38 Tour Reviews

Custom Group Travel | Leisure Groups Tour Code: GTP6543089

9-Day Hokkaido Winter Festivals Tour
38 Reviews
9 days 8 nights

Price On Request

Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as three other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido on this fully customizable private group tour.

The Sapporo Snow Festival is arguably Japan's best-known winter festival. The annual event is held in early February in the various known venues within Sapporo. Every year some 50,000 tourists from abroad come to join the festivities, eventually totaling to around 2 million visitors that include people from within the country. Stand before enormous works of hand- crafted art that can melt your heart or expand your imagination. The Ground Self- Defense Force and other citizen participants work to make these marvelous works of art annually. This tour will take you to see the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as, other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido - Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Asahikawa Winter Festival, and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival.

Try your hand at traditional ryokans with tatami floors, hot onsen baths, and kaiseki dinners for your experience, making it a great memory along the way. The sites and sounds of winter were placed into this itinerary for your experiences. You will see igloos and castles made of ice illuminated from the interior at night, casting shadows and enlightening your imagination along with beautiful scenes of nature, forests, mountains, and marshlands covered in snow. You can even go walking on the frozen lakes during your winter adventure.

Visit the Nibutani National Ainu Museum, a museum facility that celebrates the cultural heritage of the native Ainu people, including exhibits on Ainu language, culture, history, crafts, music, and dance. We travel into the romantic and nostalgic town of Otaru for a leisurely stroll through the port city's heritage district. At the Otokoyama Sake Brewery, you will learn about brewery history in Japan and visit the buildings that hold the brewery pride of Hokkaido. Inside their buildings are also valuable sets of traditional brewing tools that can be viewed by the public. Of course, there will be a sake tasting portion waiting for you at this destination, as well.

Finally, we face the Sea of Okhotsk with an icebreaker cruise. Once there, we will view the drift ice along the Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan's new World Heritage Site. Hokkaido's Lake Tofutsu offers it visitors a chance to see some 2,000 whooper swans that migrate from Siberia for the winter. Once at Lake Akan, we will experience a local practice and delicacy, Wakasagi smelt fishing. In Akan International Crane Center, you can explore the winter home of the tancho, or Red-crowned crane. The Kushiro Marshlands is Japan's largest wetland, which is protected by the Ramsar Convention in 1980. Since then, it has been incorporated into Kushiro Shitsugen National Park in 1987.

AJT makes itinerary planning simple: start with one of our classic itineraries below and customize it to suit your group. Our Japan tour specialists will be happy to consult with you to coordinate the best itinerary for your group. Please feel free to CONTACT US to get started.

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Tour Information

Please Note:

● The price depends on the group size and travel dates. The larger the group size, the lower the cost per person. Please contact us. for more information.
● The itinerary can be customized based on your group's interests and budget, please contact us to plan a perfect vacation for your group to Japan.

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure

What's included

• 7 nights Western style and 1 nights Japanese style accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Sapporo New Chitose Airport
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private transfers between destinations in Japan
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 6 lunches and 4 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, baggage handling free.
Arrival Departure Airports
For arrivals at New Chitose Airport (CTS), this tour starts in Sapporo and ends in Kushiro, with departures at Kushiro Airport (KUH).
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Meet and Greet
Meet and greet and private airport transfers on arrival and departure included

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Chitose
Day2 Biratori - Lake Shikotsu - Sapporo
Day3 Sapporo
Day4 Sapporo - Otaru
Day5 Otaru - Asahikawa - Sounkyo
Day6 Sounkyo - Abashiri
Day7 Abashiri - Latke Tofutsu - Lake Akan
Day8 Akan National Park - Kushiro
Day9 Tour Ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Welcome to Hokkaido!

Upon arrival, proceed through customs and meet your guide just outside the exit gate, they will be holding an “All Japan Tours” sign for easy visibility. Proceed to your hotel by private coach. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure.

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Chitose or similar class

Day2

Biratori - Lake Shikotsu - Sapporo

Today we start our tour with a visit to the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum at Biratori, where you will learn about and meet the Ainu, the native people of northern Japan. Here you will have a chance to learn about the mukkuri, a traditional, plucked Japanese ideophone that is indigenous to the Ainu. The mukkuri is made from bamboo and is 10 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. Similar to a jaw harp, sounds are made when the strings are pulled and when the reed vibrates in the musician's mouth. Then, we venture out to Lake Shikotsu, also known as, the Shikotsuko Hyoto Matsuri to see the lake's annual ice festival where snow sculptures, caves, and even buildins with 3 floors are made for people to walk around in for their amusement. In the afternoon, we will depart for Sapporo by a private coach and visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, dedicated to all things beer. Sapporo is Japan's oldest brewery and exports its beer throughout the world.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

ANA Hotel Sapporo or similar class

Day3

Sapporo

This morning we will visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (the Odori Site), the biggest snow festival in Hokkaido, by train. The festival's famous large snow sculptures are crafted by citizens who compete against each other's work of arts. It is normal for these snow figures to measure more than 25 meters wide and 15 meters high. Most are exhibited in the Odori site. Even so, many more snow sculptures of varied sizes and shapes are exhibited in events and concerts at other locations apart from the main stage in Odori's park. For those who want a view to remember, they can consider taking a view from the Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end of Odori Park. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy, along with lunch on your own. Our tour guide will be there to help you make arrangements or take you to places depending on the group's need.

