7 DAYS EASTERN HOKKAIDO’S PRISTINE BEAUTY & FLAVOURS IN WINTER
Abashiri, Shiretoko, Lake Akan & Kushiro
Family Travel, Off the Beaten, Winter Wonderland
The northernmost section of Hokkaido is a mountainous region with unspoilt natural landscapes. In winter, this area turns into a surreal landscape with frozen waterfalls, floating ice floes, frost flowers and white forests. The pristine winter landscape attracts a wide range of unique wildlife such as red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed sea eagles. This unique itinerary is designed not only to bring out the best in Hokkaido’s remote wilderness, but you will also get the opportunity to taste some of the region’s best food, including several establishments which had been listed under Michelin Guide.
Transfer: Airport to Hotel
Upon your arrival in Memanbetsu Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel with sightseeing along the way.
Museums of Abashiri
You will visit the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which focuses on the theme of drift ice and the creatures that inhabit the Sea of Okhotsk. This museum also offers 360-degree views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko Peninsula from the top of Tiandu Mountain.
Icebreaker Ship
Enjoy a unique ice-breaker ship experience and visit the Abashiri Prison, an iconic Japanese historical site immortalized in the popular anime “Golden Kamui”.
Optional: Fat Biking & Smelt Fishing at Abashiri
Enjoy a guided fat bike experience (suitable for beginners) along the Okhotsk coastline, and if you are lucky, you may be able to see the Sea of Ohkotsk covered in drift ice up close. Experience smelt fishing at Lake Abashiri
Transfer: Abashiri to Shiretoko via Oshinkoshin Falls
You will be transferred from Abashiri to Shiretoko. Along the way, marvel at Oshinkoshin Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Japan.
Snowshoeing in the Primitive Forest
Put on the snowshoes and warm clothes today as you will walk through the virgin forest along the Shiretoko coastline towards the floating ice field. If you are lucky, you may even be able to spot some local animal species.
Lunch at Namishibuki
Listed on Michelin Guide as Bib Gourmand, this ramen restaurant offers delicious pork bone-based ramen and Izakaya-styled cuisine. Availability permitting, we will reserve a spot for you at Namishibuki and lunch payment will be at your own expense.
Into the Drift Ice of Shiretoko
Visit the Shiretoko World Heritage Centre to learn about the natural landscape and animals of the Shiretoko Peninsula. With specialized winter dry suits on, head out into the drift ice and learn about the wildlife that live hand-in-hand with the ice.
Transfer: Shiretoko to Lake Akan
This morning is free at leisure. Thereafter, you will be transferred to Lake Akan with an experience along the way.
Wildlife of Shiretoko
In Shiretoko Peninsula, nature and humans live in close proximity. In winter, Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed sea eagles is possible to be seen at the same time, while the sea’s seamless ice floes also harbor life on its own.
Transfer: Lake Akan to Kushiro with Sightseeings
You will be transferred to Kushiro with experiences along the way.
The Lakes of Akan Mashu National Park
Located in Akan Mashu National Park, the picturesque crater lake of Akan is home to a rare algae species that can reach the size of soccer balls after a few centuries. The national park also houses the caldera lake of Kussharo, which forms omiwatari (ice pressure ridge) during the winter.
Lunch at Fenetre
Availability permitting, we can detour to Nakashibetsu area with a reservation for Fenetre (listed on Michelin Guide as 1 Star) with course menu dining.
Cranes & Craft Beers of Kushiro
Deepy loved by the locals, the red-crowned crane has symbolized blessings to the local communities since ancient times. If luck is on your side, we may be able to spot these beloved creatures during your visit to Tsurumidai. Adjacent to the Kushiro Marsh is the Tsurui Village, where you will visit a brasserie knot craft beer brewery. Conclude with sunset at Hosooka Observation Deck, from which point you can appreciate the beauty of Kushiro River, Mount Okanagan and Mount Akan.
