Day 4

Sapporo – Otaru – Sapporo

Commence the morning with a visit to Otaru, a charming harbor city with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Otaru served as a major trade and fishing port and was chosen as the terminal station for Hokkaido’s first railway line connecting it to Sapporo.

The Otaru Canal was beautifully restored with warehouses transformed into museums, shops, and restaurants.　The canal makes for a pleasant stroll during the day, when artists present their works to passing tourists, and during the evenings when old fashioned gas lamps are lit and provide a romantic atmosphere.

Explore Sakaimachi Street, a preserved merchant street featuring converted buildings hosting restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, boutiques, and museums. Enjoy a firsthand experience in Otaru Glass at the local workshops along the street.

Following a local lunch at B&B Aotsuka, the tour proceeds to the Nishin Goten Herring Museum, highlighting the opulence of herring fishers. Return to Sapporo in the afternoon and savor dinner at the local Izakaya Maruumiya Paseo.

Your overnight accommodation is once again at Mercure Sapporo.     ( B|L|D)

Day 5

Furano and Biei

Embark on a morning sightseeing excursion to the charming towns of Biei and Furano, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, celebrated for their idyllic rural landscapes. The optimal time for this visit is July when the lavender fields are in full bloom. Explore a lavender farm, traverse the scenic Panorama Road, and ascend to the Hokusai Hill Observatory for a breathtaking panorama of Hokkaido. Enjoy lunch at Furano Winery amid these picturesque surroundings.

In the afternoon, traverse the rustic landscapes of Patchwork Road and Panorama Road, culminating the day’s journey in Asahikawa.

Your accommodation for the night is at JR Inn Asahikawa, where dinner will be served. .   (B|L|D)

Day 6

Asahikawa – Sounkyo

Commence the morning with a brief visit to the world-renowned Asahiyama Zoo, a popular zoological garden offering unique perspectives to observe a variety of animals. Capture memorable moments with penguins, tigers, and polar bears before proceeding to the acclaimed Hokkaido Sake Otokoyama Brewery to delve into the art of Hokkaido Sake tasting.

Transition into the enchanting Sounkyo Daisetsuzan National Park, a hot spring resort nestled in a narrow valley featuring a delightful village center, rejuvenating onsen baths, and nearby captivating waterfalls. Ascend to the 1984-meter-high Kurodake Peak via the Kurodake Ropeway, commanding a panoramic view of Sounkyo.

Your overnight stay awaits at Hotel Taisetsu.   (B|L|D)

Day 7

Sounkyo – Abashiri

Journey to Abashiri, a coastal city of 40,000 residents on the eastern shores of the Okhotsk Sea. Explore the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum, providing insights into the fascinating drift ice phenomenon in the Okhotsk Sea during winter.

Relish lunch at a local sushi house.

Discover the historical significance of Abashiri Prison, initially built in the 1890s to house over a thousand dangerous criminals. The prison gained national recognition through a yakuza movie series in the 1960s. Visit the Abashiri Prison Museum, an open-air museum since 1985, depicting the daily lives of prisoners through various structures, including the main prison building, law court, bathhouse, and punishment chamber.

Your overnight accommodation is at Hotel Abashiri Koso.   (B|L|D)

Day 8

Abashiri – Oshinkoshin – Utoro

Embark on a picturesque journey from Abashiri to Shiretoko, making brief stops en route at Koizumihara Garden and the Oshinkoshin Falls, renowned as one of Japan’s top one hundred waterfalls. As you enter the Utoro Onsen in the Shiretoko Peninsula, indulge in an Abashiri sushi lunch at downtown Sushiyasu. Continue your scenic drive to the captivating town of Rausu on the east coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

In 2005, Shiretoko was honored with UNESCO World Natural Site status for its unparalleled ecosystem and biodiversity. Utoro, the largest town along the western coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, awaits as your transportation hub and the boarding point for boat tours exploring the peninsula’s coast.

Your overnight stay is at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel.  (B|L|D)

Day 9

Utoro

Embark on a morning boat cruise along the rugged western coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, offering a glimpse into the remote parts of the national park usually accessible only on foot. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, the boat cruise continues to Cape Puyuni, Shiretoko Gorge, Shiretoko Five Lakes, and Shiretoko Nature Centre.

Your accommodation for the night is at Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel.  (B|L|D)

Day 10

Utoro – Kushiro – Akan Kohan

After a refreshing morning hot spring bath and breakfast, depart from Utoro Onsen to Lake Mashu in Akan National Park. Renowned for its clear waters, Lake Mashu competes for the title of the world’s clearest lake and is considered by many as Japan’s most beautiful lake.

Delight in lunch at an old English restaurant near Lake Mashu at Hazel Grouse Manor.

Lake Akanko, a stunning crater lake in Akan National Park, is home to marimo, a rare algae species forming into beautiful green balls. Left alone for a few centuries, Lake Akan’s marimo can reach the size of soccer balls. The algae have been designated a National Special Natural Monument.

Akan Kohan, the lakeside hot spring resort, serves as your overnight stop. Explore Ainu Kotan, a small Ainu village featuring Ainu Craft souvenir shops, and savor a traditional Ainu performance.

