Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
11 Days Starting in Tokyo and ending in Kyoto
Visiting: Tokyo, Abashiri, Sapporo, Hakodate, Kyoto
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JIF
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This exciting journey takes us to the far north of Japan where we make the most of the winter temperatures, taking an ice-breaker cruise in the Sea of Okhotsk before spending time admiring the incredible snow sculptures at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. We also explore ultra-modern Tokyo and discover tranquil Zen gardens in ancient Kyoto.
Sapporo Snow Festival - Discover huge snow sculptures and impressive ice carvings
Kyoto - See the traditional side of Japan, stunning temples and immaculate Zen gardens
Hokkaido - Visit Japan's northernmost island in the heart of winter
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Tour In Tokyo
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel, Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa
Accommodation Name: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in Tokyo, the ultra-modern capital of Japan.
For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6.30pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If some of the group are arriving on later flights then the main introductory briefing will be conducted on the morning of day 2 with everybody present. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Tokyo at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The city centre is around an hour away from Haneda Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You will be met in the Arrivals Hall, and transferred to the start hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels, before dropping you at the joining hotel.
Day 2: Explore Tokyo - City Tour
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel, Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa
Accommodation Name: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is said that over one quarter of Japanese live within a 50 km radius of the centre of Tokyo. The result is a bustling and exciting city, an economic powerhouse of Asia. Our first introduction to this unique culture is when we take a walking tour of the city highlights, using public transport to travel between neighbourhoods. Starting in Asakusa district we discover Senso-ji Temple which deserves to be high on any explorer's list. The oldest temple in the city, it is entered through the imposing Thunder Gate, flanked on either side by massive fierce statues of the gods of wind and rain.
We then board a boat for a short journey along the Sumida-gawa river to the traditionally styled Hamarikyu gardens. The gardens are located in central Toyko and feature several seawater ponds which change levels as the tides rise and fall. This journey offers a totally different perspective of Tokyo, as we sail past high rise apartments, secluded gardens and busy warehouses.
Next we visit Meiji Jingu - an important Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of the first Emperor and Empress of modern Japan at the end of Japan's feudal era. Its forested grounds offer a peaceful haven in this densely built-up city. Our final stop is Shibuya, known for one of the busiest crossings in the world Shibuya is a hub of up and coming fashion, technology and design in Tokyo with a variety of shops, museum and galleries to explore. We have included entrance to the Shibuya Sky Building which you can explore at leisure. The rest of the afternoon is left free and it is easy to return to Asakusa by metro or continue to the skyscraper district of Shinjuku.
Day 3: Fly To Abashiri; Discover The Hokkaido Museum Of Northern Peoples
Location: Abashiri
Accommodation: Nonky Land Higashimokoto
Accommodation Name: Nonky Land Higashimokoto
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we leave the capital and after a transfer to Haneda Airport we take a flight to Abashiri, located on the Okhotsk Coast of the island of Hokkaido. The Ainu are a people indigenous to the lands of northern Japan, with a cultural background that differs from the prevailing Yamato Japanese. After landing in Abashiri we plan to visit the Museum of Northern Peoples to learn more about culture and traditional everyday life of the Ainu and other people that inhabit the northern, subarctic regions of the world. We drive from here the short distance to our hotel for the night.
We include the luggage forwarding service today to ship our main bags to Sapporo which will arrive on day 5, so you will need to pack your day bag for two nights. Please refer to the Trip Information; Budgeting and packing; Luggage on tour section for more information.
Day 4: Cruise On The Sea Of Okhotsk; Scenic Train To Sapporo
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel, Granbell Susukino
Accommodation Name: Granbell Hotel Susukino
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Abashiri is Japan's northernmost major city located at 44 degrees north latitude. From mid-January to late March the waters here are covered in drift ice and we will be taking a short cruise through the Sea of Okhotsk to get to the main drift ice areas. With luck, a variety of wild animals can be seen including seals and sea eagles resting on the ice. From the ship you can also sometimes spot fox and deer on the coast. The boat ride takes about one hour in total depending on ice conditions. We catch a local bus to the train station where we spend the afternoon travelling by train to Sapporo, a scenic route with views across the snow covered landscape, with one change of trains along the way and arriving in the early evening.
Day 5: View Snow Sculptures At Sapporo's Annual Festival
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel, Granbell Susukino
Accommodation Name: Granbell Hotel Susukino
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend the full day exploring the annual Snow and Ice festival. The festival first began in 1950 but gained worldwide recognition in 1972 when Sapporo hosted the winter Olympic Games. We will see all of the main venues that have snow statues and ice sculptures including Odori Park, Tsudome dome and the main street in Susukino, Sapporo's entertainment quarter. We will also take time to stop at one of the many ice bars that pop up during the festival. In the evening there is an option to visit the Sapporo Brewery for a tour.
