Active Northern Japan: Tokyo & Hokkaido

Welcome to Japan! Arrive at anytime. Then meet your group and CEO this evening for a welcome meeting.

Today you have the chance to see the biggest city in Japan on a tour with your CEO. See highlights of this amazing city like Asakusa Sensoji Temple and Asakusa neighbourhood, Nakamise shopping street and the historic Meiji Shrine. In the afternoon, spend your time in Tokyo how you'd like. Opt to visit cool neighborhoods like Akihabara or Harajuku. Or find some green space in the famous Ueno Park.

Arrive at any time and meet your group and CEO for a welcome meeting in the evening.

After a filling breakfast, depart the hotel en route to the Primeval Forest area of Shiretoko National Park. Embark on a guided three to four hour hike through the area of the park. Be sure to bring binoculars if you are a keen animal enthusiast, as there is ample opportunity to spot various species from the Steller's sea eagle to Japanese deer. The scenery is equally as dramatic as you witness the cliff edges hang over the turquoise water of the sea. After time for lunch on you own, head to the Five Lakes area of Shiretoko National Park. This area is famous for its namesake five lakes that were formed years ago by the eruption of Mount Lou. The area now offers picturesque views of the mountains and the wilderness all around. In the afternoon, take a short walk to the Furepe Waterfall, a waterfall cascading into the Okhotsk Sea. In the evening, head back to Abashiri for free time and dinner at the hotel.

Explore the laidback city, Abashiri, today on a bicycle. We'll make various stops throughout the day to get a sense to of the city's cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. Ride along Mt Tento, and stop at the observatory for amazing vistas. Visit the Museum of Northern People to learn about the history of the Aunu people, one of two remaining indigenious groups in Japan. The final stop of the day will be the Abashiri Prison Museum. Admired for its beautifully preserved Meiji-era architecture and remembered as one of Japan's most notorious prisons. Opt to try to prison-style lunch and learn about the unique history here in Hokkaido.

Depart Abashiri this morning and head inland towards Lake Akan. En route, stop at the shore of Lake Kussharo, where you can take a moment to get your hands dirty digging into the sandy shore and actually hitting hot spring water. Dig your own personal Onsen! A sign of the volcanic activity still present underground in this area. The next stop is a visit to the active volcano, Mt Lo, which sits inside the Kussharo caldera. Watch the sulfurous smoke and steam rise from the craggy landmass. Make a final stop at the observatory deck to take in views of Lake Kussharo and Lake Mashu before continuing on your overnight stay at a Ryokan. After a dinner with your fellow travelers, enjoy a cultural performance in tribute to the history of the local Ainu people of the region. Akan Yukar Lost Kamuy is a presentation of Ainu ancient ceremonial dance, contemporary dance and digital art.

Enjoy a leisurely start to the morning to spend the morning hours enjoying the Ryokan hot springs a second time. Or choose to join your CEO for a walk around Lake Akan. Then make your way towards Asahikawa. Leave room for dinner, because this evening we'll try the famous Asahikawa ramen. This ramen is famed throughout Japan as one of the best in the country.

It's time to rise and shine and strap on those hiking boots once again. This morning, head to the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway. Board the ten minute gondola ride up to the start of the walk. Spend a couple of hours exploring the area on foot, and hope for glimpses of the mountain ranges as the fog comes and goes.
It's important to note that in Spring and Fall, its common to still have snow on the ground at Asahidake, so itinerary adjustments may be made. Cold weather clothing should be packed during this season.

Sapporo, the capitol of Hokkaido, is home to some of the island's most interesting spots. With a day at leisure, choose to join your CEO to visit the Hill of the Buddha, a incredible and huge shrine. Or, choose to explore the Hokkaido Jingu shrine, a shinto shrine honoring 4 deities.

Spend today getting well acquainted with the city of Sapporo, home of the world famous beer. Begin your day with a visit to the Nijo Market. Walk through the stalls full of fresh seafood, most caught right of the coast of Hokkaido. You'll see crabs, fish and things you may have never seen before like fresh urchin and fish eggs. Afterwards, head to the home of the first Japanese made beer, Sapporo Beer Museum, and sample beer that can only be found at this location.

Depart at any time.