8 Day Hokkaido Tour Sapporo Otaru Shiretoko and Lake Akan

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Sapporo (New Chitose Airport) – Noboribetsu Onsen
1 stop
1
New Chitose Airport Onsen
Land at New Chitose Airport (CTS). Complimentary pickup throughout the day. Transfer to your Noboribetsu onsen hotel. Check-in from 3:00 PM. Hotel dinner is included if you arrive in time (dinner service ends at 8:00 PM; late arrival means no refund).
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Noboribetsu Hell Valley, Edo Village & Lake Toya to Sapporo
5 stops
2
Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley
Join this top-rated Noboribetsu tour to experience Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Marvel at the volcanic craters and sulfur vents, then relax with a natural hot spring footbath at Oyunuma. Ideal for travelers seeking to explore Hokkaido's geothermal wonders, volcanic landscapes, and authentic onsen culture. Includes all necessary transportation and expert local guidance.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Oyunumagawa Natural Footbath
Relax with a unique warm foot bath in the Oyunuma Natural Footbath stream surrounded by the lush forests of Noboribetsu Hell Valley. This natural outdoor thermal stream is fed directly by volcanic hot spring waters. Please bring your own small towel as this is an open air nature soak experience rather than a private indoor bath.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Step into Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a lively Edo period theme park featuring traditional wooden streets, ninja maze houses, and samurai courtyards. Full park admission is included so you can enjoy live ninja action shows and geisha performances. Street snacks, local souvenirs, and optional paid attractions are on your own.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
5
Cape Chikyu
Marvel at breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from Cape Chikyu (Chikyu Misaki), a famous cliffside lookout in Muroran known for its stunning ocean horizons. Enjoy a scenic photo stop on the observation deck; please note that lighthouse interiors and extra facilities are not included.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Lake Toya
ause at Lake Toya (Toyako), a stunning caldera lake nestled in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Admire the serene volcanic shoreline and pristine waters from a scenic lakeside viewpoint. This is a dedicated photo stop; please note that boat cruises and Nakajima island ferries are not included.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Romantic Otaru Canal, Shiroi Koibito Park & Sapporo Highlights
5 stops
7
Otaru Canal
Stroll along the famous Otaru Canal, where historic red-brick warehouses and stone quays reflect the rich heritage of this iconic port city west of Sapporo. Walk along the scenic waterside path, capture photos of the landmark warehouses, and explore the canal-side streets at your own pace. This is an outdoor walking experience; canal boat cruises are not included.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
8
Step into the charming Otaru Music Box Museum (Otaru Orgel-do), home to thousands of intricate music boxes set within a landmark historic brick building. Experience the iconic steam clock out front, enjoy the nostalgic melodies echoing through the hall, and explore the extensive collection. Entry to the main showroom is free; souvenirs and specialized workshops are at your own expense.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
9
Sapporo Beer Museum
Discover the rich brewing heritage at the Sapporo Beer Museum, housed in a magnificent 1890s red-brick building in the heart of Sapporo. Learn about the fascinating evolution of Japan’s iconic beer brand through historic exhibits and enjoy a complimentary beer tasting session. Additional beverages, food purchases, and souvenir merchandise are at your own expense.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
10
Shiroi Koibito Park
Delight in the sweet magic of Shiroi Koibito Park, Sapporo’s European-style chocolate theme park dedicated to Japan's iconic white chocolate cookies. Explore the charming courtyard, garden displays, and sweet shop displays. Admission to the park area is included; café treats, factory DIY workshops, and shopping purchases are extra. Seasonal Alternatives: In late May to early June, this stop may feature the blooming Tenjin Wisteria; in October, it may be upgraded to the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway for spectacular autumn foliage (ropeway tickets included during these dates).
