Fire and Ice 2024
February 4/5-17, 2024*
A party you won’t wanna miss.
Giant snow sculptures. Amazing food. Slides made of ice. Luxurious hot spring waters. There’s so place quite like northern Japan, and you’ll experience all of it as we travel from the massive city of Sapporo to Tokyo by way of Hakodate, Aomori, Hirosaki, Kakunodate, Yokote, and more. It’s the finest of urban and rural Japanese hospitality, and it’s all yours.
Starting with the Sapporo Snow Festival, we’ll also visit the Ice Festival, the Fire Flinging Festival in Kakunodate, the Yokote Kamakura (Igloo Festival), and more spread over two magical weeks in the cities, hot springs, and secluded mountain towns that locals have loved for decades (or, in some cases, centuries)! Travel through neon-lighted ice caves, relax in hot springs on a picturesque lakeside, picnic with the locals inside igloos, wander among candlelit alleys by the ocean, sip fresh Apple wine, eat the freshest seafood in Japan at the Hakodate Morning Market… and maybe even spin a giant fireball over your head! Along the way, we’ll feast on lamb barbecue (“Genghis Khan”), try to conquer a giant ice cream parfait, and mingle with the locals. It’s no wonder why Fire and Ice is our most well-reviewed trip of all time.
With a mild winter climate that keeps temps above 20~25F, this is a journey for every traveler - especially you. Sign up today!
“If you’ve ever been interested in festivals, and food, definitely check out Fire and Ice! Japan in the winter is amazing!” – Kris Siri, 2017
“These tours never fail to amaze me in the slightest. I love the snow so this tour has had me hooked and will consider doing again. I love Japan and you guys help bring out the best out of the culture Japan has to offer.” － Joe Musca, 2018
”The guides were lovely, cool, fun, chill - People you enjoy hanging out with. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed their company and conversation…the trip itself lived up to the hopes and expectations I had built up. We went to great places, saw both cool and beautiful sights, spent time at lots of lovely festivals, ate more food than is healthy...” – Meru, 2020
Click to View Text Itinerary
SEE END OF SCHEDULE FOR DETAILS OF NEW TOKYO EXTENSION!
February 4, 5/Day 1: Arrival!
We'll arrive/meet up in Tokyo and take it easy in the city to fight off the jet lag. Guests on the Tokyo Extension: today is a free day for you to do a little last-minute exploring and shopping.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
February 6/Day 2: Sapporo Special
After a quick flight to Sapporo, we'll swing by the Royce Chocolate Factory at the airport (yes, they have a chocolate factory at the airport!) before we dive into the Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park! Take pictures of the massive snow sculptures, get awesome food, and even check out special events like the Snow Miku stage performances and food tasting. In the evening, we head to Susukino to marvel at giant ice sculptures before inhaling some of the city’s best ramen!
Lodging: Century Royal Hotel Sapporo or similar
Februay 7/Day 3: Slides, Bites, and Candlenights
In the morning, join your guide for an optional trip out to the Sapporo Dome Festival area for food booths, snow slides, and more fun. Then, we head to the waterfront city of Otaru to window shop in the Sakaimachi district before we visit the canal for their annual candle-lit Winter Festival!
Lodging: Century Royal Hotel Sapporo or similar
February 8/Day 4: Dining Time
Today is all about the palate. Join us for an optional trip to the Yukijirushi Ice Cream Parlour, shop the boutiques and shops of Tanuki-koji and Sapporo Station, or do a little of both. In the evening, we'll visit the Sapporo Beer Museum for a little history before have a special feast featuring the local speciality: Genghis Khan Lamb Barbecue!
Lodging: Century Royal Hotel Sapporo or similar
(Dinner included)
February 9/Day 5: Ice: Edible and Slideable
Today, we land at Lake Shikotsu and our a luxury hot spring (onsen) resort on the lakeside. Soak in the hot spring waters, fill up at a deluxe buffet dinner, and join us for an evening visit to the neon glow of the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival!
Lodging: Mizunouta Resort or similar
(Dinner included)
February 10/Day 6: Free Day!
