TOUR ITINERARY
Feb 6 (Fri) HONOLULU,
Leave Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. A meal and snack will be served aboard Japan Airlines flight. There will be Free Movies and Drinks.
Feb 7 (Sat) CHITOSE,
ANA CROWNE PLAZA CHITOSE
Arrive at Haneda International Airport. After clearing government formalities, transfer to our Japan Airline connecting flight to Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. Upon arrival, go directly to the hotel (15 minutes by bus from the airport).
Feb 8 (Sun) SAPPORO,
SAPPORO TOKYU REI HOTEL
In the morning, go to the shoe store to buy snowshoes to be ready for the Winter season in Hokkaido. Then head to Lake Shikotsu to see the amazing “Hyoto Ice Festival” with massive ice sculptures made with water from the lake. This festival is praised as the best of Hokkaido’s magical, frozen winter landscape. You will feel the winter beauty of Hokkaido during you strolling in the icy world that the transparent water of Lake Shikotsu creates. Then head to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital and largest city. We will enjoy the world-famous 76th Sapporo Snow Festival, one of Japan’s most adorable and amazing events in winter. You will be impressed by huge snow sculptures several stories high, hundreds of different size ice sculptures and tempting snow statues. The whole festival site at Odori park turns into a fairy tale picture. Our hotel is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from downtown Susukino where Ice Sculpture Festival is held. After dinner, tour guide will take you to Odori park again to see night view of Sapporo Snow Festival by subway. Giant Snow sculptures are illuminated with fascinating lights that give you the feeling of being in an enchanted world. We will also see Projection Mapping show using the latest technology making Sculpture as if moving by itself!
Feb 9 (Mon) ASAHIKAWA,
HOTEL ROUTE-INN GRAND ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE (ONSEN)
Visit Sapporo TV Tower a symbolic tower standing in the center of Sapporo. From the observatory (296ft high), you can enjoy a 360 degree view of whole snowy Sapporo city and Odori Park with huge snow sculptures. Then head to Asahikawa, Hokkaido’s 2nd largest city filled with natural splendor. On the way, enjoy shopping at “Sunagawa Highway Oasis” carries a large variety of delicious local specialties in Hokkaido. We will visit the Otokoyama Sake Park just opened in September 2024. Otokoyama Brewery with a Sake-brewing tradition for over 360 years and has won many gold medals in Japan and foreign liquor competition. Thus, they are called "Best Sake brewery in Hokkaido." At their new facility, you can taste not only their Fresh Sakes but also Iced Rice Latte using special Sake rice fermented syrup, Coffee that made from water used for brewing their Sakes, etc. We will stay 2 nights at hotel that is located close to Asahikawa train station and Aeon Shopping Mall. After hotel arrival, tour guide will take you Holo-Holo around the hotel. You can also enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath.
Feb 10 (Tue) ASAHIKAWA,
HOTEL ROUTE-INN GRAND ASAHIKAWA EKIMAE (ONSEN)
Head to Furano to enjoy Winter activity in natural surroundings covered in beautiful white snow. You will get a chance to enjoy exiting Snowmobile Ride. It will be an unforgettable experience for you to drive through the winter wonderland. The exhilaration of riding through the dazzling white snowfield is extraordinary. Then head back to Asahikawa to visit Asahikawa Winter Festival, Hokkaido's second largest winter festival that boasts the amazing “Guinness Book of World Records” Gigantic snow statue. This towering snow sculpture has a huge ice slide. It will be fun to slide down if you like. You can also enjoy strolling around the festival site along a lot of Hokkaido local food stalls. Grilled beef, Chicken skewers, Ramen, etc., will warm your body and soul up! After going back to the hotel, enjoy Free Time to continue shopping at Aeon Shopping Mall and Onsen Hot Spring bath.
Feb 11 (Wed) SOUNKYO,
SOUNKYO KANKO HOTEL (ONSEN)
Visit Japan’s second most popular zoo “Asahiyama Zoo“ which has well-designed enclosures that allow you to get closer than usual to the animals. We will enjoy their traditional winter event “Penguin Walk.” A group of King penguins waddling around the zoo to exercise during the winter. It’s amazing experience only available in winter. Later we proceed to Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest National Park that known for serene alpine landscapes created by a series of 6,600 feet-high volcanic mountains of virtually unspoiled wilderness. We will be driving along Sounkyo Gorge which is the main attraction of the National Park. This spectacular giant gorge consisting of 300 feet high cliffs that stretches over 15 miles. You will see a sea of snow-covered trees and a dynamic view of the white grand canyon continues. Tonight, we will stay at Onsen Resort hotel located along the river. After dinner, tour guide will take you to Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival. You can explore into a mysterious frozen world created by numerous ice sculptures illuminated in the seven colors of the rainbow, projection mapping on the ice, winter fireworks, a 42 feet high ice sculpture that forms an ice tunnel, etc. After visiting the festival, warm up your body in the Onsen Hot Spring bath. You can try the biggest Open-air bath in Hokkaido while hearing murmuring stream (Mixed gender bath. Bathing wear is provided at Onsen place).
