Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour 2027
World-famous Sapporo Snow Festival plus so much more! Explore Hokkaido’s glittering white landscapes
Dive into the heart of winter, from the twinkling lights of Sapporo to the glistening sea ice of Okhotsk
Ready for a real change from Hawaii’s heat? Try a refreshing trip to snow-covered Hokkaido this winter! This tour highlights the region’s most breathtaking seasonal experiences, like gliding beneath powder-draped trees while driving a snowmobile, an unforgettable drift ice cruise off the coast of Abashiri, and, of course, the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival!
Marvel at the whimsical Penguin Walk in Asahiyama Zoo, stroll among glowing ice sculptures at the Sounkyo Ice Festival, and witness rare red-crowned cranes in the wild. Step into the frozen wonderland of Lake Shikaribetsu’s open-air onsen village, then enjoy a dazzling night of lights and music at Tokachigawa’s Sairinka “Ice Flower” Festival—all with the cozy warmth of onsen retreats and hearty local meals along the way.
Filled with fun, beginner-friendly experiences, this tour lets you try ice fishing on a frozen lake and even create your own keepsake using natural onion-skin dyes from Hokkaido. Soak in open-air hot springs surrounded by snow and enjoy regional specialties handpicked by local guides. Discover the joy of winter travel with HIS Hawaii—no experience necessary, just a sense of adventure!
Check out our Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour preview video!
What’s Included:
- Comfortable flights with Japan Airlines (Full Package only)
- Expert English-speaking local guide and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic seasonal experiences like a drift ice cruise, smelt fishing on a frozen lake, and hands-on fabric dyeing using local onions.
- Relaxing stays at top-rated hotels and onsen resorts, where you can unwind in steaming baths and take in the snow-covered scenery.
- 23 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including deluxe kaiseki meals!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Tour Itinerary
9 NIGHTS / 10 DAYS IN JAPAN
❄️See your Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour Experience❄️
Note: hotels are subject to change in the case of unexpected circumstances
Day 0 – January 27 / January 29: Departure from Honolulu
- Your winter journey begins as you check in at Honolulu International Airport for your nonstop flight with Japan Airlines to Tokyo (Haneda). Meet your fellow travelers, settle in, and get ready for the snowy adventure ahead.
Day 1 – January 28 / January 30: Arrival in Tokyo
- Arrive at Haneda Airport and walk directly to your conveniently located hotel inside the airport complex. After check-in, enjoy a restful evening to reset and prepare for your flight to Hokkaido the next morning.
- Hotel: Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport ♨️
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight
Day 2 – January 29 / January 31: Into the Snow – Hokkaido Arrival & Obihiro
- After breakfast, take a short domestic flight to Hokkaido, where your winter wonderland officially begins. Stop by “Happiness Station” former railway station, then illuminate your first night in Hokkaido with the Sairinka “Ice Flower” winter festival, a colorful celebration featuring synchronized lights and music.
- Hotel: Hokkaido Hotel ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – January 30 / February 1: Lake Shikaribetsu and Lake Akan
- Wander Lake Shikaribetsu Ice Village, make a quick stop at Ikeda Wine Castle (free tastings!), then head to Lake Akan to explore the Akan Ainu Village, filled with traditional handicrafts. Watch an Ainu music & dance performance this evening, plus take in the Akan Ice Festival (with winter fireworks!) at your own pace.
- Hotel: Akan Yuku no Sato ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – January 31 / February 2: Red-crowned Cranes and Lake Mashu
- Witness magnificent, rare Japanese Red-crowned Cranes as they gather at winter feeding stations. Stop by Lake Mashu Observatory for a gorgeous vista featuring sapphire “Mashu Blue” water.
- Hotel: Suikazura ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – February 1 / February 3: Abashiri and surroundings
- Learn about the threads that tie northern cultures together at the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples, then have fun while ice fishing on Lake Abashiri. Try a hands-on onion-skin dyeing experience (a local specialty!) before returning to your hotel.
- Hotel: Suikazura ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – February 2 / February 4: Ice Breaking and Sounkyo Onsen
- Marvel at drift ice during an “ice breaker” cruise off the coast, then learn more about what you witnessed at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum. Don’t miss the special “drift ice” soft-serve ice cream! Stop by the Northern Daichi Aquarium, then end your day with the spectacular Sounkyo Ice Festival, combining illumination with giant frozen structures.
- Hotel: Hotel Taisetsu ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – February 3 / February 5: To Asahikawa
- Quick photo stop to see frozen waterfalls, then ride the Mt. Kurodake ropeway as a winter wonderland spreads out beneath you. Head to Asahikawa and enjoy the famous “penguin walk” at Asahiyama Zoo. Move to Sapporo and savor a premium crab kaiseki dinner.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – February 4 / February 6: Snowmobiling and Otaru
- Pilot your own snowmobile along a winding path through the forest, then head to charming Otaru and try a kimono-wearing experience. Enjoy shopping and sightseeing at your own pace in Otaru. Move back to Sapporo for a deluxe farewell dinner.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – February 5 / February 7: Free Day in Sapporo
- Spend the day exploring Sapporo at your own pace—perfect for shopping, sightseeing, or enjoying local food. Make sure to check out the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival! No guide or bus on this day.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – February 6 / February 8: Return to Honolulu
- Fly from Sapporo to Tokyo and enjoy free time for shopping at Toyosu Seafood Market before your evening nonstop flight back to Honolulu. Welcome home!
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals onboard your international flight
This wonderful winter journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, and serene onsen retreats of Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscapes.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,590.00*
$4,590.00 **
$1,600.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How cold does it get in Hokkaido during the tour?
A: Temperatures typically range from around 10 degrees to 30 degrees, with some areas being colder depending on elevation and wind. Warm layers, insulated outerwear, and proper footwear are recommended.
Q: Are rubber cleats or traction aids provided?
A: Yes, we provide rubber cleats (ice grippers) for walking on snow and ice to help prevent slipping. These can be worn over your own shoes or boots and don’t have to be taken off when going inside.
Q: What kind of clothing should I pack?
A: We recommend dressing in layers: thermal base layers, fleece or down mid-layers, and a waterproof, insulated outer jacket. Don’t forget gloves, a warm hat, scarf, and cozy socks.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are moments of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a free day in Sapporo and free time in Otaru’s shopping district.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 8 dinners (23 meals total). Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: Will we be visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival?
A: Yes, the tour is timed to align with the Snow Festival. You’ll have a full free day in Sapporo to enjoy the event at your leisure.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of modern hotels and traditional onsen resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. Onsen (hot springs) baths are available at many of the properties.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, as well as domestic flights within Japan, are included in the tour’s Full Package option.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: Each group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure a comfortable pace and personalized experience. Two separate departure groups are offered, each led by a Honolulu-based tour escort.
