7-Day Best of Hokkaido Cultural Heritage Discovery Tour

Make the most of the Spring, Summer, or Autumn seasons on this amazing 6-day journey through the Western Hokkaido! Admire the beautiful natural landscapes and get a glimpse of the local culture as you explore Niseko, Shakotan, Otaru, and Sapporo. Enjoy a local farm experience in Rankoshi, take in the beautiful ocean views in Shakotan, taste the famous Nikka Whisky in Yoichi, visit the charming town of Otaru, and see highlights of Sapporo. 

Tour Highlights

• Discover the cultural and historical highlights of Hokkaido in 7 days

• Admire the historical buildings in Motomachi District, such as the Russian Orthodox Church and the old Brick Warehouses

• See the beautiful Fort Goryokaku

• Explore the scenic Shikotsu-Toya National Park

• Taste the iconic Nikka Whisky

• Walk along the beautiful Otaru Canal

• Taste mouth-watering local culinary specialties

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Hakodate

Arrive at Hakodate Airport. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2

Visit the Spectacular Onuma Quasi National Park

Start the day with a visit to the scenic Onuma Quasi National Park. Here, enjoy a peaceful scenic walk as you admire the serene Lake Onuma and the picturesque landscape filled with lakes and mountains, including the glorious Mount Komagatake.

See the Vibrant Red Brick Warehouses

Make your way through the quaint Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses lined up facing the Hakodate Bay, enjoy a pleasant stroll as you check out the local shops offering a variety of trendy souvenirs, antique, fashion items, and local specialties. 

Tour around the Historic Motomachi

Step into a different era as you immerse yourself into the charming scenes of the historic Motomachi area. As one of the first districts to flourish with foreign influences, marvel at the famous foreign-style structures in the area, such as the Russian Orthodox Church, the Old British Consulate, the Chinese Memorial Hall, and the Old Hakodate Public Hall, and hear stories about the former residential area of foreign traders. 

Admire the Beautiful Fort Goryokaku

Take in the breathtaking landscapes as you stroll around the scenic Fort Goryokaku, the city’s largest and most beautiful park, and learn more about the history and significance of Japan’s first western-style fortress. You can ride on the elevator to the top of Goryokaku Tower to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the park.

Day 3

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Hakodate Morning Market

Start the day with a scrumptious feast of high quality, fresh seafood at Hakodate Morning Market. See locals find the best deals on the freshest seafood and produce, check out the incredible selection of seafood and produce, and catch a glimpse of the local culture. You will also get to taste mouth-watering local seafood specialties, such as sea urchins, king crab, clams, and so much more. 

Visit the Scenic Shikotsu-Toya National Park

Travel to Shikotsu-Toya National Park to see one of Japan’s beautiful and scenic landscapes. Take in the splendor of Hokkaido as you experience the natural hot springs, the crystal clear caldera lakes, and the abundance of flora and fauna.

See the Famous Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Make your way through the mysterious yet Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu. Well known for its dramatic crater with emitting hot sulfurous steam all year around, check out the popular hot springs, walk along the scenic hiking paths, and enjoy the relaxing hot stream of the Oyanumagawa Natural Foot Bath. Afterwards, check into a traditional Japanese ryokan, enjoy a delightful traditional Japanese dinner, and spend the rest of the night at your own leisure.

Day 4

Hop On the Scenic Mount Usu Ropeway

Start your day with a journey up the Mount Usu Ropeway, leading close to the top of Mount Usu, to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Lake Toya and the neighboring Showa Shinzan. You will also visit the Usu Volcanic Science Museum to learn more about the 1997 and 2000 eruptions. 

See the Impressive Mount Yotei

Head to the area around the majestic Mount Yotei, make a short stop at the Kyogoku Fukidashi Koen, and try some of Japan’s pure mineral water. Continue to the scenic Niseko to experience its majestic natural wonders and delightful local specialties. Then, head back to the traditional Japanese ryokan to relish a delightful traditional Japanese dinner before enjoying the rest of the night at your own leisure.

Day 5

Experience the Highlights of Sapporo

Travel back to Sapporo to explore the notable city highlights. Visit the fascinating Historic Village of Hokkaido to get an insight into the history of Hokkaido, tour the amazing Shiroi Koibito Park to try its famous white chocolate and souvenir cookies, make a wish at the elegant Hokkaido Shrine, see the impressive Hill of the Buddha monument, and even join a guided factory tour of the Asahi Beer Hokkaido Brewery. You can customize the tour to fit your interests and needs.

Day 6

Explore the Historic Otaru

Start the day with a trip to Otaru, a historic port city known for its canals and glassblowing expertise. Take a walk along the scenic Otaru Canal lined with old warehouses as you listen to the story behind the fall of the canal. Continue to Otaru Sushi District, explore at your own leisure and get a taste of Otaru’s finest and mouth-watering specialties. Afterwards, leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved Sakaimachi Street in the city center of Otaru. You will then meet expert glassmakers and learn about excellent glass craftsmanship at the Kitaichi Garasukan, the most famous blown glass factory in Otaru. Stop by the unique Otaru Music Box Museum and discover a wide range of charming music boxes made from glass, wood, or even traditional Japanese fabric before heading back to Sapporo.

Day 7

Depart from Sapporo

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, transfer to New Chitose Airport by Airport Limousine Bus for your journey back home.

Inclusions

• 6 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel

• Airport Transfers

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Breakfast (6)

• Lunch (2)

• Dinner (2)

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Admission Fees and Activities as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• This tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• The departure airport transfer is only available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay additional night(s) after the tour, please inform us to provide airport transfer instructions in advance.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.