Cultural Tapestry: Hokkaido & Aomori Winter 2024-2025 Tour

Your Hokkaido adventure begins at New Chitose Airport, where you’ll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide who will accompany you throughout your journey. After a brief introduction and orientation, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Lake Toya, a mesmerizing caldera lake nestled amidst breathtaking mountains. En route, you’ll make a fascinating stop at Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a geothermal wonderland renowned for its bubbling mud pools, sulfurous vents, and steaming fumaroles. Immerse yourself in the otherworldly atmosphere and witness the raw power of nature. We highly recommend savoring a hearty local beef BBQ lunch. Upon reaching Lake Toya, you’ll check into your comfortable hotel and have the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate before an unforgettable evening awaits. Indulge in a delectable Kaiseki dinner, a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that showcases the culinary artistry of Hokkaido. As the sun dips below the horizon, prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing fireworks display that paints the night sky with vibrant colors.

Bid farewell to your Lake Toya hotel and embark on a day filled with cultural immersion and culinary experiences. Witness the vibrant energy of a local fish auction, observing the lively bidding process and the freshest seafood being sold. Next, join a hands-on cooking class with a local mother, learning to prepare a delicious salmon dish using the day’s catch. Delve into the art of indigo dyeing at a local temple, steeped in the rich tradition of indigo production in the area. Learn the techniques of creating vibrant indigo patterns on fabrics, a unique souvenir to cherish. Return to your hotel for a delectable buffet dinner, savoring an array of culinary delights prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Commence your day with a breathtaking ascent to the summit of Mount Usu via the Mount Usu Ropeway. Take in panoramic views of Lake Toya, the surrounding mountains, and the vast expanse of Hokkaido. Embark on a scenic transfer to the vibrant port city of Hakodate. Indulge in a delectable lunch of ramen, savoring the rich flavors and diverse variations of this iconic Japanese dish. Under the guidance of a Japanese tea master, embark on a sensory journey of green tea tasting. Compare the subtle nuances of different types of green tea, appreciating their unique aromas and flavors. Check into your Hakodate hotel and take a moment to relax before embarking on an evening adventure. Ascend to the summit of Mount Hakodate, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the twinkling lights of Hakodate Bay.

Welcome to the deep end of Japan! After meeting your guide at the Oma Ferry Terminal, you will head to your first stop, Omasaki, the northernmost tip of Honshu. To commemorate reaching the edge of Japan, take a photo in front of a large tuna model. Next, we will move to Ｍutsu Ｃity for lunch. After having lunch, let’s head to Okuyagen, In addition to a casual footbath, you can also soak in an open-air bath while enjoying the Japanese winter scenery. Then, move on to the temple where you will be staying for the night. When you arrive, pray at the main hall..Please relax and enjoy communication with the chief priest at the accommodation facility located on the grounds of the temple.

Experience a morning service at a lodging lodge.You will experience zazen meditation and cleaning while calming your mind in a quiet space. Next, we will move to Sai Village for lunch. After having lunch, let’s head to Hotokegaura, which is lined with spectacular, strangely shaped and gigantic rocks created by nature. Relax and refresh your mind in the mysterious scenery. After relaxing in an old Japanese house and experiencing the herbarium, we will experience Kabuki that has been passed down in fishing villages. Through experiencing new and old cultures, enjoy interacting with the locals.

We will have a snowshoe experience in the Kawauchi area, which is particularly snowy in the Shimokita Peninsula. First, practice on the beach overlooking Mutsu Bay so that even first-timers can walk safely. Afterwards, we will walk through the forest, listen to the guide’s stories, and see the chimneys of the mine. We will have a shrine maiden experience at Tanabe Shrine, the guardian deity of the Shimokita Peninsula, which enshrines the god of agriculture, weather, and shipping. Tanabe Shrine is a shrine with a history of over 400 years. On your last night in the Shimokita Peninsula, go on a night tour to see how the locals live. Enjoy dinner made with plenty of local ingredients.

Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the largest summer festivals in Japan held every August. It is a tourist attraction to see the huge floats called “Nebuta” and Nebuta dancers cheering “Rassera, Rassera” with full of energy enlivening the festival. Why not come and see this passionate and gorgeous floats displayed at the Aomori Nebuta Museum “Wa Rasse”?