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5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

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5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

Experience the magic of Eastern Hokkaido in winter with a journey that offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

Witness the elegance of red-crowned cranes and immerse yourself in local traditions, all while relaxing in luxurious hot springs. Enjoy thrilling winter activities like snowshoeing and drift ice walks against stunning backdrops. Cap off your adventure with an exhilarating icebreaker cruise and a unique museum visit.

This itinerary promises an unforgettable winter escape, combining relaxation and exploration for an exceptional experience you will not want to miss.

Highlights

Tsurui-Ito Tancho crane Sanctuary

Witness the majestic red-crowned cranes in their natural habitat during the winter months. This unique sanctuary offers an exceptional opportunity to observe these rare and elegant birds up close as they thrive in a carefully preserved environment.

Ainu Kotan

immerse yourself in the rich traditions and heritage of the Ainu people. Explore traditional Ainu crafts, performances, and historic displays that offer a deep insight into the unique cultural practices and lifestyles of this indigenous Japanese community.

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship

Embark on a thrilling Abashiri drift ice sightseeing tour aboard an icebreaker ship, where you will navigate through stunning ice floes on the Sea of Okhotsk. This unique adventure offers breathtaking views of the drifting ice and the opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most remarkable natural phenomena up close.

Onsen

Relax and rejuvenate in the soothing waters of Akanko Onsen and Shiretoko Utoro Onsen, two premier hot spring resorts perfect for the winter season. Enjoy the warmth of these natural hot springs while taking in the serene snowy landscapes and experiencing the ultimate in wintertime relaxation.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Kushiro

After arriving at Kushiro Airport, pick up your rental car and head to Kushiro Tanchozuru Natural Park, a popular spot for viewing red-crowned cranes. Next, visit the Kushiro City Museum, where you can learn about the history and natural environment of the area. In the evening, enjoy dining at local favorites, such as popular conveyor belt sushi restaurants or izakayas that serve fresh seafood.

Day 2 Kushiro > Lake Akan

Visit the Tsurui-Ito Tancho crane Sanctuary, a popular spot where many red-crowned cranes can be observed during the winter. Afterward, continue on to Akanko Onsen, where you will stay overnight. In the evening explore Ainu culture by visiting Akanko Ainu Kotan and watching the "Lost Kamuy" show.

Day 3 Lake Akan > Shiretoko

In the morning, enjoy activities such as guided tours on the ice-covered Lake Akan or wakasagi (Japanese pond smelt fish) fishing. Then head to the first observation deck at Lake Mashu, a stunning viewpoint overlooking the mystical lake. Next, visit Mount Io, a scenic spot where steam billows from the mountain's surface, followed by a stop at the "Road to Heaven," a breathtakingly straight road that seems to stretch endlessly. Continue on to Oshinkoshin Waterfall, a powerful and impressive waterfall, before arriving at Shiretoko Utoro Onsen for your overnight stay.

Day 4 Shiretoko

Spend the day exploring Shiretoko. Enjoy winter activities such as a guided snowshoeing tour around the Shiretoko Five Lakes, available from late January to mid-March, or join a guided drift ice walk, offered from early February to mid-March. Experience the natural beauty of Shiretoko in winter through these unique adventures.

Day 5 Shiretoko > Depart Abashiri

Start your day with the visit to the Abashiri Station for a drift ice cruise aboard the Aurora icebreaker. Continue to the Abashiri Prison Museum, the only prison museum in Japan where you can learn about the history of Hokkaido's development. Return your rental cat at Memanbestu Airport and board your flight to Haneda Airport.

5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

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Enjoy Eastern Hokkaido's winter wonderland with stunning landscapes, graceful red-crowned cranes, and beautiful icebreaker cruises.
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5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (summer and fall)

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5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

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Booking info

5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

Highlights

Tsurui-Ito Tancho crane Sanctuary

Ainu Kotan

Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship

Onsen

Itinerary

5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (summer and fall)

5 days Eastern Hokkaido Self-Drive Tour (winter)

18 days Pottery Tour

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