Hokkaido Winter Eastern Hokkaido Snow Country 6-Day Tour|Drift Ice Icebreaker Cruise・Shiretoko Five Lakes・Lake Akan Ice and Snow Festival

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Eastern Hokkaido in winter is the place in Japan that comes closest to a true polar landscape. Beginning with the illuminated snowfields of Tokachigawa Onsen, the journey continues deep into Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Lake Akan, and the Shiretoko Peninsula, where red-crowned cranes, drifting sea ice, and wild swans create dreamlike scenery across the snow-covered wilderness. Along the way, discover the deep blue beauty of Lake Mashu, experience an icebreaker cruise through the Sea of Okhotsk, and explore the snow-covered forests of the Shiretoko Five Lakes on a snowshoe adventure. By day, immerse yourself in the breathtaking winter landscapes of Hokkaido’s northern frontier, and by night, unwind in soothing hot springs. This journey brings together the grandest and most unforgettable winter scenery of Eastern Hokkaido in one remarkable experience.

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Daily Itinerary
Attraction Overview
Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
► TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
► 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer
► Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)
Further Reading More Hokkaido Travel Tips and Itinerary Guides

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Four Advantages of Choosing TTtrips Japan Private Charter Service:
✔ Dedicated One-on-One Service | Personalized support from a dedicated specialist, providing real-time assistance from pre-trip planning to on-the-road support throughout the journey
✔ Chinese-Speaking Driver Service | Japanese private charter with Chinese-speaking drivers, ensuring smooth communication and a more安心 travel experience
✔ Direct Private Transfers | Private vehicle transfers in Japan, direct from hotel to attractions, no transfers required and no need to handle luggage during transit
✔ Flexible Customized Itinerary | Japan customized private charter travel, flexible adjustments based on your needs, allowing a relaxed pace without rushing
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Daily Itinerary

Customizable Service Available (Adjustable Based on Flight Schedule and Accommodation Arrangements)

DAY 1:New Chitose Airport > Obihiro (Tokachigawa Onsen, Sairinka Illumination) > Stay at a Tokachigawa Onsen Hotel
After arrival, head to Tokachigawa Onsen, renowned for its rare “beauty bath” waters, and experience its unique plant-based hot spring. In the evening, join the winter-exclusive “Sairinka” illumination festival and enjoy the rhythmic display of lights dancing across the snowy landscape.

DAY 2:Hotel > Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (Tsurui-Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary in Winter) > Nusamai Bridge Night View (One of the World’s Three Great Sunsets) > Stay at a Kushiro Hotel
Explore the vast Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and search for the elegant red-crowned cranes, known as the “gods of the marshlands.” In the evening, admire the breathtaking sunset framed by snow and ice at Nusamai Bridge, then enjoy an authentic robatayaki dinner.

DAY 3:Hotel > Lake Akan (Ainu Kotan, Fuyuhanabi Ice Festival) > Lake Mashu (Mysterious Winter Blue) > Lake Kussharo (Sunayu and Wild Swans) > Stay at an Akan Lake Onsen Hotel
Visit the region’s three mysterious lakes, and watch wild swans resting along the steaming lakeshore at Lake Kussharo. In the evening, take part in the ice festival at Lake Akan and enjoy fireworks blooming beneath subzero winter skies.

DAY 4:Hotel > Abashiri (Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker on the Sea of Okhotsk) > Abashiri Prison Museum > View of the Shiretoko Mountain Range > Stay at a Shiretoko Onsen Hotel
Experience the highlight of the journey by boarding an icebreaker ship and cutting through the massive drift ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. In the afternoon, visit the legendary Abashiri Prison Museum, then enter the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of the Shiretoko Peninsula by evening.

DAY 5:Hotel > Shiretoko Five Lakes (Winter Snowshoe Walking Experience) > Mount Io (Snowy Geothermal Landscape) > Stay at a Sounkyo Onsen Hotel
Under the guidance of a professional guide, put on snowshoes and venture into the closed primeval forests of the Shiretoko Five Lakes in search of wild Ezo deer. Afterwards, travel through Sekihoku Pass toward Sounkyo and admire the spectacular ice structures of the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival.

DAY 6:Hotel > Asahikawa (Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk) > New Chitose Airport
Before returning to the airport, visit Asahikawa to watch the hugely popular penguin parade marching proudly through the snow. Afterwards, head to New Chitose Airport with unforgettable drift ice memories and Hokkaido souvenirs before boarding your flight back to Taiwan.

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Attraction Overview

Day 1|Beauty Hot Springs + Snowfield Illuminations
Tokachigawa Onsen:Hokkaido’s famous “beauty bath” hot spring, known for its plant-based mineral waters.
Sairinka:A winter-exclusive snowfield illumination festival held in Tokachigawa.

