Hokkaido: Winter Festivals 2025 | 10 Days | Sapporo Snow Festival

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Hokkaido: Winter Festivals

10 days 8 nights
from
RESERVE ONLINE RESERVE
2025
Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Shiretoko, Kawayu, Kushiro, Tokachigawa

The Festival of Winter is here

In Sapporo's winter, the ice comes alive,
Larger than life, where our adventures thrive.
Snowshoe trails and ships through ice,
Cranes in dance, a graceful slice.
We taste, we soak, in warmth we find,
Memories shared, in the cold, we're entwined.

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Highlights

A once-in-a-lifetime trip designed to share and celebrate the beauty of winter in Hokkaido with you. Watch the city of Sapporo transform into a winter wonderland at the Sapporo Snow Festival. Admire snow and ice sculptures lining Odori Park. Be amazed at the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival.

  • Sapporo | Join one of the world's most famous winter festivals.
    • See the city transform into a winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival.
    • A variety of amazing ice sculptures are on display. Larger than life and lit with colorful lights, sculptures here are tremendously impressive.
  • Asahikawa | Meet adorable penguins, polar bears, and other animals at the Asahiyama Zoo.
  • Sounkyo | Visit the Ice Waterfall Festival.
    • This festival takes place at the foot of Sounkyo Onsen.
    • Ice Waterfall Festival features buildings and structures made with snow and ice. Visitors enter and enjoy the delicate sculptures.  
  • Abashiri | Journey to the remote depths of Japan's far north.
    • Feel the chill in a -15c° room at the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum and learn about local drift ice.
    • Icebreaker Cruise: Board an icebreaker ship to see and hear a vast expanse of drift ice crumble right before your eyes. Be in awe of the fantastic drift ice view and learn how icebreakers break through with their weight.
    • Abashiri Prison Museum: Japan's most famous prison. Dating back from the Meiji era, learn about daily life in the only prison museum in the country.
  • Shiretoko Peninsula | Travel to one of Japan's most remote and breathtaking national parks.
    • Join an optional Ice Walk on the drift ice. Put on a wetsuit for a once-in-a-lifetime intimate experience. Not only can you savor the wonderful view by walking on the ice, you can also jump into it to feel the chill!
    • Stroll and admire the natural lakeside beauty of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. 
    • Get up close to pristine nature with a short snowshoe hike in Furepe.
  • Kushiro | Enjoy fresh seafood and encounter red-crowned crane.
    • Washo Market: Enjoy a variety of local seafood from Kushiro and create your own Katte Don (DIY Seafood bowl)
    • Red-crowned Crane: Watch Japan's iconic bird dance elegantly on Kushiro Marsh, the only place in the world where they reside year round.

 

Special Hotel Arrangements Included

Enjoy six nights of hot spring hotels, each with unique spring qualities and stunning views, creating unforgettable memories. Immerse yourself in the warm, silky waters from the icy world outside. 

  • Hotel Taisetsu Sounkyo Onsen: Located next to the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival, where you can enjoy the colorful lights of the festival directly from the hotel.
  • Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort: Stay in specially-upgraded "Okhotsk Club" sea-facing rooms, where you can witness the drift ice on the sea as soon as you open your eyes.
  • Lake Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga: With Lake Akan just steps away, the hotel offers open-air baths and a large observation bathhouse, providing a panoramic view of the winter landscape by the lakeside.
    • Feb 4: Stay in the "KOMOREBI" Japanese-style twin rooms in the main building of Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga.
    • Feb 9: Stay in lake-view Japanese-Western style suites in the annex of Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga. The annex offers an exclusive guest lounge where you can indulge in small treats and drinks while enjoying the beautiful lake view. Services such as rental yukatas are available, ensuring a moment of elegance. Access to the annex is restricted with a dedicated key, providing a safe and private space.
  • Tokachikawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel: Experience the vast beauty of the Tokachi Plain and enjoy Japan's only plant-based hot spring, known as the "Beauty Bath" for its renowned moisturizing effects.

