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Hokkaido - Hot Springs and Noodles

10 days from £4200 per person

Hokkaido Island provides a distinct contrast to the 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

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight non-stop to Tokyo. (N)
On arrival in Tokyo you will be met by a representative and taken to the airport shuttle bus which will provide your transfer to your accommodation. One of Asia’s great cities, over the decades Tokyo 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 named Edo. Reminders of this ancient past remain which, when coupled with the surrounding modern city, give Tokyo a unique, forward-thinking identity but one in touch with its past. (N)
Accommodation in Tokyo: The Park Hotel (or similar)
Joining your guide, this morning visit to the Meiji Shrine. Dedicated to the late Emperor Meiji, this atmospheric shrine is surrounded by a vast forested park. From here continue on foot to Omotesando, a broad tree-lined avenue, and then take the metro to Ginza – Tokyo’s entertainment district. Adjoining Ginza is the Imperial Palace and, after a walk though the East gardens, visit Asakusa – part of Tokyo’s old town – home to the Sensoji Temple and Geisha district. End the day with 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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 To Do Next?

We design unique, tailor-made holiday itineraries to suit you, by combining your ideas with our knowledge and experience. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for, or if you require some advice, please call us or complete the enquiry form online for a quotation.

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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.

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When to Visit

A general overview suggesting when to travel in the country.
Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

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Key :

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Japan Holiday Review

Our whole holiday ran smoothly, each day perfectly organised.  At our first hotel the Sunroute Plaza in Tokyo, we found the room to be small with no wardrobe or storage, however the staff were very friendly and the breakfast tasty.  Our day with our Guide, Mutsuko was invaluable.  She was a lovely lady, who gave us the confidence to navigate the vast railway system.  The highlights of our day were the beautiful gardens at the Imperial Palace and visiting Asakusa.

On to Kanazawa, our favourite place, the gardens of Kenroken, although popular were very tranquil and peaceful. We had a lovely day visiting the places as advised on 'Our Perfect Day'.  

Shirakawago was a picture postcard village.  Takayama was certainly an experience, typical Japanese, where our shoes were left in lockers and we went around the hotel in bare or stocking feet.  We even had Japanese clothing to wear around the hotel if you were brave enough to use it.

Our hotel in Kyoto was right in the heart of the station, but you would never have known.  Again we had an excellent Guide in Reiko. We had an energetic day visiting the Bamboo forest, and climbing the mountain to feed the monkeys at Arashiyama, as well as Nijo-jo Castle and the Golden Temple.

We really enjoyed our Tea Ceremony, it was a wonderful experience. All  in all we have had the most amazing holiday. From travelling on the most extraordinary trains, to staying in lovely hotels and experiencing the wonderful hospitality of the Japanese people. We could not believe how clean everywhere was.  No litter, no graffiti and no smoking in the street,  We were impressed by the smartness of all levels of the workers.

So again 'Arigato gozaimasu'  to all concerned for making this a truly remarkable and memorable holiday.

P & R - Japan - July 2018

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