Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido

G Adventures · 9 days
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido
9 Days
From AUD $5524 Was AUD $6499
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido

Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido

G Adventures · 9 days
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Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Step into a dreamscape as you experience the magic of Hokkaido in the heart of winter. These untouched landscapes turn even more dramatic, blanketed in fresh, powdery snow.

Highlights

  • Snowshoe through the powder-covered Shiretoko Five Lakes and Primeval Forest
  • Soak in a soothing onsen at a traditional ryokan for ultimate relaxation
  • Discover the culture of northern Japan’s Indigenous Ainu people with a visit to Ainu Kotan Village.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Plane, private vehicle, local train, walking, snowshoe.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Tokyo, Japan

Finishes

Sapporo, Japan

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Active

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Tokyo/Shiretoko

Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. There's no time to waste as you join your fellow travelers in the morning for a welcome briefing with your CEO and head towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, head to your hotel outside Shiretoko National Park and enjoy dinner together with your CEO and new travel mates.
This tour departs from Tokyo today, so if you want to spend more time in Tokyo, consider joining the WINTER NAME
2

Day 2: Shiretoko

After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lo. In the winter, this park is completely blanketed in perfectly white snow and the lakes freeze over. Strap on some snowshoes and hike through the park and over the lakes. In the evening, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Shiretoko.
3

Day 3: Shiretoko

Another morning snowshoe hike in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shiretoko Peninsula awaits. Embark on a guided four hour snowshoe trek through the Primeval Forest area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer and maybe even a flying squirrel. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall of icicles cascading into the Okhotsk Sea.
4

Day 4: Shiretoko/Akan-ko

Depart Shiretoko this morning and head slightly inland towards Lake Akan. En route stop to visit active volcano Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam dramatically rise from the wintery craggy landmass. From there, continue on to the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! Yet another sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art.
5

Day 5: Akan-ko/Asahikawa

Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Don't fill up too much during the day, because dinner this evening is the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.
6

Day 6: Asahikawa

It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes.
It's important to note that in the winter, you can expect snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.
7

Day 7: Asahikawa/Sapporo

Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO on a walking tour of Otaru, a nearby town full of historical gems to explore. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.
8

Day 8: Sapporo

Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location.
9

Day 9: Sapporo

Depart at any time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $6499

AUD $5,524
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share
15% Off

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Step into a dreamscape as you experience the magic of Hokkaido in the heart of winter. These untouched landscapes turn even more dramatic, blanketed in fresh, powdery snow.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Jan 2026

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Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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