5 Days / 4 Nights
A well-kept secret in Japan, Hokkaido is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. A sparsely populated and geographically diverse island where ancient traditions thrive. Our tour takes you to eastern Hokkaido where you will spend five days exploring the dramatic wilderness and panoramic beauty of Japan's second largest island.
Summary
Discover red-crowned cranes at Tancho Tsuru Nature Park. Experience Japan's breathtaking lakes and wildlife, such as bear cubs and giant whales, at the UNESCO World Heritage site Shiretoko. A picturesque island offering a range of delicious seafood, indigenous history, culture, and fantastic festivals, Hokkaido embraces the natural colors of Japan. Discover the indigenous Ainu people, and enjoy a traditional Ainu dance performance at the Ikoro Ainu Theatre. Featuring some of Japan's finest culinary hotspots, Hokkaido is a food lover's paradise. Experience the excitement of Washo Ichiba market in Kushiro and dine at Kushiro Robata, the birthplace of robata-yaki. Unveil beautiful Hokkaido with us, visiting popular destinations as well as secret groves and tunnels that lead to the island's hidden treasures.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 - KUSHIRO SIGHTSEEING AND DELICACIES
Meet English speaking guide at the hotel in Kushiro. Full-day tour with private guide by car.
Tour highlights:
- Visit the Kushiro Natural Wetland
- See the Red-Crowned Cranes at the Tanch Tsuru Nature Park
- Stop at the Historic Kushiro Fishing Port
- Dinner at Kushiro Robata, where the robata-yaki style of cooking originated
Stay overnight at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar
DAY 2 - HOKKAIDO WILDLIFE AND AINU TRIBE
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights:
- Enjoy the treats of Kushiro's bustling Washo Ichiba market.
- Norokko Train ride
- Canoe ride in the Kushiro River
- Tancho Tsuru Nature Park
- Experience a magnificent view of Lake Akan from Mount Akankohan
- Soak in the hot springs at the hotel Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga
- Take a short walk after dinner to meet the Ainu Tribe
- Witness the traditional Ainu dance at the Ikoro Ainu Theatre and sample ancient Ainu handicrafts
Stay overnight at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga Hotel or similar
DAY 3- BREATHTAKING VIEWS OF HOKKAIDO
Breathtaking views of Hokkaido
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights:
- Visit the Akan National Park
- Take a walk through the ancient forest of light; Hikari no Mori
- Admire the breathtaking views of Lake Kussharo from the Bihoro Pass
- Visit Mount Iou, a prehistoric landscape covered in volcanic smoke.
- Enjoy the view of Lake Mashu from the Daiichi Observatory
- Visit Shiretoko, to experience the peninsula at the end of the world
- Spend the evening at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort relaxing in a hot spring bath with a view of the Okhotsk Sea
Stay overnight at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort or similar
DAY 4 -WORLD HERITAGE AND WONDERS OF SHIRETOKO
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights
- Cruise the Shiretoko Peninsula and experience playful Orca and Sperm Whales in the Shiretoko waters
- Indulge in local cuisine at Shiretoko Serai
- Explore the Peninsula’s Five Lakes; home to exquisite wild life
- Breathtaking view of the Oshinkoshin Waterfall that flows to the Sea of Okhotsk
- Watch the magical sunset from the Yuhidai Observatory
- Head out after dinner for a night-time animal-watching excursion (optional)
Stay overnight at Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort or similar
DAY 5 - BEAR SPOTTING
Breakfast at hotel. Tour with private guide.
Tour highlights
- Adventurous Bear-spotting cruise.
Transfer by car for onward travel in Hokkaido or take an internal flight to Osaka or Tokyo to catch your return flight home.
Rates and Includes
Rate Includes:
- 4 nights at three or four-star hotels
- Meals: Daily Breakfast at hotel
- English-speaking guide: Per itinerary (including tip and allowance)
- Entrance and activity fees: Per itinerary
- Local transport: included during tour
Rate Excludes:
- International flights and domestic flights in Japan
- Drinks
- Lunch and Dinner
- Optional animal watching tour at night on day five
- Personal expenses
- Other items not mentioned in the itinerary