Your accommodation for the night is at Lake Akan Hotel.    (B|L|D)

Day 11

Akan Kohan – Tokachi Onsen

Commence your day with a morning Lake Akan Boat Tour and a visit to the Akan Crane Centre to marvel at the Japanese Tancho crane with its distinctive red head.

In 1926 a group of about 20 birds was discovered in the marshes around Kushiro. With conservation efforts they have since made a dramatic recovery and now number more than 1000 birds.

The cranes are most spectacular to watch as they dance when snowing, often in pairs, with seemingly choreographed dips and jumps. The cranes are best seen in the winter as they gather at winter feeding sites.

Your overnight stay awaits at Tokachi Garden Hotel. (B|L|D)

Day 12

Tokachi Onsen – Lake Shikotsuko

Following breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of the local Botanical Garden and Observatory at Tokachi-ga-Oka Botanical Garden Park on your way to Lake Shikotsuko. Lake Shikotsuko and Lake Toya are the two most prominent features of the Shikotsuko-Toya National Park.

Arriving at Shikotsuko Kohan, a quaint tourist town with a visitor center and lodgings along the lake’s western shores, enjoy various activities such as boat rentals, biking, or scuba diving to appreciate the natural surroundings. opt for a sightseeing cruise on glass-bottomed boats or speedboats.

Your overnight stay features the luxurious hot spring spa and dinner at Shikotsuko Tsuruga Resort Mize-no-Uta.    (B|L|D)

Day 13

Shikotsuko – Toyako Onsen – Hakodate Motomachi

Embark on a serene journey amidst the natural splendor of Lake Toya, nestled within the breathtaking expanse of Shikotsuko-Toya National Park. As the day begins, immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of this pristine caldera lake, renowned for its captivating beauty and rejuvenating hot springs. Whether you are an avid angler, an intrepid hiker, or simply seeking solace in nature’s embrace, Lake Toya offers an abundance of outdoor pursuits to delight every traveler.

Indulge in the serenity of the lakeside surroundings as you embark on a leisurely stroll along the scenic shoreline, taking in panoramic views of the shimmering waters and the majestic silhouette of Mount Usu, an active volcano that adds an exhilarating touch to the landscape. Engage in leisurely activities such as fishing or boating, allowing yourself to connect with the tranquil rhythms of the natural world.

As the afternoon unfolds, embark on a scenic journey to Hakodate, a captivating city nestled at the southern tip of Hokkaido. Traverse the idyllic landscapes of Japan’s northern frontier, marveling at the sweeping vistas of rolling hills, lush forests, and charming rural villages that dot the countryside.

Upon arriving in Hakodate, prepare to be enchanted by the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. From its iconic landmarks to its bustling markets and vibrant waterfront, Hakodate offers a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Mount Hakodate, standing at 334 meters tall, is a densely wooded mountain situated at the southern tip of the peninsula where a huge portion of central Hakodate is situated. Particularly on clear days and nights, the vistas from the mountain are truly breathtaking, earning it a place among Japan’s top three-night views, alongside the vistas from Nagasaki’s Mount Inasa and Kobe’s Mount Rokko.

Your overnight accommodation is at Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel & Resort. (B|L|D)

Day 14

Hakodate

Begin your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant Hakodate Morning Market, a bustling hub of activity open daily from 5 am to noon. Spanning four city blocks, this lively market highlights an enticing array of fresh seafood, including prized delicacies such as crabs (kani), salmon eggs (ikura), and sea urchin (uni), alongside an assortment of fresh produce, including succulent melons. Indulge your senses with a delectable seafood breakfast at one of the market’s charming restaurants, treating yourself to a tantalizing bowl of uni-ikura donburi.

For lunch, continue your culinary exploration at the Hakodate Morning Market, where an abundance of tempting options awaits, ranging from sushi stalls to seafood grills, ensuring a satisfying and memorable dining experience.

Afterward, delve into the rich history and architectural splendor of Hakodate’s Motomachi district. Admire the charming blend of foreign influences reflected in the district’s well-preserved buildings, including the elegant Russian Orthodox Church, the stately Old British Consulate, the ornate Chinese Memorial Hall, and the iconic Hakodate Public Hall.

Next, venture to Fort Goryokaku, a monumental star-shaped citadel steeped in history. Originally constructed during the Edo Period (1603-1868) to safeguard Hakodate against external threats, the fort later became the battleground for a pivotal conflict between the shogunate and the Meiji government. Today, Fort Goryokaku stands as a testament to the region’s storied past, surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with thousands of cherry trees that burst into bloom during early May, creating a captivating spectacle of nature’s beauty.

Conclude your exploration with a visit to Hakodate Port, a historic maritime gateway that played a pivotal role in Japan’s opening to international trade. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and marvel at the charming Red Brick Warehouses, meticulously restored into a vibrant complex housing an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Consider embarking on a sightseeing cruise of the bay to gain a unique perspective of Hakodate’s coastal beauty.

Farewell Hokkaido sushi dinner with real sushi.  

Retire for the evening to the luxurious comfort of Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel & Resort, where you can unwind in style amidst the tranquil surroundings of Hakodate.  (B|L|D)

Day 15

Hakodate – Tokyo

The tour concludes after breakfast. Transfer to Hakodate Airport by Airport Bus, and from there, continue your journey with a flight to Tokyo Haneda Airport, either for an extension or your return home.  (B|-|-)