Japan Sapporo Snow Festival
Overview
Highlights
- Discover Japan in the heart of winter and visit the Sapporo Snow Festival
- Visit Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido
- Enjoy the highlights of modern Tokyo and iconic Kyoto in low season without the crowds
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
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...
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 highlig...
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...
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 v...
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 inclu...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 cit...
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.
Meals Provided : 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 ...
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Ian
Feb 2024
Sapporo Snow Festival
The experience of travelling in snowy Hokkaido in the winter with the magical Sapporo Ice Festival, icebreaker cruise in the far north, travel by train through the s...
Niall
Feb 2024
Sapporo Snow Festival
This was an excellent trip that explored the top of Japan down to the cultural centre in Kyoto. Snow, ice, lights, food, local traditions and cultures at the start ...
Other Explore! Reviews
Karen Denzler
May 2024
Krakow to Budapest Adventure
This was a great itinerary! While Krakow and Budapest are easy enough to do on your own, it was the time in Slovakia in the Tatras mountains area that was off the b...
Mary
May 2024
Walking Scotland�s Orkney Islands
Everything about Orkney was fabulous; the distant windswept land was serene and beautiful. The group leader was very knowledgeable, experienced, and approachable; th...
Fiona
May 2024
A Taste of Peru - Lima to Machu Picchu
I left a review before. The trip was excellent
Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Transportation & Flights
Transportation & flights
- Breakfast : 10
- Dinner : 5
Optional Excursions
Sapporo Brewery visit - 3000 Yen per person including dinner Day trip to Nara - 2250 Yen per person
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations