Reference itinerary for 9/8 day Hokkaido tour
Day1 ARRIVE HOKKAIDO
Day2 HAPPINESS STATION→TOKACHI HOT SPRING
Happiness Station: This tourist attraction is located in the town of Meimuro, Hokkaido, and is a remnant of a former railroad station. Named “Happiness” in the 1980s, this station has become known as a place that brings happiness to visitors. A “Happiness Station” sign hangs outside the station building, making it a popular photo spot. In addition, “happy bells,” “happy stones,” and other happiness-themed objects have been placed around the station. Visitors ring the bells and touch the stones with their wishes for good fortune.
Tokachi Onsen: Located in the Tokachi region of Hokkaido, this hot spring resort is surrounded by rich nature. The hot springs are believed to be effective for beautifying the skin and provide relaxation and healing to visitors. There are many lodging facilities in the surrounding area, and visitors can enjoy various styles of hot springs.
The features of Tokachi Onsen: The hot springs are abundant with free-flowing hot-spring water, and beautiful natural scenery can be enjoyed from the open-air baths. In addition, the surrounding wilderness allows visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, especially the autumn leaves in fall and the snowy landscape in winter. Dishes using local ingredients are also popular, making this an attractive spot to enjoy food along with hot springs.
Day3 KUSHIRO MARSHLAND→LAKE AKAN
Kushiro Marshland: This is the largest marshland in Japan. It was the first wetland in Japan to be designated as a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland, and is a valuable habitat for many species of wildlife, including Japan’s largest wild birds such as the red-crowned crane, which is designated as a special natural treasure. The scenery is completely different depending on the season. June and July are the best months for plant observation and trekking, when the grass and flowers are lush and green. In autumn, the whole area turns into a golden hue, and at once becomes a different world. Winter brings beautiful snowy landscapes and the sight of red-crowned cranes.
Lake Akan: This beautiful lake is located in the town of Akan, Hokkaido, and offers a rich natural environment. The lake is approximately 13 kilometers long and is surrounded by virgin forest. At the center of the lake is Lake Akan Onsen, a hot spring resort with many hot spring bathhouses and tourist facilities. Visitors can enjoy the scenery in each of the four seasons, especially the autumn leaves in fall and the snowy landscape in winter.
Day4 LAKE KUSSHARO→ABASHIRI
Lake Kussharo: Lake Kussharo is a beautiful lake located in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido and is the largest caldera lake in Japan. The view from the observatory is spectacular, with Lake Kussharo shining in cobalt blue, Mt. Shari and the Daisetsuzan mountain range. Lake Kussharo is also known for the large number of swans that visit the lake. Thanks to the hot springs on the sandy beach, the edge of the lake does not freeze in winter, so many swans gather near the beach and you can watch the beautiful sight of them resting their wings. The Kotan no Yu (hot spring) on the shore of Lake Kussharo, where swans rest their wings in front of you and you can feel as if you are bathing together with them, is also popular.
Lake Mashu: Lake Mashu is known as the clearest lake in Japan. Surrounded by steep mountains, the lake offers a variety of seasonal scenery. The lake is often shrouded in fog, and its mysterious appearance is well known to many tourists as “Lake Mashu in the Mist. There is also an observatory on the lakeshore from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake. There are also walking trails in the surrounding area, where visitors can enjoy hiking and nature observation.
Mt. Iouzan : An active volcano located in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, this area is dotted with hot springs and fumaroles. The entire mountain is filled with the smell of sulfur and offers a unique landscape. Visitors can walk along a well-maintained walking trail and observe the hot spring steam and fumaroles up close. There are also local hot spring facilities where visitors can enjoy the hot springs that nature has blessed them with.
Museum Abashiri Prison: The buildings from those days have been restored, and there are many exhibits that allow visitors to see the inside of the prison. The exhibits include tools used by prisoners and materials related to the prison, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the historical background of the prison.
Day5 ABASHIRI→SOUNKYO
Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker : This is a sightseeing ship for viewing drift ice in the Sea of Okhotsk during the winter season. Especially in operation from January through March, they offer a powerful experience of breaking up drift ice as they go. The Orora and the Garinko-go are representative ships, both of which come close to the drift ice and allow visitors to observe the beautiful scenery up close. Onboard commentary is provided, and visitors can learn about drift ice and marine ecosystems. During the drift ice season, many tourists come to enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido in winter. The Hokkaido drift ice sightseeing icebreaker is an attractive sightseeing activity that offers a special winter experience.
