Hokkaido Private Tour: Winter Wonderland with a Japanese Twist

DAY

Chitose Airport - Tokachigawa

Welcome to Hokkaido! We hope you had a nice flight. Your journey starts now as we make our way to one of the rarest hot springs in the world. Tokachigawa Onsen is a “Moor” (plant derived) hot spring giving it a higher content of natural moisturizing ingredients compared with ordinary hot springs. Take your time letting the heat and minerals relax your body to the core and be amazed of the healing power it will have on your skin! You’ll also be surprised by how rejuvenated you’ll feel tomorrow morning, which is perfect timing for tomorrow’s thrilling dog sledding adventure!

DAY

Tokachigawa - Tokachigawa

Get ready for a fun social experience cooking with friendly locals! Arrive in Shintoku, a small rural town with a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere. Get acquainted with your local cooking guides and enjoy the experience of making Soba noodles together from scratch! Today’s highlight is definitely dog sledding in the town of Shikaoi! Drive your own team of Alaskan Huskies on a trail stretching more than 10km! After brief instructions, you’ll have some time to communicate and have physical contact with the dogs, which is very important for build a bond before your journey. Feel the power and stamina of the Alaskan Huskies as you make your way through the crisp climate and stunning surrounds. Wind down your day relaxing in an all-natural onsen at your hotel.

DAY

Tokachigawa - Furano

Our first stop today is the Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden for a delicious cup of coffee and a souvenir shopping opportunity! This factory has an enormous selection of sweets and confectionary from the Tokachi Region. After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Minami Furano for a fun snow shoeing adventure! Meet your local guide and get ready for some light backcountry trekking through a picturesque winter forest. Enjoy connecting with Hokkaido’s beautiful powder snow and majestic winter atmosphere. Finish your day near your hotel exploring Ningle Terrace, a beautiful collection of boutique cottages, housing specialty arts and crafts along with their creators.

DAY

Furano - Asahikawa

As we make our way to Asahikawa, which is the 2nd largest city in Hokkaido, we’ll pass through Biei, a picturesque hilly area famous for its patchwork landscapes and an amazing region for panoramic photography. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll arrive at Asahiyama Zoo! Enjoy viewing polar bears, hippos, monkeys, as well as lots of wildlife from Hokkaido, including deer, eagles, cranes and wolves! Depending on the weather, you may even get to see the famous penguin parade! Check-in to your hotel and feel free to explore the city and have dinner of your choice. Asahikawa Ramen is highly recommended! This savory ramen is known for its thin wavy noodles and shoyu (soy sauce) based broth. Make sure to order some toppings to go with it, such as green onions, pork, and bamboo shoots. You’ll love it!

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Asahikawa - Asahikawa

Check out of your hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Takasago Sake Brewery. Learn about the history and brewing process of this exquisite award-winning sake that has gained significant global recognition among sake connoisseurs over the years. Next, well make our way to Sounkyo and have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by an evening stroll through the spectacular Hyobaku Ice Fall Festival. Words can’t describe this subzero winter wonderland with buildings made of ice and snow, some even two or three stories high! The sculptures are lit with colorful lights creating a surreal environment full of adventure and unforgettable exploration!

DAY

Asahikawa - Otaru

Our first stop today is Bibai, a small town with a nostalgic atmosphere that once thrived during the coal mining days. Here you’ll have a fun local experience making Rice Udon noodles from scratch! Take this time to enjoy meeting with the local farmers and making friends with the Japanese helpers guiding you through the noodle making process. Next stop, the classic port town of Otaru! Enjoy walking around the famous Otaru Canal, Sakai Machi Street, Music Box Museum, glass blowing shops, the LeTAO Cheesecake headquarters, and many more one-of-a-kind spots. The romantic winter atmosphere comes to life in the evening when the gas lanterns and streetlights illuminate the city in style. Have dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.

DAY

Otaru - Sapporo

After breakfast at your hotel, get ready to put your hand-eye coordination to the test with a fun glass blowing workshop! You’ll learn from the best craftsmen and create your own glass cup, which has recently become the signature craft of Otaru. Next stop, the Barato River, a famous area near Sapporo for Smelt Ice Fishing! Meet your experienced local guide who will show you how to heat your tent, drill a hole in the ice, fish for smelt and make tempura on the spot with what you catch! Enjoy your classic Hokkaido winter experience. As we make our way back to your hotel in Sapporo, we’ll take you on a quick car tour of the city before dropping you off to explore the shopping areas and have dinner as you like.

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Sapporo - Sapporo

Explore the beautiful city of Sapporo at your leisure. Apart from the abundance of shopping facilities in Sapporo Station, Tanukikoji and the underground walkways, you can also visit some local sightseeing spots all within walking distance. We recommend the TV Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Breweries and many more depending on your interests! Don’t forget to try Sapporo Ramen, Soup Curry, Yakitori or Genghis Khan at one of the many establishments in the heart of downtown. Enjoy some city night exploration too!

DAY

Sapporo - Chitose Airport

Even your last day can be enjoyed to the fullest! Go shopping in downtown Sapporo, or stop by one of the popular outlet malls on the way to the airport. Lots of seafood and Hokkaido specialties are available at the recently revamped Chitose Airport, which is actually an impressive destination on its own. Have fun exploring and doing some last-minute shopping! We hope you had a wonderful winter experience here on Treasure Island and look forward to adventuring with you again soon!