 

Itinerary

Open All Days
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Japan
 

 

 
New Chitose Airport 2
32 mi
, 1 hr

Sapporo
Sapporo Odori Park Snow Festival
Sapporo Odori Park Snow Festival
Street Food Stands Dinner at Snow Festival
Street Food Stands Dinner at Snow Festival
Welcome to ! For guests within our pickup timeframe, a Supera representative will greet you at the arrival airport. Have a wonderful journey with us!
  • Sapporo Snow Festival:
    Join the most popular festival in Sapporo and feel the energy of this fascinating snow world. Choose your dinner by preference from a variety of food stands here.
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Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions
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Sapporo Grand Hotel
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
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24 mi
, 1.5 hrs

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24 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Sapporo
Odori Park Site
Odori Park Site
Otaru Canal
Otaru Canal
Sapporo
  • See the city transform into a winter wonderland during the annual Snow Festival.
  • Visit Odori Park and Susukino district and marvel at sculptures made of ice and snow. 

Otaru

  • Sakaimachi:
    Explore Otaru's local specialties. Visit one of the largest museum shops at the Music Box Museum and the famous glass blowing factory, Kitaichi Garasukan.
  • Otaru Canal:
    Walk along nostalgic historical buildings lining the charming canal, symbol of Otaru. 
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Hotel Buffet
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Lamb Hot Pot (Shabu Shabu)
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Crab Feast
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Sapporo Grand Hotel
JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo
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84 mi
, 2 hrs

Asahikawa 2
74 mi
, 2 hrs

Sounkyo
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Parade
Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Parade
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival
Asahikawa
  • Asahiyama Zoo:
    Enjoy a close-up view of adorable penguins and polar bears at Japan's northernmost zoo. 

Sounkyo

  • Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival:
    Wander through frozen icefalls and caves at Sounkyo Gorge. See the festival lit up by colorful lights at night. 
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Hotel Buffet
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Refund - Explore with our helpful maps & suggestions
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Hotel Taisetsu
Sounkyo bus.png
104 mi
, 3 hrs

Abashiri
Meet the Sea Angel at Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Meet the Sea Angel at Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise
Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise
Abashiri
  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum:
    Touch drift ice in a 5F° simulated room. Also learn about the science behind drift ice and fascinating sea creatures such as Clione, known as the sea angel. 
  • Abashiri Icebreaker Cruise:
    Feel the cruiser beak through drift ice on the Sea of Okhotsk. (Weather may affect departure availability; itinerary subject to change. Refund will be provided if we are unable to sail). 
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Hotel Buffet
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Hokkaido Wagyu & Shiretoko Chicken BBQ
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Hotel Buffet
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Hokuten No Oka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort
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52 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Shiretoko
Abashiri Prison
Abashiri Prison
Shiretoko Drift Ice Walking
Shiretoko Drift Ice Walking
Abashiri
  • Abashiri Prison Museum:
    Walk through the prison gates of "Japan's Alcatraz." This Meiji-era prison is Japan's most famous. Today, the prison is a museum, and a great place for us to learn about the daily lives of its exiled residents.

Shiretoko

  • Shiretoko World Heritage Conservation Center:
    Tour the center with a professional conservationist guide to learn about the unique nature of Shiretoko.
  • Shiretoko Drift Ice Walk (fee not included): 
    Change into a wetsuit and have a once-in-a-lifetime intimate experience on drift ice.
    • 60USD/person (Height: between 4ft 3in-6ft 3in., Weight: less than 242.5lb., Age: under 75)
    • Total activity time including changing and traveling: 90-120mins; actual experience time: 40-50mins depending on weather conditions. 
 
