Autumn in Hokkaido A 14 day escorted tour of ’s remote island wilderness & beyond 9th to 22nd October 2020 Hirosaki Castle

Shiretoko okkaido, Japan’s northernmost and least developed island is often considered National Park Hby the Japanese to be the country’s last frontier and is a world away from the Lake Kussharo Lake Lake Mashu traditional view of Japan. Only colonised by Japan in the past 150 years, we won’t Akan find a land of ancient temples and shrines or developed cities with skyscrapers JAPAN but instead large swathes of wild, open spaces, primeval forests, crystal clear Aomori Hirosaki Oirase lakes, beautiful alpine flowers, active volcanoes and bubbling hot springs. During Gorge our escorted tour of this remarkable island and Northern Japan, we will explore nature trails, watch for wildlife in the national parks, learn more of the indigenous Ainu people and hopefully see landscapes burst into colour with the arrival of the autumn leaves that should coincide with our visit. We begin our exploration with the bright neon lights of Tokyo where the cityscape of skyscrapers is interspersed with ancient temples and scenic gardens before heading to the enchanting island of Hokkaido. Here, more than two million acres are dedicated to national parkland and we will visit some of the most remarkable: the Kushiro Marshlands, home of Hokkaido’s resident red-crowned cranes and Japan’s iconic bird; the lakes of central Hokkaido including the mysterious and beautiful Lake Mashu and , home to brown bears, Yezo shika deer and white-tailed eagles. Before returning to Tokyo our last few days are spent on the north coast of Honshu island visiting the Feudal town of Hirosaki and the spectacular Towada Hachimantai National Park. We hope you can join us for this unique tour of Japan’s lesser-known treasures at this most delightful time of year. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Lake, Shiretoko

Tokyo Yezo Shika Deer

Sensoji Temple, Tokyo

The Itinerary Day 1 London to Tokyo, Japan. Fly habitat destruction. However, in colour from light blue to green one of the largest lakes in by scheduled flight. 1926 a group of 20 birds were and dark blue, depending on the Japan. Maybe enjoy a walk through discovered in this area which with time of day or the season, the lake the forested banks famous for their Day 2 Tokyo. Arrive this morning conservation efforts now number is also called Goshikinuma and, autumn colours or spend time on and transfer to the Keio Plaza more than 1000. We will visit the along with Okotanpe Lake and the beach where you can create Hotel for our overnight stay. The observatory with displays of the Shinonome Lake, is considered your own “hot springs” in the sand. remainder of the day is at leisure flora and fauna of the region and one of the three major mystery After lunch in a local restaurant to acclimatise before we meet our views over the marshlands before lakes in Hokkaido. Those feeling we will continue to Lake Mashu, fellow travellers this evening for a taking a walk along the Onnenai active may wish to take a hike on regarded as the most scenic lake welcome dinner in the hotel. (D) Trails. We end at the Tancho Red the walking trail around the lake to of Hokkaido. Enveloped in a fog Crane Reserve where we will learn enjoy the changing colours. Later most of the time, it is referred to Day 3 Tokyo to Kushiro. After about the efforts made to preserve we transfer to Tsuruga as Kiri no Masshu-ko which means breakfast in the hotel we will make their numbers. Return to Kushiro Wings ryokan on the banks of Lake Foggy Lake Mashu. Once the fog our way to the Meiji Shrine which for lunch and an afternoon and Akan and meet for dinner tonight. has cleared, the extraordinarily is dedicated to the deified spirit of evening at leisure. There will be (B, D) beautiful Lake Mashu comes into Emperor Meiji and a popular place the opportunity to stop at Washo view. It is 211 metres deep and for traditional Japanese weddings. Market, the city’s major market Day 6 Lake Akan. This morning we boasts some of the clearest water Surrounded by over 100,000 trees, selling seafood, dried goods and will board one of the local boats for in the world with a visibility of Meiji is an oasis of serenity and local fruits and vegetables. Here, a cruise on Lake Akan, providing 41.6 metres and is surrounded by spirituality in a city that never sleeps. our local guides will show us how the perfect vantage point to the cliffs over 300 metres high. After We continue to Asakusa, Tokyo’s to eat like a local by creating our forests lining the banks with views viewing the lake we will continue “old town” where we visit Sensoji, own “rice-bowls” with the market’s up to the surrounding volcanos our journey to the north coast of Tokyo’s oldest temple and spend sushi and sashimi. (B) of Me-Akan and O-Akan. The Hokkaido and check in to the Kiki time in Nakamise, a shopping street lake is also famous for marimo, Shiretoko Natural Resort near the that has been providing temple Day 5 Kushiro to Lake Akan. Check an aggregation of algae which . There will be visitors with a variety of traditional, out of the hotel after breakfast forms into balls which is unique to some free time to relax before we local snacks and tourist souvenirs for and head out towards the many this lake. During our cruise we will meet for dinner in the resort this centuries. After some free time for lakes of Central Hokkaido. We pass by Takiguchi as well as visit evening. (B, L, D) lunch, we transfer to the airport for will make stops at the Takimibashi the observation centre on Churui our scheduled flight to Kushiro. On Bridge and Lake Akan Lookout, Island. Enjoy free time for Day 8 Shiretoko. After breakfast arrival transfer to the ANA Crowne both renowned for their views of lunch before we walk to Akanko in the hotel we will start our Plaza Hotel for check in before the autumn leaves. After free time Ainu Kotan, where we will be able exploration of the Shiretoko meeting for dinner this evening. for lunch we will make our way to to see the traditional crafts, dance National Park, located on the (B, D) Lake Onneto, part of Akan National and learn about the culture of Shiretoko Peninsula and a Park. The lake, with a circumference the indigenous Ainu people of UNESCO World Heritage Site due Day 4 Kushiro. Today we will of 2.5 kilometres, was created Hokkaido. (B, D) to the diversity of its ecosystems. visit Kushiro Marshlands, Japan’s when the river was dammed up Shiretoko translates from the largest wetland and marsh habitat due to the volcanic eruption of Day 7 Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu Ainu for “end of the earth” and and home to the only known Mount Meakan-dake. Due to high & Shiretoko. Today we continue this remote and untouched park population of Japan’s sacred acidity levels, fish cannot live in our exploration of the lakes of combines rivers, forests, mountains red-crowned cranes. The cranes the lake but ezo salamander and Hokkaido arriving this morning and waterfalls and is home to an were thought to have been made crawfish can. Since the surface at Lake Kussharo, which with a array of wildlife including brown extinct due to overhunting and of Lake Onneto beautifully changes circumference of 57 kilometres is bears, Yezo shika deer and red fox. Lillies, Sapporo

