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Winter Travel Plans
Exploring Winter in Hokkaido
Hokkaido, the Japan’s northernmost major island, offers a variety of unique winter experiences from December to March. Combination of winter activities surrounded by all-white scenery and leisurely indulgence and relaxation for Japanese local gourmet and spa moments can be achieved nowhere else. If you have several days to travel, we are happy to help create winter itinerary in Hokkaido. Since Hokkaido is a vast land with limited public transportations, it is recommended to focus either on Eastern or Western part of Hokkaido. Below are some of our recommendations that will be included in your custom travel plan, which will be created according to your travel dates and interests.
Eastern Hokkaido: Journey to All-white Pristine Wonderland
From the end of January to March, drift ice floats to Shiretoko Peninsula through the Sea of Okhotsk, which was originally snowmelt from Amur River in Russia. There are daily flights from Tokyo to regional airports in Eastern Hokkaido. Start at Abashiri, with the departure terminal for ice breaker sightseeing boat. As the ship sails forward by breaking drift ice in front of it, passengers can enjoy spectacular view of Shiretoko mountain range. It is possible to spot wildlife such as Oowashi Steller's Sea-Eagle, Ojirowashi white-tailed eagles and seals. Then, move to Shiretoko by car. Take in scenic view of Shiretoko Peninsula along the Coast of Okhotsk Sea. Shiretoko National Park, registered as the UNESCO World Heritage site, is called the last frontier in Hokkaido. Many bird-watchers visit Shiretoko in winter to see eagles. English-speaking nature guide will escort you to the pristine woods and frozen waterfall by snowshoe. You might be able to see wild animals and foot prints on the way. Snowshoe is a pleasant and easy-to-do activity. Another unique activity which has been popular recently is to walk on drift ice sea in a special dry suit. After outdoor activities, enjoy dinner with local ingredients and relax in outdoor hot spring bath to treat your muscle pain after snowshoeing. As your final destination, visit Lake Akan National Park which boasts unique marimo (spherical green algae) in the clear lake water. Akan is a famous hot spring resort in Eastern Hokkaido and there is the largest Ainu (native people) village called Kotan in front of Lake Akan. Their traditional wooden carvings and textiles can be purchased at craft shops. To pamper yourself in the end of your travel, Michi Travel Japan is happy to reserve a luxurious hot spring ryokan such as Hinanoza, with private outdoor hot spring bath attached to your room. Dinner will be kaiseki cuisine including king crab, salmon, beef, and more. Contact us to start planning your trip.
Western Hokkaido: Sapporo and Great Winter Resort
Trip to Western part of Hokkaido typically combine Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, a world-class ski resorts such as Niseko and more. Start your travel in Sapporo, an ideal city to explore diverse local gourmet such as seafood, miso ramen noodles, soup curry, Genghis Khan (lamb barbeque) or sweets using local dairy products. On the first day, visit a local market to taste freshest sushi or domburi seafood rice bowl. Also beer brewery and sweets factory can be recommended, serving some tastings. Then, move to Niseko, world-famous ski resort in Japan. Many skiers and snowboarders from the world visit Niseko to experience powdered snow on the numerous slopes. Private ski lessons can be arranged. Stay at a resort hotel or luxurious chalet just in front of slopes. You can also visit another hot spring resorts such as Lake Toya. At Lake Toya, relax in the flowing hot spring bath which is believed to moisten your skin. In the daytime, a scenic gondola ride will take you to the observation point on Showa Shinzan, young volcanic mountain. Contact us for more details.
Start planning your trip soon!
Contact us to plan your trip. We will customize a package plan according to your travel dates, interests, needs, and budget. We can propose ideal accommodations for you, such as ski resort hotel & chalet and luxurious hot spring ryokan. Since there is limited public transportations, traveling by private car for certain areas is recommended especially in winter time. For your comfortable travel, we are pleased to arrange private cars and English-speaking local guides. You should not miss fresh food in Hokkaido. Restaurant bookings can be made upon request.
Featured Ryokan: Touei (Izu Peninsula)
Izu is one of our favorite winter getaways from Tokyo to enjoy warmer weather. Within 2.5 hours by trains, you will reach Ryokan Totei located near Shimoda. The guest rooms are all beach front, offering peaceful ambiance for your serene contemplation. Wind and sunlight change the landscape of ocean from moment to moment, and the scenery will never make you bored. Full-course Japanese dinner will be served in your traditional tatami room, using seasonal ingredients and catch of the day from the Port of Shimoda. There are common hot spring baths separated by genders, and the quality of water is believed to smoothen your skin. There are many walking paths along the beach and in historical Shimoda town where US Commodore Perry arrived by black ships to open the port for trading. For more details, see TOUTEI on our website. To check the availability or to make reservations at TOUTEI, contact us.
Michi Travel Japan on Condé Nast Traveler "My Life as a Geisha"
Michi Travel Japan Corporation Tel: 81-3-5213-5040 Fax: 81-3-5213-5041 commentsmtj@michitravel.com
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