Dinner at Tempura Sakura
Availability permitting, we will reserve a spot for you at Tempura Sakura (listed on Michelin Guide as Michelin Plate).
Into the Kushiro’s Wilderness
Led by a professional guide, you will experience winter canoeing along the Kushiro marsh, passing by frost flowers, trees and maybe seasonal animals if luck is on your side. The paddling of the canoe will be conducted by our on-ground team, though you can choose to paddle the canoe yourself if you would like.
Lunch at Farm Restaurant Cuore
Availability permitting, we will reserve a spot for you at Farm Restaurant Cuore (listed on Michelin Guide as Bib Gourmand) with course menu dining.
Afternoon at Leisure
This afternoon is free at leisure. If you would like, we can organize a 3.5-hour trip in search for the red-crowned cranes to maximize your chance of spotting this beloved creature (additional expense applies).
Dinner at Kishin
Availability permitting, we will reserve a spot for you at Kishin (listed on Michelin Guide as 1 Star) with course menu dining.
Transfer: Hotel to Airport
You will be transferred to Kushiro Airport for your onwards flight.
Hotel Abashiri Koso (Japanese Style or Western Style) • KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort (Japanese Style or Western Style) • New Akan Hotel (Japanese Style or Western Style) • Kushiro Century Castle Hotel (Double or Hollywood Twin)
Abashiri
An inn founded in 1948 on the shores of Lake Abashiri. From the rooms facing Lake Abashiri, you can enjoy the seasonal atmosphere of the lake. Soothe away the fatigue of your trip in the natural hot spring public bath, and refresh yourself by sweating in the sauna. (Rooms: 153)
Shiretoko
Overlooks the Sea of Okhotsk from its hilltop location in Shiretoko, providing beautiful forest views as the leaves turn color with the changing seasons. (Refurbished: 2023; Rooms: 176)
View More
Lake Akan
Located on Lake Akan, home of the "Marimo" (rare balls of algae). The large bath boasts a view of the lake and Mt. Oakan. Meals feature delicious fish from the lake, including raw kokanee salmon, deep-fried pond smelt, and slices of carp washed in cold water. (Refurbished: 2015; Rooms: 370)
View More
Kushiro
Located alongside the Kushiro River, which offers an optimum location for observing sunsets. Weather permitting, guests can watch the evening sun setting over the mouth of the river and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kushiro. (Refurbished: 2015; Rooms: 48)
View MoreHokuten no Oka Abashiri Lake Tsuruya Resort (Japanese & Western Style or Western Style) • Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort (Japanese Modern Twin) • Akan Tsuruga Bessou Hinanoza (Suite with Private Bath) • ANA Crown Plaza Hotel Kushiro (Standard)
Abashiri
An ethnic-inspired resort perched at a hilltop overlooking the Abashiri ground and distant lake.
(Refurbished: 2011; Rooms: 80)
Shiretoko
An atmospheric resort with all-natural hot spring baths set within vicinity of the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko. (Refurbished: 2007; Rooms: 180)
View More
Lake Akan
Each floor is tastefully decorated to represent different seasons with elegant touches throughout. Rooms are relatively spacious for Japan’s standard, with options to upgrade to rooms with private outdoor bath overlooking Lake Akan.
(Refurbished: 2004; Rooms: 25)
Tokachigawa
Lying adjacent to the Kushiro’s Fisherman’s Wharf, the ANA Crowne Plaza Kushiro is the largest hotel in its area and a favorite amongst many who visit the city on the east coast of Hokkaido. (Opened: 2013; Rooms: 179)
View MoreKindly call us at (852) 2885 2181 if you require any immediate assistance.
Personal Particulars
GET STARTED WITH YOUR PERSONALISED UNIQUE JOURNEY
Call us at (852) 2885 2181 or email us at enquiry@intriqjourney.com to start planning for a holiday that is completely tailored to your preferences.
Contact Us