Trip Overview
During this ski trip, you will experience Hokkaido, rich with history and culture. Well known as a winter wonderland, Hokkaido is riddled with world-renowned ski resorts and volcanic hot springs. A skier's delight, this region has light powder snow falling from November to March, making it the perfect location to hit the slopes.
Beginning in Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo, you will explore the Nijo Market and its renowned selection of fresh fish, which Hokkaido is famous for, before venturing to the Sapporo Factory and the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you will discover why Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer in Japan.
A visit to the Nikka Whiskey Distillery in Yoichi, constructed in 1934, you will discover the craft of brewing and learn why Nikka whiskey is regarded as among the greatest single malt whiskies in the world. You will move on to the coastal town of Otaru, a tiny port city with well-maintained canals and unique herring homes, before closing off this day of sightseeing, relaxing inside the Jozankei onsen, with views of the snowy landscape, followed by a traditional Japanese course dinner.
Now it’s time to hit the slopes! You will enjoy three days of skiing at Niseko, which is synonymous with powder snow, and is considered the region with the greatest powder snow in the world. In between skiing, you will indulge in the local culture and you learn about local dishes and discover new recipes with a cooking workshop at a Hokkaido homestead!
Following your stay in Niseko, you will travel to Furano, exploring the famous Biei Blue Pond and the Shirahige Waterfall, which is unique among Japanese waterfalls in that it originates from an underground river, on the way.
To close off your ski trip, you will spend your final two full days hitting the Furano Ski Slope, a leading national ski slope that has held the World Cup more than ten times. Visitors from all over the world travel to Hokkaido to see the powder snow phenomena that happens every winter.
Whether you are an expert skier or you are new to the world of snow sports, Japan is a must-visit winter destination and this trip is the perfect combination of adventure and culture!
Accommodation listed or similar.
Beginning in Hokkaido’s capital city, Sapporo, you will explore the Nijo Market and its renowned selection of fresh fish, which Hokkaido is famous for, before venturing to the Sapporo Factory and the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you will discover why Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer in Japan.
A visit to the Nikka Whiskey Distillery in Yoichi, constructed in 1934, you will discover the craft of brewing and learn why Nikka whiskey is regarded as among the greatest single malt whiskies in the world. You will move on to the coastal town of Otaru, a tiny port city with well-maintained canals and unique herring homes, before closing off this day of sightseeing, relaxing inside the Jozankei onsen, with views of the snowy landscape, followed by a traditional Japanese course dinner.
Now it’s time to hit the slopes! You will enjoy three days of skiing at Niseko, which is synonymous with powder snow, and is considered the region with the greatest powder snow in the world. In between skiing, you will indulge in the local culture and you learn about local dishes and discover new recipes with a cooking workshop at a Hokkaido homestead!
Following your stay in Niseko, you will travel to Furano, exploring the famous Biei Blue Pond and the Shirahige Waterfall, which is unique among Japanese waterfalls in that it originates from an underground river, on the way.
To close off your ski trip, you will spend your final two full days hitting the Furano Ski Slope, a leading national ski slope that has held the World Cup more than ten times. Visitors from all over the world travel to Hokkaido to see the powder snow phenomena that happens every winter.
Whether you are an expert skier or you are new to the world of snow sports, Japan is a must-visit winter destination and this trip is the perfect combination of adventure and culture!
Accommodation listed or similar.
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Highlights of this Trip
Tear up the slopes with five full days of skiing at the world-famous locations of Niseko and Furano, renowned for white-powder snow, stunning nature and rich Japanese culture
Visit a Hokkaido homestead and enjoy a cooking workshop with the owners of the farm, where you will learn about popular local dishes and discover new recipes
Discover the natural wonders of Furano, as you soak up the beauty of its Biei Pond, famous for its rich blue colour, and Shirahige Falls, a magnificent site to behold, on a private tour
Be immersed in Japanese culture as you spend a night in a traditional tatami room with futon beds and soak in the natural hot springs at the Jozenakei Onsen
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Sapporo
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Welcome to Japan! Upon arriving at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, a guide will greet you at the airport and you will take the rapid airport train to central Sapporo. After checking in to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to relax or explore the area at your leisure.
Accommodation
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo★3.5 star
Transportations
Train from Sapporo Okadama Airport to Sapporo
Day 2
Explore Central Sapporo
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After a leisurely start to your day, your English-speaking guide will meet you at your accommodation to head to Nijo Market, known for its fresh fish selection, to see what is on offer and have an early lunch. After finishing in the market, visit Sapporo Factory, a large complex with many different shops to visit housed within a historic glass and brick building. Next, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum, home to one of the most popular beer producers in Japan. You will finish the day with a steaming bowl of Sapporo-style ramen to warm you up!
