Hokkaido - Hot Springs and Noodles

10 days from £4200 per person

Traditional Japanese wooden architecture of Meiji Shrine in Tokyo

Hokkaido Island provides a distinct contrast to Japan's busy main Honshu Island. The volcanic landscape is often spectacular and the natural hot springs are an enjoyable comfort in what is a cooler climate. Famous for both beer and noodles, a journey through the picturesque countryside is complemented by delicious food and drink allowing the visitor to experience Japanese culture at a slower pace. Beginning in Tokyo spend a full day exploring this vibrant city then fly north to Hokkaido where highlights include the Tokachigawa Hot Springs. Lake Akan and the beautiful Kitami Mountains.

Route: Tokyo – Tokachigawa – Lake Akan – Sounkyo – Sapporo – Chiose – Tokyo

Itinerary Highlights

Tokachigawa Onsen in Hokkaido is a special hot spring rich with healthy organic matter. The same richness of soil provides wonderful food from the local region.

Picturesque Lake Akan was formed by volcanic activity over 6000 years ago. It is one of the few places in the world where Marimo, spherical balls of algae, are formed.

Sounkyo is a range of steep valleys in Hokkaido. Situated in the Daistsuzan National Park, the region is famous for hot spring resorts, waterfalls and spectacular cliffs.

Itinerary: Hokkaido - Hot Springs and Noodles

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight non-stop to Tokyo. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Tokyo

On arrival in Tokyo take the airport shuttle bus which will transfer you to your accommodation. One of the world’s greatest cities, Tokyo perfectly blends traditional with modern perfectly and today has cemented its position as a global economic powerhouse. With its futuristic skyline, dazzling neon advertisements and surging crowds, it is easy to forget that Tokyo started life as a small 16th century fishing village. Spend the afternoon at leisure and in the evening explore Tokyo’s incredible food scene. (N)

Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Tokyo

Today enjoy a guided tour of Tokyo with your private guide. Highlights include the Meiji Shrine. The tree-lined avenue of Omotesando, Tokyo’s entertainment district Ginza, the Imperial Palace and the city’s old town, Asakusa, which is home to the iconic Sensoji Temple and Geisha district. Later that afternoon enjoy a cruise on the Sumida Gawa River to Hamarikyu Teien – a stunning landscaped garden surrounded by a sea of skyscrapers. (B)
Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Tokyo to Chitose – by air/ Chitose to Tokachigawa

Today is a self-guided day. Early this morning take the airport shuttle bus to Tokyo Haneda Airport in good time to catch the flight to Chitose on Hokkaido Island. On arrival you will be met and then driven east across the island, via the Nissho Pass, to the Tokachigawa Hot Springs. This evening, take the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs. (B/D)

Accommodation in Tokachigawa: Daiheigen Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Tokachigawa to Lake Akan

Today cross the Tokachigawa Bridge and drive north to Lake Akan. On your arrival visit a local Ainu Village to learn about the ancient culture of this region’s original inhabitants. (B/D)

Accommodation in Lake Akan: Lake Akan Gozensui Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Lake Akan to Sounkyo

Following breakfast visit Lake Kussehro before driving to the northern coast and the Okhotsk Tower. Later drive through to Kitami Mountains to Sounkyo Gorge and see Ginga-no-taki Waterfall and Ryujei-no-taki Waterfall in the Daisetsuzan National Park – Japan’s largest reserve and home to several mountain ranges, volcanoes, hot springs and lakes. (B/D)

Accommodation in Sounkaku: Sounkaku Grand Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Sounkyo to Sapporo

Today drive to Asahikawa and try the famous ramen noodles then visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum. Later continue to Otaru to see its renowned Kitaichi Glass and Music Box Museum which dates back to 1912. From here travel the short distance to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s administrative hub, this friendly, cosmopolitan city was designed by European and American architects during late 19th century. (B)

Accommodation in Sapporo: APA & Resort Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Sapporo to Chitose

Today is a self-guided day. This morning you are at leisure to explore Sapporo. Highlights include Sapporo Clock Tower, a city landmark built in 1878, the magnificent neo-baroque Old Hokkaido Government Office Building, the 38-floor JR Tower and excellent Hokkaido University Botanical Garden which houses over 4,000 different varieties of plant. In the afternoon you will be met and driven back to Chitose. (B)

Accommodation in Chitose: Airport Terminal Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Chitose to Tokyo – by air

Today is a self-guided day. After breakfast make your way to Chitose Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Tokyo. The remainder of the day is at leisure to either relax or further explore Japan’s vibrant capital city. (B)

Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Depart Tokyo to the UK

This morning take the airport shuttle bus back to the airport to catch the British Airways flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Train travel as specified
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.