- This graphic is for illustrative purposes only.
- This itinerary is based on estimated times and is subject to change without notice.
ROUTE MAP
SCHEDULE
*This course starts from New Chitose Airport.
−Access to New Chitose Airport−
| From | Duration | Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | about 100 minutes |  by Air |
| Osaka | about 2 hours | by Air |
Day 1
| Local time | Schedule | Detailed schedule |
|---|---|---|
 |
Travel | New Chitose Airport ⇒⇒ Asahikawa (about 3 hours) |
| 11:00 Arr. | Admission | Asahikawa Area
Open: late April to early October. |
| 13:30 Dep. | Admission | Asahikawa Area
|
| 15:00 Arr. | Admission | Sounkyo
|
| Visit | Sounkyo
|
|
| 17:00 Arr. |
|
Kurodake Ropeway
The magnificent Mt. Kurodake is easily visited by taking the Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway and the Kurodake double chair lift from Sounkyo, located at an altitude of 670 meters. The area can be enjoyed all year-round: spring and summer are the time for mountain-climbing and nature walks to view local flora and fauna such as alpine plants and Siberian chipmunks, while fall offers the spectacle of changing colors and winter is perfect for skiing and snowshoe hiking.
Day 2
| Local time | Schedule | Detailed schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 Dep. |
Travel | Sounkyo Area ⇒⇒ Abashiri Area (about 3.5 hours) |
| 11:00 Arr. | Admission | Abashiri Area
|
| Admission | Abashiri Area
|
|
| 14:15 Dep. | Travel | Abashiri Area ⇒⇒ Shiretoko Area (about 1.5 hours) |
| 15:45 Arr. | Visit | Shiretoko Area
|
| Admission | Shiretoko Area
|
|
| 17:00 Arr. |
|
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
In spring, the slopes of this park turn vivid pink as the moss phlox blooms. The best time to visit is between mid-May and early June, when the flowers are in full bloom and vast slopes covering 10 hectares appear to be draped in a velvet carpet of stunning color.
Flowering Season: mid-May to mid-June.
Shiretoko
Situated in the northeast of Hokkaido, the narrow Shiretoko Peninsula is 70 km long and just 25 km wide at its base. Its spectacular natural environment stretching from beaches 0 meters above sea level to 1,500 meter-high mountains is astonishingly diverse, encompassing meadows, mountain streams, forests, wetlands, lakes, and more. In July 2005 it became Japan's third UNESCO natural world heritage site.
Day 3
| Local time | Schedule | Detailed schedule |
|---|---|---|
 10:00 Dep. |
Shiretoko Area
|
|
 10:30 Dep. |
Embarkation |
Operation: late April to late October. |
| 12:05 Dep. |
Travel | Shiretoko Area ⇒⇒ Akanko Area (about 4 hours and 15 minutes including lunch time) |
| 16:20 Arr. | Visit | Akanko Area
|
| Admission | Akanko Area
|
|
| 17:30 Dep. | Travel | Akanko Area ⇒⇒ Kushiro Area (about 2 hours) |
| 19:30 Arr. |
|
Ainu Kotan Village, Lake Akan (Akanko)
Lake Akan lies within Akan National Park in the east of Hokkaido and is famed for marimo, a green algae that grows in large velvety balls. On its edge is the Lake Akan hot springs resort and Ainu Kotan Village, home to Ainu folk art and dance performances. As well as the Ainu Theater Ikoro, which stages ancient Ainu dances, puppet shows, and Iomante Fire Festival performances, the village houses the Pon-Chise Ainu Memorial Museum and the Nitaitou Forest and Lake Museum of Fine arts, offering visitors the chance to learn more about Ainu life and culture in bygone days.
Day 4
| Local time | Schedule | Detailed schedule |
|---|---|---|
|
Often closed on Sundays. |
|
| 8:00 Dep. |
Hotel ⇒⇒ Kushiro Shitsugen | |
| 8:25 Arr. | Visit | Kushiro Area
|
| Admission | Kushiro Area
|
|
| 9:45 Dep. | Travel | Kushiro Area ⇒⇒ Obihiro Area (about 3 hours) |
| 12:45 Arr. | Admission |
|
| 14:00 Dep. 14:40 Arr. |
Admission | Obihiro Area
|
| 16:30 Dep. 17:00 Arr. |
|
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
The vast marshes surrounding the Kushiro river and its tributaries constitute Japan's largest wetland ecosystem. They provide an invaluable habitat for many wild plants and animals including Japanese cranes and other water birds, and their worth was recognized globally in June 1980 when they became the first marshes in Japan to be designated as wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Ikeda Wine Castle
Resembling a medieval European fortress, this facility is fondly known as "Wine Castle." A wide array of vintage wines matures in French oak barrels stores in its cellars, and a shopping area on the 1st floor sells local products including Tokachi wine. A restaurant is available on the fourth floor.
Day 5
| Local time | Schedule | Detailed schedule |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 Dep. |
Admission | Obihiro Area
|
| 12:00 Dep. 14:30 Arr. |
Travel | Obihiro Area ⇒⇒ New Chitose Airport (about 2.5 hours) |
Hokkaido Garden Path
Shichiku Garden, one of the stops on the Hokkaido Garden Path
Stretching some 200 km from Asahikawa to Furano and Tokachi, Hokkaido Garden Path is a tour route linking seven of Hokkaido's most beautiful gardens. Each of the gardens has its own particular characteristics that make the most of the unique Hokkaido climate and scenery to create leading modern Japanese tourist gardens featuring impressive landscapes. This sightseeing route also offers the chance to enjoy natural views, mountain ranges, activities, and a wealth of dining opportunities.
Open: late April to early October.