Accommodation
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo★3.5 star
Activities
Nijo Market
Sapporo Factory 1-jo Building
Sapporo Beer Museum
Restaurants
Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Original Ramen Alley)
Transportations
Metro from Sapporo to Sapporo
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Day 3
Canals, Fresh Fish and Whiskey
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Start off the day leaving Sapporo to go to Yoichi and visit the renowned Nikka Whiskey Distillery, built in 1934. Known the be one of the founders of Japanese-produced whiskey, Taketsuru Masataka studied for many years in Scotland and brought the traditional whiskey-making processes back to Japan to create an original Japanese product at this distillery in Yoichi. After finishing at the distillery, head east to Otaru, a lovely town by the sea. After Otaru, head south to Jozankei Onsen to spend the night at a hot spring resort before ending your day with a traditional Japanese meal.
Accommodation
Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
Activities
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Otaru
Transportations
Private Driver from Sapporo to Otaru
Private Driver from Otaru to Jozankei Daiichi Hotel Suizantei
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Travel to Niseko
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Today, a private car will pick you up in the morning and take you to your hotel in Niseko. After checking in, head to the ski rental shop and get fitted for your equipment (if you have added equipment hire). Spend the rest of the day as free time and enjoy exploring and skiing in Niseko.
Accommodation
Hilton Niseko Village★4 star
Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Transportations
Private Driver from Sapporo to Niseko
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Day 5
Skiing in Niseko
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Take to the slopes today for a day of exploring Niseko and enjoying the ski resorts.
Accommodation
Hilton Niseko Village★4 star
Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Skiing in Niseko and Japanese Cooking Class
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Continue your skiing adventure today discovering Niseko and exploring the ski resorts. For lunch, head by private car to a Hokkaido homestead where you can learn local cooking techniques from the owners of the farm.
Accommodation
Hilton Niseko Village★4 star
Activities
Skiing in Niseko
Cooking Class at a Hokkaido homestead
Transportations
Private Driver from Niseko to Niseko
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7
Head to Furano
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Today, a guide and private car will pick you up in the morning as you leave Niseko and head to Furano. On the way, you will visit some beautiful natural spots, such as Biei Pond and Shirahige Falls.
The car will drop you off in Furano where you will check into your hotel and relax for the remainder of the day.
Accommodation
Hitohana
Activities
Blue Pond
Shirahige Waterfall
Transportations
Private Driver from Niseko to Furano
Meals
Breakfast
Day 8
Skiing in Furano
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You will spend today at your leisure skiing in the Furano resort. Furano Ski Slope is a leading national ski slope that has held the World Cup more than ten times. Many skiers and snowboarders travel from within and outside of the nation due to the quality and splendour of the snow. There is also a school where you may take classes that are appropriate for your ability.
Accommodation
Hitohana
Activities
Skiing in Furano
Meals
Breakfast
Day 9
Skiing in Furano
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You will spend today at your leisure skiing in the Furano resort. Furano Ski Slope is a leading national ski slope that has held the World Cup more than ten times. Many skiers and snowboarders travel from within and outside of the nation due to the quality and splendour of the snow. There is also a school where you may take classes that are appropriate for your ability.
Accommodation
Hitohana
Activities
Skiing in Furano
Meals
Breakfast
Day 10
Return to Sapporo and Departure
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Today is your final day in Hokkaido! You will return to Sapporo in the morning and catch your flight home.
Transportations
Private Driver from Furano to Sapporo Okadama Airport
Meals
Breakfast
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What’s included?
- 9 nights accommodation
- 12 activities
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
What’s not included?
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
Starting From
AU$ 9,869/ per traveller sharing
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Benefits of this trip
Japan in 10 days
4-star, 3.5-star accommodation
24/7 in-destination support from your local designer
Unique local experiences you can’t find elsewhere
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All the activities you love, and nothing you don't
Inspiration for you
Explore the authentic activities in Japan
Nijo Market, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan|Sapporo Factory 1-jo Building, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan|Sapporo Beer Museum, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan|Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, Hokkaido, Japan|Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan|Skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan|Skiing in Niseko, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan|Cooking Class at a Hokkaido homestead, Hokkaido, Japan|Blue Pond, Hokkaido, Japan|Shirahige Waterfall, Hokkaido, Japan|Skiing in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan|Skiing in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan|Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Original Ramen Alley), Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan
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