Example Itinerary

Japan's Winter Wonderland: Snow & Ski in Hokkaido

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Skiing
Destinations
Japan

Spend the most romantic time of the year in northern Japan exploring the white snow and sparkling lights sprinkled across the countryside and cities. This nine-day itinerary takes you through Noboribetsu, Hakodate, Lake Toya, Niseko, Otaru and Sapporo. Enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and action as you travel from hot springs to ski slopes. Take advantage of the magic the season brings with it to discover Southern Hokkaido’s natural beauty. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Snow Sports: Niseko is one of the world's best ski destinations, known for skiing, snowmobile rides, horse trekking, snow-rafting and more.

• Onsen: Après-ski with a difference as you soak tired muscles in natural hot spring baths.

• Food & Drink: Try some of Hokkaido's specialties with trips to the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, Sapporo Beer Brewery and the port city of Otaru (famous for fresh seafood, cheesecake and chocolate).

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Noboribetsu

Upon arrival at the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, you will be transferred to the city of Noboribetsu. The area is known as a destination for relaxation and has some of Hokkaido’s famous onsen, or hot springs. Explore the curious naturally-hot lakes and the valley that earned the town its nickname, Hell Valley. Check in to a luxury ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which often features hot spring baths, traditional Japanese meals, clothing and bedding. Indulge in an exquisite kaiseki dinner of small, meticulously prepared and finely presented dishes that are a delight to the five senses.  Finish the day with a soak in the hot baths and a good night’s sleep.

Hotel Options
About

This contemporary hotel has a relaxed-yet-refined feel to it, with simple, sleek rooms, featuring their own panoramic baths that provide incredible views of the lush surroundings. Lavish extras like organic shampoos provide an additional touch of class.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Takinoya onsen ryokan is easily one of Hokkaido’s best hotels, and it never fails to impress visitors. Sitting atop 11 kinds of Hokkaido’s highest quality hot springs, this 150-year-old ryokan effortlessly melds Japanese traditional hospitality with high international resort standards.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Hakodate

Travel south by car to Hakodate, passing through Onuma National Park along the way. Look for the small islands sprinkled throughout the freshwater lakes in the park. Reach Hakodate, one of the oldest cities in Hokkaido. The area is known for its well-preserved traditional buildings. The old-world churches spotting the picturesque Motomachi Hills are worth wandering up the countryside to explore. Revel at the stunning view from Mt Hakodate at night when the stars are shining brightly. Spend the evening at a local ryokan.

Hotel Options
About

Similar to its sister hotel in Noboribetsu, Bourou Noguchi, Hakodate, is a contemporary hotel, home to the highest open-air bath in Yunokawa hot springs. While enjoying a relaxing soak in the soaring bath, it’s possible to look down onto the bustling streets below, with Hakodate mountain and the Tsugaru Strait making for a stunning backdrop.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located in downtown Hakodate, this fine, modern hotel has everything a traveler needs to be comfortable and relaxed. Rooms range from the 135-square-feet standard, up to the Ocean View suite, measuring an expansive 295-square-feet.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Kappo Ryokan Wakamatsu is a traditional ryokan that offers a guests a room-style choice of Japanese, Japanese-Western, and Maisonette. Each of the hotel’s rooms provides a panoramic ocean view of the Tsugaru Channel.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Hakodate
Hakodate

Day 3

Lake Toya

Leave your hotel early this morning to visit the bustling morning fish market. Grab a quick photo of the monkeys bathing in the onsens before traveling to Lake Toya. The lake is located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which is famous for its active volcanoes. 

Hotel Options
About

The Japanese countryside is home to some astounding luxury hotels, and the Windsor Hotel is among them. This Hokkaido hotel is situated in a spectacular location on a mountain between Lake Toya and the Pacific Ocean.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Lake Toya
Lake Toya

Day 4

Niseko

Gear up for some amazing skiing as you travel to Niseko, one of the world’s top ski resorts. Along the way, pause and enjoy lunch followed by ice cream, which you will learn to make yourself! Once you reach Niseko, you have the option to either ski, snowmobile, take a horse trek, go snow-rafting or attempt another sport that makes the most of the area’s snow-blanketed landscape. Relax at your luxury Niseko hotel this evening.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

A Tale of Two Seasons: Whatever the season, it’s always an excellent time of year to visit Niseko. The area surrounding the Park Hyatt Niseko is home to the world’s best powder snow in the winter, and in spring and summer – or the “green” season, as locals say – it becomes a densely forested mountain paradise with cool, clear streams and a wealth of native flora and fauna.

