into surging rapids, cutting through steep cliffs coated by dense forests as it rushes into the distance. Walk along the jagged riverbanks to fully appreciate the gorgeous views, and be sure to take advantage of the incredible photo ops.

From here, make your way to Asahikawa's "ramen village." Asahikawa ramen is known for its shoyu (soy sauce) based broths, and eight of the city's most famous ramen restaurants have opened branches here. Choose from a selection of ramen varieties, from the flavorful miso ramen to the tongue-numbing spicy ramen. After your delicious meal, head back to your hotel or explore more on your own. 

Day 10: Snowshoeing on Mount Asahidake, Discover Asahidake Onsen 

Get out in Japan's winter wonderland today with a private snowshoeing excursion on Mount Asahidake. The mountain is truly breathtaking during the winter months when snow blankets it in white and buries almost all vegetation underneath. Meet your guide and take the ropeway to Sugatami Station, located at more than 5,200 feet (1,600 m) above sea level. Begin your scenic walk, which takes you through snow-covered forests and to views of impressive frozen waterfalls, as well as vistas of the surrounding Japanese Alps.

You and your guide will snowshoe for roughly 4 miles (6.5 km) and make an elevation gain of about 321 feet (98 m). No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary, and the tour includes transportation to and from your inn, as well as snowshoes, walking poles, and lunch.

After your snowshoeing adventure, return to your lodgings and revive your tired muscles in the hot springs. Later, see more of Asahidake Onsen on your own. The hot spring town is an excellent base for exploring Daisetsuzan National Park, and if you're not too tired from snowshoeing, you can take a light hike around the area or head out for some skiing on the nearby slopes. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel's top-notch restaurant, then spend more time soaking in the onsen bath or take a steamy sauna.

Day 11: Transfer to Akanko Onsen, Free Afternoon to Explore

In the morning, check out of your hotel and meet your driver for the trip to Akanko Onsen, a hot spring area in Akan-Mashu National Park. Your scenic transfer will take about four hours, and upon arrival, you'll check in at Akan Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza, a luxurious hot spring resort located on the shores of beautiful Lake Akan. Rooms here mix traditional designs with modern conveniences, offering tatami (woven-straw) flooring and shoji paper screens alongside the amenities of a full Western bathroom. Relax in the private, open-air baths, as well as a comfortable separate sitting room.

After check-in, the rest of your day is free. You can spend your time enjoying the hotel, soaking in your room's bath and taking in the views, or taking advantage of the property's library and "listening room" for musical enjoyment. If you prefer to venture out, the ancient Akandake-jinja shrine is just a short distance from the hotel, as is the Ainu Kotan Folk Village. This is one of Japan's largest settlements of the Ainu people, where you can learn more about their culture with craft classes, tours, and traditional dance performances. 

Day 12: Tour the Lakes, Forests & Mountains of Akan-Mashu National Park

Head deeper into Akan-Mashu National Park with a privately guided tour. Start in the morning as your guide drives you to the shores of Lake Kussharo, which sprawls across 35 miles (57 km) and is the largest of its kind in the park. Stoll the walking paths of the Wakoto peninsula, located at the lake's southern end, then kick back in one of the outdoor baths, soaking up the scenery. Optional kayak tours are also available if you'd like to get out on the lake's waters. 

Next up is Mount Io, an active volcano. Io literally means "sulfur mountain" in Japanese, which you'll understand is an apt title when you smell the sulfur in the air and see the vents fuming with steam. Make a stop at Lake Mashu and be awed by an unobstructed view of the serene waters, matched by Mount Mashudake standing tall on the western shore. Depending on the time and your physical condition, you can also opt for a hike that will take you along the rim of the caldera to the summit of Mount Mashudake.

Wrap up the day with a visit to Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest wetland and a heaven for nature lovers with over 700 species of plants. The marsh is home to the endangered Japanese red-crowned crane, and if you're lucky enough, you'll get to spot these birds casually feeding in the fields. Other birds, such as Steller's sea eagles and Latham's snipes, can also be found in the area. Spend tonight at one of the park's onsen ryokan (travelers inns), where you can soak in the geothermal hot springs and sample local cuisine. 

Day 13: Hokkaido Icebreaker Cruise Experience 

Continue your icy adventures this morning with a day trip that takes you on an icebreaker cruise to Ryuhyo. Originating from Russia, vast platforms of ice drift from Russia through the Sea of Okhotsk, reaching northern Hokkaido between mid-January to early February each year. You'll sail out to where the largest amount of ice can usually be found, around Abashiri and the Shiretoko peninsula and into the Okhotsk channel.

Witness the impressive sight of the ice calving, and be sure to keep your camera close at hand to capture the cracked carpet of thick white ice extending as far as the eye can see. Optional tours include a drift ice walk just off the coast of the Shiretoko peninsula or a fat bike ride across the ice of Abashiri—your travel specialist can arrange these in addition to or in place of the icebreaker cruise. 

Day 14: Ikeda Wine Castle Tour, Return to Sapporo, Depart

Your journey through Hokkaido ends today, as your private driver collects you from your hotel and transfers you back to Sapporo for your flight home. If you have time along the way, you may want to consider a stop at Ikeda Wine Castle. Nestled on a hilltop surrounded by vineyards and the distant Hiudaka Mountains, this winery has been producing wines since 1964. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll tour the vineyard, learn about grape cultivation and wine production, and sample a selection of wines and brandies, including their local Tokachi wine.

After the tour, relax and enjoy the idyllic scenery as your driver makes the three-hour transfer to the airport. Safe travels!

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