Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a captivating destination that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a unique blend of modernity and traditional charm. Known for its pristine landscapes, Hokkaido offers picturesque mountains, expansive flower fields, hot springs, and stunning coastlines. With its rich culinary scene and vibrant festivals, Hokkaido promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, incredible winter sports and moments of tranquility in the midst of nature.
Japan is a destination like no other, where a vision of the future intermingles with traditions of the past. It's not uncommon to interact with a robot in a hotel lobby, before crossing the street and entering a 1,000 year old temple. Whilst Tokyo & Kyoto will be the bedrock of any itinerary, we also recommend spending a couple of nights at a hot spring resort, where you can relax and experience the Japanese countryside.
Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, is a captivating destination that boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a unique blend of modernity and traditional charm. Known for its pristine landscapes, Hokkaido offers picturesque mountains, expansive flower fields, hot springs, and stunning coastlines. With its rich culinary scene and vibrant festivals, Hokkaido promises an unforgettable journey filled with cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, incredible winter sports and moments of tranquility in the midst of nature.
December 25th - 26th | Tokyo
December 25th - Jan 1st | Hokkaido
January 1st - 3rd | Tokyo
In late December, the snow season begins in areas like Hokkaido, transforming the landscape into a picturesque winter wonderland, while the more temperate southern regions maintain a crisp but relatively mild climate.
These guidelines are for reference only. SCenset holds no responsibility for travel restrictions. Travelers are responsible for ensuring the right documentation to travel.
Throughout your trip you will have 24/7 access to our support staff, should any issues arise. Please contact our support team first to ensure a swift response to any issues you may be having.
For any non-urgent issues you can drop a message in the scenset chat, or speak with your guide. Additionally, we shall be available via WhatsApp.
We'll add your flight information here.
You'll be met at the gateway by an assistant who will help you through customs and immigration and help retrieve your luggage and take you to your transfer.
Proceed by private transfer to your hotel.
One of the world’s most cutting-edge capitals, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Famous for its sprawling neon-lit landscape it is also home to expansive parkland, peaceful shrines and temples, and lovingly tended gardens. On the surface, Tokyo is a mix of digital trends and conspicuous consumption, but dig deeper and you will find a city rooted deeply in the traditional culture. Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples stand close to skyscrapers as a reminder of a more contemplative time.
Check into your hotel and settle into your accommodations for the remainder of the day and evening.
Why we love it for you: The Kitano Hotel Tokyo stands out as a haven of luxury and comfort in the bustling heart of the city, offering guests a tranquil escape without sacrificing access to Tokyo's vibrant life. Its rooms and suites are elegantly designed, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern amenities to provide a unique and sophisticated stay experience. Moreover, the hotel's exceptional service, exquisite dining options, and prime location near key attractions and transport links make it an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience, culture, and luxury in one package.
The Kitano Hotel
Deluxe Rooms
TRANSFER TO NISEKO Morning Meet a driver in the hotel lobby. Private transfer to Haneda airport (1 hour). Haneda midday - Shin Chitose afternoon by JAL Arrive at Shin Chitose airport and meet a driver in the arrival lobby. Private transfer to Niseko (2.5 hours) Late afternoon Arrive at your hotel in Niseko.
Due to this being holiday travel period and limited availability, we encourage securing your trip as soon as possible.
Set at the foot of the Niseko Annupuri Mountain, Hilton Niseko Village is the perfect location to enjoy a range of exciting outdoor activities, and we even offer ski-in and ski-out access. The Niseko Village gondola is adjacent to the hotel, bringing you to the top of the mountain in seven minutes.
Hilton Niseko Village has been the winner of 'Japan's Best Ski Hotel' at the World Ski Awards 4 years consecutively (2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016).
Check into your hotel and settle into your accommodations for the remainder of the day and evening.
