16-Day In-depth Hokkaido Tour in Summer

On the first day of your Hokkaido summer travel, you will arrive in Hakodate and be welcomed by your local tour guide and driver. You will be transferred to your hotel. Then, you can relax and experience Hokkaido.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hakodate

In the morning, visit Hakodate Morning Market, where you can find fresh seafood, produce, and various souvenirs. Check out the shops for local culture and cuisine, and chat with local sellers.

Next, explore Goryokaku Park and learn about the history of the Tokugawa shogunate and Japan. Ascend the Goryokaku Tower for a panoramic view of the star-shaped park and the city of Hakodate.

Head to Mount Hakodate via cable car at sunset. Appreciate the best night view of Hakodate with glittering city lights and the surrounding bay. Get a close-up look at the impressive panoramic view from the binocular telescopes.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakodate

Today, you will head to Lake Toya, a volcanic caldera lake with famous hot springs, Mt. Usu volcano, and various leisure activities. You can take the Usuzan Ropeway for a bird's-eye view of scenic Lake Toya and the mountains, or hike along the trail to observe the amazing views of the crater.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Toya and lush Mt. Showa Shinzan from the Usuzan Toyako observation deck. And then set off on a short walk to Usu Volcano Observatory, which offers a fascinating glimpse of the Usu crater. Learn about the eruptions and history of Mt. Usu.

After visiting Lake Toya, you will head to the onsen ryokan for the night and soak in a steaming hot spring.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Lake Toya

After breakfast, you will travel to a hot spring town, Noboribetsu, with a visit to Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Follow the pathway and stroll through the crater in Hell Valley. You can get up close to the steaming hot spring water.

Later, take the ropeway up to the mountain and visit the Bear Park, where you can observe these majestic animals and learn about their behavior and habitat.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Noboribetsu

This morning, drive to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, and explore Shiroi Koibito Park, which is famous for its chocolate sandwich cookies. You can take a look at the production process of these delicious snacks. In the factory, you can try your hand at making your own cookies. Enjoy a stroll around the delightful gardens in the park.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the relaxing atmosphere at Odori Park. There are green trees, lovely flowers, and waterfalls. If you are lucky, you may encounter the Sapporo Summer Festival featuring beer gardens (from mid-July to mid-August). Continue the adventure with Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Discover renowned gourmet spots and taste Hokkaido's flavor.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Sapporo

After breakfast, you will head to Moerenuma Park, designed by Isamu Noguchi. Experience the summer of Hokkaido in the park by enjoying water play at Moere Beach. You can also enjoy a leisurely picnic or cycle around the attractive park.

In the afternoon, explore Mt. Moiwa, covered in fresh green in summer. You can take the thrilling ropeway and unique mini cablecar or hike along the mountain trails to the summit. From the top of the mountain, you can have a sweeping view of the cityscape and skyline.

Make your way to bustling Susukino, where you can indulge in Sapporo's energetic nightlife with shopping and entertainment. Be a foodie to discover typical Hokkaido delicacies.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Sapporo

In the morning, you will travel to the iconic Otaru Canal. You can take a walk and explore around the canal. Discover some quirky museums or shops transformed from historical buildings lined by the Otaru Canal.

Head to Kitaichi Glass, which is full of a vast variety of delicate glass products. Take a look at the working process of glass-making. You can make unique glassworks by experiencing glassblowing. Continue to Otaru Music Box Museum, a well-known specialty shop of music boxes with many types of music boxes.

Embark on a food adventure at Sankaku Market, selling the freshest seafood, before returning to Sapporo.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Sapporo

Today, you will transfer to Furano, which is famous for its vibrant flower fields, especially lavender fields. You will spend an enjoyable time at Farm Tomita. Stand in the beautiful fields of flowers to take good pictures. Visit the shops and cafes, where you can find Furano specialties and lavender products, such as lavender soft ice cream, cantaloupe, lavender oil, and dried flowers.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Furano

Start your day with a sightseeing tour to the Blue Pond at Biei. You can appreciate and photograph its striking color and the surrounding green trees. Step into a summer flower wonderland of Four Seasons Color Hill. You can take a stroll or a tractor bus through the rolling hills and fields of colorful flowers. From the observation decks, you can fully enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mt.Tokachidake and rural scenery.

