Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour 2026
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
Check out our Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour preview video!
Ready for a real change from Hawaii’s heat? Try a refreshing trip to snow-covered Hokkaido this winter!
Our Hokkaido winter tour highlights the region’s most breathtaking seasonal experiences, from an unforgettable drift ice cruise off the coast of Abashiri to the snow-covered forests of Sounkyo. Marvel at the whimsical Penguin Walk in Asahiyama Zoo, stroll among glowing ice sculptures at the Sounkyo Ice Festival, and witness 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 smelt fishing on a frozen lake and create your own keepsake using natural onion-skin dyes from Hokkaido. Glide across snowy fields on a 10km snowmobile ride, 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!
What’s Included:
- Expert English-speaking guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu, ready to share the natural beauty, traditions, and unique winter culture of Hokkaido.
- Authentic seasonal experiences like a drift ice cruise, smelt fishing on a frozen lake, and hands-on fabric dyeing using local ingredients.
- Relaxing stays at top-rated hotels and onsen resorts, where you can unwind in steaming baths and take in the snow-covered mountain scenery.
- A thoughtfully designed itinerary featuring winter festivals, Indigenous Ainu culture, and scenic highlights from Abashiri to Otaru.
- The perfect balance of adventure and comfort, complete with hearty regional cuisine, cozy accommodations, and immersive experiences across Japan’s northern frontier.
Key Highlights:
- Chitose & Asahikawa: Start your journey with local shopping stops and a delicious sukiyaki dinner. Visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery and witness the adorable Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo.
- Sounkyo: Stroll beneath glowing ice sculptures at the magical Sounkyo Ice Festival and enjoy a relaxing onsen stay nestled in the snowy mountains.
- Abashiri: Cruise through the Sea of Okhotsk on an icebreaker ship and visit the Drift Ice Museum. Try smelt fishing on a frozen lake and explore the culture of Hokkaido’s Indigenous peoples.
- Lake Akan Region: Visit Lake Mashu’s observatory, spot red-crowned cranes in Tsurui, and explore Ainu Kotan Village. Optional Ainu performance “Lost Kamuy” available.
- Tokachigawa & Lake Shikaribetsu: Soak in outdoor onsen in the ice village of Lake Shikaribetsu and experience the dazzling lights and music of the Sairinka Ice Flower Festival.
- Furano, Otaru & Sapporo: Ride snowmobiles across winter landscapes, shop for local dairy products, explore Otaru’s canal district, and enjoy panoramic views from Mt. Moiwa. Wrap up your adventure with a farewell dinner and a free day in vibrant Sapporo.
Perfect for:
- Nature lovers eager to witness Hokkaido’s stunning winter scenery, from drift ice-covered seas to snow-dusted mountains and frozen lakes.
- Adventurous travelers looking to try seasonal activities like smelt fishing, snowmobiling, and exploring glowing ice festivals.
- Culture seekers interested in connecting with Hokkaido’s unique traditions, including Ainu heritage and local crafts.
- Wellness-minded guests ready to unwind in steamy onsen baths surrounded by snow, with restful stays in top-rated ryokan and resort hotels.
- Food enthusiasts excited to taste hearty winter dishes, regional specialties, and local sake in one of Japan’s most culinary-rich regions.
Join us for the Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour 2026 and experience the enchanting beauty of Japan’s northernmost island in its most magical season. From glowing ice festivals and snowy wildlife encounters to soothing hot springs and hands-on cultural experiences, this is your chance to explore the rich traditions and breathtaking winter landscapes of Hokkaido—all in the comfort of a fully guided tour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
10 NIGHTS / 11DAYS IN JAPAN
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Day 0 – January 29 / February 1 (Thursday / Sunday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your winter journey begins as you check in at Honolulu International Airport for your non-stop flight with Japan Airlines to Tokyo(Haneda). Meet your fellow travelers, settle in, and get ready for the snowy adventure ahead.
Day 1 – January 30 / February 2 (Friday / Monday): 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: None
Day 2 – January 31 / February 3 (Saturday / Tuesday): Into the Snow – Hokkaido Arrival & Asahikawa
- After breakfast, take a short domestic flight to Hokkaido, where your winter wonderland officially begins. Following lunch in Chitose and some light shopping in Sunagawa and Asahikawa, enjoy a welcome dinner of sukiyaki before settling into your hotel for the night.
- Hotel: Art Hotel Asahikawa
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – February 1 / February 4 (Sunday / Wednesday): Culture, Sake & Penguins in the Snow
- Dive into Hokkaido’s cultural roots with a visit to the Kaneto Kawamura Ainu Museum, followed by a tasting at Otokoyama Sake Park. After lunch, experience the whimsical Penguin Walk at Asahiyama Zoo, then head into the mountains for a magical night at the Sounkyo Ice Festival.
- Hotel: Sounkaku Mountain Hotel 1923
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – February 2 / February 5 (Monday / Thursday): Waterfalls, Aquariums & Icebreaker Cruise
- Start your day with crisp winter air at the Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls. Visit Yama no Aquarium and continue to Abashiri, where you’ll board an icebreaker cruise through the drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk—one of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter experiences.souvenir shopping and enjoying a local dinner.
