<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","tour_types":[43,58,434,60],"tour_option":[57],"class_list":["post-667","tours","type-tours","status-publish","hentry","tour_types-adventure","tour_types-art-design","tour_types-nature-sustainability","tour_types-spa-wellness","tour_option-small-group"],"acf":{"header_image":756,"tour_code":"JTTE","main_parent":[16],"featured_tour":false,"subtitle":"Pristine nature and wilderness","description":"
Reach remote Eastern Hokkaido to spot the abundance of wildlife in unspoiled natural beauty. Visit vast national parks and lakes set in volcano calderas. Learn about, and watch the traditional dance of indigenous Ainu people. Witness the symbolic and endangered, Red-Crowned Cranes, wild bear, red fox and giant eagles. Take a coastal exploration in search of dolphins, whales and sea lions. Relax in open-air hot springs and savour the freshest and tastiest seafood and culinary specialities. Join in the fun and savour the atmosphere during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n ","inclusions":" Arrive in Chitose International Airport a short distance to Sapporo City.\u00a0<\/span>Start wandering through the sparkling splendour of Sapporo Snow Festival as day turns to night the giant snow and ice sculptures become illuminated. Fold onto festive winter streets with hot food stalls and pop-up ice-bars.\u00a0Sample local specialties and try famous crab dishes in casual dining at an Izakaya restaurant.<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15059,"description":"4* Western Hotel"}],"experiences":null}]},{"day_title":"Sapporo Snow Festival ","day_location":658,"header_image":12976,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" Step carefully to a spectacular winter festival full of awesome sculptures at the Snow Festival in Sapporo. This is a celebration of snow and ice held for one week each February in one of the world\u2019s snowiest cities (with an average of 485 cms of snow falls there every year, and accumulations often reach 80 to 90 cms). Each year the festival features several large snow sculptures based on a specific theme, these include reproductions of famous buildings on an almost life-sized scale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n All three venues have a distinct focus and character. At Odori Park in central Sapporo, snow sculptures stretch out over 12 city blocks. At nearby Susukino, a restaurant and entertainment district, ice sculptures and nighttime illumination are the main attractions. About 10 kms away is Tsudome, a snow park with both indoor and outdoor activities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15059,"description":"4* Western Hotel"}],"experiences":[{"experience":15072,"description":"Tour Giant Snow and Ice Sculptures"}]}]},{"day_title":"Journey east by scenic train to Kushiro ","day_location":661,"header_image":12980,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" Take a scenic train to Hokkaido\u2019s east coast. After a 4 hour journey reach Kushiro. Catch an initial glimpse of the wonderful red-crowned cranes in Kushiro Shitsugen, a sanctuary constructed to encourage repopulating this rare breed.<\/p>\r\n Iconic and unmistakable these cranes are most commonly depicted in paintings and ceramics. Adults have a white body, scarlet crown, and black secondaries, tail, and neck. Younger birds lack the red crown and have a light brown neck and brownish speckling on the wings. They breed in marshy meadows and wetlands and spend the winter in fields, marshes, and other open areas. The enclosed nature in this sanctuary provides a perfect chance to photograph the birds up close.<\/p>\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15062,"description":"3* Western Hotel"}],"experiences":[{"experience":15077,"description":"A Sanctuary of Tancho Red Crowned Cranes"}]}]},{"day_title":"Sunrise with Cranes at Lake Akan","day_location":659,"header_image":12982,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" Hundreds of red-crowned cranes gather as the a magical morning sun rises over Setsuri river. Rise early to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity. Take in a spectacular northern sunrise in the company of the majestic Tancho Cranes.<\/p>\r\n Explore the scenic Akan National Park. The volcanic activity of the Chishima Volcanic Zone created the Akan-Mashu National Park. Composed of three caldera landforms of the Akan Caldera, Kussharo Caldera, and Mashu Caldera. Covered in coniferous forest of Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir and\u00a0<\/span>Erman's birch. With several volcano-lakes.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\r\n The Akan area includes Mt. Me-akan and Mt. O-akan overlooking Lake Akan and Lake Onneto.\u00a0 <\/span>In the Mashu (Kawayu) area, see one of the most transparent lakes in the world Lake Mashu, as well as Lake Kussharo. Look out for the unusual plants called Moss Balls that grow in Lake Akan, now designated as National Special Natural Monuments.