Hokkaido is the second-largest of Japan’s main islands, long regarded as a remote wilderness with abundant nature. Known in feudal times as Ezo, Hokkaido was originally inhabited only by the indigenous Ainu people. Today, other than attracting nature lovers, Hokkaido in winter is a pristine paradise for bird watchers, with snow capped mountain ranges, serene forests and indescribably beautiful crater lakes produced by volcanic activity.

Our Hokkaido winter adventure offers a wonderful journey from Kushiro on Hokkaido’s eastern Pacific coast, passing through Akan-Mashu National Park and taking in Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, Mount Io and its sulphur rocks. It continues through to the Shiretoko Peninsula stretching out into the Sea of Okhotsk. See untouched nature in the deepest months of winter when the region is covered in snow, visit UNESCO heritage nature reserves, experience spectacular winter landscapes formed by volcanoes and enjoy winter nature unique to Hokkaido.

There is the chance to spot abundant wildlife during a magical guided snowshoe experience – watch out for sika deer, the ezo red fox, ezo-risu squirrels and numerous species of birds. At each of the inns where you stay overnight you can enjoy relaxing in Onsen hot springs, a delightful by-product of the region’s geothermal activity. Another highlight of the tour is Hokkaido’s wonderful regional cuisine, some of the freshest in Japan, with local specialties found at every stage of your journey.

The fishing port of Kushiro is famous for some of the best seafood in Japan and home to a unique fishing culture which invented the Robatayaki open-grill style of cooking. From Kushiro visit the iconic Japanese red-crowned cranes, and continue to Lake Akan, home to the largest remaining Ainu community in Hokkaido. Here you witness a traditional Ainu dance performance. There is chance to visit Lake Mashu, one of the clearest lakes in the world, Lake Kussharo which in the Hokkaido winter becomes home to a large number of migratory whooper swans, and finally the Onsen spa town of Utoro on the Sea of Okhotsk along the Shiretoko Peninsula. While on Shiretoko Peninsula, experience a unique guided snowshoe walk through primeval forest, with a breathtaking glimpse of a frozen waterfall. If conditions permit, you may have the chance to walk on the seasonal drift-ice – the region’s rich biodiversity begins with the floating ice from Russia, which arrives each winter. Shiretoko is the very end of Japan and is a remote area of truly untouched nature.

With optional and flexible snow activities, this Hokkaido winter adventure is perfect for couples looking for a unique getaway, for families, budding photographers and those looking for an active and varied winter experience.