- Hotel: Hotel Abashiri Koso
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – February 3 / February 6 (Tuesday / Friday): Ice Fishing & Crafting Memories
- Try your hand at smelt fishing on frozen Lake Abashiri and learn about Indigenous cultures at the Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples. In the afternoon, create your own naturally dyed souvenir using local onion skins before ending the day with a hearty dinner.
- Hotel: Hotel Abashiri Koso
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – February 4 / February 7 (Wednesday / Saturday): Cranes, Lakes & Onsen Serenity
- Take in panoramic views of Lake Mashu, spot graceful red-crowned cranes in Tsurui, and stroll through the Ainu Kotan Village. Check in to your lakeside ryokan and enjoy a quiet evening with the option to attend the “Lost Kamuy” Ainu performance.
- Hotel: Tsuruga-Akan Yuku no Sato
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – February 5 / February 8 (Thursday / Sunday): Ice Villages & Festival Lights
- Experience the surreal beauty of Lake Shikaribetsu’s ice village, then stop at Former Koufuku Station before heading to Tokachigawa. After dinner, head to Tokachigaoka Park to witness the spectacular Sairinka Ice Flower Festival—an enchanting mix of lights, music, and snow.
- Hotel: Hokkaido Hotel
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – February 6 / February 9 (Friday / Monday): Snowmobiling Through Hokkaido’s Heartland
- Kick off the day with an exhilarating 10km snowmobile ride through Hokkaido’s forested landscape. Stop in Furano for shopping and regional treats before making your way to the canal city of Otaru.
- Hotel: Grand Park Otaru
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – February 7 / February 10 (Saturday / Tuesday): Canal Town Charm & City Lights
- Spend your morning exploring the romantic canal district of Otaru and browsing the charming shops of Sakaimachi Street. In the afternoon, head to Sapporo for a panoramic view from Mt. Moiwa, then gather for a festive farewell dinner.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 – February 8 / February 11 (Sunday / Wednesday): Free Day in Sapporo
- Enjoy a full day to explore Sapporo at your own pace. Visit the Snow Festival, browse the local markets, or simply relax in the city before your return journey.
- Hotel: Mercure Sapporo
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – February 9 / February 12 (Monday / Thursday): Return to Honolulu
- After breakfast, fly back to Tokyo and enjoy a short visit to Toyosu Market. In the evening, board your flight home with a heart full of memories and a camera full of snowy snapshots.
- Meals included: Breakfast
Celebrate the magic of Hokkaido in its most enchanting season on our exclusive Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour 2026! From the glittering ice sculptures of Sounkyo to the drift ice-covered shores of Abashiri and the nostalgic charm of Otaru, this winter journey blends breathtaking landscapes, soothing onsen retreats, and immersive cultural experiences. Let us take care of every detail while you relax, explore, and savor unforgettable moments across Japan’s snowy northern frontier.
This thoughtfully designed 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.
Experience the magic of Hokkaido’s winter wonderland with complete peace of mind on the Hokkaido Sparkling Snow Tour 2026, offered in two exclusive group departures. Limited in size and accompanied by a Honolulu-based tour leader and knowledgeable English-speaking local guides, each group enjoys personalized service and meaningful cultural insights throughout the journey. From seamless travel logistics to well-paced daily experiences, we’ll handle everything—so you can focus on relaxing in snow-covered onsen, tasting seasonal specialties, and exploring the most scenic and unforgettable corners of Japan’s northern frontier.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
Business Class Up*
Prem Economy Up*
*limited seats for upgrade available
$5,390.00
$4,390.00 **
$1,500.00
$2,600.00 *
$1,000.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early Bird Special: Save $100 when you’re one of the first 10 to sign up!
The Sights and Activities
Savor the flavors of Hokkaido with a feast of seasonal seafood, beautifully prepared in a variety of traditional styles. Try your hand at smelt fishing in the crisp open air, where colorful tents dot the frozen lake surface. Witness the graceful flight of red-crowned cranes in the wild, a rare and breathtaking winter sight. Step inside the Hokkaido Museum of the Northern Peoples to explore the rich heritage of the region’s Indigenous cultures. Then take in the sparkling cityscape of Sapporo from above, where the Snow Festival transforms the streets into a dazzling winter dream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How cold does it get in Hokkaido during the tour?
A: Temperatures typically range from -5°C to -15°C (23°F to 5°F), with some areas colder depending on elevation and wind. Warm layers, insulated outerwear, and proper footwear are essential.
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.
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 waterproof boots with good grip.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: This tour involves light to moderate walking on snowy and sometimes uneven surfaces. Most activities are beginner-friendly, but guests should be comfortable with winter conditions.
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 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 9 dinners (25 meals total). A few meals, especially during free time, are on your own so you can explore local tastes independently.
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 baths are available at several 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 (full) package.
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.
