9 Days Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour

  • From Hokkaido To Hokkaido
  • Updated
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Furano Flower Field
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Bie Blue Pond
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Shiretoko Cruise
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Lake Akan Ainu Kotan
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Nikka Whiskey Distillery
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Shirekoto Five Lakes Hike
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Hakodate
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Hakodate Morning Market
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Hakodate Goryokaku
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Ramen
Best of Hokkaido Japan Tour
Former Hokkaido Government Building

Tour Descriptions

Discover Japan's charming northern island during our Hokkaido Adventures Japan Tour package for 2020. Explore the scenic beauty in Hokkaido as we visit the can't miss spots on Japan's northern island! Sample exotic flavors, visit wonderful sights, and discover a new side of Japan north of Tokyo on this fully-guided Japan Tour!
Please contact your travel agent or call us for more information on Hokkaido Tour Departure Dates.
Itinerary

Tokyo & Hokkaido | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

or similar

Arrive in Japan at Tokyo's Narita International Airport before catching your connecting flight to Hokkaido. You will then check into the hotel.


Shiretoko | Cruise through Hokkaido's Nature

Breakfast Dinner
or similar

We begin our day with a visit to the Okhotsk Ryu-Hyo ice float museum. Sailing through the ice is a popular tradition in Hokkaido, and the museum is a great place to learn about the history and more. After our time at the museum, we will take a short cruise before we explore Furepe Falls. Be sure to snap plenty of photos at this beautiful waterfal that looks as if it were from a painting.
After our time admiring the waterfall, it's of to a seafood buffet dinner. Next to Tsukiji Fish Market, Hokkaido is considered one of the best places to go for seafood. Enjoy your favorites fresh from the source before we proceed to the hotel.


Nibutani & Sounkyo | The Rich History of the Ainu

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
or similar

Today will begin with a hike around the Shiretoko Five Lakes area to enjoy the fresh morning air and views of Hokkaido. After our hike, it's off to Lake Akan for a better look at one of Shiretoko's stunning lakes.
From there, we have an exciting visit to the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan. This immersive museum features various exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays to teach guests about the lives the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The museum includes toys, clothing, hunting materials, literature, and videos of Ainu legends, folk dances, and items related to the daily life of the Ainu on display. There's also a show on Ainu culture to enjoy at the museum. After the museum, we will proceed to our hotel in Sounkyo.


Biei & Furano | Hokkaido's Most Instagram-Worthy Spots

Breakfast Lunch Dinner
or similar

Today will be dedicated to exploring the beautiful nature spots of Hokkaido. Our day starts with a light hike to Ryusei & Ginga Waterfalls for photos. Afterwords, we will go on a scenic ride up Mt. Kurodake with a ride on the Kurodake Ropeway. From there, it's off to the Blue Pond in Biei, a man-made pond with water that shines a bright blue depending on the seasons. The pond's appearance slightly changes depending on the weather's affect on the water, but is always a charming stop for nature fans and photographers.
After our time at the pond, we make our way over to Tomita Farm, one of Hokkaido's premier flower farms. Enjoy the various flowers, including Poppies, French Marigolds, and more at this iconic flower field. After our time at the farm, we will reach Ningle Terrace for some shopping and to relax before checking into our hotel.


Otaru | The Gas-lamp Canal City of Hokkaido

Breakfast Lunch
or similar

We kick things off with a visit to Otaru Canal. The canal features gaslights along the way with plenty of warehouses made of bricks or Sapporo freestone which have now been turned into restaurants, variety stores, and souvenir shops. Enjoy Otaru-style Soup Japanese curry for lunch at this charming port area.
After shopping in Otaru, it's off to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Nikka is one of Japan's leaders in Whiskey making, and is well-known around the world as one of the top whiskey brands around. Enjoy learning more about the distillation process and all the work that goes into making the perfect glass of Whiskey. We then proceed to the hotel.


Sapporo | Discover the Largest City in Hokkaido

Breakfast Dinner
or similar

Our day begins with a visit to the Sapporo Morenume Park. This park is famous for the sea fountain at the center of the park (designed by Isamu Noguchi) and puts on a stunning show with powerful, illuminated, water streams. After our time at the park, it's off to the Hokkaido Museum & Historical Village to learn more about the history and culture of Hokkaido.
No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without exploring Sapporo. To make sure you see the best of Hokkaido's largest city, we've packed a day filled with can't miss Sapporo sights! We start off with a trip to the popular Sapporo Clock Tower, a must-see landmark in Sapporo. From there, we will make our way to Odori Park. This massive park divides Sapporo and is a great spot to see Sapporo's massive TV Tower.
Afterwords, it's off to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building. This American-style building was used as the administrative base for Hokkaido and is well known for the distinct red bricks. Take some photos and enjoy the exhibitions inside that showcase Sapporo's history. Before the day ends, we will visit a beer garden at Sapporo's Beer Museum and enjoy a Hokkaido favorite: Jingisukan Barbecue. We then return to the hotel.


