Japan: New Destinations
Hokkaido – Taiwan

Depart from Los Angeles airport in the evening. AV Travel tour leader will fly with the group.

Across the Pacific Ocean

Arrive Taipei early morning, the capital of Taiwan, is a modern metropolis with Japanese colonial lanes, busy shopping streets and contemporary buildings. Taipei is also known for its lively street-food scene and many night markets. Begin our journey with a city tour with a visit the captivating allure and historical significance of Liberty Square Arch, a monumental gateway nestled within the expansive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This iconic archway stands as a testament to Taiwan’s complex history and vibrant culture, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s journey towards democracy and freedom. Come for the photo-stop of Taipei 101, second tallest building in the world. Enjoy lunch with the taste of the farewell dinner at Din Tai Fung restaurant, a world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant that specializes in soup dumplings and noodles. Afternoon visit the National Palace Museum – originally established as the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City on 10 October 1925, shortly after the expulsion last emperor of Qing Dynasty. The articles in the museum consisted of the valuables of the former Imperial family. (L/D)

After enjoy your delicious breakfast at the hotel. Starting your journey with a visit Yehliu, a cape in Wanli, famous for its hoodoo stones, thin spires of rock formed by sedimentary stone. Many rock formations have creative names, including the most well-known “The Queen’s Head.” Continue to visit Jiufen Town, is a small village on the mountains. It has been made famous largely due to its similarity to the village in Spirited Away, arguably Hayao Miyazaki’s most popular movie. Shifen Waterfall, is the most renowned cascading waterfall in Taiwan. Although not nearly the tallest the island has to offer, it is certainly the widest at an impressive 40 meters. Because of its horseshoe shape and powerful flow, it is nicknamed the Little Niagara of Taiwan. Enjoy your good time at Shilin night market. (B/L/D)

Flight to Sapporo. There’s no better introduction to Hokkaido than its biggest city, Sapporo. Compared to the likes of Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, this northernly Japanese city gets little attention. And it’s not so surprising as Sapporo lacks the historical significance of Japan’s other major cities. In fact, Sapporo’s only been around since the mid-19th century! Japan has a rich history and culture of communal bathing dating back centuries. Onsens are not just a way to relax and unwind; they’re also famous for their healing and restorative properties. Hokkaido has the most hot springs in Japan with more than 250 onsen areas. (B/D)

After concluding your gourmet breakfast. Your journey starts with enjoying a Lake Toya cruise. The scenic nature of
Lake Toya can be viewed from the sightseeing boat. Lake Toya is located in the vastness of Shikotsu-Toya National Park with spectacular scenery as far as the eye can see. Afternoon visit Bear Shinzan Ranch, see frolicking baby bears and sense the might of adult bears. There’s also a feeding event you can take part in, and a special observation room where you can take a peek at the secret lives of bears. Enjoy the Usuzan Ropeway brings you close to the volcano’s summit. The upper station’s observation deck offers panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighboring Showa Shinzan. (B/L/D)

Today, visit Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a history theme park highlighting the Edo Period, one of the most attractive era in Japanese history. Step back in time to enjoy traditional games, theaters, street performances and more. The charm of ancient Japan is abundant as you mingle with the Ninja & Oiran courtesans so symbolic of the Edo Period. Continue drive to Sapporo, enjoy your good time at Tanukikoji shopping street, one stop shopping center for souvenir, quick bites and shopping spree! Similar with Osaka Shinsaibashi, there are a lot of tax-free shops, make sure to bring your passport and credit cards for great times of shopping. (B/L/D)

Once you have finished your breakfast, depart to visit the areas of Furano and Biei, are mainly known for their gorgeous lavender fields in summer. However, in recent years, the Shirogane Blue Pond has become another popular reason to visit here.
The Shirogane Blue Pond is a stunning sight that almost looks otherworldly with its unreal blue color. It is not a natural sight. The pond’s startling blue is the result of a mix of natural minerals such as colloidal aluminum hydroxide. The Blue Pond shares its colors with Goshikinuma, a cluster of five volcanic lakes at the foot of Mountain. After that, go to see the Shirahige Falls, a stunning natural phenomenon. The Shirahige Waterfalls originates from a cluster of ground streams that gush out of the cliff-side and into the stream below. This unique type of waterfall is a rarity, even in Japan. The Biei river, which flows beneath the waterfall, is often called the “Blue River” due to its deep cobalt blue hue. The flowing blue river and the starkly contrasting white of the rushing falls create a truly breath-taking sight.
Afternoon visit 2 most famous gardens: Shikisai no Oka Flower Land, the panoramic flower gardens of Shikisai-no-oka provide spectacular views across fifteen hectares of land on Oka-no-machi Biei. It is a paradise of seasonal blossoms from spring through to fall, in which several dozen different species of flowers and grasses flourish. Tomita Lavender garden, is in the heart of the rural Furano valley, it commands views of the Tokachi Mountains to the east and the diverse Mt. Furanonishi, Mt.At Farm Tomita, you’ll find a variety of stunning flower fields, including the expansive 5-hectare lavender field and other charming gardens. With its iconic, orderly fields of flowers, Farm Tomita is one of the most photographed spots in Hokkaido. (B/L/D)

Morning departs to visit Asahikawa is located in the middle of Hokkaido, very convenient to visit everywhere in Hokkaido, also second largest city in Hokkaido. Closer to the center, restaurants in the Asahikawa Ramen Village offer the city’s signature soy sauce–based noodle soup have you have lunch. Afternoon enjoy your times for shopping at Tanukikoji Mall, is nestled in the heart of Sapporo. (B/L/D)

After enjoy a lovely breakfast, visit Otaru Canal was a central part of the city’s busy port in the first half of the 20th century. Large vessels were unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal. After that, walk along the Sakaimachi street away from Otaru Canal, is an attractive, preserved merchant street. Enjoy your fun times at these street food restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques and museums on the way to the intersection with a solid stone building is the Otaru Music Box Museum, is a popular sightseeing attractive in Otaru. Continue to Shiroi Koibito Park, a rose garden in full bloom in the summer, colorful flowers, a sweet fantasy land where you can tour the factory of the smash hit cookie Shiroi Koibito. (B/L/D)

Morning come in the heart of Sapporo, visit the iconic Odori Park stretches east to west for 12 blocks. After that go to visit the Nijo Fish Market with over 100 years of history, developed in the early Meiji Period (1868 – 1912), when fishermen from Ishikari Bay started selling fresh fish there. Enjoy your free afternoon. A Worthwhile Trip to Mitsui Outlet. (B /D)

Enjoy your own time until transfer to the airport for the flights to San Franscico hay Los Angeles. (B)