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Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens, a tour by G Adventures

Tour · 8 nights · with G Adventures

Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens

An escorted small-group tour with G Adventures focusing on winter landscapes and Indigenous culture in Hokkaido, Japan, featuring snowshoeing, sea ice walks and traditional onsens.

Duration
8 nights
Departures
3 dates
Choose a month below
Countries
Japan
Operator
G Adventures
From
£3,069
per person

Highlights

What makes this one worth it

  1. Snowshoeing in Shiretoko Five Lakes primeval forest

  2. Walking on drift ice off Abashiri coast

  3. Traditional onsens at a ryokan near Lake Akan

  4. Ainu Kotan village and Indigenous Ainu culture dance

  5. Sapporo Nijo Market and local beer tasting

About the trip

This eight-night small-group tour by G Adventures takes you into the quieter side of winter in Hokkaido, Japan's northern island where snow muffles sound, rather than colour. After a welcome meeting in Abashiri, the route leads into the silent Shiretoko Five Lakes, where snowshoes allow you to move through pristine primeval forest without breaking the stillness.

A highlight waits in drifting out on sea ice near Abashiri, an experience that feels less tourist trail and more crossing into a frozen world. Further south, the indigenous Ainu Kotan village offers a chance to hear stories and watch traditional dances that pre-date the long winter season. Evenings unfold at a ryokan by Lake Akan, where heat from an onsen offers a steady contrast to flurries falling outside. The final days include a visit to Sapporo with a stroll through Nijo Market and an introduction to local beer.

Transport involves small groups with local trains, buses and private vehicles, keeping the pace measured and the atmosphere relaxed throughout this winter route. Along the way, pockets of free time allow some personal exploration or simply sitting with a bowl of ramen as snow settles again outside.

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The route in outline: places are joined in the order visited, not by the roads or sea lanes taken.
  1. 1 Abashiri
  2. 2 Sapporo
  3. 3 Asahikawa
  4. 4 Lake Akan

Itinerary

The route

  1. Abashiri

  2. Sapporo

  3. Asahikawa

  4. Lake Akan

These are the places the trip visits, in order. G Adventures publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.

When to go

Departures and prices

Lowest price each month, per person.

G Adventures confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.

Need to know

Before you book

Price based on
Per personThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
Travelling alone
Check with G Adventures
Flights
Not included: you book your own to the start
What’s included
Check with G Adventures
Accessibility
Check with G Adventures

For full details of what’s included, check with G Adventures. See the full details on their site

Questions people ask

How long is Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens?
Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens is a 8 nights tour holiday.
Who operates Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens?
Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens is operated by G Adventures.
How much does Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens cost?
Prices for Active Japan: Hokkaido in Winter, Sea Ice to Onsens start from £3,069, subject to availability.

The operator

G Adventures

Small-group tours around the world

Small groups, local guides and a long list of destinations, from the Galápagos to the Mekong.

You book with G Adventures directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

New to Japan? Our Japan guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

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