Hokkaido
Independent Suggested Itinerary 8 Days
Hokkaido is famous for its beautiful wilderness, world class powder snow, delicious seafood and fascinating indigenous culture. It’s the perfect escape in all seasons. JTB can craft the perfect holiday to suit your interests and budget. We are best at understanding what you want from your holiday and creating something unique for you!
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- 1
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Arrival at New Chitose Airport, travel by train to Otaru station, approximately 75 mins. Covered by Japan rail pass. Stay at Hotel Nord Otaru or similar for 1 night.
A small but lively town on Hokkaido’s western side, Otaru shines brightly as an easy and picturesque side trip from Sapporo. Once a major trading and fishing port, the large warehouses along the city canals that once stored merchandise are now filled with museums, restaurants and stores. At night, the canal area is lit by antique gas lamps and the romantic atmosphere makes for a popular dating spot. The city is also famous for its crafts, including music boxes, glass works and sweets. In the winter, the city hosts a special illumination event called the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the iconic canals and main area of the city and visitors can enjoy the warmth of the sight while sampling Japanese winter favourites such as Amazake (a sweet sake drink).
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- DAY
- 2
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Travel by train to Sapporo, approximately 30 minutes. Covered by Japan rail pass.
Stay at Hotel Keihan Sapporo or similar for 4 nights.
One of the youngest cities in Japan, Sapporo stands as the capital city of Hokkaido and annual host of the largest snow festival in the country every February. The main section of the city is built in a North American style grid system, a rare sight in Japan, and the style is accentuated by the pleasant Odori Park that stretches through the city centre (the annual snow festival is held within the park). The city gained fame in 1972 as the host of the Winter Olympics and wonderful views of Sapporo can still be seen from the observatory above the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium that ski enthusiasts still practice at today. Sapporo also offers an abundance of Hokkaido’s renowned foods including crab, ramen, seafood and sweets.
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- DAY
- 3
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Free day.
Suggestions:
Sapporo morning markets, Tanuki Koji street, Odori and Sapporo Beer Museum.
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- DAY
- 6
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Travel by train and local bus to Noboribetsu, approximately 1.5 hours.
Stay at Noboribetsu Grand Hotel or similar for 1 night. Dinner included.
Hokkaido’s most prized onsen resort, the town of Noboribetsu offers visitors 9 different types of mineral rich hot spring waters to rejuvenate the body. Outside of soaking in baths at the many cozy ryokans and hotels in the area, visitors can also enjoy seeing the “behind the scenes” of where some of the hot spring water comes from. Above the town is an area called “Hell Valley” where volcanic activity such as steam vents and sulfur vents can be observed. The valley also offers delightful walking trails, particularly during the vivid colours of the autumn season, where walkers can rest their feet in naturally warm hot spring streams. |
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- DAY
- 7
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Travel by train to Hakodate.
Stay at Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar for 1 night.
A harbor city located at Hokkaido’s southern tip, Hakodate is the gateway into Japan’s northern island. Known as one of the best places in Japan to enjoy squid, Hakodate’s popular morning market offers visitors the chance to catch their own squid and turn it into fresh sashimi to enjoy on the spot. As one of the first cities in Japan to embrace international trade, Hakodate offers a unique contrast to more traditional sights in the country. The city offers visitors many unique attractions including a grand Western Style fort (Goryokaku), a district filled with delightful foreign architecture (Motomachi) and a beautiful bay area lined with large red brick warehouses (Kanemori) filled with local and Hokkaido specialty goods. |
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- DAY
- 8
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Transfer to Hakodate Airport by bus.
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| Dates: |
Daily: Subject to accommodation availability. |
| Package Inclusions: |
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 1 dinner at Noboribetsu
- JR Hokkaido rail pass 7 days ordinary
- Airport transfers are not included
- Luggage transfers are not included
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| Cost: |
TBA |
| Remarks: |
- This is an independent suggested itinerary package. This independent package is flexible and JTB can add on or change the itinerary around to suite your specific requirements. For more accommodation options, please contact us directly.
- All prices are subject to change until paid in full and accommodation is subject to availability at time of booking.
- Seasonal surcharges and conditions may apply.
- This package is a land only package. JTB can also provide prices for special airfares with any airline. Please contact us directly for more details.
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