Today is yours to hike, explore, get a spa treatment, or just enjoy the onsen. In the afternoon, we’ll head down to the festival grounds to poke around (and through) the ice sculptures.
Lodging: Mizunouta Resort or similar
(Breakfast, Dinner included)
February 11/Day 7: Brickside Reverie
We transfer to Hakodate and hit the the historical Old English Consulate for some tea and some history. After marveling at the views of the city lights from Mt. Hakodate, join your guides for an optional night out near the bayfront.
Lodging: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 12/Day 8: Morning Market, Evening Views
Visit the Asaichi Morning Market to sample the best crab in Japan (and other tasty treats) before we visit the star-shaped Goryokoku Fortress. From there, we'll visit the Kanemori Warehouse area, where you can sample some of the beloved local goodies such as “Snaffles” (trust us, they’re great!) and Japan’s most legendary Gelato. That night, chill out or join the guides for a poke around a local food market.
Lodging: Hakodate Kokusai Hotel or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 13/Day 9: Apples and Castles
We ride through the Seikan Tunnel to Aomori, where we visit the grounds of Hirosaki Castle before heading out for a night on the town.
Lodging: Ark Hotel Hirosaki or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 14/Day 10: Bring the Flames
Today, we arrive in the city of Aomori to dive into the history of the Tsugaru Strait, learn about the vibrant Nebuta Festival, and sample some Apple Wine. Then we head to the old samurai town of Kakunodate to swing fire with the locals during their Hiburi Kamakura Festival.
Lodging: Machiya Hotel or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 15/Day 11: Igloo Life is Nice
Explore the old samurai homes up close before we relocate to Yokote City for their yearly Kamakura Igloo Festival! Hang out in the igloos with the locals, or just wander candelit riverbanks and take in the views.
Lodging: Machiya Hotel or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 16/Day 12: Welcome to the City
We return to Tokyo, where you can either take it easy or explore the town on a free day.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
(Breakfast included)
February 17/Day 13: Return home
Depart for home.
Tokyo Extension Information
January 30, 31/Day 1: Arrival!
Tokyo Extension friends: you arrive today!
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
February 1/Day 2: Ue-no kidding
Our first stop is the Toyosu Fish Market, where you can either show up early to watch the Tuna Auction, or sleep in and join us later. Afterwards, we'll head over to Odaiba to visit the giant Gundam Robot statue and have a little lunch before a cruise across Tokyo Bay to Asakusa. The last stop of the day: Ueno Park and the vibrant Ameyokocho shopping area.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
February 2/Day 3: Immaculate City Vibes
After visiting the famed Meiji Jingu Shrine, we'll wander through the hip, inviting neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya. The evening: take your pick of Roppongi or Ginza. Your guides will be on hand to help make reservations for any restaurant you're hunting for.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
(Dinner included)
February 3/Day 4: Sailing to Sake
We'll take a quick detour south to see a Sake Brewery and learn about Japan's most beloved beverage. Then we shift gears to some seaside views in the port city of Yokohama.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
(Lunch included)
February 4/Day 5: Geek Out or Get Out
Two choices today: a side trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region, or a trip to the anime fan-centric neighborhoods of Akihabara and Nakano Broadway.
Lodging: Shiba Park Hotel or similar
Price & Details:
| |
Price: |
$4,195 |
Trip Status |
Confirmed(guaranteed to depart) |
Deadline |
December 8, 2023 |
Minimum guest #: |
8 guests (max 15) |
Fly → JP On*: |
Feb. 4, 2024 |
Starts in JP On: |
Feb. 5, 2024 |
TRIP PACE |
Medium. Some urban/rural walking, but ample breaks. Good footwear = essential. |
Optional Extras |
Tokyo Extension: (+5 nights in Tokyo + Guided Trip) +$800 Single Room (Hotels): +$1,000 Single (All lodging): +$2,000 |
*This is the date you should leave your home country.
Click for more info about:
FLIGHTS • REFUND POLICY
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
Flight to/from Japan, meals not listed above, personal spending money, extra travel costs beyond the trip schedule.
This trip includes an “all you can ride” rail pass during the trip.
Click the map for a closer look!