Lake Akan , Akan National Park Lake Mashu

Oirase Stream

This morning, if weather permits, the outskirts of the city and a must- Day 12 Oirase Gorge. Today we afternoon and enjoy an evening at we will take the Shiretoko Pass visit location in autumn. We will will head inland to the spectacular leisure. (B, L) offering stunning views of the take walks along the trails through Towada Hachimantai National autumn leaves on Mount Rausu. the woodlands, one of which will Park which involves a scenic drive Day 13 Aomori to Tokyo. We have Continue to the Shiretoko Nature take you to the lovely Ashiribetsu through the Kayano plateau, a free morning in Aomori and you Centre where we can learn about Waterfall. Return to Sapporo and Hakkoda mountains to the scenic may wish to learn about the local the wildlife of the park as well as visit one the city’s most famous Oirase Valley and , a Nebuta Festival at the nearby the impact of the drift ice which venues, the beer museum. magnificent ancient caldera lake museum or visit the A-factory or arrives here in the winter months. Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer surrounded by deciduous forests. the local market for souvenirs. In Afterwards we will head to the in Japan and it has been brewed in The scenery is stunning, especially the late morning we will transfer Shiretoko Five Lakes which were Sapporo since 1877. A tour of the as the hillsides change to red and to the station and board our formed by eruptions from Mount Io museum will introduce the history orange. We will wander the trails Shinkansen service to Tokyo. A and fed by underground springs. of the industry and includes a at the Tsuta Nana-numa Ponds, a lunch box will be provided on the Here there will be a choice of tasting. After lunch we return to the collection of seven lakes which are train. On arrival in Tokyo we will either a long or short walk through hotel for an afternoon at leisure. surrounded by a forest of Japanese transfer to the Keio Plaza Hotel the wilderness on the lookout for You may wish to simply enjoy the Beech trees before continuing and have some free time before wildlife, colours and views of the hotel and its facilities or to make to Oirase Gorge. The gorge meeting for dinner this evening. lakes. (B, L, D) an independent visit to see the runs for 14 kilometres from Lake (B, L, D) colours at the Hokkaido University Towada to Yakeyama and we will Day 9 Abashiri & Sapporo. Botanical Gardens or Nakajima walk alongside the crystal clear Day 14 Tokyo to London. Check Continuing our adventure along Koen. (B, L) Oirase Stream seeing the beautiful out this morning and transfer to the the northern coast of Hokkaido, scenery, autumn foliage and airport for our scheduled flight to we arrive at Abashiri where we visit Day 11 Hirosaki & Aomori. After waterfalls. Return to Aomori this London. Arrive this afternoon. (B) the excellent Hokkaido Museum of breakfast we transfer to the airport Northern Peoples which provides for our flight to Aomori on the insight into the cultures and north coast of Honshu island. From Prices per person traditional everyday lives of the here we visit the former Feudal Based on double occupancy peoples inhabiting the northern, town of Hirosaki which was the subarctic regions of the globe political capital of the region in Room Brochure Price such as the Ainu, First Nations the Edo Period. A tour of the city Twin £6995 people, Inuit and Sami. Continue will include the three story castle, Single £8795 to Memanbetsu airport where which was the focal point of the old we will take a scheduled flight to city and the base of the powerful Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights hotel Sapporo. On arrival we transfer to Tsugaru Clan. Surrounding the accommodation • Breakfast, lunch & dinner as indicated (B - Breakfast, the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo castle is what was the samurai and L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Excursions • English speaking local guide • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers. and have some free time to settle merchant district where we can Not Included: Travel insurance, visa. in before dinner tonight. (B, D) visit the preserved houses and Group Size: We are limiting the group size to a maximum of 24 participants. the Fujita Kinen Teien, a Japanese Day 10 Sapporo. We have the day landscape garden built in 1919. to spend in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s After our visit we transfer to the Please note: The autumn colours are a natural phenomena and sightings are capital and largest city. This Hotel JAL City Aomori and enjoy not guaranteed. We have timed our journey to meet the traditional times for morning we will leave the city and some free time before meeting for the changing colours in Hokkaido and Aomori but are too early to see the colours in Tokyo. visit Takino Suzaran, a huge park on dinner this evening. (B, D)