Why We Love it For You: In the breathtaking landscape of Niseko, the hotel commands a central position, providing an ideal base for exploration. Culture enthusiasts can explore nearby attractions like the ski school, while avid shoppers can indulge in a visit to the Hirafu district. The hotel's strategic location offers easy access to the pristine slopes of Niseko, making it a haven for ski enthusiasts. With the hotel as your hub, discover the perfect blend of luxury and adventure against the stunning backdrop of Hokkaido's winter wonderland.
The Hilton Niseko
2 Deluxe Family Rooms (King & Twin)
Enjoy skiing some of the best mountains and trails in the world with a spice of Japan thrown into the mix.
Niseko United is comprised of four resorts on the one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308m). 100km south of Sapporo, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the most eastern park of the Niseko Volcanic Group.
Seasonal winds from the Eurasian continent pick up moisture over the warm currents of the Sea of Japan to form snow clouds and in turn some of the driest, lightest powder in the world.
With its rich variety of terrain and beautiful winter woods, Niseko offers an unforgettable experience for all levels of skier/snowborder.
We'll assist with Lift Tickets
Start at Lake Toya.
Lake Toya is the larger of the two main lakes in Shikotsu-Toya national Park, the other being Lake Shikotsu. The lake area is also home to Mt. Usu, an active volcano.
Mt. Usu last erupted in 2000. It destroyed many nearby buildings and roads while opening dozens of new craters on the mountain's west side and throwing huge amounts of smoke and debris into the air.
There are walking trails that can be visited. The Kompirayama Walking Trail begins in Toyako Onsen. The trail passes various ruins, including a destroyed public bath house, apartment block and bridge. It then goes near two large craters from the newest eruption. The walk takes less than an hour.
Another trail, the Nishiyama Crater Walking Trail, takes visitors to more of the newer craters around Mount Nishiyama. Ruins of buildings, roads and phone poles were left in place as a reminder of the power unleashed by the eruption. At the trail's southern end are the ruins of a kindergarten.
The Usuzan Ropeway takes visitors near the volcano's summit. The ropeway allows people to get excellent views of one of Japan's youngest mountains, Showa Shinzan. This mountain was birthed by Mt Usu between 1943 and 1945 when it pushed up the land of a wheat field to almost 300 meters high. The ropeway's top station's observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan. From a second observation deck a short walk away, there are views of the ocean and Mount Usu's largest crater, which was formed in an eruption in 1977.
Mt. Usu is an active volcano on the shores of Lake Toya. It last erupted in 2000. The eruption created new craters on the west side of the mountain and caused the evacuation of a large area. Depending on the weather, there are walking trails that can be hiked where the area with abandoned buildings can be viewed and the newly created craters can be visited.
This ropeway will take guests to almost the very top of the volcano's summit. There is an observatory where one can see the nearby Mt. Showa Shinzan, a young volcano that was born in a wheat field starting in 1943 and Lake Toya.
Another observatory a short walk away gives excellent views of the volcano's largest crater and the ocean.
Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a volcanic caldera created 20,000 years ago by the eruption of nearby Mt. Hiyoriyama. It is the major source of water in Noboribetu Onsen. The area's springs, geysers, sulfur vents, valley and baths are guarded by dozens of statues of yukijin, who are demons that welcome visitors and act as intercessors in the underworld to secure good fortune for humans. There is a Shinto shrine in the town dedicated to Enma, the King of Hell. A Festival of Hell is held in late August that includes regular Demon’s Firework shows.
The hell valley is 450m in diameter and contains 15 geysers and hot spring of various sizes. More than 3,000 liters of hot spring water flow through them every minute.
Spend your final two days at leisure, skiing and enjoying Niseko at your own pace.
Enjoy skiing some of the best mountains and trails in the world with a spice of Japan thrown into the mix.
Niseko United is comprised of four resorts on one mountain, Niseko Annupuri (1,308m). 100km south of Sapporo, Niseko Annupuri is a part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park and is the most eastern park of the Niseko Volcanic Group.
Seasonal winds from the Eurasian continent pick up moisture over the warm currents of the Sea of Japan to form snow clouds and in turn some of the driest, lightest powder in the world.