<\/p>\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15064,"description":"Luxury Ryokan Retreat "}],"experiences":[{"experience":15078,"description":"Majestic Cranes at Sunrise"},{"experience":15082,"description":"Sacred Dance and Ancient Crafts"}]}]},{"day_title":"White Swans and Ainu culture at Lake Akan","day_location":659,"header_image":12984,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" Witness whooper swans in a natural hot spring along a frozen lake. Stop for tea at a spectacular elevated viewing spot on Lake Mashu. At Lake Kussharo take photographs of expansive winter landscapes. Far away from the city noise, this place is truly relaxing. Swan around enjoying nature at its own pace.<\/p>\r\n Meet the Ainu Community at Lake Akan. At a <\/span>local Ainu hall see an authentic performance featuring traditional dress, language and dance. Master artisans create traditional crafts produced and sold in the Ainu Kotan. The Ainu dances are\u00a0Hokkaido's only designated important intangible cultural heritage of Japan.<\/p>\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15064,"description":"Luxury Ryokan Retreat "}],"experiences":[{"experience":15080,"description":"White Swans in Winter"},{"experience":15082,"description":"Sacred dance and ancient crafts"}]}]},{"day_title":"Discover the breathtaking Shiretoko National Park","day_location":662,"header_image":12986,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to huge variety of wildlife, including brown bears, deer, winter red foxes and eagles.<\/p>\r\nTry to walk on Drift-Ice or with Snow-Shoes as an alternative way to get around the frozen land. Even dip into the water in dry suits to feel like a sea lion.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15065,"description":"3* Western Hotel"}],"experiences":null}]},{"day_title":"Drift Ice Cruise and Prison Museum Tour in Abashiri","day_location":660,"header_image":12988,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":" On the northeastern coast visit Abashiri\u00a0 <\/span>to see the city amidst the hustle and bustle of the Okhotsk Drift Ice Festival. Take a cruise to cut through the frozen sea.<\/p>\r\n Visit the famous landmark of Abashiri Prison with preserved Meiji architecture and tales of hard labour and isolation in this remote location.\u00a0<\/span>The Abashiri Prison Museum provides a fascinating insight into the hard lives and difficult daily conditions that inmates faced.<\/p>\r\n .<\/p>\r\n \r\n\r\n ","accommodations":[{"accommodation":15068,"description":"Luxury Ryokan Retreat "}],"experiences":[{"experience":15086,"description":"Cruise Frozen Seas"},{"experience":15085,"description":"Hard labour in Harsh Lands"}]}]},{"day_title":"Return to Sapporo for return flights","day_location":660,"header_image":12990,"day_package":[{"package_type":178,"day_description":"Journey by train back through Sapporo to depart on your international flight from New Chitose International Airport.\r\n Though you will have experienced some of the best of Eastern Hokkaido, there are a number of options to consider as part of your overall trip north to Hokkaido, Japan. Which ever option you prefer, our team are ready to assist.<\/p>\r\n Option 1:<\/b>\u00a0Ski\/Snow board in Niseko or Rusutsu for a few days.<\/p>\r\n Option 2:<\/b>\u00a0Visit the Asahikawa Winter Festival and explore the homely second largest city in Hokkaido. Accessible by train.<\/p>\r\n Option 3:<\/b>\u00a0Take a domestic flight to Tokyo, Osaka, or somewhere else in Japan from Memanbetsu Airport.*<\/p>\r\n Option 4:<\/b>\u00a0Take an international flight from New Chitose International Airport. Journey by train to Sapporo.<\/p>\r\n Arrangements can be made though us and consult with us before you plan your post tour journey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n *flight to the mainland can cost approx, 20,000JPY<\/p>\r\n ","accommodations":null,"experiences":null}]}],"brochure_file":null},"yoast_head":"\n\r\n\r\n
\r\n Accommodation<\/strong><\/td>\r\n 4 Nights x Superior (4*) Western Hotels\r\n\r\n3 Nights x Superior Ryokans with hot springs and traditional Japanese evening meals<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n English Speaking Tour Leader<\/strong><\/td>\r\n When 6 or more are on the group you will be escorted by our English speaking tour leader. If your group is less than 6 people, you will be doing the tour on a semi-escorted basis (Met in each area by our local assistants and guides).<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Transfers<\/b><\/td>\r\n \r\n \r\n \t
\r\n Local\u00a0Tour Guides<\/strong><\/td>\r\n Local English speaking tour guides in\r\n \r\n \t
\r\n Entrance Fees\r\n<\/strong><\/td>\r\n Included for all sights when with a guide.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n \r\n Cultural Experiences<\/strong><\/td>\r\n \r\n \r\n \t
\r\n Meals<\/strong><\/td>\r\n \u00a0Breakfast daily & 3 evening meals<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n \r\n\r\n
\r\n Other Inclusions:<\/th>\r\n \r\n \r\n \t
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