Sapporo Backcountry Tour
Led by a local guide who's a former member of the Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition!

Meet at Sapporo TV Tower at 9:00a.m. to start your Sapporo City tour

Enjoy a 360-degree view of Sapporo’s cityscape and learn its history and sightseeing spots you will be visiting

Next, visit Sapporo City Hall and Sapporo Clock Tower to discover the city’s pioneer history.

Get to know Shima Yoshitake, the passionate chief magistrate of the Hokkaido Development Commission who authored the original plans to build the city.

Even after Yoshitake-san departed Hokkaido, his plans were followed.  Today his ideas, insights, and innovations are seen at every turn of the city.

Lunch

Ramen Sapporo Ichiryuan (vegan dishes available upon request)

Miso paste is a traditional Japanese vegan food. Noodles, soup and toppings are made from non-animal ingredients. Ramen is served with soybean cake.

①Handmade sandals using old kimono cloth, which can be used during your trip.

②Have a tea break with homemade Imo Mochi (potato cake) prepared by the host. Enjoy chatting while doing handwork with cloth, and get local tips and highlights.  Feel the authentic local life and start your Hokkaido trip with a friendly, warmhearted feeling.

Sapporo Beer Hall（Sapporo Beer Museum）

Beer brewing is one of Sapporo’s major industries.  Increase your beer knowledge at the museum, and enjoy tasting the different varieties available at the end of  your visit.

• Backcountry ski tour from Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.

Mt. Asari：elevation 1,281 m

Mt. Shirai：elevation 1,301 m

Uphill:  2 to 4 hours, depending on weather conditions, fitness, etc.

Downhill: 1 to 2 hour runs

Last downhill run is at 15:00

At the opposite side of the north slope of the ski resort:

①At Kokusai Ski Resort reception, submit a climbing report with the following information:  names of all skiers, contact addresses, planned course and schedule, vehicle license plate number(s), etc.

②Enter the backcountry area from the gondola station after checking the beacon.

③Head in the direction of Mt. Asari. Run one powder line. Go uphill and head to the east.

④Head to the hanging ridge. Run from GTR (the upper area of a 1,117 meter peak which forms the second run). Go back uphill.

⑤Head in the direction of Mt. Shirai; your third run is on the south face (for advanced  skiers only.)

⑥From Mt. Shirai, glide downhill on the fluffy powder of the north slope, returning to the main ski area.  Report your descent at the center lodge to complete your adventure.

Bathe at Hoheikyo Hot Springs (tattoos are OK), then start homeward.

Dinner

Izakaya Yaboten

Serves dishes featuring Hokkaido local ingredients. Vegetarian menu available.

AM Free Time　~ until AM11:30

Take the subway to get to Maruyama Park,  and stroll around the Hokkaido Shrine.

Guided by a forest expert, learn about the flora of the park.

Pay respects at the Hokkaido Shrine and learn about Shima Yoshitake, a samurai and Japanese government official who founded the city of Sapporo. Taste the Hangan-sama (a pastry with a sweet bean paste filling) baked here, which are named after Shima himself (his title of Hangan means  a chief magistrate of the Meiji Period).

During your leisurely Maruyama stroll, visit a gift shop specializing in items made from colorful fishermen’s banners, a rice cracker shop and a cafe for a coffee break.

Mt. Moiwa  night snowshoeing hike 

【Time】4 hours 【Elevate】531ｍ【Distance】7.0km / ↑552ｍ↓553ｍ

*or Mt. Maruyama (2 hours)

[Total Duration］4 hours, including breaks

Mt. Moiwa：elevation 531ｍ

Distance 7.0km/552ｍ up, 553ｍ down

Enjoy panoramic 360 degree views of Sapporo, and look back over the areas you’ve discovered on your tour. This is one of the three new great night views of Japan. Reaching mountain summits brings you unforgettable joy!

※If you’re too tired to make the descent on foot, you can take the ropeway back.

10:00a.m. check out, end of tour