Japan Sapporo Snow Festival

Japan - Trip code JIF Discovery
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618Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
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This exciting journey takes us to the far north of Japan, where we make the most of the winter temperatures. We take an ice-breaker cruise in the Sea of Okhotsk before admiring the incredible snow sculptures at the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. We also explore ultra-modern Tokyo and discover tranquil Zen gardens in ancient Kyoto.

Why we love this trip
  • Sapporo Snow Festival - Discover huge snow sculptures and impressive ice carvings.
  • Kyoto - See the traditional side of Japan, stunning temples and immaculate Zen gardens.
  • Hokkaido - Visit Japan's northernmost island in the heart of winter.

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 10

    Dinner: 5

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Flight

    Train

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    Accommodation

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    Trip pace:

    Full on

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    Group Size:

    10 - 16

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Japan

Climate

Japan's climate is mostly temperate, with five distinct seasons. Summer is from June to September with temperatures reaching 30°c, although it can vary from warm to very hot after mid-July with temperatures in the mid-30s. July and August can be very hot and humid. Spring and Autumn are mild throughout Japan. Winter, October to April, is cold with snowfall. The main rainy season is June. Japan can be prone to short, tropical cyclones in August to October. October / November although cooler is a great time to see the Autumn colours. For trips that visit the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen, you're very likely to see them all year around, aside from in October/November when there is enough food in the forest to prevent them coming down to the baths. You may still see some at this time but not in the numbers found during the rest of the year.

Time difference to GMT

+9

Plugs

2 Pin Flat

Religion

Buddhism, Christian and Shinto

Language

Japanese

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Tokyo - Odaiba island:
Miraikan - The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
Explore cutting-edge technology, robotics, and interactive exhibits.
Website: https://www.miraikan.jst.go.jp/en/
Reservation: Tickets can be bought on-site or online.

teamLab Planets TOKYO (Digital Art Museum)
Immersive digital art installations by teamLab.
Website: https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/
Reservation: Must reserve tickets in advance online, as it often sells out.

Tokyo Trick Art Museum
3D trick art illusions that make for fun photo ops.
Website: https://www.trickart.info/english/index.html
Reservation: Usually no advance reservation needed; tickets available at entrance.

Sapporo Beer Museum - Free self-guided visit (no booking required). This is the main museum exhibition and is completely free. Guests walk through the displays at their own pace, with English explanations available throughout. No reservation is needed.
Option afterwards to visit the Star Hall tasting area and pay on the spot if you\ d like a beer (time here is limited to 30 minutes).

Day trip to Nara - 1500 Yen per person return train ticket, plus entrance fees.

Clothing

Rain gear is essential. You will need warm clothing for this trip as both daytime and night time temperatures are cold. Expect it to be around -1 degrees centigrade during the day and sinking to minus 8 or beyond during the night. A warm jacket, hat, gloves and thick socks are a good idea to keep your extremities warm. Long johns, leggings or thermal under garments will help you keep the cold out.

Footwear

Comfortable walking boots with good grip for walking around the ice festival. There will be plenty of snow so good waterproof footwear is a must since you will be walking on challenging surfaces, including ice and sludge.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

You should take one main piece of baggage and a daypack. Your main luggage won't always accompany you, being forwarded on Day 3 from Tokyo to Sapporo arriving on day 5, and from Sapporo to Kyoto on day 7 arriving on day 9. Your daypack should therefore have sufficient space for your things for 2 nights on two occasions. The reason we include this luggage forwarding service is to avoid being encumbered on the train journeys where we also use public transport to get to and from the stations, where you will be responsible for your luggage, and this will involve train connections where you will need to change platforms in stations where there are no lifts or escalators and with a limited connection time. Additionally we cannot guarantee space will be available for luggage storage at the icebreaker cruise terminal after flying from Tokyo.

For the internal flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido with carry-on baggage (while the main luggage is being transferred separately) please note that there is a weight limit of 10kg and the dimensions should not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 25cm. There are no restrictions regarding bringing liquids, gels and toiletries etc as hand luggage.


Equipment

Bring a water bottle to save on purchase of plastic bottles and a small torch. A tote bag will help avoid having to use plastic bags when shopping. Hairdryers are provided at all the hotels.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.

Japan

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£8
Dinner price
£15-20
Beer price
£4
Water price
£1.00 - 2.00
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Yen.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
It is preferable to take money in Yen or GBP, USD etc.
Where To Exchange
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability
ATMs are widely available. Some ATMs do not accept western bank/credit cards. Your Tour Leader can advise you locally if needed.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants and stores. Credit cards are not always accepted in smaller shops or restaurants. Ask your leader if needing any help with budgeting or being prepared for when cash is needed.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Flight, Train

Accommodation notes


During this tour, we stay in comfortable-grade accommodation, chosen based on location and authenticity. In general, comfortable-grade accommodation is three-star with good amenities such as en-suite bedrooms, WiFi and air-conditioning.
While clean and comfortable, hotel rooms and ensuite bathrooms in Japan are often much smaller than in other destinations. This is due to the pressure on space in high-density urban areas coupled with Japanese expectations about size of living spaces. It's unlikely that you'll be able to keep your main luggage open at all times especially when sharing the room. For this reason, and the fact we use a lot of public transport, you might consider packing light. See Luggage information also.
Japanese hotels have strict rules regarding check-in and all customers are required to wait until 3pm for room access. You'll be able to store your luggage while waiting but if you require an early check-in, then you should request this at the time of booking. We do not guarantee this will be possible and depending on availability an extra fee will be charged.
As is the Japanese way, hotel rooms are small but functional. While we stay in comfortable hotels throughout, you might not always have the space you're used to and it's a good idea to pack light.
We book twin rooms throughout. Often the beds can be pushed together but if a double bed is important to you, we suggest that you request this at the time of booking. Please note that double beds in Japan are somewhat smaller than western doubles and the room itself will be smaller and more like a single room. Additionally, we do not guarantee that this will be possible to secure for you.
On this trip, you're able to choose to purchase a single room (please see the dates and prices for the applicable single supplement price). However, this option does not include a single room on day 3 of this holiday in Abashiri.

Food and drink

Food in Japan is of paramount importance culturally and is often a highlight for those visitors interested in different cuisines. Options for vegetarians are limited as fish and seafood plays an important part in local cuisine and many vegetable dishes are cooked in fish broth. The included meals do not cover alcoholic or soft drinks. For people with severe allergies please note that it will be impossible to cater without risk of cross contamination, depending on the specific allergy, as the meal is often prepared by one chef in a limited kitchen for all guests staying at the guesthouse. You should always advise us of any allergies but in this case please enquire at time of booking or prior to travel to see what will be possible. For others with allergies and preferences in their diet please note that we will try to accommodate but, while the meal will be plentiful, you may be offered slightly less choice than others.

Japan

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes for stays of up to 90 days.

All visa related issues for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Although not required, by registering on the visit Japan Web website, travellers are able fill out the Disembarkation Form in advance. By filling out this form online you will recieve a QR code which can then be shown during entry procedures into Japan. This will help you proceed through customs and control quicker. As this step is not required, travellers can instead fill out physical paper forms upon arrival as well.

More information can be found here: https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/main/#/vjwplo001 \ul \ulnone


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Japan

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory. We recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. The use or possession of Vicks inhalers and some other common prescription and over-the-counter medicines (e.g. for allergies and sinus problems or even certain mild painkillers, such as those containing certain levels of codeine) are banned under Japan's strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. Customs officials may not be sympathetic if you claim ignorance about these medicines. If in any doubt about customs procedures for such items, you should check with the nearest Japanese Embassy before visiting Japan. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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