Never been to Japan in winter? Drift-ice sightseeing and an icebreaker ship experience is a must-try there! Here we present with pleasure our winter best-seller, and
hope this well-planned, though customizable, journey meets your needs!
You can walk on an iceberg, enjoy the view comfortably from inside an icebreaker ship, or go out on deck and take in the views along with the Okhotsk Sea winds. Smile to the winter animals, explore a famous chocolate factory, and shop on the snowy streets like a local.
Keep warm discovering authentic winter experiences in northern Japan!
This is an ideal tour for first-time visitors and families. Sign up for your favorite part of the tour or simply treat the whole tour as inspiration, designing each element specially for you.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Japan, Vietnam extraordinary
The professionalism and knowledge of their cities speak high of all the guides. Jennifer in Tokio was so special that on the last day in Tokio she went to the train station to make sure we boarded the right train, and brought us snacks to take with us. NG in Kyoto suggested us to make up a day to go to Hiroshima, we got the approval from Asia Highlights and he went with us to visit this historic city. More
Francisco Miranda, Oct 2024
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Amazingly good experience!
Alisa was responsible for the Japan period and in a week at most we had figured it out as it was done 15 days before our trip; that said we are from Brazil which means that China is 11 hour ahead of us and that was no impediment at all. More
Andrea J, Sep 2024
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Tokyo Meiji Shrine with a great guide, Johnny!
He explained colorful background stories -- more than this review can hold, but if you are fortunate enough to have Johnny as your guide, you will learn so much more (and enjoyably) than if you go on your own. His knowledge, friendliness and flexibility to conform a tour to his clients' needs is remarkable. We recommend him to family and friends alike who are traveling to Japan. More
Anne Green, Sep 2024
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Highlights
Go outdoors and step into a white world made of frozen waterfalls and lakes and snow-covered houses.
Say hello to the cute animals of Asahiyama Zoo.
Board an icebreaker ship and explore the floating ice!
See Japan's famous version of Alcatraz (The Rock).
Compare the different frozen lakes of Hokkaido.
Observe the wildlife of Kushiro Wetland.
Visit Shiroi Koibito Park and sample its chocolate.
Stay the night at a hot-spring hotel near Lake Akan.
Journey Route
Itinerary in Detail
We arrange plenty of unique activities to help create memorable experiences along the way; such as enjoying the hot spring, discovering the local village & waterfall, and visiting the local chocolate factory. We also take time to board the ice-breaker ship and cruise on the frozen world, observe red-crowned crane, regarded by Japanese people as a symble of longlife.
Welcome to Sapporo — capital city of Hokkaido!
You will be met on arrival at New Chitose Airport and have a transfer to your accommodation. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure.
Today, we would explore the frozen world of Furano:
- Walk in a cozy world of crafts — Ningle Terrace ('Forest Elf Terrace')
- Enjoy the winter beauty of Furano — Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls.
Have a day excursion in Asahikawa, have fun with the cute creatures, and dive into the local art.Today, we would explore the frozen world of Furano:
- Visit the Asahiyama Zoo, and meet the lovely animals, including penguins.
- Delve into the local art scene at Snow Crystal Museum.
- Sample the famous local flavor — Asahikawa ramen — at its famous Ramen Street.
- Pass Abashiri Prison Museum — an outdoor exhibition (enter if interested).
- Drive on Ten Ni Tsuzuku Michi ('Road to the Heaven').
- Take photos at Cape Notoro — the cape with the famous Notoromisaki Lighthouse, beside Utsukushi-Misaki Ranch in northwestern Abashiri city, close to Lake Notoro.
- Visit the northernmost church in Japan — Christ Brethren Shari Church.
Ready for the Ice World? Let go!
- Board an icebreaker ship in the morning.
- Try walking on drift ice on your own if the weather permits.
- Discover Shiretoko Nature Center on foot (1 hour) and Shiretoko Five Lakes.
This morning, make your way to southeast after breakfast.
- Start the day trip by visiting Lake Kussharo — a caldera lake in Akan National Park.
- Drive to Lake Akan — another beautiful crater lake by Mount Oakan.
Today you explore the natural sites of Kushiro and Obihiro.
- Enter Kushiro Wetland Park and see the rare and auspicious red-crowned cranes.
- Head to Tokachigawa Hot Spring for a natural moisturizing and smoothing bath.
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Visit Shiroi Koibito Park — the most famous local chocolate/cookie manufacturer.
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Discover downtown Sapporo — Sapporo Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower views ...
We hope the journey home provides a happy conclusion to your winter vacation!
Airport to hotel transport would be arranged in Sapporo.
Hand-Picked Hotels
We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.
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Hotel in Sapporo with nice location
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Family-friendly hotel in Asahikawa
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Hotel with hot spring in Obihiro, Abashiri and Lake Akan
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Tour Price:
- The price is based on a private tour for 2 people during the peak (winter) season.
- The price varies based on program, travel date, number of people.
- We could also price a tour including both 4-star and 5-star hotels for you.
- We accept payments in multiple currencies (GBP, AUD, CAD, EUR...).
Price Includes:
- Privately-driven air-conditioned vehicle with ample space (except where stated)
- English-speaking local guide for the sightseeing
- Attraction tickets and itinerary activities
- Accommodation for all nights
- Hotel breakfasts and itinerary lunches/dinners
- 24/7 helpline while touring
- Governmental taxes
Price Excludes:
- International flights not mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Visa fee, if applicable
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Tour code: ah-jp-12
Inquire now! Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.
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