Wildlife & hot springs of Hokkaido

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.

You will be met at the airport by our representative, who will assist with the rail passes and seat reservations. After the formalities have been completed, you are escorted to the airport shuttle which will take you to your hotel in central Tokyo.

Have a day to acclimatise and sightsee in Tokyo before your rural adventure begins. You might like to visit the Imperial Palace gardens in the heart of the capital, or explore the Edo-period area of Asakusa to see the impressive Sensoji temple.

This morning transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Kushiro where a rental car will be waiting for you. From Kushiro drive through the wetlands, stopping in at the Crane Centre, to the Akan National Park.

Explore the lake today - take a boat trip or simply stroll around the shore. You have the use of your hire car to explore further afield too.

Head to the far eastern Shiretoko Peninsula today, stopping in at Lakes Kussharo and Mashuko as you go. If you are short on time Mashuko is the more accessible and beautiful of the two.

Explore Shiretoko's rugged, wild coastline today by boat - looking out for bears and other wildlife along the way. There are plenty of walking possibilities around the town centre.

Drive back into the heart of Hokkaido, via Abashiri - there is an interesting indigenous peoples' or Ainu museum here - to Sounkyo.

Explore the gorge in the morning and then drive to Asahidake, another mountainous and scenic town.

Explore the mountain today, there are several short walks or some longer hikes in the area.

Drive south to Biei, a pretty town with rolling hills and abundant flowers in the spring and summer. Return to your hotel in the evening.

Drive to the capital city of Hokkaido today, Sapporo. The city is very cosmopolitan and has some interesting architecture and a lovely atmosphere.

Explore the city today. We recommend a visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, which features replicas and original buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Drive to the airport for your flight back to Tokyo and your final afternoon at leisure in Japan. Enjoy your final day last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Take the airport shuttle bus directly from the hotel to the airport for your flight home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.