Winter Wonders of Hokkaido
Overview
Discover the essence of Hokkaido on this beautifully paced 9‑day, 7‑night journey through some of the island’s most captivating regions. From the welcoming gateway of Chitose to the serene landscapes of Noboribetsu and Lake Toya, the alpine elegance of Niseko, the timeless charm of Otaru, and the vibrant energy of Sapporo, this itinerary offers a seamless blend of nature, culture, and modern sophistication.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Format
Locations
- Japan
- Sapporo
- Chitose
- Niseko
- Yoichi
- Otaru
- Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Noboribetsu, Japan
- Lake Tōya, Tōyako, Japan
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Hokkaido, Japan (if Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- 7 nights Comfort Accommodation (1 night in Chitose, 1 night in Lake Toya, 3 nights in Nisenko, 2 nights in Sapporo)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary
- Shared airport-hotel-airport, inter-city and sightseeing transfers.
- More Moments activities included:
- Full-day Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Lake Toya tour
- Lake Toya Cruise
- Toya Observatory visit
- Yoichi Whisky Distillery tour
- Otaru Canal stroll
- Otaru Music Box Museum visit
- Sapporo City Tour
- Services of English-speaking tour guides and driver service fees
- Landmark entrance fees according to the itinerary, unless specified otherwise
- Hotel taxes, fees, and service charges
- Gratuities
- Earn extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Hokkaido’s International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Chitose
Upon arrival at Chitose International Airport, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, proceed to collect your luggage and exit the luggage hall where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your hotel transfer for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Chitose – Noboribetsu Hell Valley – Lake Toya
After breakfast and check‑out, your local tour guide will accompany you on a scenic two‑hour drive toward Lake Toya.
En route, enjoy a brief stop at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, where dramatic natural landscapes create a striking first impression. This short pause offers a memorable glimpse into the region’s distinctive character before the journey continues.
Afterwards, the route leads onward to the tranquil surroundings of Lake Toya, setting the tone for a relaxing stay.
Upon arrival at your hotel in Lake Toya, proceed to check-in and enjoy the remainder of the day is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day Noboribetsu Hell Valley and Lake Toya tour
Your adventure begins with a stop at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, located approximately one hour from Chitose. This renowned volcanic area is celebrated for its dramatic steam vents and naturally heated hot springs, offering a striking introduction to Hokkaido’s volcanic landscapes.
In the afternoon, the journey continues with a scenic drive to Mt. Usu, where you’ll enjoy a memorable ascent aboard the Mt. Usu Ropeway. From above, take in panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic terrain before visiting the picturesque Showashinzan area.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Lake Toya – Niseko
After breakfast and check‑out, your local tour guide will take you to the Lake Toya pier to board a relaxing cruise on Lake Toya, offering scenic views across its calm waters.
Important Notes:
- The pier where you will board your Lake Toya cruise boat will be advised locally
- Your luggage will be left on the coach while you cruise on Lake Toya
Following the cruise, continue to the Toya Observatory, where elevated viewpoints provide a memorable perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Niseko for check‑in. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Lake Toya Cruise
This experience offers a peaceful and scenic way to experience one of Hokkaido’s most beautiful volcanic lakes. As the boat glides across calm, open waters, expansive views unfold in every direction, framed by gently rising mountains and the lake’s distinctive islands. The relaxed pace allows time to fully appreciate the natural setting, where reflections on the water and the wide, open horizon create a soothing and memorable atmosphere.
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Toya Observatory visit
Enjoy a breathtaking perspective over Lake Toya and its surrounding volcanic landscapes. From this elevated viewpoint, sweeping panoramas reveal the lake’s shimmering waters, forested slopes, and distant peaks, creating an impressive sense of scale and natural beauty. The observatory provides a quiet moment to take in the scenery from above, making it an ideal complement to the day’s journey through the Lake Toya area.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5 - 6
Niseko
These two days are dedicated to skiing at the world‑famous Niseko Ski Resort, offering time to experience its renowned powder snow and exceptional alpine conditions. Enjoy the freedom to ski at your own pace while taking in Niseko’s beautifully maintained slopes and striking mountain scenery.
To enhance your flexibility, a one‑day lift pass is included in your program, allowing you to choose the day that best fits your skiing plans.
Notes:
- One full-day ski pass is included
- The pass will be arranged in advance by the local team and provided on site
- Should you wish to extend your experience with an additional ski day, this can be arranged and paid locally
- Ski and snowboard equipment rental, including clothing, is available locally at an additional cost
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Niseko – Yoichi – Otaru– Sapporo
After breakfast and hotel check-out, your tour guide will take you on a journey onwards to Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido.
En route, enjoy a scenic stop in Yoichi, an area known for its coastal charm and picturesque landscapes.
Continue your journey to Otaru, where you will enjoy a brief city tour and take in its unique atmosphere and historic character. Stroll through its charming streets and canal-side surroundings before resuming your drive.
Later in the day, you will arrive in Sapporo and proceed with hotel check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Yoichi Whisky Distillery tour
Set amidst scenic surroundings, the distillery reflects the heritage and craftsmanship behind Japan’s renowned whisky production. Guests can gain insight into each stage of creation, from carefully selected ingredients to time-honored techniques. The experience is further enriched by the chance to sample some of Hokkaido’s finest spirits.
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Otaru Canal stroll
Lined with restored warehouses and gently flowing water, the canal creates a calm, nostalgic atmosphere that invites an unhurried walk. Quaint architecture, soft reflections on the canal, and the surrounding streets come together to form a picturesque setting.
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Otaru Music Box Museum visit
Housed in an elegant historic building, the museum showcases a beautiful collection of intricately designed music boxes, each adding to the warm and enchanting ambiance.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Sapporo
After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and set out on a captivating exploration of Sapporo, where modern city life blends seamlessly with natural beauty and cultural charm.
Discover the city’s vibrant streets, iconic landmarks, and inviting atmosphere as you gain a deeper appreciation of Hokkaido’s dynamic capital.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Sapporo City Tour
Your day begins with a visit to Nijo Market, where fresh seafood and local specialties showcase the rich flavours of Hokkaido’s culinary heritage.
You will then tour the Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory, a delightful experience filled with sweet aromas, charming exhibits, and tempting souvenirs.
The journey continues to Tanukikoji Street, a lively shopping arcade in the heart of Sapporo, offering a vibrant mix of local shops and entertainment.
This well-rounded day captures the essence of Sapporo through its flavors, craftsmanship, and energetic city atmosphere.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Sapporo – Chitose – Canada
After breakfast and checkout, enjoy the rest of the morning at leisure before you are transferred to Chitose International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 2 twin beds
Superior room occupancy: Maximum 2 guests (2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child)
Best for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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December 17, 2026 – March 25, 2027
Tour operates on Sunday
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Tours Exclusions
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary above.
- Transfers for the optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fee (where applicable)
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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Coach for all airport-hotel-airport, as well as for all sightseeing and inter-city transfers’ service
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Please be advised that for groups of 2 to 5 passengers, guiding services will be conducted by the driver-guide, and a separate guide will not be included.