Feb 12 (Thu) LAKE SAROMA,
LAKE SAROMA TSURUGA RESORT (ONSEN)
We will head to eastern side of Hokkaido where the magnificent nature of severe winter can be enjoyed. We will visit Yama-no Aquarium, one of the biggest freshwater aquariums in Japan that holds the amount and variety of salmons. You will learn about Salmon in Japan and it’s also amazing to see Japan’s biggest freshwater fish “Ito (Japanese Huchen)” swimming and forming groups. Later visit Cha-Cha World Doll Museum, filled with over 10,000 wooden toys including puppets, nutcracker dolls and mechanical toys from 40 different countries. This incredible Shadowgraph Gallery is worth to see. The masterfully crafted splendid pieces of art with light and shadow take you into vibrant fantasy world. Then proceed to beautiful Lake Saroma Hokkaido’s largest lake with its abundant nature. We will stay at fantastic resort hotel perfectly situated among Hokkaido’s magnificent natural beauty. You will see Frozen lake (depends on temperature of the year) from your room. Enjoy a delicious buffet dinner featuring local seafood, meat, etc. Soaking in Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath with a fine view of frozen lake amidst beautiful winter scenery.
Feb 13 (Fri) SHIRETOKO,
SHIRETOKO DAIICHI HOTEL (ONSEN)
Winter can be the time to experience the best of eastern Hokkaido. We will go to Abashiri a prime site for observing the huge Ice Floes a famous Hokkaido specialty only during certain time of winter which flowing all the way from Russia. We will ride an Icebreaker Boat to see the Ice Floes up close (It depends on circumstances of weather, temperature, tide, wind, etc.). The thickness and amount of Ice Floes has decreased quite considerably due to global warming. It’s better to visit as early as you can. Otherwise, No more chance! We will also visit Okhotsk Ice Floe Museum. You can experience the beautiful World of Drift Ice through the new 3-D projection mapping with the illusionary effect of light and sound. And you will get a chance to see and touch a piece of real drift ice in freezing experience room that kept 5 F that experience how cold it can be in Abashiri in winter. Then proceed to UNESCO’S World Natural Heritage site Shiretoko Peninsula one of Japan's most beautiful and unspoiled National Parks. The winter wonderland scenery of ice and white snow is breathtaking. We will stop at Oshin-Koshin Waterfall, selected as “One of the 100 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.” You can see the partly frozen falls with beautiful winter surroundings. Severe cold and natural conditions produce overwhelming views that can only be seen in winer. In the evening, enjoy a Big Buffet Dinner awarded as the “Best buffet in Hokkaido” with a variety of Local Seafood, Sushi, Tempura, Steak, etc. Another good chance to soak and warm up your body in the Onsen Hot Spring bath and Open-air bath.
Feb 14 (Sat) LAKE AKAN,
NEW AKAN HOTEL (ONSEN)
This morning, we will go to Akan-Mashu National Park offers a vast landscape comprising Japan’s largest caldera landform, volcanoes, forests, and lakes. We will visit Lake Kussharo which is chosen as “One of Japan’s 36 most beautiful places” by CNN. It will be perfect timing when a large flock of whooper swans that migrate from Russia along the lake’s shoreline. This breathtaking landscape consisting of swans, frozen lake and white mountain as backdrop is praised as “the most beautiful lake shore of swans”. Then we will visit mystical Lake Mashu which is considered by many to be “Japan’s most beautiful lake” because of its tranquil beauty. During the winter, trees are covered with snow and ice line the lake shore and stand in stunning contrast to the blue surface of the lake (Weather Permitting). Later head to our hotel located beside Lake Akan. The lake completely freezes over in winter and the Frozen Lake Festival is held on the lake. You will get a chance to enjoy numerous winter activities such as fishing on the frozen lake, Banana boat, Smelt fishing, snowmobile, etc. (Optional). After Dinner, you can enjoy Fireworks on the frozen lake that can be seen from your room. Enjoy a relaxing soak in Onsen Hot Spring bath. They have "Infinity Edge Open-Air bath". You will look as if the hot spring bath water and Lake Akan become united while soaking in the bath.