1 hour • Admission ticket included
11
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, Sapporo’s famous 7-block covered arcade near the Susukino district. Take time at your leisure to browse local boutiques, tax-free shops, and traditional eateries sheltered under the glass roof. Walking the arcade is free; dinner tonight is on your own, giving you full flexibility to sample local ramen or seafood at nearby food stalls.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
Shirogane Blue Pond, Furano Ningle Terrace & Kurodake Ropeway
4 stops
12
Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Capture photos of the Former Hokkaido Government Office (Akarenga), an iconic 19th-century Neo-Baroque red-brick landmark featuring the iconic red star of the Development Commission. Enjoy a pleasant walk through its landscaped garden paths and tree-lined grounds. Outside grounds are free to explore; brief interior access is subject to public opening hours (not a paid exhibition ticket). Seasonal Alternatives: In mid-to-late May, this city stop may be replaced by the vibrant yellow landscapes of the Takikawa Canola Fields; from late July to late August, it may be upgraded to the golden fields of Hokuryu Sunflower Village.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
13
Shirogane Blue Pond
Marvel at the ethereal azure waters of Biei’s Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoiike), a famed natural reservoir nestled in central Hokkaido's rolling hills. Follow the designated shoreline walking trail to view the withered larch trees standing in the water, as the pond's vivid cyan color shifts dynamically with the changing sunlight and weather. This is an outdoor scenic viewing walk along designated paths; boat rentals and water access are not available.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Step into a fairy-tale forest realm at Ningle Terrace, a charming collection of rustic wooden craft cottages tucked under the canopy near the New Furano Prince Hotel. Meander along illuminated timber boardwalks and winding forest trails to discover handcrafted artisan souvenirs, candles, and woodwork. Walking through the village is free; personal shop purchases and café stops are on your own.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
15
Mt.Resort ASAHIDAKE Ropeway
Soar above Hokkaido’s roof aboard the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway, taking in sweeping aerial views as you ascend toward the island's tallest peak. Your round-trip aerial tramway ticket is included, giving you access to the alpine boardwalks and panoramic viewing decks at the upper Sugatami Station (accessible trails depend on weather and mountain conditions). Seasonal & Operational Alternatives: From July to October, this mountain excursion may be replaced by visits to colorful flower fields such as Farm Tomita and/or Shikisai-no-Oka (admission included on those dates). For 2027 departures, this route may utilize the Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway instead of Asahidake.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Sounkyo Gorge Waterfalls, Okhotsk Drift Ice & Shiretoko Peninsula
4 stops
16
Ginga Falls
Stand before the towering basalt cliffs of Sounkyo Gorge to admire Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls, famously known as the Milky Way and Shooting Star waterfalls. Take in the dramatic contrast of these twin cascades as they thunder down the sheer rock faces of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. This is a dedicated scenic viewing stop along the gorge floor; it does not include a ropeway ascent (such as the Kurodake Ropeway).
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
17
Step into a sub-zero wonderland at the Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum in Abashiri, where you can touch real winter pack ice and meet the mysterious Clione ("sea angels") swimming in frigid waters. Your museum admission is fully included, offering an engaging indoor polar experience year-round (please note: this is a facility exhibit, not an icebreaker boat cruise). Seasonal Flower Alternates: During peak bloom, this museum visit may be substituted with spectacular seasonal flower sites: Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park (mid–late May), Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden (Jun–Aug), Taiyo-no-Oka Engaru Park (Aug–Sep), Ubaranai Glasswort Field (mid–late Sep), or Omagari Lakeside Park (late Sep–early Oct). Admission fees for Shibazakura and Taiyo-no-Oka are included when scheduled.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
18
Stand atop the dramatic, wind-swept bluffs of Cape Notoro for sweeping, unhindered panoramas over the vast Sea of Okhotsk. Capture stunning photos along the coastal edges where rugged grassy headlands drop steeply into the crashing surf, anchored by the iconic black-and-white octagonal lighthouse. This is an open-air scenic photo stop at the cliffside vantage points (interior lighthouse access is not included).
25 minutes • Admission ticket free
19
Admire the raw power of Oshinkoshin Falls, a roaring 80-meter cascade along the Shiretoko coastal road affectionately dubbed Sobi-no-Taki (the Twin Beauties Waterfall) for its dramatic mid-way bifurcation. A short, easy walkway from the roadside parking area leads you directly to a elevated viewing platform where you can feel the fresh mist and photograph the water surging toward the Sea of Okhotsk. This is a brief, accessible scenic photo stop (does not involve deep national park trekking).
