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Audley in Northern Japan
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Northern Japan is far more off the beaten
track than other parts of the country and for
this reason we recommend that you explore
by car. Our extensive, first-hand knowledge
of the routes makes this an easy option, and
enables you to delve into remote mountain
and countryside regions, where the pace of
life is slower and the scope of experience is
vast. We can tailor your itinerary to include
one of the festivals that northern Japan is
famous for, or if you are a wildlife enthusiast
plan your itinerary around the perfect spot
from which to view rare birds. We can also
provide ski guides should you be travelling
during the winter months and are interested
in taking part in some wintersports.
1 Daisetsu-zan
4 Bird-watching
National Park
The rugged scenery of the
park makes for excellent
The red-crested cranes perform
spectacular mating rituals in the
Kushiro during February.
hiking opportunities.
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2 Skiing
Take to the slopes in Furano
or Niseko on world-class
powder snow.
3 Sapporo’s Snow Festival
In early February the city’s
Odori-koen park is filled with
giant ice sculptures.
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Keep an eye out for brown
bears and other native wildlife
in Shiretoko.
6 Matsushima Bay
The stunning coastal scenery
is best viewed from a sedate
boat ride.
Kanto festival, Akita
7 Summer Festivals
Soak up the feeling of
community at Nebuta, Tanabata
and Kanto festivals in Tohoku.
8 Dewa-sanzan
Climbing the three sacred peaks
of Mounts Gas-san, Haguro-san
and Yudono-san is a rewarding
and unusual experience.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Northern Japan varies
quite considerably. Around the national park
and lake resorts you will find many examples
of ryokan style hotels. These are large
properties built mainly to cater for domestic
tour groups. The hotels have both western
and Japanese style rooms and although all
are en suite, there are also shared bathing
facilities known as ofuro which are used for
relaxation in the evening. Dining is mostly on
a half-board basis with a buffet selection for
both breakfast and evening meals. The quality
of the food is usually extremely good.
Smaller boutique properties and intimate
ryokan are harder to come by, although we
have scoped out a few which we will be
more than happy to introduce to you.
Summit of Mt Gas-san, Dewa-sanzan
Find out more
For suggested itineraries and practical
information about travel in Northern Japan,
please see page 27.
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www.audleytravel.com
Interactive maps and features,
further suggested itineraries,
accommodation, climate information
and articles written by our specialists.
Discuss your plans with our Japan
specialists 01993 838 210
Lake Masshu-ko, Hokkaido
Northern Japan 23