Beautiful Hokkaido

1st May 2008

Have yourself a bit of Hokkaido

Japan’s island wilderness is not just for world leaders attending the G8 summer summit but a beautiful year-round destination

Hokkaido is Japan’s sizeable island wilderness that mixes culture and tradition with stunning mountains, volcanoes and a wealth of wildlife. This less-visited island may hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in July, when the 34th G8 Summit (with anti-capitalist protesters in tow) takes place along the banks of the picturesque Lake Toya, but discerning travellers are discovering the tranquil beauty of this year-round destination.

Summer itself in Japan is often hot and quite humid. From the capital of Tokyo to the ancient imperial capital of Kyoto, and through most of Japan, temperatures head well into the 30˚Cs and the humidity can drive visitors to take more of an interest in air-conditioned shops than local temples. However, the island of Hokkaido remains quite mild and is the perfect place to escape the summer sizzle.

“Hokkaido, which hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, has a long winter which provides some of the best winter sports opportunities and snowscapes in the world,” comments Alastair Donnelly, InsideJapan Tours Director. “The ski resorts of Niseko and Furano are famed for the reliable powder snow, that blankets the mountains in sub-zero temperatures, allowing for a long and enjoyable ski season.

“Following the lengthy winter, the island also has arguably the best weather through the spring months with typically milder temperatures than mainland Japan. Hokkaido also escapes the brief Tsuyu, or rainy season, that affects most of the country in June. And when the summer months bring heat and humidity to the rest of Japan, it is Hokkaido’s mountains that help provide a much cooler and pleasant environment to enjoy.”

The Japanese have travelled across the country to enjoy Hokkaido’s pleasant climate, vast open (UNESCO protected) spaces, forests and mountains for many years. Experience it for yourself, with InsideJapan Tours’ 15-night Hokkaido Fly-Drive Self-Guided package, and take in the stunning scenery by car for easy access to some of Japan’s more remote scenic spots. The package includes stays in the Shikotsu Toya National Park, which hosts the G8 summit, the island’s main city, Sapporo, and the flower-filled fields that patchwork across the Biei area. There are also stays in the foothills of Asahidake and Tokachidake volcanoes, where you can try onsen bathing in the hotsprings, and Kawayu Onsen, home to one of the largest settlements of Ainu, Japan’s only true indigenous people. You will be staying on the banks of the beautiful Lake Kussharo on the edge of the Akan National Park before heading back to Tokyo.

The Hokkaido Fly-Drive Self-Guided package starts from Ł1,465 per person on a twin-share basis and includes all accommodation, car hire, internal flights, breakfast everyday and nine evening meals. With its specialist knowledge, InsideJapan Tours can also tailor trips to Hokkaido to fit your budget, time-frame and interest - but the company recommends avoiding 6 – 10 July 2008 when the island’s tranquillity will temporarily rock with the arrival of the world’s most powerful leaders!

To book call InsideJapan Tours on 0870 120 5600 (www.insidejapantours.com).

Ends May 2008

NOTE TO EDITORS: Launched in 2000, Inside Japan Tours is a small, dedicated team of specialists, all of whom have first-hand experience of living, working and travelling in Japan. The company offers a range of original, affordable packages for small groups and independent travellers. Inside Japan Tours has offices in the UK and Japan. It is a member of AITO, and is fully bonded via AITO Trust and ATOL.

PRESS: For more details, please contact James Mundy, PR Manager, tel. 0117 314 4633, email james@insidejapantours.com. Issued on behalf of Inside Japan Tours by Travel PR, tel. 020 8891 4440, email s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk or i.bradley@travelpr.co.uk.

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