Winter Adventures & Skiing in Western Hokkaido - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, Traditional Tea Ceremony

Welcome to Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, known for its expansive national parks, pristine lakes, and world-class ski resorts. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel in the bustling capital of Sapporo. Check in and freshen up, then head out to experience a traditional tea ceremony known as chanoyu or sado. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by changing into an authentic kimono and learning how to prepare matcha from a skilled tea master. When it's ready, enjoy a cup paired with delicate Japanese snacks before returning to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow.

Day 2: Sapporo City Tour, Afternoon at Shiroi Koibito Park

Join your guide on a tour of the island's capital this morning, starting at the Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the few remaining Western-style buildings from the Meiji period. Admire the still-working clock gifted by the United States and explore the museum within before continuing to Odori Park in the heart of the city. In the winter, the park transforms into a magical landscape featuring elaborate ice sculptures for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival held in February. Outside of the festival, the park provides a serene space for leisurely strolls, picnics, and sightseeing as landmarks like the Sapporo TV Tower reside here.

Then, spend the afternoon in Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park created by Ishiya, a beloved confectionary company responsible for the famous cookie that earned the park its namesake. Stroll through the park to see the Tudor-style buildings adorned with Christmas decorations, manicured gardens, and on-site factory, where you can watch an array of cookies and chocolate be made. Try making your own cookies in a hands-on workshop, indulge in various treats at the Chocolate Lounge, or visit the museum to learn about Ishiya's history before transferring back to your hotel in the evening.

Day 3: Transfer to Akaigawa via Otaru

Say goodbye to Sapporo this morning as you hit the road on a one-hour transfer northwest to the charming village of Akaigawa, an outdoor enthusiast's paradise with its scenic hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities, and ski resorts. On the way, stop in the coastal city of Otaru for a guided tour, starting at Sankaku Market. Stroll through the lively market full of stalls selling fresh catches, stopping to witness the live seafood auctions. Then, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Otaru Canal to admire the festive lights, charming cafés, and museums housed in former warehouses.

Your next stop is Kitaichi Glass, a renowned glassware shop and museum showcasing a wide array of glass products, from delicate tableware to intricate art pieces. After learning about the history of glassmaking in Otaru, head to the Otaru Music Box Museum to marvel at the 80,000 music boxes ranging from traditional to modern designs. After all that sightseeing, it's time for a drink at the Tanaka Saké Brewery Kikkogura. Tour the facility, learn about saké production, and sample different rice wines made with local ingredients before jumping back in the car to complete the drive to Akaigawa.

Day 4: Transfer to Club Med Kiroro Peak, Skiing & Winter Activities (Day 1)

Bundle up and get ready for some time on the slopes as you head to Club Med Kiroro Peak to start your three-day all-inclusive stay. Nestled amid the Kitahiroshima Mountains, the resort offers access to 23 courses spread across two mountains with slopes suitable for all levels so everyone can enjoy the facilities. If you don't have skiing or snowboarding experience, don't worry; your package comes with lessons so you can learn the basics or improve your technique.

When you're ready, don your gear, ride the ski lift to your chosen slope, and glide down the mountain on your skis or snowboard. Spend the day exploring the different courses, gaining confidence with every run you conquer. As the day draws to a close, choose from four gourmet restaurants. If you're up for a buffet, head to Otaru to explore Japanese and international flavors. Otherwise, Ebisu offers sushi, Kaen features Japanese barbecue, and Ogon is a hotpot restaurant. End the night with a drink at The View Bar, named after its scenic bay windows offering a look at the snowcapped mountains.

Day 5: Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 2)

Spend another day on the slopes, taking advantage of the resort's world-class conditions due to its location near the Sea of Japan, which brings in huge amounts of snowfall. If you don't mind skiing or snowboarding in waist-deep, sometimes even neck-deep snow, head to the forested off-piste areas and carve through the fresh powder. Those who aren't ready for such an adrenaline-packed adventure can stick to the green, beginner-friendly runs or blue intermediate slopes for a bit more of a challenge. 

