Japan Winter Festivals
Overview
Highlights
- Winter is a beautiful time of year to explore Japan. The streets are lit up and blanketed in snow, the markets are bustling and the food is piping hot
- Explore the unique region of Hokkaido in a relatively short period of time
- The Sapporo Ice and Snow Festival is world famous for its huge and elaborate sculptures. Make sure you get your camera out, as this is a haven for photographers
- Warm up with visits to some of Japan's best-known breweries and whiskey distilleries
- The picturesque Snow Light Path Festival in Otaru is a true winter experience. Stroll along the river, gathering around snow mounds filled with light. You might like to enjoy a mulled wine, too
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Sapporo, Japan. As travellers are arriving from all over the world, there are no activities planned for today. However, you're expected to attend a group meeting in the evening - your group leader will leave a notice for you at the hotel detaili...
Today visit the Sapporo Snow Festival in all of its glory. This is Japan's biggest snow festival and full of beautiful snow sculptures, exciting food and lots of different activities. The markets serve up hot wine, which is great to warm you up while you enjoy the spectacular sculptures. You'll also pay a visit the Sapporo JR Tower Observation Deck for amazing views over the city.
Head to the small, picturesque harbour city of Otaru today, which is about half an hour northwest of Sapporo by train. The Otaru canal that stretches through the whole city is still beautifully preserved along with many other buildings from the past. During your visit...
Take an express train further into the northern wilderness today, from Otaru to Asahikawa (approximately 2.5 hours). Asahikawa and its surrounding areas host a number of smaller and more local snow and ice festivals. Enclosed by mountains and famous for winter sports,...
Make the 2 hour trip to Sounkyo this morning, which is a small tourist town known for its hot springs. Located in a scenic narrow gorge that's flanked by 100-metre-high, forested cliffs, this region is also known as one of the coldest parts of Japan - so make sure you...
Your morning is free, before visiting the Nijo Fish Markets in the afternoon. The Nijo markets cover around one city block and is a public market. You'll find the locals here haggling for crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchin, and various fresh and prepared fish. Enjoy some ...
Take a tour of the Sapporo Brewery and learn about the birthplace of beer in Japan at the Sapporo Beer Museum, while also enjoying some tastings. Sapporo beer is one of Japan's oldest and most popular beers, not to mention a good way to warm up. The rest of the day is free to do as you wish.
Today is a free day for you to further explore Sapporo. Take a walk down to the Curb Markets, one of the cities largest open air markets - with streets lined with restaurants that are known for their amazing seafood. Check out the incredible Royce Ice Hotel in Tobetsu...
Your 'Japan Winter Festivals' adventure comes to an end today. You're free to depart the accommodation at any time, and your leader can assist you with any onward travel plans you may have.
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- Sapporo Clarke Hotel
- 4-10-2 Kitajusanjonishi
- Kita-ku
- Sapporo
- 001-0013, Hokkaido
- JAPAN
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