Marvel at hot springs and volcanic geysers at Hell Valley (Jigokudani), and witness a real life volcano at Mt. Showa.
Enjoy the historic sights and sounds at Otaru Canal.
Fine Print
Book by Date: Jan 31, 2015.
Travel Period: Mar 25, 2015 – May 31, 2015.
Includes (for 1 person):
- 6D4N tour of Hokkaido, Japan.
- Stay in local hotels.
- Meals and tour as per itinerary.
- Mandarin-speaking tour guide.
Does Not Include: Transportation to Japan, airport transfer, entry visa (if required), all meals not specified, travel insurance, items of a personal nature, porterage and tipping and sightseeing not mentioned.
General: Min. 2 to go. Min. 2 to depart. 2 Groupons per room, based on double occupancy. Passports must have a min. validity of 6 months from expiry date on date of travel. Tour and service voucher can only be issued 5 days before departure. Rate is inclusive of applicable taxes and service charges. See the rules that apply to all deals.
Policies: No refund or cancellations allowed upon confirmation of bookings. No-shows forfeit Groupon.
Surcharges:
Single traveller: $500 per person.
Tipping: $30 per person.
Business registration: 200501619K
The deal
Hotel stay + tour
- 6D4N vacation for 1 for $1,188 (up to $1,368 value)
Trip to Jigokudani, Otaru Canal, and Mount Showa
Trapped within the lush embrace of dense oak and kuma-zasa forests, Hell Valley (or Jigokudani) peeks out from above the little village of Noboribetsu Onsen, the secluded dwelling made famous by its array of hot springs said to consist of 9 types of water, rich in minerals like sulphur, salt, and iron. The valley itself resides within the mouth of a volcano amidst bubbling pits and geysers, earning its moniker from the grayish-yellow volcanic gas that seeps from its craggy crust, tingeing the air with a sulphurous smell strangely reminiscent of one’s eventual perdition.
Heralded by earthquakes, one of Japan’s youngest mountains rose out of nothingness during Emperor Hirohito’s reign, eventually climbing to its full height of 398m. Named Showa-shinzan (literally translating to Showa new mountain), the wheat field uprooting prominence was initially considered an unlucky wartime omen, leading the authorities to keep its illegitimate birth a secret, with the elevation’s progress only documented through the efforts of postmaster Masao Mimatsu. Eventually proclaiming its existence through a series of eruptions, the part-time volcano still retains its smoking gun, venting steamy fumes beside its mother – Mount Usu – within their Shikotsu-Toya National Park abode.
Conceived for small ships carrying their spoils to strings of stone warehouses, Otaru Canal fell into obsolescence when docking piers were constructed. Citizens rallied to its defence when the city decided to pave it over, building narrow walkways and Victorian style gas lights alongside the water and turning it into a tourist spot. Also receiving makeovers were the old depots, metamorphosing into museums, shops, and eateries where two of Otaru’s most famous nibbles – sushi and beer – entice attendees of the town’s annual Snow Light Path Festival.
Departure dates
Mar 25, 2015
Apr 1, 2015 / Apr 5, 2015 / Apr 8, 2015 / Apr 12, 2015 / Apr 15, 2015 / Apr 19, 2015 / Apr 22, 2015
May 6, 2015 / May 10, 2015 / May 13, 2015 / May 17, 2015 / May 20, 2015 / May 24, 2015 / May 27, 2015 / May 31, 2015
Local hotels
Hotel Grand Terrace Chitose
Ana Crowne Plaza Chitose
Toya Sun Palace
Jozankei View Hotel
Or similar
Rooms are on twin-sharing basis
Max. occupancy: 2 adults and 1 child aged 12 and below per room. Child guest subject to additional charges.
Room, bedding, and facilities vary from hotel to hotel
Add-Ons
Extra bed for child aged 12 and below: 1 Groupon
Stay without bed for child aged 12 and below: $958 per person
Extension (based on twin-sharing): $250 per person per night without transfer
