9D7N East Hokkaido Icy Winter Edition

HIGHLIGHTS

SHIRETOKO

Shiretoko National Park

LAKE AKAN

Lake Akan

Mt Iou

Lake Kussharo with relaxing foot spa

TOKACHIGAWA

Kushiro Red-Crowned Crane Natural

Park

Kushiro Washo Market

Nusamai Bridge

Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden

Otofuke Michinoeki Service Area

SAPPORO

Odori Park

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

Shiroi Koibito Park

OTARU

Otaru Canal

Otaru Music Box Museum

CHITOSE

Chitose Salmon Aquarium

VALUE ADDED

➢ 1-night accommodation each in Tokochigawa and Lake Akan authentic onsen resorts

➢ Hands-on Cookies Painting DIY session

➢ Shopping Spree at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima

➢ Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival fromFeb 1-24

GOURMET

• 8-course Kaiseki dinner

• Izakaya set dinner

• Seafood buffet dinner

BONUS

60mins of Drift Ice Scenic Flight along the Shiretoko coast for departure date Jan 24 Feb 7,28

Drift Ice Walk, on a frozen sea for departure date Feb 3,10,17 Mar 3

Snowshoeing at Shiretoko National Park, for departure date Jan 27 Mar 10

ITINERARY

DAY 1 SINGAPORE – NARITA/HANEDA – MEMANBETSU - SHIRETOKO (Meal On

Board/Dinner)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Memanbetsu via Narita/Haneda. Step into Hokkaido enchanting snow landscape, feel the fresh snow crunches underfoot, and the crisp air fills your lungs with the invigorating scent of winter. The entire world sparkles with ice crystals glistening in the soft sunlight. Snap a few snowy pictures and share the magic with your friends—this is the stuff winter dreams are made of. Next, Unwind at the cozy onsen resort, soaking in hot springs surrounded by serene snowy beauty.

Accommodation: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort or similar

DAY 2 SHIRETOKO (Breakfast/Lunch/ Buffet Dinner with Free Flow of liquor)

Enter winter wonderland of Shiretoko National Park. a UNESCO World Heritage site. An essential habitat for wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of a red fox or a snow hare or marvel at Ezo deer and Steller's sea eagles thriving in their snowy habitat, explore stunning frozen waterfalls and icy coastlines. Feel the pulse of the natural world in one of its most extraordinary settings. Enjoy the crunch of snow beneath your feet and the crisp, fresh air as you immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the snowy landscape that will leave you in awe, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Seasonal Bonus

Enjoy 50mins of Drift Ice Scenic Flight for aerial view of the Sea of Okhotsk along the Shiretoko coast for departure date Jan 24 Feb 7,28

Awe-inspiring Drift Ice Walk, put on a winter wet suit and embark on a unique experience of walking on a frozen sea, surrounded by vast stretches of pristine ice for departure date Feb 3,10,19 Mar 3

Refreshing Snowshoeing, strap on your snowshoes and explore a magical snowy landscape of Shiretoko, spotting wildlife for departure date Jan 27 Mar 10

Note:

60mins Drift Ice Scenic Flight is subject to weather conditions and if cancelled without prior notice, a refund of SGD120 will be arranged, collectable in Singapore. The Snowshoeing and Drift Ice Walk is subject to weather conditions and if cancelled without prior notice, a refund of 5,000 yen will be arranged, collectable in Japan.

Accommodation: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort or similar

DAY 3 SHIRETOKO – AKAN NATIONAL PARK (Breakfast/Lunch/ Buffet Dinner with Genghis Khan Yakiniku)

After breakfast, take a leisurely morning drive to Lake Akan, a unique crater lake located in Akan National Park, and home to colonies of marimo, a very rare algae species that transforms to beautiful green balls if left untouched for a few centuries.

Next, visit the Ainu Kotan, an indigenous Ainu village, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Ainu people. Explore their handicrafts, watch traditional performances, and learn about their way of life. Along the way, walk through the sulphurous valley and see boiling ponds and steaming streams at the Mt Iou, here you might get to taste the local sulfur steam egg. Rest those tired feet after a morning of walking and enjoy a foot spa at the enchanting Lake Kussharo. If times permit, you may want to experience snow mobile ride on fine powdery snow at own expenses. Spend the night at an onsen hotel in Lake Akan.