When you're ready to call it a day, head to the resort's sauna to relieve your sore muscles. Then, take a dip in the indoor swimming pool overlooking the mountains. If you really want to relax, book a spa treatment or yoga class. Once you're warm and relaxed, grab a delicious gourmet dinner before settling in for the evening entertainment, whether it's live music, a dance performance, or a cultural show highlighting local and international talent. 

Day 6:  Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 3)

Return to the slopes this morning or take advantage of some of the resort's other activities, like a guided trek through lush forests, alongside frozen rivers, and up gentle slopes for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Don your snowshoes or try Nordic walking with a set of poles, then follow your guide beyond the ski slopes and into the snow-covered mountains. If you just want to spend the day relaxing, head to the resort's traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) instead to unwind in the mineral-rich waters. 

Day 7: Transfer to Toyako, Visit Lake Toya & Volcano Science Museum 

Bid farewell to Club Med Kiroro Peak this morning as you meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer south to Toyako, a charming town centered around the pristine Lake Toya. When you arrive, head straight to the lake for a sightseeing cruise across the calm waters. The geothermal activity in the area from the surrounding volcanic mountains keeps the area fairly warm in the winter. Look out at the snow-covered mountains reflected in the water and steaming hot springs while you sail. After the cruise, head to the Volcano Science Museum to learn more about the area's volcanic history.

Peruse the interactive displays, models, and multimedia presentations explaining the formation and activity of the area's Usu and Showa-Shinzan volcanoes, including their eruptions and impact on the surrounding landscape. Then, get an up-close look at these volcanoes as you ride the Usuzan Ropeway up Mount Usu. When you reach the upper station, enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake and neighboring Mount Showa-Shinzan. Ride the ropeway back down and transfer to your hotel to check in. 

Day 8: Free Day in Toyako: Hot Springs, Hiking & Brown Bears

The day is yours to explore Toyako however you wish. If you're muscles could use a rest after all that skiing, head to Toyako Onsen to unwind in the hot springs overlooking the tranquil Lake Toya. The onsen's geothermal activity provides not only relaxation but also health benefits, as the mineral-rich waters are believed to promote skin health, improve circulation, and alleviate muscle fatigue. When you're done soaking in the onsen, explore the town's charming streets lined with shops, local restaurants, and cultural sites. Continue your stroll along the snowy lakeside path for another look at the tranquil waters and surrounding volcanoes. 

Animal lovers can head to Showa Shinzan Kumabokujo (known as the "Bear Ranch), home to the brown ezo bears native to the region. Watch these curious creatures play, sleep, and eat while you learn about their typical behavior, including feeding habits and social interactions. Those who are looking for a more active adventure can consider booking a snowshoe tour or hike up Mount Usu or Mount Showa-Shinzan. Just make sure to check current conditions, as the trails may be too snowy for a hike.

Day 9: Explore Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, Transfer to Chitose

Your penultimate day in Hokkaido starts with a 50-minute transfer to the charming city of Noboribetsu, known for its hot springs. Head straight to the Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, the main source of the city's hot spring waters, often nicknamed "Hell Valley" for its dramatic appearance. Look out at the eerie steam vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs as you walk along the elevated walkways. If you're up for a 30-minute trek, head to the River Oyunuma Natural Footbath, where you can soak your feet in the warm water.

Spend the afternoon at Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village, a historical theme park that recreates the ambience and lifestyle of feudal Japan during the Edo period. Go for a stroll amid scenic forests, traditional architecture, and actors dressed in period costumes. Catch a samurai or ninja show, participate in traditional craft workshops, and savor authentic Edo-style cuisine before jumping back in the car for a one-hour transfer to your hotel in Chitose, the gateway to New Chitose Airport.

Day 10: Depart Chitose

As you're only 10 minutes away from the airport, you may have time for one last adventure before your flight home. You could head to Lake Shikotsu, Japan's second-deepest lake, for a stroll along the snowy shore. If there's too much snow, you could rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to admire the frozen water and surrounding mountains. When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!