Hakodate | Fruits Picking & Hokkaido History

Breakfast Lunch
or similar
Strawberry Picking | Lake Toya - Stop | Date Rekishi no Mori | Hakodate | Hakodate Ropeway | Return to the Hotel

Our morning begins with a visit to Sobetsu cho for fruit picking. There are over 15 types of fruits growing at this farm, including strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, apples, plums and more. Enjoy sampling fresh, seasonal fruits grown in Hokkaido. After our time doing fruit picking, we will stop by Lake Toya during our drive for a photo and a quick rest.
After our break, we make our way to the Hokkaido Museum & Historical Village. The Historic Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum in Sapporo with buildings from all over Hokkaido in the style of the Meiji to Showa Periods. The village is designed to show guests the expansion and growth of Hokkaido, as well as the everyday life Hokkaido's residents had. The Historic Village is only five minutes away from the Hokkaido Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and teaching the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Museum features artifacts from the Ainu (the indigenous people in Hokkaido), aerial photos, exhibits on Hokkaido's development, and miniature models of Hokkaido during various periods. After our time at the museum, we will head to the top of Mt. Hakodate to see the wonderful city lights shine in the skyline before we return to our hotel.


Hakodate | Discover the Star Port Tower

Breakfast Dinner
or similar

For our last day of sightseeing in Hokkaido, we begin our morning at the Hakodate Morning Market to sample the fresh flavors of Hokkaido's specialties. Try fishing for live squid or enjoy a seafood bowl at this lively morning market, or just grab some sweets and souvenirs for friends back home. Afterowrds, it's off to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area. Previously used only as warehouses, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses now constitute a commercial facility of red brick buildings holding restaurants, shops, art museums, meeting halls, and much more.

From there, it's off to see Hokkaido's Goryokaku five-star shaped fort. While we won't visit the fort directly, the sight of the fort's shape is one to enjoy. We will then head to Mt. Hakodate if the weather permits!


Tokyo to LAX | Return Home

Breakfast

Our wonderful journey through Hokkaido ends today. Be sure to buy any last minute souvenirs at the airport before your flight home! **INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)

▪Important Notice▪
*JDT Recommends Experiences are not included with your tour package.
*Group Tour Participants (Not applicable to Private Tours) - Your group may be joined with other groups during the tour. If so, your tour guide and bus may be changed during your tour.
*Any special request(s) must be submitted when booking your tour (meals, accommodations, etc.). Note: Not all requests can be fulfilled.
*Itinerary, hotels, and meals are subject to change or cancellation without notice. No refund will be owed for any changes or cancellations if the tour still occurs.
*This tour includes 1.5~2 hours of walking on sightseeing days. Tour Participants are expected to be of moderate fitness, keep up with the pace of the group, and can climb stairs with no difficulty.
*B : Breakfast   L : Lunch   D : Dinner
*Please be advised that Maiko performances are not available on their designated days off or on days when special Maiko events are taking place.

Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.   2) Airfare is not included.  

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9 DAYS

8 nights accommodation


17 MEALS

8 breakfasts
4 lunches
5 dinners


TRANSPORT

All transport shown

Tour Includes


Balanced mix of Western hotels and Japanese-style hot-spring hotels

Daily Breakfast-Buffets, 4 Lunches, and 5 Dinners included

All ground transportation in Japan during the tour

Complimentary Basic Travel Insurance

Admission Fees, Tax & Gratuities at all included Destinations

Full time service of licensed English speaking tour guide & separate bus driver

Japan Deluxe Tours Handbook and Tour Goods Package

Free Wi-Fi in Bus & Most hotels

Tour Price Excludes
  • - Airfare
  • - Optional Excursions

Travel Highlights


Frolick through the flowers at Tomita Farm

Sightseeing at Biei's Magical Looking Blue Pond

Authentic Genghis Kan Mongolian Mutton BBQ

A visit to the famous Sapporo Clock Tower

Hokkaido landmarks like the Former Hokkaido Government Building (Red Brick Office)

Shopping at Furano's Ningle Terrace

Time spent in Sapporo's popular Odori Park

Views of Hokkaido's Goryokaku, the Star Shaped Fort

Admission to the Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum

Shopping at the beautiful Otaru Canal

Important Information


The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room.

Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport.

We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure. You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

We understand sometimes unanticipated situations may arise before or even during your Japan tour. In order to best assist you when things don't go as planned, Japan Deluxe Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance offered through Travel Guard® Insurance.

