9-Day Highlights of Hokkaido in Spring Sightseeing Tour

Delight yourself with the beautiful wonders of Hokkaido on an incredible 9-day excursion around Japan’s northern island in Spring! 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, the iconic Cherry Blossoms, the scenic Onuma-Quasi National Park, and the beautiful lavender fields, enjoy a revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen in Noboribetsu, and take part in other exciting seasonal experiences unique to the season.

Tour Highlights

• Discover the Spring highlights of Hokkaido in 9 unforgettable days

• Experience the captivating beauty of Cherry Blossoms

• Marvel at the breathtaking Lake Toya

• Walk along the beautiful Otaru Canal

• Enjoy the beautiful lavender fields in Furano

• Try Hokkaido’s famous rich dairy products

• Relish mouth-watering local culinary delights

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

Start the day in the Land of the Ainu People, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. Here, get an insight into the unique Ainu culture and history.

Visit 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 in the area, see the fascinating volcanic steam plumes, and walk along the scenic hiking paths. Afterwards, take some time to relax and soak your tired feet in the refreshing hot stream of the Oyanumagawa Natural Foot Bath.

See the Breathtaking Scenery at the Lake Toya

Travel to Lake Toya to see one of Japan’s beautiful and scenic landscapes. Rest and recharge after an exhausting day at a traditional Japanese-style hotel, take a dip in a revitalizing traditional Japanese onsen offering amazing views of the lake, and experience the famous special fireworks display.  An exceptional and unforgettable way to experience traditional Japanese luxury!

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 3

Hop On the Scenic Mount Usu Ropeway

Delight yourself with breathtaking scenes through the Mount Usu Ropeway, an aerial tram taking you up the top of Mount Usu. Enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Lake Toya and the neighboring Showa Shinza featuring enchanting Cherry Blossoms. 

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.

Visit the Beautiful Fort Goryokaku

Admire the picturesque scenic landscapes featuring the beautiful Cherry Blossoms 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. 

Take Scenic Mount Hakodate Ropeway

Hop on the Mount Hakodate Ropeway up to the Observation Point and be amazed at the incredible panoramic night scenes of the city and the surrounding natural landscapes from the observation deck. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 4

Explore the Beautiful Town of Matsumae

Journey to the quaint town of Matsumae and take in its charming scenes and heavenly landscapes. See the majestic Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese-style castle built in Hokkaido, and get an insight into the history of the Matsumae clan. Then, head to the popular Matsumae Park to experience the Cherry Blossom Festival. With over ten thousand Cherry Blossom trees, Matsumae Park is the most popular Cherry Blossom viewing spot in Hokkaido. Continue to the Matsumaehan Yashiki, a small historical theme park at the western edge of Matsumae Park, and explore the theme park recreating the historical Matsumae Town during the Edo Period. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Dinner

Day 5

Relish 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 various selection of seafood and produce, and catch a glimpse of the local culture. Get to taste mouth-watering local seafood specialties, such as sea urchins, king crab, clams, and so much more. 

Enjoy Cherry Blossom Festival at Aobagaoka Park

Travel to the nature-rich town of Mori, enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival at Aobagaoka Park,  and discover different varieties of Cherry Blossoms, particularly the rare Morikomachi and Aoba Shidare varieties. You can also check out the Cherry Blossom soft-serve ice cream and other festival food. 

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 Captivating Utasai Beech Forest

Step into the enchanting paradise of Utasai Beech Forest, admire the spectacular 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

Explore the Charming Otaru

Start the day with a trip to Otaru, known for its canals and glassblowing. Upon arrival, 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. Feel free to ask your expert guide for some recommendations on the best stalls and restaurants to check out. 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.

Try Hokkaido’s Best Ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Travel to the Asahikawa Ramen Village. Famous for its Shoyu-based ramen, visit the 8 famous ramen restaurants in Asahikawa, discover the delightful broth of Asahikawa ramens, and check out the gift shops as well as the small ramen shrine.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7

See the Mystic Blue Pond in Biei

Take a trip to Biei, a quaint and charming small town surrounded by a beautiful landscapes, to see the mystical Blue Pond and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 

Explore the Beautiful and Scenic Furano

Journey to the captivating town of Furano, a famous flower-viewing destination. First, enjoy a fun and easy ice cream making class using locally sourced Hokkaido milk in various local flavors, including the interesting lavender-flavored ice cream. Continue to the spectacular Tomita Farm, home to Furano’s beautiful flower fields, take in the lovely and vibrant lavender fields, and check out various selection of special lavender goods. 

Admire the Scenic Landscapes of Odori Park

Drop by the pleasant Odori Park in the heart of Sapporo. Here, leisurely stroll through the park lined with different varieties of flowers and trees and do not miss the food stalls selling Hokkaido’s specialties - grilled corn on the cob and hot, buttery potatoes. 

Experience the Vibrant Susukino District

Take in the bright scene and lively ambiance of the Susukino District at night. One of Sapporo’s biggest entertainment districts, explore the brightly lit district packed with shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and so much more. 

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 8

Explore the Amazing Historic Village of Hokkaido

Tour the impressive Historic Village of Hokkaido, an open-air museum providing a realistic perspective of Hokkaido’s development from the Meiji and Taisho eras into the modern age 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 fascinating 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 Elegant 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 for good luck 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 by enchanting flowers.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch

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.