Day 6: Morning Free In Sapporo. Afternoon Visit To Beautiful Seaside Town Of Otaru
Location: Sapporo
Accommodation: Hotel, Granbell Susukino
Accommodation Name: Granbell Hotel Susukino
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we have some free time to further enjoy Sapporo and its surroundings. A great option is to take a bus to the Hill of the Buddha, a striking shrine which features a 13.5 metre high Buddha statue surrounded by an artificial hill covered with Lavender plants. In the afternoon we take the train to Otaru, a small town set along the Otaru Canal. The town is best known for the Snow Light Path festival when the snow-covered streets are decorated with small snow statues adorned with lights, particularly alongside the canal. We arrive slightly too early for the festival in 2024 but a walk around the town is delightful at any time. The town is also famous for fish and seafood and local dish you may like to try is kaisendon - seafood rice bowl. For those interested we can visit one of Otaru's famous beer halls, returning to Sapporo by train in the late evening.
Day 7: Take The Train To Old Trading Port Of Hakodate
Location: Hakodate
Accommodation: Hotel, Resol Hakodate
Accommodation Name: Hotel Resol Hakodate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Sapporo we take the train (4 hours) to Hakodate, located on the south-west corner of Hokkaido Island. Hakodate was one of the first ports to open to foreign trade in 1854 and as such has a distinct blend of Japanese and Western architecture. This afternoon we wander through Motomachi district, a neighbourhood favoured by the new foreign residents located at the base of Mount Hakodate, which gives an insight in to how the traders lived and how the cultures merged. In the evening we take a trip to Mount Hakodate for spectacular views down across the city.
We include the luggage forwarding service today to ship our main bags to Kyoto which will arrive on day 9, so you will need to pack your day bag for two nights. Please refer to the Trip Information; Budgeting and packing; Luggage on tour section for more information.
Day 8: Full Day By Train Across Wintry Japan To Kyoto
Location: Tokyo, Kyoto
Accommodation: Via Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Accommodation Name: Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a day of travel as we make our way across Japan by train to Kyoto, the old Imperial capital. We will either depart at around 09.00 or 06.00 and the journey takes around 8 to 9 hours with a change of trains in Tokyo. It is a great opportunity to relax and take in the scenery and the high tech efficiency of Japan's wonderful rail system, complete with an undersea rail tunnel between Hokkaido and the main island. If time allows, you may choose to get up early to see traders in Hakodate's morning market selling fresh seafood that the island is famous for, such as crabs (kani) and sea urchins (uni).
Kyoto is the cradle of all things uniquely Japanese and the only large city to escape bombing in WWII. It was the Imperial capital for more than 1000 years and was at the heart of the events that shaped Japan's destiny. Signs of the past are visible throughout the city in its grand temples and palaces and also the many traditional shops selling wares that have been produced for centuries.
Day 9: City Tour Of Kyoto - Temples, Zen Gardens And A Tea Ceremony
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Via Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Accommodation Name: Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kyoto is regarded as the place to see everything you expect to experience in Japan, with more than 2000 temples and shrines, many set in manicured landscaped gardens. But it is also a modern city. We spend a full day, making use of public transport, to explore the city including a visit to the temple of the Golden Pavillion and Ryonji temple with its beautiful zen gardens. To take a break from the sites, and the cold outdoors, we have planned a private tea ceremony today to learn all about the culture around this practice.
Day 10: Free Day To Explore Kyoto. Option To Visit Nearby Nara
Location: Kyoto
Accommodation: Via Inn Kyoto Hachijoguchi
Accommodation Name: Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to explore Kyoto at your leisure. You may wish to take a trip to nearby Nara, home to the Todaiji Temple, Big Buddha and the Kasuga Shrine. Your Tour Leader will be on hand to give you tips on where to visit and make the best of your time in this beautiful city.
Day 11: Tour Ends In Kyoto
Location: Kyoto
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Kyoto.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Kyoto at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel, while you head out for some last minute shopping or sightseeing. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is around one and a half to two hours away, or Osaka International Airport (ITM) which takes around an hour.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Comfortable Hotel
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Meals
Breakfasts:10 Dinners:5
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Fully Guided
Explore Tour Leader
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Complimentary arrival airport transfer for customers arriving into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). You will be met in the Arrivals Hall, and transferred to the start hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels, before dropping you at the joining hotel. Complimentary departure airport transfer for customers departing from Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM).
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Insurance
Why Book this Tour
From food to festivals, scenery to sledding, history to hilltops this is a varied tour where you will be well and truly off the beaten tourist path. This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese culture whilst experiencing the unique Sapporo Snow Festival.
Mode of Transport
Bus, Boat, Flight, Train
Accommodation
10 nights comfortable hotel
Meals
Breakfasts: 10
Dinners: 5
Check out our Q&As
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Flights detailed in the itinerary are included. International flights are not.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
For our group tours, the minimum age is 16.
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What is the maximum group size?
16 people
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary arrival airport transfer for customers arriving into Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT). The city centre is around an hour away from Haneda Airport and an hour and a half from Narita. You will be met in the Arrivals Hall, and transferred to the start hotel by public shuttle bus or private vehicle. The shuttle bus may stop at other hotels, before dropping you at the joining hotel. Complimentary departure airport transfer for customers departing from Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is around one and half to two hours away or Osaka International Airport (ITM), which takes around an hour.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
British passport holder do not require visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes.
All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. -
I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
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Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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