Breakfast

ANA Hotel Sapporo or similar class

Day4

Sapporo - Otaru

This morning we continue to enjoy a tour of Sapporo at the Nijo Market where there are variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and fish. Afterwards is a visit to Mt. Okura Observatory. The 90-meter ski jump portion of the Winter Olympics 1972 was held in the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium. Taking a chair lift to the Okurayama Observatory at the top of the hill, then experiencing a breathtaking view of Sapporo's best views from above. From there, we go into the Historic Village of Hokkaido where horse-drawn carriages and trolleys are still seen and used. The village offers insight on its history and an open-air museum as well as through their buildings, which exemplify architectural evolution from the Meiji and Taisho eras into the modern age. From there, we travel into the romantic and nostalgic town of Otaru. Renowned for its canals and glassblowing. During the first half of the 20th century, the Otaru Canal was a vital part of the city's busy harbor. The canal allowed large vessels to be unloaded onto smaller ones, then transported to local warehouses. Although the canal became obsolete when modern dock facilities allowed for the direct unloading of large vessels, the canal remains an integral part of the city's history and culture. As part of a citizen's movement in the 1980s, the canal was beautifully restored and former warehouses have been transformed into cafes, restaurants, museums, and shops. After visiting the canal district, make your way to Sakaimachi Street where you will visit one of Otaru’s many glass workshops. Here, you will be able to see works of glass from local shops and all over the world. On the south end of Sakaimachi street, you will find a cluster of buildings dedicated to music boxes, both their history and sale.

Breakfast / Lunch

Grand Park Otaru Hotel or similar class

Day5

Otaru - Asahikawa - Sounkyo

Today, we will take a 2-hour ride by private coach from Sapporo to Asahikawa for the Asahikawa Winter Festival. Once in Asahikawa, we will have lunch at the Asahikawa Ramen Village before heading to the Asahikawa Winter Festival. The biggest snow castle is found in the winter festival, entertaining all who come to visit it. The building may be cold, but you would always warm up with a nice cup of sake. Next, we visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery where historical sake brewery tools are displayed and the history of Otokoyama sake was born. Enjoy a sake tasting experience to add to your experience. Then, we will proceed to Sounkyo Gorge in Daisetsuzan National Park. Enjoy the views of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival's snow creations that take shape in forms of creatures, cultural sites, and pop culture characters. After your evening stroll around the ice festival you can return to your hotel and relax in the hot spring baths.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Sounkyo Choyotei Hotel or similar class

Day6

Sounkyo - Abashiri

After breakfast, we will explore the Sounkyo Gorge area including Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls, a popular ice climbing spot. From there, feast your eyes on enchanting scenery along the way to Abashiri. Then, we visit Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum where you can learn about the surrounding environment and the cold temperatures that it can reach. The Sea of Okhotsk is frozen in winter, leaving plenty of drift ice from the Arctic waters. Your personal definition of cold temperatures and what it can really do will surely change after this activity. At the end of the day, we will visit the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, where we will learn of the indigenous people of Hokkaido, their culture, traditions, clothing, and nutrition.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Abashiri Kanko Hotel or similar class

Day7

Abashiri - Lake Tofutsu - Lake Akan

This morning, we will experience an Ice Breaker cruise among the floating drifts of ice. Once there, you will notice the different species that come to migrate or live in the area year- round. We will also visit Abashiri Prison Museum. The original Abashiri Prison was constructed in the 1890s, it was set to hold over a thousand dangerous criminals, but soon was over capacitated and created unlivable conditions for its inmates. Ishii Teruo's films, however, created a Yakuza image in the 1960's that was more interesting for the public. Eventually, the prison's original buildings were moved and remodeled, then finished in 1985. It is now an open-air museum, for the public. In the afternoon we will take a tour of Lake Tofutsu and Lake Akan. Once at Lake Akan, we will experience a local practice and delicacy, Wakasagi smelt fishing.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

New Akan Hotel or similar class

Day8

Akan National Park - Kushiro

After breakfast we transfer to Akan National Park, known for its "red- crown" Tancho cranes and preserved park. Continuing from there we will visit Kushiro City Marsh Observatory and the Washo market. The Washo Market in Kushiro, Hokkaido is a market specializing in selling fish produce to the public. It is located close to the Kushiro Station within walking distance of the market. It is considered one of the top three markets to go to in Hokkaido.

Breakfast / Lunch

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kushiro or similar class

Day9

Tour Ends

After breakfast, you will be free for leisure in the morning until your departure to the airport via private coach.

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Destinations

Biratori / Lake Shikotsu / Sapporo / Otaru / Asahikawa / Sounkyo / Abashiri / Lake Tofutsu / Lake Akan / Alan National Park / Kushiro

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Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

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9-Day Hokkaido Winter Festivals Tour 38 Reviews 9 days 8 nights Price On Request

Enjoy the Sapporo Snow Festival, as well as three other main Winter Festivals in Hokkaido on this fully customizable private group tour.

Tour Information

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Welcome to Hokkaido!

Day2

Biratori - Lake Shikotsu - Sapporo

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day3

Sapporo

Breakfast

Day4

Sapporo - Otaru

Breakfast / Lunch

Day5

Otaru - Asahikawa - Sounkyo

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day6

Sounkyo - Abashiri

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day7

Abashiri - Lake Tofutsu - Lake Akan

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day8

Akan National Park - Kushiro

Breakfast / Lunch

Day9

Tour Ends

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

Charms of Hokkaido: Sapporo Autumn Fest

Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves Tour

Charms of Northern Japan (Reverse): Autumn Leaves Tour

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9-Day Hokkaido Winter Festivals Tour
38 Reviews
9 days 8 nights

Price On Request

Why Travel on Our
Group Tours