Day 1 : Abashiri
Arrive at any time and meet your group and CEO for a welcome meeting in the evening.
Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2 : Abashiri
After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Primeval Forest area of Shiretoko National Park. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the 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. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. After time for lunch on you own, head 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. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea. In the evening, head back to Abashiri for free time and dinner at the hotel.
Private Vehicle
Abashiri - Shiretoko 2h 70km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Primeval Forest Hike
Shiretoko 2h 3km
Hike through this part of Shiretoko, seemingly untouched by man. Walk through the forest and be on the look out for foxes and deer while admiring the incredible forest and cliff side views. You may even have the chance to see bear markings on the trees.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Hike
Shiretoko 3h 4km
Hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes. On this 4.8 km loop with an elevation of 43 m, walk by reflective lakes and stunning green mountainous scenery. Admire bright green foliage in the summer, gorgeous flower covered mountains in spring and impressive fall colors in autumn.
Private Vehicle
Shiretoko - Abashiri 2h 70km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 3 : Abashiri
Explore the laidback city, Abashiri, today on a bicycle. We'll make various stops throughout the day to get a sense to of the city's cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. Ride along Mt Tento, and stop at the observatory for amazing vistas. Visit the Museum of Northern People to learn about the history of the Aunu people, one of two remaining indigenious groups in Japan. The final stop of the day will be the Abashiri Prison Museum. Admired for its beautifully preserved Meiji-era architecture and remembered as one of Japan's most notorious prisons. Opt to try to prison-style lunch and learn about the unique history here in Hokkaido.
Abashiri Bike Tour
Abashiri 5h - 6h 14km
Hop on a bicycle for a tour of Abashiri's highlights from two wheels. We'll stop and explore the unique history of the area and see the beaty of Hokkaido. From Mt Tento, the observatory, the Museum of the Northern People to learn about one of the last remaining indigenous groups in Japan and visit the notorious Abashiri Prison Museum to learn of the Meiji-era penal history and Japan's wild frontier.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : Abashiri/Akan-ko
Depart Abashiri this morning and head inland towards Lake Akan. En route, stop at 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! A sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. The next stop is a visit to the active volcano, Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. 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.
Private Vehicle
Abashiri - Akan Mashu National Park 1h30m 70km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lake Mashu Observatory Deck
Akan Mashu National Park
Visit the impressive caldera lake within Akan Mashu National Park. Take in the views from the best spot to see whats considered the clearest lake in the world.
Sulphur Mountain & Lake Kussharo
Kussharo-ko
Visit the otherworldly sulphur mountain and breathe in the hot air. See the greenish yellow algae that grows around the fumaroles with a steady stream of steam released across the mountain. The head to Lake Kushharo. With a hot spring under the sand, dig a hole and relax in your hand-dug beachy hot spring.
Private Vehicle
Kussharo-ko - Akan-ko 1h15m 53km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ainu Kotan - Ainu Culture Dance
Akan-chō
Visit the Ainu Kotan Village. There are only two indigenous groups remaining in Japan and Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the largest settlements still remaining in Hokkaido. During our visit, we'll see the village and experience their cultural performance in the evening.
Experience traditional Japanese life with a night at a traditional Japanese Inn. Stay in tatami-matted rooms and enjoy a glimpse into Japanese culture and history.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
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. Leave room for dinner, because this evening we'll try the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.
Spend the morning soaking in the ryokan onsen or take a stroll around Lake Akan with your CEO.
Private Vehicle
Akan-ko - Asahikawa
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa
Asahikawa
Nearly every region of Japan has their own style of ramen, so a trip to Hokkaido wouldn't be complete without trying Asahikawa specialty ramen. With thin noodles and savory broth, this is a dish you won't want to miss.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
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 Spring and Fall, its common to still have snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Hike
Asahikawa 1h30m 1km
Visit Daisetsuzan National Park and ride the gondola up to start your hike around Sugatami Pond Loop. This easy, loop hike will give you astounding views of volcanic rock and Mount Asahi-dake, the tallest mountain in Hokkaido reflecting off ponds. After the hike, take the gondola back down.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
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 to visit the Hill of the Buddha, a incredible and huge shrine. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.
Local Train
Asahikawa-eki - Sapporo Station
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Spend the rest of the day free to explore Sapporo.
Optional Activities - Day 7
Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
Sapporo
Visit the important Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, the resting place of four different kami (deities) of the Shinto religion. Come to the shrine and walk through torii (Japanese gates), write your wish on a wooden plaque and buy a lucky charm. This shrine is one of the best places to witness the four season of Japan. As one of the most renowned places to see cherry blossoms in the spring, fall leaves in autumn, green and colorful in the summer and snow covered in the winter.
Hill of the Buddha
Sapporo
Visit the beautiful and massive Hill of the Buddha outside Sapporo. A metro ride and bus ride brings you to this incredible location. Covered in snow in the winter or covered in flowers in the spring, this place is a must see no matter the season.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
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.
Visit Nijo Market, a market over 100 years old. You'll see fresh local seafood like urchins and salmon eggs, and other local vendors.
Sapporo Beer Testing
Sapporo
Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tour and tasting of the popular brew. Known as the first beer made in Japan, we'll have a chance to sample a beer that can only be found at the museum. Opt for a fun all-you-can-eat-and-drink meal in the Beer Hall.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 9 : Sapporo
Depart at any time.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
