Winter in Japan's Eastern Hokkaido: Skiing, Onsens & Volcanoes - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Sapporo, Traditional Tea Ceremony

Welcome to the charming Japanese island of 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 venture out to experience a traditional tea ceremony called 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

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Sapporo, 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 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: Day Trip to Biei's Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls

Leave the capital behind for the day as you transfer three hours to the picturesque town of Biei, known for its rolling hills and patchwork fields that turn into a snowy wonderland in winter. When you arrive, head straight to the Blue Pond, named for its mesmerizing turquoise color, though it may be frozen when you visit. Go for a stroll around the pond, breathing in the crisp air and snapping photos of the icy landscape. 

Then, continue to the nearby Shirahige Falls, also known for their striking blue waters, which stand out even more against the snowy backdrop. Depending on how cold it is when you visit, the falls may be partially frozen, creating intricate ice formations that glisten in the sun. The surrounding forest blanketed in snow adds to the ethereal atmosphere, creating the perfect photo opportunities. After spending the day in Biei, transfer three hours back to your hotel in Sapporo.

Day 4: Transfer to Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido, Explore the Resort (Day 1)

Say goodbye to Sapporo this morning as you transfer two hours to Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido in Shimukappu to start your three-day all-inclusive stay. Sprawled across 358 acres (145 ha) of Tomamu Mountain, this luxurious resort provides a blend of adventure and relaxation. When you arrive, you could head straight to the slopes to ski or snowboard or venture out to explore the resort and its amenities. Head to the on-site Ice Village, where you'll be greeted by a giant ice rink. Rent some skates and hit the ice, or continue to the bar, café, chapel, or grocery store, all made from ice. 

There's even an ice studio in the village where you can take a variety of workshops, such as ice carving, snow art, ice painting, or ice photography. When you're ready to warm up, return to the resort and choose from two gourmet restaurants for dinner. During your stay, all your meals and drinks are included, so indulge in the fresh local ingredients at Itara, the signature buffet with plenty of international and Japanese options, or Haku, a Japanese barbecue restaurant. End the night with a premium Japanese whisky or hot chocolate at Unkai Bar or The Nest Bar. 

Day 5: Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido (Day 2)

Bundle up and hit the slopes today, choosing from a variety of runs catering to all skill levels, from wide beginner runs to challenging advanced trails that weave through the forest. If you don't have skiing or snowboarding experience, don't worry; your package includes lessons to 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, return to the resort to warm up in the traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring). Then, take a dip in Japan's largest wave pool before indulging in a delectable dinner. If you haven't tried premium Wagyu beef yet, now's your chance. Head to Haku and order the prized meat, known for its distinct marbling of fat and signature tenderness. When you're done eating, enjoy the evening entertainment, which typically involves live music and dancing.

Day 6: Skiing & Winter Activities at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido (Day 3)

Spend your final day in the resort skiing or snowboarding, or join a guided hike into the mountains to unveil the untouched winter wonderland. Don your snowshoes and follow your guide into the forest, enjoying panoramic views of the snow-covered mountains surrounding you. If you'd rather stay inside today, return to the onsen or swimming pool or attend a yoga class to help you unwind. Those who are passionate about cooking may also prefer taking a sushi class with the resort's chef or partaking in a saké tasting in one of the bars. 

Day 7: Transfer to Akanko Onsen, Explore at Leisure

Bid farewell to the slopes of Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido this morning as you transfer farther east to Akanko Onsen, a renowned hot spring district inside Akan-Mashu National Park. After the three-hour transfer, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. You could head to one of the many onsens or the tranquil Lake Akan, surrounded by snow-covered mountains and frosted forests. If you're visiting from early February to early March, stay at the lake until dark to watch the nightly fireworks set off from the frozen surface as part of the Lake Akan Ice Festival. 

Then, visit the lakeside village of Akanko Ainu Kotan, the largest Ainu (Indigenous people of Hokkaido, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands) village on the island. Peruse the copious shops, theatres, and restaurants lining the streets, stopping at handicraft boutiques to search for souvenirs. For dinner, indulge in local delights like ayukara, a traditional Ainu dish featuring marinated and grilled salmon accompanied by vegetables, or sikok, an Ainu-style wild game stew typically made with venison or boar.

Day 8: Full-Day Tour of Akan-Mashu National Park

Delve deeper into Akan-Mashu National Park today, starting with a 1.5-hour transfer to the shores of Lake Kussharo, the largest lake in the national park, covering an area of 30 square miles (79 sq km). Enjoy panoramic views of the icy water and surrounding mountains. Then, go for a leisurely stroll on the Wakoto Peninsula at the southern end of the lake to discover the frost-covered forest. The area is also known for its geothermal activity, so if there's time, you can jump into one of the hot springs overlooking the water.

Continue to Mount Iō, an active volcano known for its active geothermal features, including steaming fumaroles and bubbling sulfur springs. Your next stop is Lake Mashu, a caldera lake nestled within a volcanic crater surrounded by steep cliffs and dense forests. Depending on the time, opt for a hike to the rim of the caldera for panoramic views of the lake's striking blue waters. Time and weather permitting, you'll end the tour at Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest wetland and a haven for nature lovers with over 700 species of plants and 200 species of birds, including the Japanese cranes that remain in winter.

Day 9: Drift Ice Cruise on the Sea of Okhotsk

One of the most popular winter activities in Hokkaido is a cruise across the Sea of Okhotsk to see the massive chunks of ice drifting in from Russia. Head to Abashiri, where you can board a specially designed icebreaker ship and traverse through the expanses of ice, listening for the distinct sound of cracking. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like seals and seabirds while your captain expertly navigates the ice floes and shimmering ice fields. If you want a closer look at the ice after the cruise, opt for a drift ice walk just off the coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Don your special cleats to navigate the slippery surface and marvel at the ice's intricate patterns and textures. Another way to enjoy the drift ice is a fat bike ride in Abashiri. Mount your fat bike, designed with wide, low-pressure tires that are ideal for traversing snowy and icy terrain. Glide across the frozen surface of Lake Abashiri and down the snow-covered trails with the cold, crisp air in your face. Enjoy views of the Sea of Okhotsk, looking out for mammals like deer and red foxes, before transferring back to your hotel to warm up. 

Day 10: Transfer to Chitose, Visit the Chitose Salmon Aquarium

Your penultimate day in Japan takes you on a four-hour drive west to Chitose, your last stop of the trip. When you arrive, check into your hotel and freshen up so you can explore the area on your own. You could head to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium to learn more about a salmon's journey from hatching in freshwater streams to their dramatic migration to the ocean and back. As you wander through the aquarium, you'll see tanks filled with various species of salmon, along with interactive exhibits explaining their breeding, growth, and environmental challenges.

The highlight of the aquarium is the chance to watch salmon up close as they navigate the simulated river currents. Once you've worked up an appetite, head to a local restaurant to enjoy your final dinner in Japan. Indulge in local delights like soup curry made with chunks of vegetables and meat or Hokkaido ramen, known for its rich miso-based growth and tender noodles. 

Day 11: Depart Chitose 

Unfortunately, your 11-day winter adventure is coming to an end today. You're only 10 minutes away from the airport, so you may have time for one last excursion 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!