Japan Hokkaido Adventure
Seasonal Information
Visit the famous snow monkeys in the Japan Alps north of Tokyo, before traversing the panoramic natural vistas and beautiful icy seaboard of Eastern Hokkaido on this tour. The stay in the Japan Alps includes a traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ and sumptuous Kaiseki multi-course dinner, which is great to come back to after watching the monkeys bathing in the hot springs. Double back to Tokyo and fly two hours north to Kushiro on Hokkaido, famous for its epic wetlands. Visit the red crane sanctuary near Lake Akan to see these majestic birds before continuing eastwards to Nemuro and Rausu on the remote icy Shiretoko Peninsula with opportunities for birdwatching and ice floe cruising. Finally, Fly back to busy and bustling city of Tokyo to finish the tour.
- The iconic ‘snow’ monkeys of Yudanaka, bathing in hot springs (snow is seasonal, obviously)
- Traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ (hot spring spa hotel) with traditional dinner included
- The epic wetlands of Kushiro
- The red crane bird sanctuary near Lake Akan
- Birdwatching and icebreaker cruise in Nemuro and Rausu
- A night in Tokyo at the end of the tour
This adventure tour encompasses all that Hokkaido has to offer over a 9 day trip through exploring some fascinating locations and points of interest.
Yudanka
This picturesque hot spring town is nestled deep in the Japan Alps, and has a number of cosy traditional ‘ryokan’ with tatami-mat rooms, futon mattresses, hot spring baths and traditional food all included in your stay. The famous snow monkey park is a bus ride and a walk from here so you can view these cheeky and mischievous animals.
Kushiro and Akan
Kushiro is famous for its vast wet lands, while Akan is famous for its red crane bird sanctuary as well as Ainu Kotan, where visitors can engage with some of the few remaining Ainu people – the original indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido.
Nemuro and Rausu
These two small towns on the remote Eastern Shiretoko peninsula offer ample opportunities for birdwatching including Steller’s sea eagle. There are opportunities for ice walking as well as ice-breaker cruises, and the possibility of whale sightings in the warmer months.
Upon your arrival at Haneda International Airport, meet our representative outside the arrival hall – they will be holding a sign with your name. Enjoy a convenient shared shuttle transfer to your hotel.
Later on this afternoon, learn the secrets of one of Japan’s most loved dishes of Okonomiyaki. Chagohan Tokyo is located in the shopping district of Asakusa of which specialises in Washoku cooking: the distinct nutritional balance and aesthetic appeal of Japanese cuisine. Okonomiyaki is one of their more specialised dishes and is a joy to cook. The simple dish requires some intricate steps which your expert instructor will take you through while giving you a history of this Japanese favourite. In a small group, learn to also prepare two side dishes to accompany your Okonomiyaki meal and enjoy it with a complimentary Sake or tea.
Catch a bullet train from Tokyo 90 mins up to Nagano in the Japan Alps, then from there use the 2-day Nagaden Snow Monkey Pass on the private line to and from Yudanaka.
This afternoon, enjoy Jigokudani snow monkey park. The Nagaden Snow Monkey pass provided included entry to the park as well as the buses to/from Yudanaka.
Enjoy a hearty kaiseki traditional multi-course Japanese feast back at your traditional accommodation this evening.
Make your way back to Nagano using the Nagaden pass then use the tickets provided for the bullet train to Tokyo.
Please refer to the tickets provided for your seat reservation details and the train schedule.
Please make your own way from Tokyo to Haneda either by 20 min taxi, or paying locally for the train 5 mins to Hamamatsucho and the monorail to the airport from there.
Catch the NH4773 from Haneda to Kushiro, departing at 1615 and arriving at 1750. Please pay locally for a taxi from the airport 20 mins to the hotel, then you are at leisure to explore the city.
In winter you can see many Japanese cranes at the feeding grounds near Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido. Their mating calls echo in the coldness. This guided, shared min-van/coach tour takes you to the cranes main feeding ground, with the unrivalled opportunity to capture their distinctive mating dance on camera. Learn about these fascinating birds from your guide over the course of the day.
Pick up 0900 at the main Kushiro hotel and drop off around 17.00.
Travel from Kushiro to Nemuro by local train today, which takes 130 – 150 mins. Please use the tickets provided. Note there is no reserved seating or luggage racks on local trains. Please either walk or take a short local taxi ride to your hotel in Nemuro, then you are at leisure to explore!
Meet your private guide and take minivan transport from Nemuro out along the remote coast for some of the most potentially stunning birdwatching in Japan. Stellar’s Sea Eagles and White-Tailed Eagles are some of the largest in the world and are abundant off the coast at this time of year as they hunt for fish. Learn about these amazing creatures from your guide on this full-day tour, finishing back at your accommodation around 17.00 to either enjoy the hotels cuisine or venture out.
Catch a public bus from Nemuro to Nakashibetsu today, then change to a bus on to Rausu. Total journey time is around 3 hours.
Please make your own way to the hotel then you are at leisure.
The Drift Ice Cruise is one of the most exciting winter activities on the remote Shiretoko peninsula. View the local wildlife from the tour boat, “Evergreen”. When the drift ice comes, various birds and animals gather here from all over the world. You will have a good chance to see white-tailed sea eagles and Steller;s sea eagles on the ice. The captain, a former fisherman, will acquaint you with the local people’s life, which includes cod-fishing. This is a 2.5 hour shared tour that requires 5 guests to run, starting at sunrise around 0600-0630 until 5 th Mar, then 0900.
Currently available Jan – Feb only. Alternative forest walking and birdwatching itinerary will be substituted at other times.
Catch a 3-hour bus from Rausu to Kushiro, then a flight from Kushiro to Haneda today, journey time just under 2 hours.
Stay at the Par hotel Tokyo overnight before flying home.
Catch a shared shuttle transfer from your hotel, 45 mins to Haneda Airport this morning. Here lies the end of your adventure.
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Sightseeing and permit fees during guided times
- Accommodation listed in the itinerary
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Local expert guide
- Service charges and government VAT tax
- VISA – must be arranged for non-ASEAN citizens
- Please make sure you have 6 months passport validity
- Flights
- VISA stamp fee at the arrival airport (the fee is varied based on nationality and destination)
- Early/late check in/out service at hotels (surcharge if request)
- Tips and gratuities
- Services and meals if not mentioned in itinerary
- All drinks, including water, soft drink, and alcohol on all included or optional excursion
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
Suitable for ages 18 to 65
