Winter Festival: Lake Akan Ice Festival “Winter Fireworks”, Sounkyo Hyobaku Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival
Unique experiences: Sand Bath & Swans at Lake Kussharo, Drift Ice Walk (90min), Drift Ice Cruise (60min), Smelt Fishing Experience (2.5-3hrs), Music Box Making Experience
Sightseeing & Shopping Experiences: Akan International Crane Center GRUS, Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, Blue Pond in Biei, Mitsui Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, Otaru Sakaimachi Street, Shiroi Koibito Park
Hotel: Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga or similar / Western room
Meal: Meal on Board / - / D
Upon arrival at Kushiro Airport, coach transfer to Akan International Crane Center GRUS (阿寒国際ツルセンター [グルス]), where you can witness the graceful beauty of the endangered red-crowned cranes, a symbol of Hokkaido’s natural heritage. After, proceed to the hotel for check-in and dinner [Buffet]. In the evening, experience the magical Lake Akan Ice Festival (阿寒湖氷上フェスティバル), where you’ll enjoy the sparkling “Winter Fireworks” lighting up the frozen lake—a highlight of the season.
Day 3 Akan – Shiretoko 阿寒 - 知床
Hotel: Hotel: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort or similar / Western room
Meal: B / L / D
This morning, start your day with a Sand Bath ‘Sunayu’ Experience and Swan Viewing at Kussharo Lake (屈斜路湖). In winter, Japan’s largest caldera lake transforms into a serene haven for over 300 migratory whooper swans.Though much of the lake surface freezes, natural hot springs along the shore remain warm—creating a photogenic and peaceful retreat for both swans and visitors. Thereafter, proceed to a local restaurant for lunch [Okhotsk Seafood Gozen]. After lunch, visit the picturesque Oshin Koshin Waterfall (オシンコシンの滝), a twin cascade known for its unique split-rock formation and wide, fan-like shape as it tumbles toward the Sea of Okhotsk. Continue to Cape Puyuni (プユニ岬), located along the road as one heads towards the Shiretoko Five Lakes where you will see the Sea of Okhotsk stretched out, as well as Utoro Fishing Port and, on a clear day, the mountains of Akan National Park. In winter, the first glimpses of the approaching drift ice can be seen from this spot. In winter, the first glimpses of the approaching drift ice can be seen from this spot. Afterwards, take part in a truly unique adventure – Drift Ice Walk Experience (流氷体験). Wearing a dry suit, you can walk on or even float among the surreal sheets of drift ice that cover the Sea of Okhotsk. It is an unforgettable chance to connect with this rare natural phenomenon and perhaps spot wildlife beneath the ice. Finally, transfer to the hotel and enjoy your dinner [Buffet] at the hotel restaurant.
Day 4 Shiretoko – Abashiri 知床 - 網走
Hotel: Hotel Abashirikoso or similar / Western room
Meal: B / L / D
After breakfast, embark on the Drift Ice Cruise (流氷観光船おーろら). This powerful icebreaker ship plows through the frozen Sea of Okhotsk, navigating through ice up to one meter thick. During the cruise, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as sea eagles and seals—truly a one-of-a-kind Arctic-like experience in Japan. Today’s lunch will be at a local restaurant [Kaisen Don]. Next, visit Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum (オホーツク流氷館), where you’ll learn about the natural science behind the drift ice and Arctic ecology. The museum also features a simulated drift ice experience room, and a rare chance to see preserved ice from the Sea of Okhotsk year-round.After that, transfer to hotel for check-in and dinner [Kaiseki].
Day 5 Abashiri – Sounkyo 旭川 - 層雲峡
Hotel: Art Hotel Asahikawa or similar / Western room
Meal: B / L / D
This morning, start your day with a fun and interactive Smelt Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri. Try your hand at ice fishing for wakasagi, a seasonal winter treat often eaten tempura-style. After, have lunch at a local restaurant [Yakiniku]. Thereafter, transfer to Sounkyo to witness the magical Sounkyo Hyobaku Festival (層雲峡氷爆まつり). This chilly winter festival takes place along the Ishikari River at the base of the hot spring town, and features large, multi-story buildings and structures made of ice and snow. Finally, transfer to hotel for check-in and dinner [Japanese Courses].
Day 6 Sounkyo – Sapporo 層雲峡 – 札幌
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Sapporo or similar / Western room
Meal: B / - / D
After breakfast, travel to Biei for a visit to the ethereal Blue Pond (青い池), known for its otherworldly turquoise color especially beautiful against a snowy backdrop in winter. Next, enjoy some free time shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima (三井アウトレットパーク札幌北広島), one of the largest outlet malls in Hokkaido. Here, lunch will be at your own expense. In the evening, transfer to Sapporo city for the hotel check in. Tonight’s dinner [Crab Course] will be served at a local restaurant. End your day with free time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the sparkling atmosphere of the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival (さっぽろ雪まつり), a spectacular celebration of ice and snow sculptures, winter lights, and local culture.
Day 7 Sapporo 札幌
Hotel: Mercure Hotel Sapporo or similar / Western room
Meal: B / L / -
Begin your day with a visit to Otaru Sakaimachi Street (小樽堺町通り), a charming historical street lined with glass workshops, cafes, and quaint boutiques. Here, you will enjoy a hands-on music box making experience, a fun and meaning souvenir to take home. Next, have lunch at a local restaurant [Aburiyaki]. Afterwards, visit Shiroi Koibito Park (白い恋人パーク), a chocolate-themed park created by Ishiya, makers of the beloved Shiroi Koibito cookie – a must have Hokkaido souvenir. Watch the production process, explore chocolate exhibits, and stroll through the beautifully designed park. Tonight, dinner will be at your own leisure. Feel free to discover one of Sapporo’s many culinary delights.
Day 8 Sapporo – Tokyo 札幌 - 東京
JL512 CTS-HND 1405-1550
Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar / Western room
Meal: B / - / -
After breakfast, transfer to New Chitose Airport for your domestic flight to Tokyo.
Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, coach transfer to the hotel for check in. Enjoy your free & easy time in Tokyo city.
Day 9 Tokyo 東京
Hotel: Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba or similar / Western room
Meal: B / - / -
After breakfast, full day free at your own leisure!
After breakfast, free at your own leisure until departure.
Bid farewell to Tokyo as we will depart for Singapore. We hope that you have enjoyed this vacation with JTB and we look forward to bringing you to your next holiday destination.
Day 11 Singapore 新加坡
Arrive Singapore
*All the photos are for illustration purposes only
*The itinerary is subject to change due to weather condition
*Meals indicated are for reference only and are subject to change
*Flight schedule is subject to change
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