Two beautiful waterfalls, selected as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan, are the representative scenic spots of Sounkyo Onsen. The “ Meteor Falls falls violently with a drop of about 90 meters, and “Ginga-no-taki Falls Galaxy Falls are also called Otoko-taki and Onna-taki because of the way the water falls gently like a white thread from a 120-meter drop. From the parking lot, a 20-minute walk up the slope with the falls in the background leads to the “Twin Falls Stand” observation platform. From here, you can see two waterfalls cascading down at the same time.
Day6 ASAHIKAWA→SAPPORO
Asahikawa’s representative tourist attraction, known as “ Asahikawa Asahiyama Zoo Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo is known as one of the most popular tourist attractions in Asahikawa. The zoo has been attracting a great deal of attention for its realistic exhibits, and boasts one of the highest visitor numbers in Japan. The zoo has become famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which create a comfortable space for animals to behave as they should. The “Pengin-kan” where the animals swim freely in an underwater tunnel, the “Seal-kan” where they go up and down in a cylindrical tank, the “Arctic Bear-kan” where you can see them dive boldly into a pool, the “Orangutan-kan” where they walk smoothly in the air on a tower 17 meters high, and the “Hippo–kan” where you can watch them swim in a pool from directly below, Visitors can also see the animals in various locations, such as the “Crane House,” “Forest of Ezo Deer,” and “Hokkaido Animal House,” which are unique to Hokkaido zoos, where you can see the animals living vividly.
Sapporo Clock Tower: This symbolic building of Sapporo, Hokkaido, was completed in 1878. This clock tower is a beautiful wooden structure in the classical American style and is known as an important cultural asset that reminds us of the history of Sapporo. Inside the clock tower, there is an exhibition room where materials related to the history of clocks and the development of Sapporo are displayed. Visitors can also enjoy strolling and taking pictures in the surrounding park and plaza. Especially at night, the clock tower is illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Sapporo Clock Tower is loved by many people as a tourist attraction and a place where visitors can feel the history and culture of Sapporo.
Day7 OTARU CANAL
Otaru Canal: This historic canal in Otaru, Hokkaido, was constructed during the Meiji period (1868-1912). The 1.1-kilometer-long canal once played an important role in the transportation of goods and commerce as the center of a prosperous port town. Along the canal, nostalgic stone warehouses and gas lamps stand side by side, retaining the atmosphere of those days. A walking trail has been developed, allowing tourists to leisurely stroll along the canal and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Especially at dusk, the gas lamps are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Otori Park: Located in the center of Sapporo City, Hokkaido, this vast park stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers in length. This park is a favorite place for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the seasonal flowers and greenery. Various events and festivals are held in the summer, especially the Sapporo Snow Festival, which attracts many visitors with its beautiful snow and ice sculptures. The park is also dotted with tourist attractions such as the Clock Tower and Odori Bisset, making it a great place to stroll. With spacious lawns and playground equipment, it is an attractive place for families and friends to relax and spend time together. Odori Park is an important landmark where visitors can enjoy the culture and nature of Sapporo.
Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outside Market: Located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, this lively market offers a wide variety of fresh seafood and local specialties. Located outside the central wholesale market, the market is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, where you can find fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables, as well as a number of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made from fresh ingredients. In particular, the seafood rice bowls and sushi are very popular among visitors. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at stores selling local crafts and souvenirs. The Sapporo Central Wholesale Market is a tourist attraction where you can enjoy delicious food and cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
Day8 HOKKAIDO🛫HOME
EAST OF HOKKAIDO TOUR
All itineraries can be arranged according to your preferences.
There is a minimum number of participants for the trip.
Some services may not be available in small groups and may be more expensive.
Include
BUS
HIGHWAY
PARKING
GUIDE
ADMISSION
HOTEL ( 3 STAR OR 4 STAR)
MEAL
Not Inculde
Service charge
Temporary change expense of the itinerary
Personal expense
International fight
Personal travel insurance
The meal which is not included in an itinerary