Round trip Japanese Alps and Hokkaido
A street food tour of Tokyo, a view of the majestic Mnt. Fuji , a small stretch of Nakasendo Trail and a bike ride through cultural Kyoto... just some of the many highlights of a road trip to the unprecedentedly beautiful Japanese Alps and Hokkaido, where the pristine primal forests, azure crater lakes, hills covered with wildflowers and natural hot springs will take your breath away.
Stellers Sea Eagle, Crane and Brown Bear
The far north of Japan, the Kushiro Wetlands are the winter home of magnificent Chinese Cranes, the Japanese symbol of freedom and a long and happy life. Shiretoko N.P. is home to large flocks of Steller's Sea Eagles: meanwhile, cruise the melting ice floes for breathtaking photos; this is nature at its best! From an elevated hiking trail at one of Shiretoko's lakes, you can search for wildlife and there is a good chance of spotting brown bears, red foxes and sika deer. Also visit the enchantingly beautiful Oshinkoshin Falls.
Tips & tops from Roundtrip Japanese Alps and Hokkaido:
- You will travel largely independently, by public transportation and by rental car. Where convenient, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. In addition, you can always find all the information you need in a special app, ranging from maps to restaurants and even menus translated into English
- In Tsumago you will stay overnight at a traditional Japanese Minshuku and in Takayama at a ryokan; an introduction to classic Japanese culture and its rituals!
- Sapporo is Japan's fifth largest city, and an extremely pleasant city to explore. End the day on Ramenstreet, where you can choose from 16 renowned restaurants, and plunge into nightlife in the Susukino entertainment district
- The mountain area of Daisetsuzan National Park is called Kamoi Mintara, "the playground of the gods," by the Ainu people.
- In Abashiri, located on the Sea of Okhotsk, is a museum dedicated subarctic peoples including the Ainu, the original inhabitants of Hokkaido. Here you will learn all about their lifestyle and traditions
- Near Lake Akan grows the 'marimo': a bizarre, globular moss species
- In Hiroshima, the Peace Memorial Park is not the only thing you must see; on the kayaking excursion, you will paddle past the famous Itsukushima Shrine.
- Castles with beautiful gardens, tea houses and temples, as well as atmospheric neighborhoods with busy alleys and geisha districts; Kyoto is best explored by bicycle
- In Kanazawa, for example, visit the impressive Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle and the 21st century Museum of Contemporary Art.End your day in the old Samurai district where you can take a stroll to Nomura House
- The three-hour hike from scenic Magome to Tsumago leads along the historic Nakasendo trade route. It is one of the most beautiful routes of the Nakasendo Trail
- Ancient Japanese culture mixed with futuristic buildings; Tokyo fascinates! You will be short of eyes and ears during a visit to the morning fish market, the Meiji shrine and Tokyo Tower
- From Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji, you have a magnificent view of the iconic mountain
- Given Hokkaido 's climate, the months of May through August are best suited for this trip. Yet even during the winter months - when cold fronts from Siberia leave powdery snow behind - it is a popular destination, both for winter sports enthusiasts and bird watchers