With its rich variety of terrain and beautiful winter woods, Niseko offers an unforgettable experience for all levels of skier/snowboarder.
Morning Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Tokyo.
Private transfer to Shin Chitose airport (2.5 hours). Shin Chitose Airport to Haneda Airport by plane. Arrive at Haneda airport and meet your English-speaking escort staff in the arrival lobby. Private transfer to your hotel in Tokyo.
Today, enjoy a day of self exploration in the wonderful city of Tokyo with some of our recommendations below. Please note some attractions may be closed due to the holiday.
Why we love it for you: The traditional washi (Japanese paper) and the motif of the carpeting express the image inspired by the transitions of the four seasons and the history surrounding Hibiya. Here, you will find two distinctive types of rooms: double rooms in impressively muted colors and comfortable twin rooms in mild soothing colors. Each room features a luxurious bathroom with a washing area. You can enjoy your stay in a relaxed manner with panoramic views from the 19th floor and above.
The Blossom Hibiya
Deluxe Corner Twin Room
Visiting Tokyo Tower is a captivating experience, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the bustling metropolis from its observation decks. The iconic landmark, standing at 333 meters tall, showcases a blend of modernity and traditional Japanese design, making it a unique symbol of Tokyo. Visitors can explore observation decks, indulge in exquisite dining, and admire the cityscape, creating lasting memories in the heart of Japan's vibrant capital. Greater Tokyo, Yokohama, Disneyland, Mt. Fuji, etc. can be observed if the weather is clear.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, the vibrant Asakusa district is a captivating blend of old and new, where ancient traditions and modern attractions seamlessly coexist. Stepping into Asakusa feels like a journey back in time, with its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and historic landmarks. The district is most renowned for Senso-ji, one of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to admire its magnificent red gate (Kaminarimon) and explore the bustling Nakamise shopping street, filled with stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts.
Beyond its cultural treasures, Asakusa offers a vibrant atmosphere with its lively marketplaces, traditional restaurants serving mouth-watering local delicacies, and the chance to experience traditional Japanese festivals and events throughout the year. Whether it's immersing in rich history, shopping for unique souvenirs, or savoring the flavors of Japan, Asakusa offers a captivating experience that showcases the essence of Tokyo's rich heritage.
Take a full-day tour of this fascinating city with a local guide.
Today, you will have a private vehicle, driver, and guide at your disposal to explore Tokyo.
In Shibuya one can witness (and experience) the world's busiest intersection, as well as one of Japan's most endearing symbols of loyalty - the statue of a faithful dog.
The Shibuya scramble is located in the heart of Shibuya's shopping district. Due to its proximity with many popular stores, Shibuya Station, and the location of countless delicious eating spots, the intersection regularly sees thousands of people cross each time the traffic lights turn red and the pedestrian lights turn green.
Also located in Shibuya is the bronze statue of the dog. The dog was well known for its loyalty in waiting for its owner for nearly 10 years, arriving at the station daily in anticipation of its owner's return from work.
Soon after, a statue was erected in its honor. Unfortunately the statue was melted down during World War II, but the current replica was commissioned shortly after.
Then head to Hamarikyu Gardens, situated along the coast surrounded by high rise buildings, the garden was once a popular duck hunting ground. The views of the garden change depending on when you visit as the pond takes in sea water during high tides.
Finally enjoy an experience at TeamLab Borderless. Technology meets art at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Odaiba. This unique museum offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in truly unique pieces of art - everything experienced here is a one time masterpiece, never to be seen again.
Meet your English speaking driver in the lobby of your hotel and transfer to the airport.
Have a safe and wonderful flight home to conclude your journey!
Thank you for traveling with us.
We hope that we were able to help you build lasting memories of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make the trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.
If you like what you read and are ready to pull the trigger on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, simply tap the button below. We would be thrilled to secure all the reservations for you and make sure everything is taken care of, including special surprises along the way.
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