Travel Guard® Insurance offers coverage for: Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Travel Delay, Baggage Delay, Medical Expense (deductible required), Emergency Medical Transportation, and an Exclusive Family Protection Plan: One child 16 or under will receive coverage at no additional cost for every adult that purchase a protection plan. Every Travel Guard policy includes 24-hour emergency travel assistance services for emergencies or last-minute travel changes, such as re-booking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, tracking lost luggage, and more!
For more information about coverage, view our Travel Insurance Page.

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Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

Day
Day 1

Tokyo & Hokkaido | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Arrive in Japan at Tokyo's Narita International Airport before catching your connecting flight to Hokkaido. You will then check into the hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 2

Shiretoko | Cruise through Hokkaido's Nature

Breakfast Dinner

We begin our day with a visit to the Okhotsk Ryu-Hyo ice float museum. Sailing through the ice is a popular tradition in Hokkaido, and the museum is a great place to learn about the history and more. After our time at the museum, we will take a short cruise before we explore Furepe Falls. Be sure to snap plenty of photos at this beautiful waterfal that looks as if it were from a painting.
After our time admiring the waterfall, it's of to a seafood buffet dinner. Next to Tsukiji Fish Market, Hokkaido is considered one of the best places to go for seafood. Enjoy your favorites fresh from the source before we proceed to the hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 3

Nibutani & Sounkyo | The Rich History of the Ainu

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today will begin with a hike around the Shiretoko Five Lakes area to enjoy the fresh morning air and views of Hokkaido. After our hike, it's off to Lake Akan for a better look at one of Shiretoko's stunning lakes.
From there, we have an exciting visit to the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan. This immersive museum features various exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays to teach guests about the lives the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. The museum includes toys, clothing, hunting materials, literature, and videos of Ainu legends, folk dances, and items related to the daily life of the Ainu on display. There's also a show on Ainu culture to enjoy at the museum. After the museum, we will proceed to our hotel in Sounkyo.


TBA or similar

Day 4

Biei & Furano | Hokkaido's Most Instagram-Worthy Spots

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today will be dedicated to exploring the beautiful nature spots of Hokkaido. Our day starts with a light hike to Ryusei & Ginga Waterfalls for photos. Afterwords, we will go on a scenic ride up Mt. Kurodake with a ride on the Kurodake Ropeway. From there, it's off to the Blue Pond in Biei, a man-made pond with water that shines a bright blue depending on the seasons. The pond's appearance slightly changes depending on the weather's affect on the water, but is always a charming stop for nature fans and photographers.
After our time at the pond, we make our way over to Tomita Farm, one of Hokkaido's premier flower farms. Enjoy the various flowers, including Poppies, French Marigolds, and more at this iconic flower field. After our time at the farm, we will reach Ningle Terrace for some shopping and to relax before checking into our hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 5

Otaru | The Gas-lamp Canal City of Hokkaido

Breakfast Lunch

We kick things off with a visit to Otaru Canal. The canal features gaslights along the way with plenty of warehouses made of bricks or Sapporo freestone which have now been turned into restaurants, variety stores, and souvenir shops. Enjoy Otaru-style Soup Japanese curry for lunch at this charming port area.
After shopping in Otaru, it's off to the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Nikka is one of Japan's leaders in Whiskey making, and is well-known around the world as one of the top whiskey brands around. Enjoy learning more about the distillation process and all the work that goes into making the perfect glass of Whiskey. We then proceed to the hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 6

Sapporo | Discover the Largest City in Hokkaido

Breakfast Dinner

Our day begins with a visit to the Sapporo Morenume Park. This park is famous for the sea fountain at the center of the park (designed by Isamu Noguchi) and puts on a stunning show with powerful, illuminated, water streams. After our time at the park, it's off to the Hokkaido Museum & Historical Village to learn more about the history and culture of Hokkaido.
No trip to Hokkaido would be complete without exploring Sapporo. To make sure you see the best of Hokkaido's largest city, we've packed a day filled with can't miss Sapporo sights! We start off with a trip to the popular Sapporo Clock Tower, a must-see landmark in Sapporo. From there, we will make our way to Odori Park. This massive park divides Sapporo and is a great spot to see Sapporo's massive TV Tower.
Afterwords, it's off to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building. This American-style building was used as the administrative base for Hokkaido and is well known for the distinct red bricks. Take some photos and enjoy the exhibitions inside that showcase Sapporo's history. Before the day ends, we will visit a beer garden at Sapporo's Beer Museum and enjoy a Hokkaido favorite: Jingisukan Barbecue. We then return to the hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 7

Hakodate | Fruits Picking & Hokkaido History

Breakfast Lunch
Strawberry Picking | Lake Toya - Stop | Date Rekishi no Mori | Hakodate | Hakodate Ropeway | Return to the Hotel

