Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido Adventure Tour

Step into a dreamscape as you experience the magic of Hokkaido in the heart of winter. These untouched landscapes turn even more dramatic, blanketed in fresh, powdery snow. Get ready to take trekking to the next level with a snowshoe adventure through the breathtaking Shiretoko Five Lakes and Primeval Forest. Connect with rich history and culture as you visit the Ainu Kotan, one of Japan's last Indigenous communities. Then, melt into pure relaxation with an overnight stay at a traditional onsen - the perfect way to unwind after a day of winter wonders in Hokkaido.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg. 14

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Local Living Moment: Ryokan Stay, Fukui
Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa, Asahikawa. Snowshoeing in Shiretoko Five Lakes, Primeval Forest & to Furepe Waterfall. Free time in Shiretoko & Sapporo. Sulphur Mountain Visit. Lake Kussharo Hot Spring Beach. Lake Mashu Observatory Deck visit. Traditional Ryokan stay and onsen hotspring. Local Ramen speciality dinner. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Hike. Nijo Market Visit. Sapporo beer tasting.

Meals Included  

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Transport  

Plane, private vehicle, local train, walking, snowshoe.

About Accommodation  

Hotels (7nts) Traditional Ryokan Stay (1nt)

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Packing List  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Max Pax  

16

Highlights  

Snowshoe through the powder-covered Shiretoko Five Lakes and Primeval Forest, Soak in a soothing onsen at a traditional ryokan for ultimate relaxation, Discover the culture of northern Japan's Indigenous Ainu people with a visit to Ainu Kotan Village.

Joining Instructions  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

If you would like to book an airport Arrival shuttle for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

If you have paid in advance for an arrival shuttle, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the transfer company name "GREEN TOMATO" on it outside of the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call Emergency Phone number: +81 50-3096-0911

JOINING HOTEL:
Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata
1 Chome-3-15 Minamikamata, Ota City
Tokyo
Japan

WELCOME MEETING TIME: 10:00am

You will meet your group at the meeting point hotel in Tokyo at 10:00 am heading towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Make sure to arrive to Japan with ample time to arrive at the meeting point to ensure you don't miss the departure time. Enquire about booking a pre-night hotel if you choose to arrive the day before.

Accommodation  

Hotels (7nts), Ryokan stay (1nt)

Optional Activities  

Sapporo
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

Otaru
- Walking Tour of Otaru