25 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 6
Shiretoko Five Lakes, Volcanic Mt Atosanupuri & Lake Akan Onsen
4 stops
20
Gaze upon the unique thermal currents of Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, where natural geothermally heated waters flow down the forested ravines of Shiretoko National Park. A short stroll from the park road brings you to the designated lookout to observe this distinctive sulfur-rich stream tumbling into the sea. Note on Access & Safety: Public access to the falls road is strictly subject to local seasonal openings, weather conditions, and rockfall safety regulations. Should the access road be closed during your visit, equivalent time will be allocated to explore alternative scenic Shiretoko viewpoints. This stop is a visual sightseeing experience only (does not include thermal bathing or hot spring entrance fees).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
21
Immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness of Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes), a UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary where mirror-like alpine waters reflect the jagged peaks of the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Follow the pristine pathways to admire the untouched forest ecosystems and tranquil lake basins from safe, elevated vantage points. Important Safety & Access Trail Guidelines: Visitor routes (utilizing either the secure elevated wooden boardwalk or ground-level nature trails) are managed in real-time according to local brown bear activity regulations, seasonal safety protocols, and weather conditions. Ground trails are subject to immediate closure without prior notice for wildlife safety. Any optional ground-trail permits, guided ranger lectures, or local shuttle transfers beyond the main boardwalk access are not included.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
22
Lake Kussharo
Pause at the tranquil shores of Lake Kussharo, the largest volcanic caldera lake in Akan-Mashu National Park. Take in the expansive water vistas and dramatic forested rims from a prime lakeside viewpoint. Nearby geothermal sand banks offer a quick glimpse into the area's natural volcanic heating. Note on Facilities: This is a free scenic photo stop and sight-enjoyment break. Use of local outdoor footbaths (ashi-no-yu) or lakeside sand baths (sunayu) is strictly optional and at your own leisure; thermal facilities and sightseeing boat cruises are not included.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
23
Observe the striking geothermal landscapes of Atosanupuri (Mount Io), an active sulfur mountain towering above Lake Kussharo. Stroll along the designated perimeter walkway to marvel at the vibrant yellow mineral deposits, roaring steam vents, and resilient alpine vegetation thriving on the volcanic soil. Safety & Facility Guidelines: Visitors must strictly remain on marked footpaths at all times, as active fumaroles emit natural hydrogen sulfide gases. This is an open-air crater-viewing photo stop and nature walk (does not include ropeway tickets, cable car transfers, or indoor museum entry).
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 7
Lake Akan Cruise, Ainu Culture, Naitai Farm & Ikeda Wine Castle
5 stops
24
Board a scenic cruise across Lake Akan, a majestic volcanic caldera basin nestling inside Akan-Mashu National Park. Sail past pine-fringed shorelines and marvel at the formidable silhouettes of Mount Oakan and Mount Meakan reflecting on the pristine waters. The cruise offers a brief opportunity to observe the world-famous Marimo (rare natural green algae spheres) native to these protected waters. Cruise & Ticket Details: Standard group sightseeing boat admission is included as per the tour itinerary (this is a scheduled shared lake cruise, not a private boat charter). Optional entry fees for specialized onshore Marimo exhibition halls or private ecological museums are not included in this package.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
25
Explore Ainu Kotan on the shores of Lake Akan, Hokkaido's premier indigenous cultural village. Stroll along the charming wooden street lined with artisan shops and traditional woodcarving workshops, where local craftspeople preserve age-old Ainu heritage and folklore art. Village Access & Experience Details: Walking through the open-air village street is fully included in the tour. Personal handicraft purchases, food tasting, and tickets for traditional Ainu dance performances or theater shows inside the village are not included and are entirely at your own leisure.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
26
Stop at Naitai Highland Farm, Japan's largest public pasture sprawling across the endless rolling hills of Tokachi. Head up to the high-elevation summit lookout to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of sweeping grasslands, grazing cattle, and the distant Tokachi plain horizon. Facility & Experience Notes: This itinerary stop includes access to the outdoor scenic viewpoint for landscape photography. Purchases at the farm café, dairy shops, and souvenir outlets are at your own expense. Please note this is a landscape photo stop, not a hands-on farm tour, cattle-milking experience, or horseback riding activity.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free
27
Enjoy a picturesque photo stop at Kofuku Station, a charmingly preserved former railway station renowned throughout Japan as the "Station of Happiness." Walk along the historic wooden platform and admire the thousands of colorful pink ticket-shaped wishes and ema message cards pinned to the station walls by travelers seeking good fortune. Facility & Experience Notes: Access to the open-air platform, historic station building, and outdoor photo areas is fully included. Personal purchases of souvenir train tickets, luck charms, or commemorative stamps from local gift shops are at your own expense.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
28
Visit Ikeda Wine Castle, a striking medieval-style fortress and home to the famous Tokachi Wine. Discover the inspiring story of how local grape cultivation transformed and revitalized the town's agricultural economy, and explore the impressive wine cellars where local vintages mature in oak barrels. Facility & Experience Notes: Tour access includes entry to the castle public areas and historical displays. Wine tastings, bottle purchases, and café items are at your own expense. Please note this is a guided/self-guided site visit, not a seated wine-pairing meal or private sommelier tasting.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 8
Tokachigawa to New Chitose Airport (CTS)
1 stop
29
New Chitose Airport Onsen
After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable group coach transfer from your Tokachigawa area hotel directly to New Chitose Airport (CTS) for your journey home. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, with departure times coordinated based on group flight schedules. Flight Requirement & Experience Notes: Flights departing after 1:00 PM are strongly recommended to ensure sufficient time for check-in and security procedures. Transfers cannot be guaranteed for earlier flights. Please note that Day 8 is strictly a dedicated airport drop-off service with no additional sightseeing stops.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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