Active Northern Japan: Winter in Hokkaido

AJSW

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group,
Your Local Living Moment: Ryokan Stay, Fukui,
Your Foodie Moment: Ramen Dinner in Asahikawa, Asahikawa. Snowshoeing in Shiretoko Five Lakes, Primeval Forest & to Furepe Waterfall. Free time in Shiretoko & Sapporo. Sulphur Mountain Visit. Lake Kussharo Hot Spring Beach. Lake Mashu Observatory Deck visit. Traditional Ryokan stay and onsen hotspring. Local Ramen speciality dinner. Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway & Hike. Nijo Market Visit. Sapporo beer tasting.

Snowshoe through the powder-covered Shiretoko Five Lakes and Primeval Forest, Soak in a soothing onsen at a traditional ryokan for ultimate relaxation, Discover the culture of northern Japan’s Indigenous Ainu people with a visit to Ainu Kotan Village.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. ,
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Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.,

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. ,
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We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Max 16, avg. 14

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners

Plane, private vehicle, local train, walking, snowshoe.

Hotels (7nts), Ryokan stay (1nt)

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Hotels (7nts) Traditional Ryokan Stay (1nt)

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.,
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If you would like to book an airport Arrival shuttle for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.,
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If you have paid in advance for an arrival shuttle, our driver will be waiting for you with a sign with the transfer company name "GREEN TOMATO" on it outside of the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call Emergency Phone number: +81 50-3096-0911,
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JOINING HOTEL:,
Hotel Oriental Express Tokyo Kamata,
1 Chome-3-15 Minamikamata, Ota City,
Tokyo,
Japan,
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WELCOME MEETING TIME: 10:00am,
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You will meet your group at the meeting point hotel in Tokyo at 10:00 am heading towards the airport to board your flight to Memanbetsu airport in Hokkaido. Make sure to arrive to Japan with ample time to arrive at the meeting point to ensure you don't miss the departure time. Enquire about booking a pre-night hotel if you choose to arrive the day before.

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.,
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AIRPORT TRANSFER ,
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:,
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Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. ,
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EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS,
Arrival transfer representative: +81 50-3096-0911 
(this is only for travellers who have an arrival transfer booked through G Adventures),
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G Adventures Local Office (Japan)
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During office hours: Mon-Fri (Excluding national holidays) 9:00-18:00 Local Time
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From outside Japan: 1st contact +81 3-6809-1212. (2nd contact +81 90 1223 2336 or +81 80 6779 1851),

From within Japan: 1st contact 03-6809-1212 (2nd contact 090 1223 2336 or 080 6779 1851),
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After office hours emergency number
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Primary phone: +81 90 1223 2336 or +81 80 6779 1851 ,
(from within Japan: 090 1223 2336 or 080 6779 1851),
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If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.,
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Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100,
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000,
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000,
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618,
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307,
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Cold Weather:,
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater,
• Scarf,
• Warm gloves,
• Warm hat,
• Warm layers,
• Warm waterproof jacket,
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Documents:,
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border),
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies),
• Passport (required) (With photocopies),
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required),
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies),
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Essentials:,
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.),
• Binoculars (optional),
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries),
• Cash, credit and debit cards,
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights),
• Ear plugs,
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking),
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal),
• Fleece top/sweater,
• Footwear,
• Hat,
• Locks for bags,
• Long pants/jeans,
• Moneybelt,
• Outlet adapter,
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.),
• Reusable water bottle,
• Shirts/t-shirts,
• Sleepwear,
• Small travel towel,
• Sunglasses,
• Swimwear,
• Watch and alarm clock,
• Waterproof backpack cover,
• Windproof rain jacket,
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Health & Safety:,
• Hand sanitizer (required),
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.),
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.,
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Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here

Sapporo,
- Hokkaido Jingu Shrine,
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Otaru,
- Walking Tour of Otaru,

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.,
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Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).,
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Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally. ,
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.,
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G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.,
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Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.,
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Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout.

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The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

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