Hokkaido package tour......

[tszkitc]

I want to go to Hokkaido in May this year.

I went to Chan Brother, they quote me $4073. for a 7days 5 nights tour.

Flight is ANA.

I think it's a bit on the high side.

Could anyone recommend a good tourist agent which offer a cheaper price?

Thank you.

 

[oceanicmanta]

even for a short 7D trip, i think tour package is around SGD3.3k cheapest, excluding some meals

really want to save, go DIY.

Our 12D11N self drive, we spent SGD 4300 for both including SGD 700 on shopping & airfare etc all in!

 

[nemo88]

Er. Maybe you specify your budget and we tell you if it's realistic or not or what you can expect for it? No head no tail how many days is that Chan Brothers tour how to give you advice?

 

[juxtaposition]

I hope this can help you to have a rough idea.

I went on this package tour with Dynasty back in 2013. My mum was traveling with me so a package tour was easier. I went on 3 different trips with the same agency in that same year.

Our Hokkaido trip was in Dec 2013 and we paid $4216 all taxes included for 2 pax.

For the tips to guide was mandatory and I have forgotten the amount but it was acceptable amount.

Anyway I have just came back from Hokkaido on 18 Feb this year and it was a self-trip.

It won't be easy to walk on icy grounds even with proper shoes or metal cleats on shoes. In fact walking in snow will be easier than ice. But in Sapporo/Niseko, everywhere is slippery and I have seen so many accidents. I also have some near-misses.

I thought the price for Hokkaido package tour was acceptable so I went with them back then.

 

[dolphluver85]

If going hokkaido by tour which is convenient and all inclusive, can consider ASA holidays! Their hokkaido tour packages are quite comprehensive and more affordable compared to Chan bro.
They still have some available dates in June

 

[GaoProsper]

Just came back from Hokkaido Tour package from CTC. Bought the package from NATAS far.
https://www.ctc.com.sg/sites/default/files/JP8CH _Web.pdf
https://ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-colourful-hokkaido
Quite worth it, covers mostly eastern and abit of southen parts, travelled almost 2,000km. Food is good, Onsen got 3 nights and also helicopter ride. Took alot of fascistic photos. The Tour guide is very experience. In terms of coverage, this package from CTC is better than all other tour agent packages available.

 

[oceanicmanta]

Just came back from Hokkaido Tour package from CTC. Bought the package from NATAS far.
https://www.ctc.com.sg/sites/default/files/JP8CH _Web.pdf
https://ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-colourful-hokkaido
Quite worth it, covers mostly eastern and abit of southen parts, travelled almost 2,000km. Food is good, Onsen got 3 nights and also helicopter ride. Took alot of fascistic photos. The Tour guide is very experience. In terms of coverage, this package from CTC is better than all other tour agent packages available.

do u mean mostly "western" & southern instead ?

Or eastern parts as in Asahikawa/Furano ?

 

[GaoProsper]

do u mean mostly "western" & southern instead ?

Or eastern parts as in Asahikawa/Furano ?

I think i paste the wrong link, this is the correct link.
https://ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-discover-eastern-hokkaido

 

[Unic0rn]

I think i paste the wrong link, this is the correct link.
https://ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-discover-eastern-hokkaido

Does this includes the airfare to Japan?

 

[GaoProsper]

Does this includes the airfare to Japan?

there is a button at the middle of the page "departures and price", which includes the price of airfare based on the airline you preferred under full package. At NATAS, they offered Scoot budget or Japan Airline, the price difference is a few hundred dollars. There is also "land tour" if you want to use your own airlines.

As whether the price includes airport tax and fuel, i not sure and this need to check.

But i have to say this CTC tour itinerary is super optimised until cannot optimised, its the most value-for-money and quality trip i ever being in a tour group for past 5 years. In 8D7N, the tour coach travelled 2,000km.

 

[qhong61]

Just came back from Hokkaido Tour package from CTC. Bought the package from NATAS far.
https://www.ctc.com.sg/sites/default/files/JP8CH _Web.pdf
https://ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-colourful-hokkaido
Quite worth it, covers mostly eastern and abit of southen parts, travelled almost 2,000km. Food is good, Onsen got 3 nights and also helicopter ride. Took alot of fascistic photos. The Tour guide is very experience. In terms of coverage, this package from CTC is better than all other tour agent packages available.

Total damage?

 

[GaoProsper]

Total damage?

2 pax $4150 x 2 = $8,300 NETT.
The price i had is on a higher side due to 1) i went on the golden week 29 apr to 07 may, 2) the tour group was confirmed before i commit as i dont want to risk of the tour group not formed due to insufficient pax (min 20)

The price now after golden week should be $3500+- depends on the airline you chosen. a couple i spoke to in the tour group got it at $3000 scoot airline as they booked the tour as early bird (meaning tour group not confirm, they are like the 1st few pax to register).

 

[oceanicmanta]

Given higher airfare cost, $3500 all in for 9D package would be good value IMO.

Scoot is easily 1k now.

 

[Unic0rn]

there is a button at the middle of the page "departures and price", which includes the price of airfare based on the airline you preferred under full package. At NATAS, they offered Scoot budget or Japan Airline, the price difference is a few hundred dollars. There is also "land tour" if you want to use your own airlines.

As whether the price includes airport tax and fuel, i not sure and this need to check.

But i have to say this CTC tour itinerary is super optimised until cannot optimised, its the most value-for-money and quality trip i ever being in a tour group for past 5 years. In 8D7N, the tour coach travelled 2,000km.

Thank you

 

[Unic0rn]

Would 2023 September to October be good time to visit Hokkaido or better to wait till 2024 April to May?

 

[swordspirit]

Would 2023 September to October be good time to visit Hokkaido or better to wait till 2024 April to May?

sep nothing much already, ending summer. end oct/nov can see autumn leaves. April 2024 could be too late for skiing but should still be able to see snow at certain places. Late april to May is early spring - potentially can see sakura.

 

[oceanicmanta]

Sep is still a good time to visit :

- less crowded
- cheaper prices
- just before the peak hiking season, can still drive to entry points of popular hiking trails (eg Ginsendai, Daisetsuzan Kogen)
- at peak season ( usually beginning last week of Sep), have to park further away and take the feeder bus

til mid-May, can still see a lot of snow at Asahidake

end Nov/early Nov Autumn colours very nice ... but daylight hours getting short (dark by 4.30pm)

i hope to visit in Apr 2024 for Sakura

 

[Unic0rn]

Sep is still a good time to visit :

- less crowded
- cheaper prices
- just before the peak hiking season, can still drive to entry points of popular hiking trails (eg Ginsendai, Daisetsuzan Kogen)
- at peak season ( usually beginning last week of Sep), have to park further away and take the feeder bus

til mid-May, can still see a lot of snow at Asahidake

end Nov/early Nov Autumn colours very nice ... but daylight hours getting short (dark by 4.30pm)

i hope to visit in Apr 2024 for Sakura

Then I will plan for year 2024 April to visit Hokkaido - meanwhile save up some money every month to upgrade to Singapore Airlines flight tickets and then book with CTC travel for their eastern hokkaido tour with coach and helicopter @GaoProsper thank you
https://www.ctc.com.sg/package-tours/8d7n-discover-eastern-hokkaido

 

[Kunkka]

sep nothing much already, ending summer. end oct/nov can see autumn leaves. April 2024 could be too late for skiing but should still be able to see snow at certain places. Late april to May is early spring - potentially can see sakura.

i was skiing last week. not alot of places open but still can ski

 

[swordspirit]

i was skiing last week. not alot of places open but still can ski

that is nice. ski + sakura