- Airport Limousine Bus transfer coupon (one-way)
- Domestic flight between Tokyo and Sapporo (one-way)
- 7 Day Japan Rail Pass
- JPY 1,500 Pasmo Card
- 3 Day Car Rental inc. English satnav
- Nikko World Heritage Tour
- 3 nights of accommodation at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Hotel Sonia in Otaru inc. breakfast
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Hotel Resol Hakodate
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Art Hotel Hirosaki City inc. breakfast daily
- 2 nights of accommodation at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
This Tour is only sold in the summer months which the Japanese refer to as Green Season and with good reason. Summer time in Hokkaido is spectacular viewing for it's wild flowers and lush greenery. With modern and safe roads with little to no traffic, Hokkaido is an easy drive and a wonderful adventure.
*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares
Drive out to the Shakotan Peninsula which forms part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru-Beach Quasi-National Park. Three major capes on the peninsula, Cape Ogon, Cape Shakotan and Cape Kamui are all well-known for their unusual rock formations and beautiful sea along the shoreline. The sea surrounding this area is Hokkaido’s only designated Marine Park.
Set your navigation system for the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery (09:00 – 17:00/Ph: 0135-23-3131), which is a 30 minute drive from Otaru. Nikka Whiskey is one of Japan’s top whiskey brands and was founded by the man who introduced whiskey to Japan, Taketsuru Masataka. Nikka established its whiskey distillery in Yoichi for its clear water, brisk air and rich peat, and produces award-winning whiskey that is ranked among the world’s best single malt whiskeys.
Next, commence your journey around the peninsula with a visit to Candle Rock, which is 12 km northwest of Yoichi. This unique rock formation stands in the ocean, 0.7km from the coast and is 46 meters in height.
Continue northwest for 13km to Bikuni fishing port. Nearby is Cape Ougon, a good look-out for a view of the port and the Sea of Japan.
Next, at Cape Shakotan (17km from Bikuni), enjoy the superb Shimamui Coast, chosen as one of Japan’s top 100 beaches. Cliffs 100 meters above sea level overlook the Shimamui Coast and the translucent and brilliant blue water, described as ‘Shakotan Blue’, which has underwater visibility of 30 meters. A 30-meter tunnel leads to the coast, obscuring the view until the moment you exit the tunnel, giving impact to the spectacular scene. Two observatories can be found nearby, from which rugged steps lead to the shore. In the colder months, you may see seals along the coast. Be sure to rug up in warm clothing and wear appropriate footwear.
Continue on to Cape Kamui (15km from Cape Shakotan), where legend has it, a goddess named Charenka lived and caused stormy and violent seas when she was jealous. As this was dangerous for the fishermen, women were forbidden from going there. The path from the entrance, built 80 meters above sea level, leads out to the tip. Cape Kamui can be accessed from 08:00 – 16:30.
Return to Otaru in the afternoon.
Stay: Hotel Sonia - 2/2
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