Accommodation: Hotel New Akan or similar

Day 4 Lake Akan – Kushiro - Tokachigawa (Breakfast / Lunch / 8-course Kaiseki Dinner)

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before setting off to the Kushiro Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park. Here, witness the majestic red-crowned cranes, a symbol of luck and longevity in Japanese culture, as they gracefully move in their natural habitat. It's a truly mesmerizing experience that offers a rare glimpse into the beauty of these endangered birds. Next, head to the bustling Kushiro Washo Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and sample some of the freshest seafood Hokkaido has to offer. Enjoy browsing the stalls filled with local delicacies and perhaps even create your own kaisendon (seafood bowl) with a variety of toppings at your own expenses. Thereafter, continue to Nusamai Bridge, one of Japan's oldest bridges adorned with beautiful sculptures. Stroll along the bridge and take in the panoramic views of the Kushiro River, making sure to capture some memorable photos. End the day at Tokachigawa, renowned for its unique moor hot springs.

Accommodation: Tokachigawa Daiichi Onsen Hotel or similar

Day 5 Tokachigawa - Sapporo (Breakfast / Lunch / Shabu Shabu Dinner)

Today, proceed to Ryugetsu Sweetpia Garden and dive into a Cookies Painting DIY session, turning delicious treats into edible works of art. Next up, a charming stop at the Otofuke Michinoeki Service Area. Warm up with local snacks and browse through unique regional goodies, all set against the picturesque backdrop of a snow-kissed landscape. Then, it's off to the vibrant city of Sapporo! First stop: Mitsui Outlet Park. Enjoy some retail therapy in a festive winter atmosphere, snapping up great deals on fashion, accessories, and more.

Accommodation: Sapporo View Hotel or similar

DAY 6 SAPPORO – OTARU – SAPPORO (Breakfast/Grill Fish Japanese Set Lunch/ Izakaya Set Dinner)

Ready? Kick off your day in the most delectable way possible after a fortifying breakfast with a stop at Shiroi Koibito. Fashioned in a distinctively Tudor-styled building that evokes airy tale impressions, this purveyor of quality confectionary is an institution unto itself that would please the inner Hansel or Gretel in you. Your next stop will be the evocative Otaru Canal, where charming century-old stone warehouses line both sides of the lively canal. The genteel theme continues at Otaru Music Box Museum, where whimsical displays of beautifully-crafted music boxes – each bearing lovely tinkling tunes – will delight even the grumpiest of cynics.

Accommodation: Sapporo View Hotel or similar

DAY 7 SAPPORO (Breakfast)

Today is set aside free to explore Sapporo and experience the enchanting Winter Festival at Odori Park! Marvel at stunning ice and snow sculptures, from intricate carvings to towering masterpieces. Enjoy interactive activities like ice skating and snow slides.

Warm up with delicious local treats like hot ramen and taiyaki, and browse for unique souvenirs. Capture amazing photos of the illuminated sculptures at night. End your day in a cozy café or onsen or last minute shopping along Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido.

Accommodation: Sapporo View Hotel or similar

DAY 8 SAPPORO - CHITOSE – HANEDA/NARITA (Breakfast)

This morning, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, known for its stunning ice sculptures.

Wander through the intricate ice castles, tunnels, and slides, marvelling at the craftsmanship and beauty of each piece. Next, proceed to visit Chitose Salmon Aquarium, one of Japan's largest freshwater aquariums to learn about the lifecycle of salmon and other local aquatic species. Don't miss the underwater tunnel, which offers a unique view of the fish swimming all around you.

Thereafter, transfer to the airport for your flight home via Haneda/Narita.

Note

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is available from February 1st – 24th and subject to closure due to weather condition without prior notice.

There will be no replacement of sights or refund value if unable to proceed.

DAY 9 HANEDA/NARITA – SINGAPORE (Meal on Board)