Culinary Craftsmanship: The Park Hyatt Niseko features an astounding 11 restaurants, lounges, and bars, which serve entrees and cocktails in styles such as Robatta, Teppanyaki, Italian, and Chinese. Park Hyatt master chefs and sommeliers strive to offer guests the ultimate in sophisticated food, wine, and spirits.

Abundant Attractions on the Mountain: The Park Hyatt Niseko is a true “ski-in, ski-out” hotel, affording guests the ability to get right out to the slopes from the comfort of their rooms and suites. The Niseko “Weiss Powder Cat” can even be hired to privately motor you and your fellow skiers and snowboarders up the mountain in private fashion.

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Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Preferred Hotel
About

Kasetsu Condo is a sublime fusion of Eastern and Western architecture, which pushes the boundaries of Japanese luxury accommodation. The three-story house can accommodate up to 17 people.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Niseko’s high-end deluxe resort hotel, Ki, has the unique attraction of being the only hotel in the region offering ‘ski-in ski-out’ accommodation. The second floor takes guests to the ski valet service center where your equipment and boots are stored (and dried and warmed), enabling them to step from the hotel straight onto the slopes - and some of the finest powder-snow on the planet.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This 5-star luxury resort hotel is located right on the slopes of Niseko Hirafu village, one of the most exclusive locations in Niseko, and features awe-inspiring views of Mount Yotei itself, as well as the majestic surrounding area. The Vale’s 49 ultra-chic hotel rooms range from studios through to two and three bedroom apartments and, of course, the award-winning super-deluxe penthouse apartments.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Niseko

You have the entire day to yourself to enjoy the fresh white powder and unique culture in Niseko. If you crave more time skiing, spend the day carving up the mountain. If you prefer to stay indoors, learn how to make pottery, take a cooking class or you can even relax with a massage or spa treatment. There are several onsens in the area if you care for a hot soak, particularly necessary for soothing any skiing-induced aches.

Day 6

Otaru

Leave Niseko and travel to the charming port town of Otaru. Otaru is just outside of Sapporo and seems to be frozen in time. Check out the beautiful old bank buildings and warehouses. It’s easy to imagine that this was a busy hub when the town thrived on herring fishing. Treat yourself to some incredible, fresh seafood pulled straight from the local waters. The town is famous for glass, music boxes, cheese cake and chocolate-- peruse the local shops and indulge in what Otaru does best. This evening, enjoy the magical scenery from your luxury Otaru hotel.

Hotel Options
About

One of Hokkaido’s most prestigious ryokans, Ginrinsou is known for its historic charm and warm, attentive service, as well as the breathtaking panoramas granted to guests who take a soak in the warm, healing waters of its open-air free-form hot springs. Sitting atop the small Cape Hiraiso, these elegantly-designed onsens combine natural surroundings with modern, luxurious architecture, and provide expansive views of Ishikari Bay.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Years of planning went into the design and construction of this relatively young ryokan. The rooms are spacious, modern, and comfortable, each uniquely-decorated to reflect the style and feel of that particular room.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Otaru
Otaru

Day 7

Sapporo

Start the day off right by traveling to Sapporo and visiting the Mt. Okura Ski Jump. Feel posh and chic as you sip Japanese tea in Maruyama. Stroll through the Tanuki Koji Shopping Arcades post-lunch in the Susukino Ramen Alley. That evening, view the sparkling Christmas lights at the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. We recommend staying at the Suizantei Club Jozankei, just outside of Sapporo.

Hotel Options
About

The JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo provides sleek style and convenience in Hokkaido, Japan. Conveniently located above JR Sapporo Station with a direct link from Chitose International Airport by JR line, it is the perfect stop during a business trip for some rest, relaxation, and a dash of luxury.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The Sapporo Grand Hotel is a mature hotel with decades of experience delighting its guests, having been the first European-style hotel to enter the Hokkaido market. Guest rooms combine a traditional Japanese feel with modern, high-tech touches.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This hotel effortlessly blends Japanese traditions with modern decor and amenities. Low lighting on pastel-colored walls creates a luxurious setting, while stone and wood work are displayed throughout the hotel in elaborate structures and formations.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Sapporo

Explore the city at your own pace today. Shop in one of the many darling storefronts. Visit the TV tower, the clock tower or take a Sapporo Beer Brewery tour and see if the famous beverage tastes better fresh from the source. Stroll through the Christmas Market that evening. Keep an eye out for Sapporo Ramen, Genghis Khan and Soup Curry - three dishes the area is famous for. Spend a final evening in your hotel.

Day 9

Sapporo

Make the most of your final day in the lively city! Savor a final authentic Japanese meal. Shop the outlets and stock up on last-minute Japanese fashion and souvenirs before you catch your flight to your next onward destination.

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