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Hotel Buffet
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Seafood Specialties
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Hotel Buffet
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Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort
Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
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79 mi
, 2 hrs

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36 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Lake Akan
Shiretoko Active Snowshoeing Walk Trip
Shiretoko Active Snowshoeing Walk Trip
Swans Bath in Hot Springs in Lake Kussharo
Swans Bath in Hot Springs in Lake Kussharo
Shiretoko
  • Snowshoeing Tour:
    Today's new experience! Hike the serene winter forest with snowshoes while searching for animal tracks (Distance: 1.5 mi. Total activity time: 2-3 hours)
Teshikaga
  • Mt. Io: 
    An active volcano whose name means "nude mountain" in Ainu language. Observe yellow sulfur crystals and dynamic volcanic fumes up close.
  • Lake Kussharo:
    Bird watching: See nature's captivating performance of Whooper Swans dancing and singing. 
  • Lake Mashu: 
    Visit the observation deck at Lake Mashu and see one of the clearest lakes in the world.
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Hotel Buffet
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Beef Stew Lunch Set
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga (Main Building)
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44 mi
, 1 hr
20 mins

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46 mi
, 1.5 hrs

Lake Akan
Activities on Lake Akan
Activities on Lake Akan
Snowmobile Guide
Snowmobile Guide
Kushiro
  • Red-Crowned Crane:
    Encounter Japan's national bird and watch the red-crowned crane dance elegantly between prairie wetlands (Weather and other factors may affect the number of cranes that can be seen).
    Depending on weather conditions, we will visit the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary or visit the Akan International Crane Center to learn more about conservation and research efforts of these national treasures. 

Lake Akan

  • Outdoor activities on frozen Lake Akan:
    Choose from ice fishing, snowmobiling, or banana boating.
  • Akan Ainu Village:
    Explore the culture and handicrafts of Hokkaido's Ainu indigenous community at Akan Ainu Village, a short walk away from our hotel.
 
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Hotel Buffet
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Tokachi Pork Rice Bowl
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Hotel Buffet
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Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga (Main Building)
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80 mi
, 1.5 hrs

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88 mi
, 2.5 hrs

Tokachigawa Onsen
Washo Ichiba Market
Washo Ichiba Market
Build your own seafood bowl
Build your own seafood bowl
Kushiro
  • Washo Market:
    Taste fresh local ingredients from Kushiro. Hand-pick and savor your own bowl of seafood delights. 

Tokachigawa

  • Tokachigawa Onsen:
    The only place to try Moor hot springs, also known as "hot springs for beauty." Moor hot springs contain rich organic plant-derived matter, which are said to have excellent skin moisturizing and smoothing effects. 
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Hotel Buffet
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Create Your Own Chirashi Seafood Rice Bowl
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Kaiseki Banquet
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Tokachikawa Daiichi Hotel
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104 mi
, 3 hrs

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Your Next Destination
A great journey always feels short, let’s look forward to seeing each other again!
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Hotel Buffet

