Hokkaido Winter Explorer

The overall journey is self-guided, with transport and key arrangements organised in advance. Three winter experiences are conducted with trained local guides or instructors.

No. The included snowshoe experiences are suitable for beginners. Equipment is provided for the organised activities, and local guides provide instruction.

Our walks follow the Nakahechi, the most travelled of the Kumano Kodo routes, which runs from Kii-Tanabe on the west coast inland through the mountains to Kumano Hongu Taisha and on toward the Pacific. Stone-paved paths climb through cedar forest between ridge-top villages, passing small oji shrines that once marked each stage of the pilgrimage.

The temperature in Hokkaido, Japan from December through March stays mostly below freezing, with average daily highs ranging from -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F) and lows dropping to -11°C to -3°C (12°F to 27°F).

Eastern Hokkaido supports remarkable winter wildlife. Red-crowned cranes are a particular highlight, while around Shiretoko there may be opportunities to see Yezo deer, red foxes, squirrels, white-tailed eagles and Steller's sea eagles. Wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.

Where snowshoeing cannot operate, alternative sightseeing or guided vehicle-based experiences will be arranged as outlined in the itinerary.

The trip uses a combination of Western-style hotels and traditional Japanese inns or ryokan. Ryokan typically feature tatami-mat rooms, futon bedding and communal onsen baths, providing an authentic Japanese experience.

Policies regarding tattoos vary between properties. Some onsen may require tattoos to be covered, while others may restrict access to communal bathing facilities. Please advise us of any visible tattoos at the time of booking so appropriate arrangements can be investigated.

You should carry a comfortable daypack with water, additional warm layers and personal items required during the day. For organised snowshoeing, snowshoes and walking poles are provided.

Shiretoko is one of Japan's most remote wilderness regions and is recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural environment. In winter, its forests, mountains and Sea of Okhotsk coastline are transformed by deep snow, while drift ice may reach the coast from Siberia between late January and March.

The guided Shiretoko snowshoe walk covers approximately 6km / 3.7 miles and takes around 5½ hours. It travels through primeval forest towards the frozen Furepe Waterfall and is suitable for beginners.

The journey begins in Kushiro. Kushiro Airport has domestic connections including Tokyo Haneda and Sapporo New Chitose. The trip finishes with onward travel to Memanbetsu Airport, which has connections to Sapporo, Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. Airport transport at the beginning and end of the trip is arranged independently.

Winter weather and snow conditions can affect activities and transport in Hokkaido. Where an included snowshoe experience cannot operate, an alternative sightseeing or private vehicle-based experience will be arranged where specified. The itinerary may also be adjusted when necessary due to local conditions.

No, train and bus fares are not included, and several days involve a short local bus or shuttle between the trail and your accommodation. These are inexpensive but need to be paid locally, so factor them into your spending money along with meals not listed as included.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami-mat floors, futon bedding laid out in the evening, yukata robes and often an onsen bath.

Meals at your inns are traditional Japanese, usually multi-course dinners built around local and seasonal ingredients, including river fish, mountain vegetables and regional specialities. Breakfasts are Japanese-style. Which meals are included varies by itinerary, so check the inclusions for the trip you are considering, meals not listed are at your own expense.

No. These trip is are not suitable for people with limited mobility. Confident footing on snowy ground is required throughout.

This walk is graded Moderate. You should be comfortable walking for up to 4 hours a day on uneven ground with sustained ascents and descents and be in good health. We recommend about 45 minutes of aerobic exercise three to four times a week beforehand, ideally including hill walking.

Yes, the minimum age is 12. Walking days cover uneven forest paths and stone steps over several hours, so families travelling with younger teenagers should contact our team before booking to confirm the itinerary is a good fit for their group.

This is a self-guided walk, so you travel independently rather than in a group, there is no leader and no set group to keep pace with. The itinerary operates for a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 12 travellers booked together, and private departures can be arranged for families or groups of friends.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and is not included in the trip price, so it must be arranged separately.

Visa requirements for Japan depend on your nationality and can change. Many nationalities are eligible to visit Japan visa-free for short stays; however, you should check the current entry requirements applicable to your passport well before departure. Your passport must also meet Japan's current entry requirements.