7-Day Hokkaido Winter Experience Tour

Experience Hokkaido White Scenery in Sapporo, Noboribetsu and Otaru, Dancing on the Snow.

Hokkaido in winter is a perfect utopia. Though it lacks the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the elegance of Kyoto, and the liveliness of Osaka, it leaves every visitor with the warmest memories of winter. Some say that Hokkaido should be visited four times, as each season has its unique charm and scenery, but the winter is the most unforgettable.

The once prosperous port city of Otaru has long shed its commercial aura. Today, it has settled into a unique artistic atmosphere over time and is one of the most romantic small cities in the world.

As the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo embodies all the charm of northern Japan, and in winter, it is as beautiful as a love letter.

Noboribetsu Onsen is the largest hot spring in Hokkaido. The cold winter and hot springs are a perfect match!

Surrounded by the sea on all sides, Hokkaido is not only a treasure trove of fish but also famous for its crabs. The hairy crab, flower crab, and king crab are known as the three famous crabs of Hokkaido. The king crab is a delicacy loved all over the world.

There are still more surprises waiting for you to discover. Let's set off now!

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

◇ Explore the three most distinctive cities in Hokkaido: Sapporo, Noboribetsu and Otaru.

◇ Ski on 14 slopes and in 4 natural forest ski areas in Niseko, dance freely on the snow.

◇ Enjoy the gifts of nature at Noboribetsu Onsen, the "No.1 Hot Spring Town in Hokkaido".

◇ Immerse yourself in Otaru, a famous artistic small city.

Itinerary Overview

This is a very popular travel route in Hokkaido. The itinerary includes the most recognized tourist destinations and a variety of scenic spots. Japanese cuisine and seafood are naturally indispensable. We believe this will definitely be an unforgettable trip!

There are still some other places worth visiting along the route. We are more than happy to customize it according to your interests and preferences.

The first day, arrive in Sapporo. 

Take an international flight to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and start your Hokkaido winter experience journey.

After arriving at the airport, your private tour guide will pick you up and take you to Hakodate by private car to check in. Get used to the new environment and have a good rest.

The Next Day in Niseko.

 The winter at Niseko (also known as Niigata) presents a serene snowy landscape, with the entire mountain range blanketed in white, which is extremely captivating. The snow here is called "powder snow" , with a light and fine texture that accumulates on the ground like soft cotton. Besides the fairy-tale-like snow scenery, Niseko also boasts four ski resorts, making it a ski destination with excellent natural conditions and comprehensive facilities, truly a paradise for skiing enthusiasts.

Day 3: Resort Noboribetsu

After breakfast, we will take a drive to the resort town of Noboribetsu. After lunch, we will visit the Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village.

【Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village】

Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village is a theme park that recreates the atmosphere of the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), a 265-year-long feudal era initiated by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Wandering through the streets lined with traditional Edo-style buildings, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time. You can take photos with the "ancient people" dressed in Edo costumes walking on the street, and also experience Japanese tea ceremony and Edo-era cuisine.

【Noboribetsu Jigokudani】

The most impressive sight is Noboribetsu Jigokudani ( Hell Valley ) , a strange valley formed by lava after a volcanic eruption. Volcanic gases spew out from the cracks of the grayish-yellow rocks, and the air is filled with a strong smell of sulfur, creating a scene that resembles hell.

After dinner, we will experience a Japanese hot spring. In the Noboribetsu hot spring resort, you can enjoy the famous Japanese hot spring therapy. Relax in the unique and comfortable natural hot springs and relieve the fatigue of the journey.

Day 4: Lake Toya - Noboribetsu Bear Park

After breakfast, visit Lake Toya. After lunch, visit Noboribetsu Bear Park.

【Lake Toya】

Lake Toya is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It was formed by the ground sinking after a volcanic eruption. Close to the shore of the lake is Showa Shinzan, a new landform that rose in 1943 along a fault caused by an earthquake and still emits white smoke. The 43-kilometer circumference caldera lake is home to the famous Toya Lake Hot Springs, one of the few hot spring resorts in Hokkaido. The surface of Toya Lake does not freeze in winter and is the northernmost unfrozen lake in Japan, with clear water throughout the year. On the Nakajima Island in the middle of the lake, there is the Toya Lake Forest Museum, which can be reached by sightseeing boat.

【Noboribetsu Bear Park】

At Noboribetsu Bear Park, you can observe brown bears up close through the Bear Kindergarten, the Scholar Bear Show, and the thrilling "Human Fence" surrounded by many brown bears. There is also the world's only brown bear professional museum that allows you to understand the entire ecology of brown bears and the "Yukara Village" that recreates the lifestyle of the Ainu people (Yukara is a narrative poem passed down among the Ainu people), providing visitors with an understanding of the ecology of brown bears and the culture of the Ainu people.

Day 5: A Romantic City Otaru

After breakfast, head to Otaru to visit the Otaru Canal and the Otaru Museum. Then, explore the Otaru Music Box Hall before returning to Sapporo by car.

【Otaru Canal】

This canal was built during the pioneering days of Hokkaido. Although only half of it remains today, it still retains its charm. The Victorian-style oil lamps along the river and the red brick warehouses along the banks add a touch of exoticism. The restaurants and small shops converted from the warehouses are ideal places for tourists to buy souvenirs or enjoy local cuisine.

After lunch, visit the Otaru Museum.

【Otaru Music Box Hall】

Converted from the former Hokkaido Grain Exchange, the Otaru Music Box Hall exudes a European atmosphere. Its exterior is made of closely arranged dark red glazed bricks, and the interior is constructed with beech wood frames. The retro stairs, corridors, and railings inside create a harmonious beauty. In this top-notch exhibition hall, visitors can not only see over 3,000 types of music boxes but also make their own small music box on the third floor.

Day 6: Sapporo，the Northern Charm of japan.

After breakfast, visit Hokkaido University, then tour Hokkaido Shrine and White Lovers Park. After lunch, visit Sapporo Beer Garden, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Odori Park. After dinner, visit Sapporo TV Tower.

【Hokkaido University】

Hokkaido University was founded in 1876 and was formerly known as Sapporo Agricultural School. Many places within the university have been designated as important cultural properties, such as the Second Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, the Clark Memorial Statue, and the Poplar Avenue, which are all worth visiting. The campus is filled with large trees such as elms, ginkgos, and poplars, earning it the nickname "Elm Campus". The buildings of various faculties, which have a historical feel, are mostly European-style and have a strong Nordic flavor, making them very popular among tourists.

【White Lovers Park】

White Lovers, the most famous chocolate sandwich cookies in Japan, have been on sale since December 1976, available in white chocolate and dark chocolate flavors. True connoisseurs will choose the former to fully experience the rich and non-greasy taste of Hokkaido fresh cream.

【Odori Park】

Odori Park, approximately 1.5 kilometers long, is a rectangular central green space and the venue for most important festivals such as the Sapporo Snow Festival and the Summer Cool Festival. In winter, the park is decorated with neon lights, making it particularly charming. During spring, the Lilac Festival turns the park into a paradise of flowers.

【Sapporo TV Tower】
Standing at the eastern end of Odori Park, the 147.2-meter-high TV Tower is a symbol of Odori Park. Built in 1957, it was originally a radio transmission and reception tower but has now completed its mission. It is now famous for its observation deck, gift shop, and food court.

Day 7: Sapporo, Departure.

This is the end of your trip to Japan, your private driver will escort you to Sapporo New Chitose Airport on time according to your scheduled flight.

Wish you a pleasant journey!