+44 (0)20 7752 0000 Your Accommodation

Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tsuruga Wings, Lake Akan Two nights (non-consecutive) Kushiro Two nights Located just a five minute walk from Shinjuku Two nights Located right next to the beautiful Lake Akan, Station in the heart of Tokyo’s shopping and Adjacent to the Kushiro’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Tsuruga Wings is a contemporary and stylish entertainment district, the Keio Plaza is ideally the ANA Crowne Plaza Kushiro is a favourite ryokan style property. Fitted with tatami (woven- situated to explore this bustling metropolis. amongst many of the city’s visitors and features straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, Each room offers wonderful views of the city 180 spacious guest rooms specially designed for each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, and includes Wi-Fi, L’Occitane toiletries and comfort. Each room features air-conditioning, fridge, telephone, electric kettle and coffee complimentary bottles of water. Facilities include complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD television and machine. Additionally, all of the rooms benefit an outdoor pool and fitness room whilst meals spectacular views of the harbour and its natural from views of the mountains or the lake. Guests can be enjoyed in one of the twelve on-site surroundings. Enjoy western or Japanese can unwind in the public bathing area (separated restaurants. Choose to enjoy Japanese meals of breakfast at Restaurant del Nord whilst dinner by gender) featuring indoor/outdoor hot spring tempura, sushi and teppan-yaki or alternatively try can be taken at Teppanyaki Fuji or Unkai baths and saunas. A gift shop is available Chinese, Korean, French or Italian cuisine. Enjoy restaurants. Begins Bar, located on the 18th onsite and complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in afternoon tea in the Art Lounge and maybe end floor, provides a respite away from the bustling the lobby. Hokkaido Buffet Hapo offers hearty the day with a drink at the Aurora Sky Lounge on city with a choice of beverages and breathtaking buffets featuring a live open kitchen and fresh the 45th floor with panoramic views of the city. views. local ingredients whilst lavish buffets at Main Dining Tenga include all-you-can-eat sushi and other international dishes.

Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo Hotel JAL City Aomori Two nights Two nights Two nights Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort is located amidst Offering direct access from JR Sapporo Train Hotel Jal City Aomori is located close to the the hilltop forests of picturesque Shiretoko and Station, JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo offers train station and offers stylish, air-conditioned provides a great base from which to explore the air-conditioned rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, rooms which are equipped with a flat-screen TV, vibrant city and local area. The hotel features flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box and a fridge. desk, electric kettle, refrigerator and en-suite 176 rooms which are all equipped with air- The guestrooms are located on floors 23 to 34 bathroom with toiletries, a hairdryer and a bath. conditioning/heating, television and an LCD/ ensuring wonderful views. The hotel boasts four Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout plasma screen. There is an onsite restaurant dining options and two of the restaurants are the hotel. The dining options include La Sera and a range of recreational facilities on offer located on the 35th floor offering panoramic restaurant which serves a buffet-style breakfast including a Jacuzzi, sauna, hot spring bath, table views of Sapporo city. Tancho Sky Restaurant of Japanese and western dishes as well as à la 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE tennis and a games room. offers Japanese dishes featuring seasonal local carte lunch items, and Kanade restaurant which ingredients and Western dishes and a spectacular offers sushi and other Japanese dishes. The +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk night view is available at Sky J Restaurant and location is excellent - a few minutes by foot is Bar. The Sky Resort Spa, located on the 22nd the Aspuma shopping area for local products floor features hot baths, Jacuzzis and a sauna with and there are numerous traditional restaurants views over the city. close by. Red-crowned crane

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk

All special offers are subject to availability. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Ports subject to change. Cover image: Lake Akan

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