9-Day Highlights of Hokkaido in Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Take in the autumn beauty of Hokkaido on a wonderful 9-day journey around Japan’s northern island. Admire the picturesque natural landscapes, experience the fascinating cultural heritage, and taste the mouth-watering local specialties. You will see the famous Hell Valley of Noboribetsu, the enchanting Lake Toya, and the scenic Onuma-Quasi National Park, enjoy a revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen in Noboribetsu, and take part in exciting seasonal experiences unique to the season.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Autumn highlights of Hokkaido in 9 unforgettable days

• See the mysterious yet fascinating Hell Valley in Noboribetsu

• Marvel at the breathtaking Lake Toya

• Experience Seasonal Fruit Picking Activity

• Try Hokkaido’s famous rich dairy products at Lake Hill Farm

• Sample the famous Nikka Whisky

• Walk along the beautiful Otaru Canal

• Discover mouth-watering local specialties at Sapporo Autumn Fest

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Sapporo

Arrive at New Chitose 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

Explore Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park

Begin the day in the Land of the Ainu People, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. You will learn about the unique Ainu history and experience the fascinating Ainu culture.

Visit the Famous Noboribetsu Hell Valley

Head to the scenic 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 in the area, see the fascinating volcanic steam plumes, and walk along the scenic hiking paths. Afterwards, stop at the must-try Oyanumagawa Natural Foot Bath to relax and rest your tired feet.

See the Breathtaking Scenery at the Lake Toya

Marvel at the picturesque scenic landscape of Lake Toya. One of the famous spa resorts in Hokkaido, see and experience the famous special fireworks display during the Long-Run Fireworks Festival.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3

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.

Experience Seasonal Fruit Picking Activity 

Continue to a fruit orchard near the peaceful Lake Toya, offering fun local experience of seasonal fruit picking. Walk into the field, gather some fall fruit harvest, and taste the sweetness of various fruits. 

Make Creamy Soft-Serve Ice Cream at Lake Hill Farm

Visit Lake Hill Farm, a charming little dairy farm near Lake Toya. Enjoy a fun and easy ice cream making class, get a taste of delightful locally produced dairy, and learn more about Hokkaido’s famous rich dairy products. 

Shop for Souvenirs at the Road Station Nanairo-Nanae

Known as the number one “Road Station” in Hokkaido, stop by the Road Station Nanairo-Nanae and check out its incredible selection of locally-produced food and souvenirs before heading to Hakodate, where you will be staying for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 4

Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Hakodate Morning Market

Begin the day with a scrumptious feast of high quality, fresh seafood at Hakodate Morning Market. Watch locals find the best deals on the freshest seafood and produce, check out the various selection of seafood and produce, and get an insight 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 Beautiful Fort Goryokaku

Admire the picturesque scenic 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. 

Explore the Vibrant Red Brick Warehouses

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

Tour around the Historic Motomachi

Take in the charming scenes of the historic Motomachi area. As one of the first districts to flourish with foreign influences, see a number of 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. 

Hop On the Scenic Mount Hakodate Ropeway

Take the Mount Hakodate Ropeway up to the Observation Point and be amazed at the incredible panoramic views of the city and the surrounding natural landscapes from the observation deck. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 5

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.

Join a Shikabe Cuisine Cooking Class

Head to Shikabecho, known for its abundance in seafood such as scallop, octopus, and walleye pollack. Get an insight on Shikabe cuisine and learn to prepare a home cooked Shikabe-style meal using freshly caught seafood and seasonal ingredients. You can also try your luck and go fishing at the local port. 

Take a Taiko Lesson at Kuromatsunai

Continue to the town of Kuromatsunai, where you will get a glimpse of the local traditional culture through a taiko lesson. Learn to play the taiko drums and enjoy the beat of basic yet fun rhythms under the guidance of a friendly and knowledgeable local instructor.

Walk through the Idyllic Utasai Beech Forest

Step into the enchanting paradise of Utasai Beech Forest, admire the stunning beauty of the pristine forest, and enjoy a peaceful yet refreshing walk through one of the most beautiful natural monuments in Japan. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6

Visit the Renowned Nikka Whisky Distillery

Begin the day with a drive to Nikka Whisky Distillery in the small town of Yoichi. Tour the facility, get an insight into the whisky production process, and taste a local Nikka labeled whisky. You will also get to know Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. 

Explore Otaru’s Historic Sakaimachi Street

Leisurely stroll through the beautifully preserved heritage district in the city center of Otaru. Admire the old western-style structures as you pass along the fisheries, shops, and houses, which are now converted into boutiques, cafes, museums, and souvenir shops. 

Check Out Exquisite Glassware at Kitaichi Garasukan

Meet expert glass makers and learn about excellent glass craftsmanship at the Kitaichi Garasukan, the most famous blown glass factory in Otaru. A hands-on glass blowing experience is available for a fee. 

Stop by the Unique Otaru Music Box Museum

Discover the cozy and novel Otaru Music Box Museum showcasing a wide range of charming music boxes made from glass, wood, or even traditional Japanese fabric.

Walk along the Beautiful Otaru Canal

Take a leisurely walk along the scenic Otaru Canal lined with old warehouses as you listen to the story behind the fall of the canal and how it has been converted into a promenade. 

Tour the Famous Otaru Sushi District

Make your way to Otaru Sushi District at your own leisure, try some of the city’s top restaurants, and get a taste of Otaru’s finest and mouth-watering specialties. Feel free to ask your expert guide for some recommendations on the best stalls and restaurants to check out.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 7

Experience the Impressive Historic Village of Hokkaido

Tour the amazing Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum providing a realistic perspective of Hokkaido’s development through 60 different buildings and structures representing iconic landmarks around the Northern Island of Japan.

Visit the Extraordinary Shiroi Koibito Park

Take a trip to the one of a kind Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate-themed amusement park with an interesting combination of Hokkaido and British culture. Check out various indoor and outdoor activities, including a hands-on experience to create and design your own cookies. The theme park is famous for its white chocolate and souvenir cookies, so make sure to try it out. Afterwards, relish Sapporo’s signature crab dish for lunch. 

See the Notable Hokkaido Shrine

Visit the most prominent shrine of Sapporo, Hokkaido Shrine. A spiritual place of inner beauty and refined elegance with four guardian gods, learn about the history and significance of the Hokkaido Shrine from your knowledgeable guide. Feel free to buy a lucky charm and write your wish on a wooden plaque at the shrine. 

Tour the Famous Asahi Beer Brewery

One of the largest and most successful beer brands in Japan, join a guided factory tour of the Asahi Beer Hokkaido Brewery, get an insight into the production process, and sample freshly-brewed Asahi Super Dry beer. 

Go See the Monumental Hill of the Buddha

Visit the incredible Hill of the Budda, an imposing Buddhist shrine designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando, and admire the scenic monument surrounded with lavender flowers.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 8

Experience the Ultimate Sapporo Autumn Fest

Delight yourself with various mouth-watering local specialties made with seasonal ingredients. The Autumn Fest is the biggest food festival in Hokkaido showcasing the best food from all over the Northern Island. With different themes, enjoy the sight of delicious food and savor the delightful taste of newly discovered flavors from all corners of Hokkaido. Definitely, the ultimate local experience like no other!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Inclusions

• 8 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel

• Airport Transfers

• Private Coach Transfers between Destinations

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Breakfast (8)

• Lunch (5)

• Dinner (3)

• 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

• The 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.