(Tokachigawa Onsen - Image source:Fun! Japan)

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Day 2|Red-Crowned Cranes + World-Class Sunset
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park:Japan’s largest wetland national park.
Tsurui-Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary:A close-up viewing spot for Hokkaido’s iconic red-crowned cranes.
Nusamai Bridge:Home to one of the world’s three most beautiful sunsets.
Robatayaki:Kushiro’s most iconic charcoal-grilled cuisine.

(Kushiro Shitsugen National Park - Image source:Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO))

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Day 3|Mystical Lakes + Ice Festival
Lake Akan:One of Hokkaido’s most iconic mystical volcanic lakes.
Ainu Kotan:A representative settlement showcasing Hokkaido’s Ainu culture.
Fuyuhanabi:A winter-exclusive ice festival held at Lake Akan.
Lake Mashu:A mysterious lake famous for its “Mashu Blue” waters.
Lake Kussharo:One of Japan’s largest caldera lakes.
Sunayu:A geothermal lakeshore area where wild swans gather during winter.

(Lake Akan - Image source:Hokkaido Rail Pass Travel Guide)
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Day 4|Drift Ice Icebreaker + World Natural Heritage
Aurora Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker:One of Hokkaido’s signature winter experiences.
Sea of Okhotsk Drift Ice:Japan’s only sea region where drift ice can be seen.
Abashiri Prison Museum:Hokkaido’s most famous historical prison museum.
Shiretoko Peninsula:A hidden gem designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in Japan.

(Shiretoko Peninsula - Image source:Hokkaido Love - Hokkaido Official Tourism Site)

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Day 5|Snowshoe Forest Adventure + Frozen Waterfall Spectacle
Shiretoko Five Lakes:The most iconic group of pristine lakes in Shiretoko.
Snowshoe Hiking:A winter-only forest adventure experience in Shiretoko.
Mount Io:A dramatic volcanic landscape with continuously rising white sulfur steam.

Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival:One of Hokkaido’s largest ice and snow festivals.(Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival - Image source:Hokkaido Love - Hokkaido Official Tourism Site)
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Day 6|Penguin Walk + Return Journey
Asahiyama Zoo:One of Hokkaido’s most popular zoos, famous for its penguin walk.
Penguin Walk:A highly popular winter-exclusive snow parade.
New Chitose Airport:One of Hokkaido’s best airports for souvenir shopping.


(Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk - Image source:Hokkaido Love - Hokkaido Official Tourism Site)
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Vehicle Options and Reference Pricing (10 hours/day)
Included: Chinese-speaking driver, fuel, tolls, insurance.

Vehicle Type

Recommended

Passenger Capacity

Price Quote (TWD)

7-seater vehicle 
Toyota Alphard

4-5人passengers

From17,000

10-seater vehicle  

Toyota Hiace

8-9人passengers

From19,000

16-seater vehicle     

 Toyota Coaster

10-16人passengers

From28,000

For other requests, please refer to the detailed link below or contact customer service
 Line | WhatsApp
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► TTtrips Japan Private Car Service Details & Pricing
Please click the image link  

► 2026 TTtrips Japan Private Charter Exclusive Early-Bird Offer

Book two months in advance:Receive a discount of 1,000 NTD for a two-day consecutive charter,and 2,000 NTD off for three days
A complimentary child safety seat for children under 6 years old is included (market price 500 NTD per day)
Enjoy a worry-free and cost-saving family trip,limited availability,book early to secure your offer

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If flexibility in transportation has also become part of your travel planning,
TTtrips offers some of the most popular private charter services in Japan, including highly requested Tokyo family charter tours, Osaka Chinese-speaking driver charter services, and consistently popular Kyushu charter travel options.(Private charter services are available throughout all regions of Japan with customizable arrangements.)
These services are especially popular for family trips, multi-generational travel, and multi-day journeys across different regions.
TTtrips Japan Charter Service provides one-on-one travel consultation to help organize suitable options and itinerary arrangements based on your group size and travel plans.

As your itinerary gradually comes together, transportation often becomes one of the key factors that shapes the overall pace of the trip.
TTtrips Japan Charter Service not only provides a safe and reliable travel experience, but also helps evaluate the most suitable travel arrangements according to different travel styles and itinerary needs.
And from the very beginning of your journey, dedicated support will stay by your side throughout the trip.

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► Contact Us (One-on-One Travel Consultant Service)

TTtrips - Japan Private Charter One-on-One Consultation

Dedicated Consultant Contact Number ►0983-389137   

Line   WhatsApp Service Inquiry Form

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► Further Reading More Hokkaido Travel Tips and Itinerary Guides

Hokkaido Spring & Summer Travel Guide | Flower Spots & Scenic Attractions — Beyond Lavender in One Guide
Hokkaido Travel | Must-Visit Autumn and Winter Itinerary in Central Hokkaido: Sapporo + Otaru for Food, Scenery, and Shopping
Southern Hokkaido Autumn & Winter Journey: Explore Hakodate, Onuma & Lake Toya with a Japan Private Car

 

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