Enjoy a Biei cycling tour along Patchwork Road or take a leisurely walk around. Along the road, you will admire a picturesque pastoral landscape and discover several famous trees. Continue to Zerubu Hill, a beautiful hill offering views of the countryside and vibrant flower fields, perfect for slow, relaxed strolls.

After the tour, you will head to Asahidake Onsen in Daisetsuzan National Park and stay overnight at an onsen hotel.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Asahidake Onsen

Today, you will begin at Asahidake Onsen and venture to Daisetsuzan National Park in depth. You can enjoy a hiking tour and immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty. Stop to discover diverse landscapes and wildlife, such as brown bears, deer, red foxes, etc. Return to Asahidake Onsen and enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the hot spring.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Asahidake Onsen

Interact with various animals at Asahiyama Zoo, with 124 species, such as penguins, wolves, red pandas, polar bears, and more. Closely observe penguins from the underwater glass tunnel.

Head to Asahikawa Ramen Village, where you can taste various mini half-sized ramen at all eight popular ramen shops. Learn about the history of Asahikawa ramen and visit the small Ramen Village Shrine.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Asahiyama

In the morning, travel to Sounkyo. You can embark on a hiking tour along the trails to the beautiful Milky Way Falls and Shooting Star Falls. Ride the Kurodake Ropeway to the 5th Station of Mount Kurodake. You can appreciate alpine plants and views of the gorge in the mountains.

Stay overnight at Sounkyo Onsen and bask in hot springs.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Sounkyo Onsen

In the morning, you will head to Shiretoko National Park, which is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site and home to rich Hokkaido's wildlife, like brown bears.

You can choose an easier or harder hiking route to travel around a few or all of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. Take in untouched nature views of lakes and the mountain range. You can discover numerous plants and traces of wildlife.

Late in the afternoon, drive along the scenic mountain pass road to Shiretoko Pass, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Mount Rausu. Appreciate a breathtaking sunset over the sea. Next, head to Utoro Onsen and check into your arranged hot spring hotel. You can enjoy the views of the Utoro Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk while soaking in an open-air onsen.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Utoro Onsen

After breakfast, enjoy a Shiretoko boat tour starting from Utoro port. You have chances to meet with Shiretoko animals, such as whales, dolphins, various birds, and approach them.

In the afternoon, you will travel to Kamuiwakka Falls, a naturally hot spring river. Climb up waterfalls and experience unique outdoor hot springs in lush green nature.

After the tour, return to Utoro and enjoy free time exploring by yourself.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Utoro Onsen

In the morning, you will transfer to Akan-Mashu National Park. After arriving, find an onsen or shop for a nice break at the Lake Akan onsen area.

Next, take a sightseeing boat to explore Lake Akan. You can observe rare marimo and visit the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center. Continue to experience authentic Ainu culture and history at Lake Akan Ainu Kotan, an Ainu Village. Enjoy traditional Ainu music and dances and try yourself with their craft.

In the afternoon, travel to Lake Mashu, which is honored as the clearest lake in the world. Marvel at the clear blue water and the surrounding mountain views. Then visit Lake Kussharo for fun activities. You can bathe in outdoor hot springs or go kayaking on the lake.

Make your way to your last stop at Kawayu Onsen between Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kawayu Onsen

After breakfast, venture to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, a large marshland with Japanese cranes. Explore the magnificent wetlands by enjoying a stroll. Visit Tsurui for red-crowned crane watching.

Later, you will be transferred to Kushiro Airport for your departure flight.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: N/A