Related Tours

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  • Deposit:A deposit of per person is due within 5 days of reservation confirmation to secure your space on tour.
  • Balance:Due days before tour departure.
  • Flights:We are happy to arrange air tickets with the best balance between price and flight quality. If you are purchasing your own flights, please book flights scheduled to arrive/depart within the times listed below. If you are arriving/departing on the same day as our tour but outside timeframes, we may still be able to arrange service - please contact us for transfer options. Please be aware missed portions of the itinerary will not be refunded. Prior to issuing tickets, please reconfirm with us to avoid unexpected expenses.
  • Please review the Terms & Conditions before you book.
  • Is This Trip Right for Me?
    • Please see the Itinerary for activity levels and details.
    • Accessibility: Due to the nature of the itinerary, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs.
    • Age + Health: Our tour welcomes guests aged 2 and above. No upper age limit applies, but please consider your physical capacity. If you have limited mobility, you will need to travel with a companion
    • Dietary Restrictions: Following our tradition of encouraging our guests to “savor the world,” we arrange delicious local menus, but many restaurants cannot meet custom preferences. If you have a serious meal restriction (i.e., fatal allergy, vegetarian, etc.), please let us know before booking and we can check if it can be accommodated.
    • In case you cannot continue the tour for safety reasons or disrupt the group's experience during the trip, you may be asked to leave at your own expense. We will assist in arranging a cancellation. If you have any questions or special needs, kindly notify us beforehand and we'll gladly assist in determining if the trip suits you. In some cases, private group charter options may also be available.
    • Transportation:
      On our private bus, a limited number of seats near the front will be reserved for guests who are prone to motion sickness. Other seats will be rotated periodically.
  • Accommodations:
    • Most reserved rooms are TWIN (2 bed) rooms. Please let us know if you require a DOUBLE (1 large bed) for the entirety of the tour - we will try our best to accommodate. For most hot spring hotels, we will use tatami rooms featuring futon mat bedding.
    • If you have special requirements, please inform us at time of booking so we may make arrangements as soon as possible.
    • For guest privacy and security considerations, we do not have single sharing arrangements.
  • Visas:
    • Please be aware once a visa is processed by Supera, we will not be able to provide a refund under any circumstances.
  • Passports:
    • Please provide a copy of your passport at sign up; we recommend having a copy of your passport with you in case of emergencies.
    • Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and two blank “Visa” pages.
  • Luggage Handling:
    • We include porterage service where available, but please note porters will not be available in most ryokan and some hotels.
  • Flights and Luggage:
    • Some airlines charge a fee for pre-assigned seats. If so, we will let you know the details at time of booking.
    • If you are booking your own tickets, we recommend reserving at least 3 hours connecting time between international airports.
    • Luggage allowances will vary based on the rules for each airline. Excess baggage fees are the responsibility of the traveler.

Stays of a Lifetime

Don't be too tired to remember your trip!
A hotel is not merely a place to rest your head. We hand-pick each one to give you comfort, great views, unique experiences, and above all, memorability. We carefully consider locations to let your mind, body, and spirit wander freely while feeling at home.


Sapporo :

Sapporo Grand Hotel

Centrally-located in Sapporo city, within walking distance from great shopping areas and restaurants.

Comfort Large Room in East building    
40 m² (431 ft²)
120 x 205 cm * 2 Bed    
200 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Comfort Large Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 188 cm)
Standard Large Room in East Building    
40 m² (431 ft²)
120 x 205 cm * 2 Bed    
200 x 205 cm * 1 Bed
Arranged with Standard Large Room + Rollaway Bed (100 x 188 cm)

Sapporo :

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

Directly connected to Sapporo Station and Daimaru Department Store, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo has one of the top-rated locations in Sapporo. 40-minute train ride from New Chitose Airport, 10-minute walk to Odori Park, and within walking distance to some other historic sites such as the Clock Tower and Former Hokkaido Government Office Building in Sapporo.

Moderate Room    
30 m² (323 ft²)
120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Corner Twin Room 40m² (431 ft²) + Rollaway Bed (100 x 200 cm)

Sounkyo :

Hotel Taisetsu

Relax in the outdoor hot springs surrounded by the snowy mountains of Sounkyo. This hotel offers majestic panoramic views of the mountain range and beautiful gorge.

Special Room Yukihotaru Twin in West Building    
30 m² (323 ft²)
167 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Special Room Yukihotaru Twin + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Abashiri :

Hokuten No Oka Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort

At this resort, taste fresh seasonal delicacies of Okhotsk and experience the natural healing properties of the unique hot springs.

Japanese Western Room or Japanese Style Room in Tower Building    
29 m² (312 ft²)
120 x 203 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Western Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Shiretoko :

Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort

Enjoy a panoramic view of the Okhotsk coast from the top floor observation deck. This hotel is located near the Utoro port, an area with abundant natural resources. Guests can taste many fresh local specialties. 

Sea View Twin Room    
36 m² (388 ft²)
110 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Sea View Twin Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Shiretoko :

Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel

Located at the very top of Utoro’s hotel zone, Daiichi hotel offers sensational views of the Okhotsk Sea from its hot springs, especially during sunset. 

