11 Day - Hokkaido Ski & Culture Trip
Regular price ¥484,300
Unit price per
per person, based on double occupancy
This trip was designed for skiers who like to mix a bit of cultural enrichment into their travel plans. On this adventure, you will have a taste of both the best snow Japan has to offer and a sampling of the culture that Japan is known for. Premium equipment rentals are included in this package so that you can enjoy all parts of the trip without being overburdened in transit.
Trip Highlights
- Ski the best of Japow at Niseko United
- Stay at two of the most exquisite ryokans in Japan and enjoy gourmet kaiseki food
- Enjoy a scenic snow shoe tour around Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake located in southern Hokkaido
What's Included
- 5 day lift ticket at Niseko United
- 5 day gear rental
- Snow shoe tour of Lake Toya (includes gear)
- Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Ground transportation in Hokkaido
Pricing
- The pricing displayed is the per person cost based on double occupancy
- A single occupancy supplement can be purchased for this itinerary for JPY 319,850 (or US$ equivalent).
- A solo traveler supplement can be purchased for this itinerary for JPY 62,650 (or US$ equivalent).
- Optional snowcat tour at Mount Iwanai can be added to the trip as an option for JPY 130,000 (or US$ equivalent)
- Optional first tracks guided tour at Niseko United can be added to the trip as an option for JPY 36,100 (or US$ equivalent)
- For detailed pricing information please refer to our full pricing disclosures page or contact us via chat.
What's Not Included
- Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary)
- Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
- Passport, visa, and permit expenses
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
- Any other items not specifically noted as included
Departure / Blackout Dates
Departure Dates -
December 20, 2020 through March 1, 2021
Blackout Dates -
December 28, 2020 - January 3, 2021
Map
Click here for interactive map
Reservations
To make a reservation, please use the reservation button to the right. A specialist will contact you shortly, to confirm your details. Upon confirmation, a 20% deposit of the total trip cost will be required. The balance of the trip cost will be due, 90 days before the trip departure date.
For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If a participant cancels 120 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee of 50% of the deposit will be made.
Per-person charges for cancellations that occur less than 120 days prior to departure (“Cancellation Period”) are as follows:
- 91-119 days prior to departure: 100% of the deposit amount
- 45-90 days prior to departure: 50% of the total trip or tour cost
- 44 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the total trip or tour cost
This policy also applies to pre- and post-Itinerary extensions and extra arrangements confirmed on any participant’s behalf. Any revisions made within the Cancellation Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of Trip or Tour, are subject to this cancellation policy. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier’s refund policy. Arriving late or leaving a Trip or Tour in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a Trip or Tour.
For our more details see the full disclosures or contact us through the chat window.
Trip Itinerary
*Accommodations are subject to availability; equivalent alternative lodging will be suggested if indicated lodging is not available on desired dates.
After disembarking from your flight to Sapporo, Hokkaido make your way through customs. Once in the arrival area, we suggest that you send all your bags but an overnight bag to your hotel in Niseko (don't worry, we will give you detailed instructions on how to do this).
Next, hop on the train to Otaru Chikko where a hotel shuttle will be waiting for you to take you to the ryokan for the evening, Ginrinsou*.
Ginrinsou, one of Hokkaido's most prestigious ryokans, is known for its heritage, architecture, and impeccable service. Relax by soaking in the beautiful open-air hot spring bath with a breath-taking panoramic view of Ishikari Bay. Choose from Japanese Kaiseki or French cuisine offered at its tastefully decorated Ginrinsou Grill (dinner and breakfast included).
After you check out, take a train or taxi and enjoy a self guided tour of the historic town of Otaru. Otaru, a pleasant harbour city near Sapporo famous for its super-fresh sushi, winter snow lantern festival, and well-preserved canal and townscape, is the perfect size to explore in a day. Once you are ready, take the train to Kutchan. A shuttle will be waiting on arrival to take you to the Freedom Inn*. Once you settle in, if you feel up for it, grab your rental gear so you are ready to hit the slopes first thing in the morning.
Niseko’s original Australian promoters put light, dry Japow on the international map. Niseko’s geographic fortune regularly delivers low moisture snow dust of remarkably consistent quality, out champagning Colorado at close to sea level. Enjoy plowing through, what has come to be known as Japow, to your hearts desire.
After your days on the slopes, explore the Niseko base areas. Niseko has one of the most dynamic apres ski economies with independent ski shops, restaurants ranging from food trucks and ramen shops to a growing variety of gourmet restaurants and Michelin-beknighted chefs. Don't forget to soak in the myriad of hot springs available throughout the area.
On Day 8, a guide will pick you up at the Freedom Inn* and drive you to the Lake Toya area. Enjoy trekking around the scenic Lake Toya on snowshoes and visit the rare volcanic scenery. From the top of Mt. Uzu, you may get a glimpse of Showa-shinzan, a baby mountain that burst from the ground less than 75 years ago.
After your hike, your guide will drop you off at the We Hotel Toya*.
The We Hotel is a modern stylish hotel designed by the famous Japanese architect, Mr. Kengo Kuma, a master of "Wa". Be engulfed in the essence and warmth of the "tree" as you relax after a long day outside (dinner and breakfast included).
Sleep in as you begin your last leg of your trip. After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, a private car will be waiting to take you to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's oldest hot springs town. For the next two nights, you will spend them in Takinoya* one of the most elegant ryokan in Hokkaido. Heal your body in your personal natural hot springs spa, taste the fine Japanese cuisine featuring the best of the seasonal seafood available (dinner and breakfast included). During the day, there is both an abundance of nature and culture to explore, including volcanic ponds in Hell Valley (jigokudani), Ainu cultural sites and a museum of Edo era.
On the last day, soak in the hot springs one last time before embarking on your journey home. After breakfast and checkout, there will be a private car waiting to transfer you to the New Chitose Airport.
Why Travel with Japanuary?
Our on the ground team has scouted the most pristine and awesome spots over a combined 50 years span. The result is thoughtfully curated experiences with careful considerations as to where to go, where to stay, and how to navigate Japan's excellent but complex transportation network. Our goal is to share our knowledge so that you can focus on enjoying the best that Japan has to offer.