Our morning begins with a visit to Sobetsu cho for fruit picking. There are over 15 types of fruits growing at this farm, including strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, apples, plums and more. Enjoy sampling fresh, seasonal fruits grown in Hokkaido. After our time doing fruit picking, we will stop by Lake Toya during our drive for a photo and a quick rest.
After our break, we make our way to the Hokkaido Museum & Historical Village. The Historic Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum in Sapporo with buildings from all over Hokkaido in the style of the Meiji to Showa Periods. The village is designed to show guests the expansion and growth of Hokkaido, as well as the everyday life Hokkaido's residents had. The Historic Village is only five minutes away from the Hokkaido Museum, which is dedicated to preserving and teaching the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido. The Hokkaido Museum features artifacts from the Ainu (the indigenous people in Hokkaido), aerial photos, exhibits on Hokkaido's development, and miniature models of Hokkaido during various periods. After our time at the museum, we will head to the top of Mt. Hakodate to see the wonderful city lights shine in the skyline before we return to our hotel.


TBA or similar

Day 8

Hakodate | Discover the Star Port Tower

Breakfast Dinner

For our last day of sightseeing in Hokkaido, we begin our morning at the Hakodate Morning Market to sample the fresh flavors of Hokkaido's specialties. Try fishing for live squid or enjoy a seafood bowl at this lively morning market, or just grab some sweets and souvenirs for friends back home. Afterowrds, it's off to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area. Previously used only as warehouses, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses now constitute a commercial facility of red brick buildings holding restaurants, shops, art museums, meeting halls, and much more.

From there, it's off to see Hokkaido's Goryokaku five-star shaped fort. While we won't visit the fort directly, the sight of the fort's shape is one to enjoy. We will then head to Mt. Hakodate if the weather permits!


TBA or similar

Day 9

Tokyo to LAX | Return Home

Breakfast

Our wonderful journey through Hokkaido ends today. Be sure to buy any last minute souvenirs at the airport before your flight home! **INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)

Dining Experience

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki Ryori

It is a traditional Japanese multi course meal consists of multiple small dishes starting with appetizers and sashimi then leading to the main dishes tempura and grilled fish, rice, pickled vegetables, and miso soup.

See Details >
Ramen

Ramen

Ramen has developed into a popular dish in Japan and throughout the world. Ramen consists of noodles, soup, and toppings, each with a great variety of choices.

See Details >
Jingisukan

Jingisukan

Jingisukan is a Japanese grilled lamb dish cooked on a hot metal skillet or grill, similar to yakiniku. The shape of the grill is to be modeled after the helmets Mongolian soldiers wear.

See Details >

Nikka Whisky

Nikka Whisky

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery is the main distillery of one of Japan's top whisky brands. Nikka Whisky is ranked as one of the best single malt whiskies in the world.

See Details >
Soup Curry

Soup Curry

Soup Curry is a popular Sapporo version of the rice and sauce dish. Soup Curry is packed with nutritious ingredients and mouthwatering spices, inspired by Chinese & Korean medical soup and curry spices from India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.

See Details >
Kaisen Donburi

Kaisen Donburi

Kaisen Donburi, or seafood rice bowls, are a popular specialty in Hokkaido filled with local, seasonal fish and ingredients like crab, uni (sea urchin), fish roe, and other specialites local to Hokkaido.

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Cultural Experience

Hot Spring

Hot Spring

Natural hot springs (onsen) are numerous and highly popular across Japan. There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water.

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Japanese Style Hotel with Tatami Mat

Japanese Style Hotel

Ryokan is Japanese style hotel which has natural onsen (spa) water that have rejuvenated people for hundreds of years. Moreover, it has tatami floors, futon beds and traditional Japanese cuisine.

See Details >
Shiretoko Goko Lakes

Shiretoko Goko Hiking

Guests can enjoy a scenic hike along the elevated boardwalk path at the Shiretoko Goko Lakes hiking area. There are multiple observatory points along the path to enjoy the panoramic views of the first lake and Shiretoko mountain range.

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Riding Experience

Bullet Train

Bullet Train

World known as The Bullet Train, The Shinkansen fascinates foreign tourists. Shinkansen runs average 300kmh, about 186mph, and they depart every 10 minutes in rush hours very punctual.

See Details >
Shiretoko Cruise

Shiretoko Cruise

A cruise around Shiretoko Peninsula is the best way to see the World Natural Heritage Site's breathtaking coastline. Enjoy riding a relaxing cruise for an up-close look at the tall cliffs, waterfalls, and secret coastal caves.

See Details >
Hakodate Ropeway

Hakodate Ropeway

The Hakodate Ropeway is an aerial lift that takes you from the foot of Mount Hakodate to the peak (altitude 334m) to see Hakodate's famous million-dollar night view (if weather permits).

See Details >

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Tour Standard

  • All ground transportation
  • All admission fees as listed
  • Gratuities & Local Taxes
  • Round-trip airport transfers
  • licensed tour guide throughout
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