Japanese Twin Room in Shizen Building    
36 m² (388 ft²)
120 x 210 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Twin Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Lake Akan :

Akan Yuku No Sato Tsuruga (Main Building)

This stylish Ryokan resort offers world class service, beautiful hot spring baths, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Set on the shores of Lake Akan, it is conveniently located to major attractions.  Our Komorebi rooms blend unique Japanse style with western bedding to give you a modern experience.

Japanese Twin Room in Main Building    
30 ~ 36 m² (323 ~ 388 ft²)
110 x 212 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Twin Room + extra Futon (100 x 200 cm)

Tokachikawa :

Tokachikawa Daiichi Hotel

This hotel is the only hotel in Japan that offers rare moor hot springs (hot springs containing bio-organic algae). Moor hot springs are considered one of Hokkaido's heritages.

Japanese modern style room    
8 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese modern style room +extra Futon (100 x 200cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room
Japanese modern & Western-style room    
8 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Modern style room +extra Futon (100 x 200cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room
Japanese Modern style room or Japanese modern & Western-style room     
8 tatami mats
100 x 200 cm * 2 Bed    
N/A
Arranged with Japanese Modern style room +extra Futon (100 x 200cm)
Arranged with Futon in Japanese Room
Jerly L.
(02/19/2024) Jerly L.

Hokkaido Winter Festival was my second trip to Japan with Supera. Our trip last year to Niigata/Sado Island Japan was so amazing that we decided to join this trip and it did not disappoint us. Blessed with good weather , well organized itinerary made it perfect and food and lodging are the best ever.

A big thank you to Supera for making our vacation a memorable one. I highly recommend Supera to everyone if you want a relaxing, stress free and fun vacation. I can't wait to plan another trip with you

Edward L.
(01/21/2024) Edward L.

We have been with Supera and its sister company Signet Tours for three trips now with the last one at Kansai: Heart of Culture tour at the end of 2023. The tour is nothing but excellent. From their front office planning everything out considering we have an extra stay at Tokyo to the tour guide (Junko)'s excellent knowledge and personality and the food. Oh my god the food... my wife jokely said that we are either eating or on our way to eat. I LOVE the pace of the tour, the rich and vibrant culture, and the fun activities we experienced. Supera Tours and Signet is no doubt our one and only tour company we are ever going to go with. I would love to experience more of Japan with Junko. Thank you for the memories!

Greg K.
(02/19/2023) Greg K.

Just finished a great tour to the winter festival in Hokkaido. A lifetime of great memories for our family. Colin is a super guide. Fun , energetic, knowledgeable, good communicator and always looking after our wellbeing. This tour exceeded my expectations. Accommodations were first class, the meals excellent and the schedule was well planned with great diversity. We also had fun active outings such as snowshoeing and snowmobiles. It was also educational learning the history of Hokkaido and visiting the crane reserve. We will surely be repeat customers with Supera. Thank you Supera Tours for paying attention to details and your great support staff, Sachi et. al.

Judy F.
(03/06/2018) Judy F.

AWESOME FUN!!!  We just returned from the 2018 Sapporo Winter Festival and all the many activities around Hokkaido Island.  It was the most fun trip we've ever taken!  The weather was around zero-degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes it snowed heavily.  But if you layer up in  snow gear, you won't be cold.  Thanks to our wonderful guide, Junko, for a truly great trip !!!

William C.
(08/24/2017) William C.

I have been on their tours to Hokkaido Snow festival, as well as a custom-designed group tour to Szechuan and Yunnan recently. Their itenaries are well thought out, expertly balancing times, travel, sumptuous meals and great lodging. Tour guides are experienced and accommodating to travelers' needs. I highly recommend them and hope to attend their tour again.

Linda T.
(02/17/2020) Linda T.

I had no idea of the things that could be done in Hokkaido in winter, so thanks to Supera Tours for an excellent itinerary. There were many firsts for me on this trip, and thank you to our guide Colin for the fun time, along with our driver Kiyoshi for our safe journey through winter conditions.