Wildlife & hot springs of Hokkaido

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

After passing through customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met by an airport guide who will provide you with your trip documents and direct you to the shared shuttle service, which will take you to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight. If you want to explore, you may wish to walk around the Imperial Gardens.

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 at the Crane Centre, and go to the Akan National Park.

Explore the lake today — take a boat trip or stroll around the shore. You can also use your hire car to explore further afield.

Head to the far eastern Shiretoko Peninsula today, stopping 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 and longer hikes available 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, boasting 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 with 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.