The Heart of Hokkaido with
National Geographic Photographer Michael Yamashita/
Dates: 19th of August (Mon) – 24th of August (Sat) 2019
Itinerary
Day 1: 19th of August (Mon): Arrive in Niseko; Greeting
We will be meeting at the lobby of the hotel.
After an initial introduction we will be enjoying a most
wonderful welcome dinner at the renowned Hyatt House Niseko.
Overnight at: Hyatt House Niseko
Day 2: 20th of August (Tue): Mt. Yotei
A visual sister to Mt. Fuji, Mount Yotei, a spectacularly stunning active
stratovolcano, is located in the heart of Shikotsu-Toya National Park,
Hokkaido, Japan. Nicknamed “Ezo” after the original name given to Hokkaido,
it towers over endless grasslands and rolling hills as it stands at 1,898 meters tall.
Not only does it stand in the heart of the National Park but it is the heartbeat of
all the Japanese and foreign people who live surrounding this majestic
natural monument.
By doing a loop from Hyatt House Niseko, which is well known for its beauty
and location, we will create a route by initially passing through Kutchan town.
Kutchan is located in the Abuta District and is the largest city in this natural area.
From there, we will move on to Fukidashi Park, which is located in Kyogoku and
boasts a natural spring that produces over 80,000 tonnes of incredibly clear and
cold drinking water. This water is caused by decades of rainfalls and winter runoffs
from the unbelievable amount of yearly snowfall seen in Hokkaido.
Our last stop before reaching Hirafu will be Makkari, at which point we will
enjoy a phenomenally delectable meal of pork chops from sows and gilts
that have been fed cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and oregano organically,
before heading out for an enjoyable walk that meanders around the base of
“Ezo-Fuji”. After passing through Niseko we will settle back in at
our beautiful hotel, Hyatt House Niseko: the point of our original departure,
completing a full 360 degrees around Mt. Yotei.
Overnight at: Hyatt House Niseko
Day 3: 21st of August (Wed): Lake Toya
Spewing lava and a cloud of volcanic ash in 2000, the still active volcano
named Mount Usu is next on our list. Boasting steamy and relaxing hot springs,
Mount Usu itself is located just moments away from Lake Toya and is a part
of the Lake Toya region itself. You will find spectacular views near the summit of
this stunning volcano as we take the ropeway up to the observatory.
The observation deck offers up a panoramic view of not only Lake Toya, but
also another active lava dome volcano; named Showa Shinzan.
By going one more level up, and only a short walk away, the stunning views
which make Hokkaido so special can be seen, such as the ocean and the massive
crater left behind after Showa Shinzan erupted in 1977.
Overnight at: Hyatt House Niseko
Day 4: 22nd of August (Thu): Shiribetsu River then Onsen
Activity day!
Niseko, untouched and unspoiled...forests, volcanoes, lakes and the
ever-exciting rivers that feed directly from springs and mountains.
Rather than driving or walking through this scenic area as we had before,
we’ll be taking a different approach by rafting down the Shiribetsu river.
Known to be one of Japan’s cleanest rivers, the winter runoff from melting
snow will make it an adventure, with peaceful lulls between moments of excitement.
In the afternoon, although Japan’s own “Route 66” otherwise known as the
“Panorama Line” will be closed during this season, we will be taking a brief
drive up a winding mountain road that exults in unparalleled natural beauty,
which is the lushness of Hokkaido’s spring.
Overnight at: Hyatt House Niseko
Day 5: 23rd of August (Fri): Shakotan Peninsula
Delectable sea urchin. Fresh herring. The Japanese appetizing flounder fish.
The ever-famous Japanese Salmon. Savory squid. Tempting mackerel.
Enticing abalone. Depending on the season any one of these ambrosial fish and
more can be available as Shakotan Peninsula is renowned as a bountiful
fishing ground since the 19th century.
The Shakotan peninsula flaunts a 30 km mountain range, which extends into
the northwest Pacific Ocean. The area’s perfection lays in its, rugged precipices,
mountainous topography and some small game wildlife.
With glaciers in winter on Mount Shakotan, lakes, and prairie grass blowing
wildly in the autumn, the sea itself is what draws people back again and again,
as its jutting cliffs cut into an ocean of beauty with blues of azure and clarity
to rival that of a sapphire. In addition to this we will be visiting
Shimamui Coast and Cape Ogon. To finish this briskly refreshing day,
we’ll be stopping in at Nikka’s whiskey distillery in Yoichi, which is quickly
becoming an international contender in taste and reputation.
Overnight at: Hyatt House Niseko
Day 6: 24th of August (Sat): Farewell
The tour ends after breakfast
Important Note
The weather at this time of years is considered to be quite dependable and beautiful, with above warm temperatures, and at times even hot with blue skies and slight breezes. However, there could be a chance that we might find ourselves faced with strong winds and possible heavy rainfalls, and may need to remain at the hotel on occasion; if there are weather advisories, or at our discretion. If such a situation arises we will handle it as best we can, but at times nature has its own ideas and we have to remind ourselves that it’s beyond our control and try to be as flexible as possible. It’s those very same weather fronts that keep the land of Hokkaido unique. We need a spirit of adventure and a good sense of humor and all participants in this tour will genuinely have a phenomenal experience.
Accommodation & Meals
We’ll be staying in the exquisite Hyatt House Niseko (www.hyatthouseniseko.com).
Everyone will be automatically booked into a two-bedroom suite. If you prefer to have a room of your own, or a bit of privacy, a single supplemental room can be made available at an extra charge.
We’ll note immediately if you have any food preferences (allergies, vegetarian, etc.) and we will make the appropriate changes as soon as possible to suit your dietary needs. The restaurants listed above may change due to various reasons or unforeseen events.
What is included in the Package?
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All accommodations and meals during your tour
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A chartered van/bus with driver to transport us safely and comfortably around Niseko for the trip’s entirety
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A local bilingual guide who travels with you throughout to ensure all logistics run smoothly and without difficulty.
What is NOT included in the Package?
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Any international flights or travel costs to the meeting point.
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Hotels while traveling prior to or following the tour
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Beverages or additional items ordered during meals
Cost & Reservation
The total cost for aforementioned tour is:
JPY 570,700
To book your place, please pay a reservation fee of 10% of the tour price by credit card, Paypal or bank transfer. Be sure to have your swift code readily available if choosing bank transfer.
*All Deposits are Non refundable
Cancellation Policy/Fees
If you wish to cancel your tour, please notify Spark Photography in writing in advance. Once Spark Photography receives your notice of cancellation, the cancellation will take effect. The following cancellation charges will apply:
Days prior to departure / Cancellation Charges
42 days + / Full amount of your deposit
21-41 days / 25% of tour price
8-20 days / 50% of tour price
2-7 days / 75% of tour price
1 day / 100% of tour price
Departure day / 100% of tour price
A Word on Insurance
You are strongly advised to arrange the following insurance:
Travel Insurance — If you fall sick or have an accident during the course of the trip, you will miss part of your tour, and possibly incur hospital fees and other expenses that can mount up. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for yourself for the entire length of the trip in advance of departure
Cancellation Insurance — This is often included in your Travel Insurance, but if for any reason you have to cancel your tour, cancellation insurance can help you recuperate your costs.
Note that travel and cancellation insurance usually has to be bought within 10 days of booking the tour or less. Please be sure check on this as soon as you book.
Camera Equipment Insurance — We also suggest that you insure your photography equipment and belongings if not included in your home or travel insurance. If you already have your gear insured, double check that you are covered for international travel, as you are visiting Japan from overseas.