Feb 15 (Sun) OBIHIRO,
HOTEL NIKKO NORTHLAND OBIHIRO
In the morning, visit International Crane Center to see “Tancho” the Japanese Red-headed Cranes, designated officially as living Japanese Monument and its habitat is only around this area. We will see these beautiful cranes dancing elegantly spreading their huge wings. Later we will visit a world-renowned Washo Ichiba Market, a public fish market where over 60 stores carrying local sea products, dried seafood items, etc. If you like you can try its famous “Katte don Seafood donburi” at one of Hokkaido’s top three markets. First, purchase a bowl of rice, then walk the rows of shops selecting your favorite seafood items as toppings. It’s very easy way to taste Hokkaido’s excellent seafood with reasonable price. Then go to see Hokkaido’s winter miracle scene “Jewelry Ice” that is Ice lumps appear only during the coldest winter months on a beach at the mouth of the Tokachi River (depends on timing of the year). The frozen ice of the river flowed into the sea, is washed ashore by waves and spreads across the coast. Those clear ices, illuminated by the bright sunshine, sparkle like a diamond in the light. This unusual and unnatural phenomenon was reported by New York Times and its beauty has come to the big attention of the world in recent years. Our hotel is located right next to the train station and its shopping building where you can enjoy shopping after hotel check in.
Feb 16 (Mon) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
Visit Lake Shikaribetsu the highest altitude lake in Hokkaido is known as the “Lake in the sky”. We will visit the Ice village that appears only in winter on the frozen lake. This will be an otherworldly experience of several buildings made from ice and snow in a freezing environment. You can try the “Ice bar” where you can order a drink (Own expense) and enjoy it sitting on ice chairs inside a building made of ice. It's truly a unique and unforgettable experience in winter. Then head back to Sapporo. We will stay 2 nights at hotel located easy walking distance to Sapporo station with a department store and underground shopping mall. Tour guide will take you Holo-Holo after hotel check in. In the evening we will head out to downtown Sapporo to experience an Izakaya dinner. Izakaya is a Japanese style bar where you can experience the ambiance of where the locals go and eat local foods. Tonight enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable time in Sapporo.
Feb 17 (Tue) SAPPORO,
SOLARIA NISHITETSU HOTEL SAPPORO
In the morning visit an another one of top three markets in Hokkaido Sapporo Central Wholesale Market which carrying a variety of Hokkaido items such as Fresh seafood, Konbu seaweed, Dried seafood, local specialties, processed foods, etc., at the wholesale price. Later we will visit newly opened in 2022, Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town. Royce’ is Hokkaido’s iconic chocolate company renowned for their high-quality chocolates all over the world. This factory exhibition museum has become very popular newest attraction in Hokkaido. You can purchase fresh Royce’ Chocolate products at the factory shop. We will also enjoy lunch and shopping at Aeon Shopping Mall with over 130 shops including supermarket, UNIQLO, 100 YEN shop, etc. After going back to the hotel enjoy Free Time to continue shopping, packing, etc. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
Feb 18 (Wed) SAPPOLO / HONOLULU
At checkout time our agent will come to tape and tie-up your boxes and take down baggage to be checked in. We will leave the hotel by bus to Chitose Airport to catch our domestic flight to Haneda International Airport. Upon arrival, transfer to International Flight to Honolulu. Arrive in Honolulu the same morning, 18 FEB (Wednesday) After clearing U.S. Customs, proceed home. (Lunch / Dinner will be at your own expense.)
Clients remaining back can get plane, train, and hotel reservations. Members may return to Honolulu individually but no later than 90 days from the day of departure. Weekend returns will cost more per person. Please call our office if you are extending your stay. MAHALO!
*Price, Itinerary, and Meals are subject to change without notice.*
*** TOUR CONDITIONS ***
INCLUDES: Land transportation included in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, meals, sightseeing listed, tax, all transfer of passengers and baggage, and souvenir group picture.
DOES NOT INCLUDE: Individual expenses after tour termination as stated in the itinerary—the cost of obtaining all personal items, passport/visa, and or other necessary documents.
AIR: JAL's TFS (Fuel Surcharge) determines the final price for the group economy booking. For premium economy, business, and outer-island bookings, please contact our office for a price quote at your earliest convenience. Please refer to the Airline Questions segment of our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
LAND TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY PER PERSON:
DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. Once the tour itinerary is posted on the Tohoku Travel website, a $250.00 per person is required. This deposit will be applied to the full payment.
90 DAYS - 30 DAYS --- $1,500.00*
29 DAYS - 01 DAYS --- $2,500.00*
NO REFUND ONCE THE TOUR STARTS
*There may be Hotel cancellation charges along with the preordered event tickets for Miyako Odori show tickets, Tokyo Disney Sea tickets, Shinkansen ticket fees, etc. If the yen has already been purchased to pay for this tour, then the yen exchange rate at the time of refund will affect the refund since we have to convert the yen back to U.S. dollars again.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL TOHOKU TRAVEL SERVICE LLC
PH: 808-536-8618 or 808-538-7854
EMAIL: tohoku.travel.hi@gmnail.com
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ITO BLDG. #502; 2-22-3 TSURUYA-CHO KANAGAWA-KU, YOKOHAMA 221-0835, JAPAN
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