Description

Wild Wonders of Hokkaido (8D7N)

 

Day 1: Arrival in Hokkaido – Tomamu
Day 2: Tomamu – Obihiro – Akan
Day 3: Akan – Kussharo – Mount Io – Shiretoko
Day 4: Shiretoko
Day 5: Shiretoko – Kitami
Day 6: Kitami – Asahikawa – Sapporo
Day 7: Sapporo
Day 8: Departure from Hokkaido

Day 1. Arrival in Hokkaido – Tomamu

Welcome to Japan!

Upon arrival into Hokkaido, our assistant will escort you to the driver for your private transfer. First, we will depart for Obihiro. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido from the car window during the journey.

Ahead, a towering hotel rises, offering a glimpse into another world, surrounded by a verdant paradise. This is where we will be staying this time. It is a space designed to coexist harmoniously with the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

During your stay, there are plenty of activities that allow you to fully enjoy nature. Tomorrow morning, wake up early and visit the Unkai Terrace. From the mountaintop, you can see a world above the clouds.

Overnight in Tomamu
Meal(s): –

Day 2. Tomamu – Obihiro – Akan

After enjoying an elegant morning, we will head to Obihiro, a region that greatly contributes to Hokkaido’s agriculture and dairy farming. The vast fields stretching out in all directions offer a view that cannot be seen in cities like Sapporo.

Here, young people have taken up farming, and we will join the local farmers in a vegetable harvesting experience. We will enter fields that require special permission, harvest vegetables together, and then cook and enjoy them on the spot. We’ll have lunch with fresh air, fresh vegetables, and the warm company of local people.

Afterwards, we will head to the Naitai Highlands. At an altitude of 800 meters, this ranch is the largest in Japan, home to about 2,000 freely roaming cows. The panoramic view from the observatory is breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photos. Be sure to try the popular milk ice cream.

Next, we will head to Lake Akan, a natural hot spring area in eastern Hokkaido.

Overnight in Akan
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 3. Akan – Kussharo – Mount Io – Shiretoko

Today, we will be covering a fairly long distance, but don’t worry. We will enjoy the scenery along the way.

First, we will head to Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan with natural hot springs, where we will go Canadian canoeing with a local guide. The gentle flow and beautiful surroundings make canoeing here a special experience that will make you forget the time. With a local guide, you can fully enjoy the natural beauty.

After that, we will visit Mount Io, which is still an active volcano. You will be able to feel the power of nature with all your senses. Then, we will go to Lake Mashu, known for its high water clarity, the second highest in the world. From the observation deck, you’ll feel as if you are being drawn into the lake.

From there, we will move to Shiretoko, an area that still retains its untouched natural beauty. Since it will be around sunset, we will visit Yuhidai Park, where you can see a beautiful sunset. Enjoy a peaceful time watching the perfect round sunset with no obstructions.
Afterwards, we will relax at one of Shiretoko’s renowned hotels.

Overnight in Shiretoko
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4. Shiretoko

Today’s tour will involve walking through nature with professional guides who specialize in the area.

Shiretoko, which has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Shiretoko Five Lakes are five small lakes nestled mysteriously within primeval forests, backed by the Shiretoko Mountain Range, where many wild animals inhabit. You can see the rich presence of nature, such as bear scratches and the bite marks of the black woodpecker. By going with a knowledgeable local guide, who holds special permits allowing access to areas others cannot reach, why not join a Shiretoko Five Lakes guided tour?

In the afternoon, we will explore another section of pristine forest with our guides. Walking through the forest will feel like embarking on a true adventure in the heart of nature, where encounters with wildlife are also possible. At the end of our journey through the woods, we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Shiretoko Mountain Range.

Overnight in Shiretoko
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 5. Shiretoko – Kitami

Yesterday, you must have felt the power of nature as you walked through the forest. Today, we’ll drive to Shiretoko Pass and capture your visit to Shiretoko in photographs. The view from there is breathtaking.

Afterwards, we’ll visit the Oshinkoshin Waterfall, counted among Shiretoko’s Eight Views. It’s considered the largest waterfall in Shiretoko, and its power is truly impressive.

For lunch, let’s try seafood bowls prepared by local fishermen’s wives. These bowls offer a unique twist with seafood freshly caught that morning, arranged in the style of fishermen’s meals. After lunch, let’s go fruit picking at a farm in Kitami, where vast fields stretch out.

Overnight in Kitami
Meal(s): Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6. Shiretoko – Kitami – Asahikawa – Sapporo

Today, we’ll visit a fox park, something uncommon in Japan. In the wild, foxes often carry diseases or infections, making it difficult to interact with them. However, at this park, you can interact with foxes, offering a truly unique experience.

Afterwards, we’ll pass through the hot spring area of Asahikawa’s Sounnkyo Gorge and head to Asahikawa. Here, at Asahikawa Ramen Village, you can enjoy your favorite ramen. With so many shops to choose from, it might take a while to decide.

Next, we’ll visit the Asahiyama Zoo, where you can get up close to animals native to the northern region. Alternatively, since Asahikawa is home to many sake distilleries, joining a sake tasting tour could also be a great option. Then, we’ll head to Sapporo.

Overnight in Sapporo
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7. Sapporo

Full day at leisure. Below are our recommendations.

In the morning, you can head a little out of the city, at the Historical Village of Hokkaido. It is an open-air museum where you can visit fifty-two historical structures from the Meiji period to the Shōwa period that has been relocated and reconstructed or recreated.

Then head back to the city center and visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. It is registered as one of the Hokkaidō Heritage sites in 2004.

Have a walk in the Tanukikoji Shopping Street and explore the many shops and restaurants to feel the local atmosphere.

Overnight in Sapporo
Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8. Departure from Hokkaido

Sadly, it’s the end of the tour and time to say goodbye to Hokkaido. Time at leisure until transfer with a driver to airport for your departure flight. End of services.

Meal(s): Breakfast