Highlights
- Make your own cookies in the Tudor-style Shiroi Koibito Park
- Sample Japanese rice wine at the Tanaka Saké Brewery Kikkogura
- Enjoy Club Med Kiroro Peak's all-inclusive amenities and ski slopes over three days
- See what Edo-era Japan was like at Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village
Brief Itinerary
Day | Highlights | Overnight |
---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Sapporo, Traditional Tea Ceremony | Sapporo |
Day 2 | Sapporo City Tour, Afternoon at Shiroi Koibito Park | Sapporo |
Day 3 | Transfer to Akaigawa via Otaru | Akaigawa |
Day 4 | Transfer to Club Med Kiroro Peak, Skiing & Winter Activities (Day 1) | Akaigawa |
Day 5 | Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 2) | Akaigawa |
Day 6 | Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 3) | Akaigawa |
Day 7 | Transfer to Toyako, Visit Lake Toya & Volcano Science Museum | Toyako |
Day 8 | Free Day in Toyako: Hot Springs, Hiking & Brown Bears | Toyako |
Day 9 | Explore Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley, Transfer to Chitose | Chitose |
Day 10 | Depart Chitose |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, Traditional Tea Ceremony
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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
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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.
Day 3: Transfer to Akaigawa via Otaru
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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.
Day 4: Transfer to Club Med Kiroro Peak, Skiing & Winter Activities (Day 1)
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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.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 2)
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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.
Day 6: Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Kiroro Peak (Day 3)
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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
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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.
Day 8: Free Day in Toyako: Hot Springs, Hiking & Brown Bears
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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
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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
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