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