Hokkaido Blooms

On your first full day in Sapporo, your guide will take you around on a full day of exploration of the sights and attractions in the city. Depending on the season, you may immerse yourself in the local festivities. You might witness the city adorned in cherry blossoms or the excitement of the Yosakoi Soran Festival, where traditional dance energizes the streets. A journey through the city reveals a celebration of the senses, from the vibrant Sapporo Matsuri to the sumptuous tastes at local food stalls, offering a glimpse into the culinary heritage of Hokkaido.

If not distracted by sensational cultural festivals, you might end up discovering a whimsical world of chocolate at Shiroi Koibito Park; a place where sweet dreams are crafted into reality. Or you may visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido to travel through time and experience the region’s past. Time and season dependant, you may conclude your day with a cable car ride up Mt. Moiwa, where the cityscape unfolds below in a panorama of lights and colours, offering a stunning sunset spectacle that transitions beautifully into a mountainous backdrop on the horizon off Sapporo’s night sky.

Embark on a scenic journey to the idyllic towns of Furano and Biei, approximately a 2-hour drive through Hokkaido’s heartland. The rolling hills and agricultural landscapes offer a peaceful transition from city life. In Furano, discover a town that comes alive with vibrant lavender fields and a variety of flowers during the summer months, set against the striking backdrop of the Tokachi Mountains. Explore local artisan shops, sample exquisite cheese at the Furano Cheese Factory, and indulge in the town’s renowned wine and sweets.

Embark on a scenic drive through the heart of Hokkaido’s countryside, where the vibrant colours of summer paint a picture of pastoral perfection. Prepare to be captivated by the sapphire gleam of the Shirogane Blue Pond and the cascading beauty of Shirahige Falls. The day is filled with luxurious dining experiences, immersing you in the region’s bounty amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Tokachi Mountains.

Spend the day taking in the panoramic views that artists and photographers dream of, with meals that bring the local flavours to life.

The next leg takes you to Daisetsuzan National Park, a sprawling wilderness about a 2-hour drive from Biei, where nature’s majesty reigns supreme. At Sounkyo Onsen, embrace the restorative powers of volcanic hot springs in a superior Western-Japanese style ryokan. The Daisetsu Mori-no Garden showcases the region’s flora, presenting a living gallery of alpine plants and flowers.

Embrace the luxurious comfort of a traditional ryokan stay and refresh and recharge in an onsen to take advantage of the area’s renowned geothermal healing waters. As evening descends, unwind with a kaiseki meal, where each dish is a work of art reflecting the seasonal best.

Arrive in Abashiri and delve into its rich history at the Abashiri Prison Museum, a unique cultural landmark often likened to Alcatraz. Later, take a serene walk around Cape Notoro lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic cliffside views, where the sea stretches into the horizon. Your evening is crowned with a stay in a luxury ryokan, complete with onsen baths to relax and reflect on the day’s discoveries, before indulging in a sumptuous evening meal that celebrates Hokkaido’s local grown flavours and the bounty of the sea.

Immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rugged landscapes and rich biodiversity. Depending on the season, you may put on extremely thick wetsuits and go for an exciting ice walk over coastal drift ice, jumping between floating platforms of broken ice along the shoreline.

Take to the seas with an Aurora boat tour, scanning the coastline for brown bears and the waters for marine life. After an incredible boat tour past countless dramatic cliffs and waterfalls falling straight into the sea, recall the excitement of a chance sighting of a brown bear, sea mammals, or birds of prey whilst soaking in the park’s therapeutic hot springs back at your hotel; a natural conclusion to a day spent in one of Japan’s most remote and beautiful wilderness areas.

Travel to the serene Lake Akan, nestled within Akan-Mashu National Park, and immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of luxurious lakeside living and ancient Ainu culture. Witness the Ainu’s UNESCO-protected heritage firsthand with an enchanting evening performance. Afterwords, partake in the award winning Lumina Night Walk, an illuminated forest trail that brings the Ainu stories to life under a canopy of stars.

Set sail across Lake Akan’s crystal-clear waters to discover the enigmatic marimo algae, unique to this region. Embrace the tranquility of Lake Akan as you embark on a boat tour, delving into the natural mystery of the marimo algae. These spherical wonders, a natural treasure, are a testament to the pristine condition of the lake. The rest of your day can be spent enjoying the lush surroundings and the plethora of outdoor activities that allow for an intimate connection with this serene environment.

End your Hokkaido journey in Tomamu, where luxury blends seamlessly with the wild allure of the mountains. Tomamu’s range of outdoor activities offers something for every taste, all set against the opulent backdrop of your elegant accommodations with sensational views.

Get up early and ascend by gondola cable car to the Unkai Terrace for an encounter with the ‘sea of clouds’ at sunrise, a breathtaking phenomenon that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into the heavens. After a delightful breakfast back at the hotel, you’ll reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your Hokkaido journey.

Today, you have the choice to conclude your trip with a convenient transfer back to Chitose Airport, just an hour and a half away, or to extend your stay and delve deeper into the wonders of Hokkaido. If you choose to linger longer, perhaps consider exploring the island’s lesser-known locales, each offering its own unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.

Located in the centre of Sapporo city, this 4* hotel has everything you need for a very comfortable stay in Sapporo. Rooms are well-designed and there are many restaurants inside the hotel.  Take a stroll in the city centre to indulge in a bowl of hot ramen with famous local crab meat.

Located in the centre of Sapporo city, this 4* hotel has everything you need for a very comfortable stay in Sapporo. Rooms are well designed and there are many restaurants inside the hotel.  Take a stroll in the city centre to indulge in a bowl of hot ramen with famous local crabmeat.

The Okhotsk people appeared on the shores of the north to live off the fertile lands of Hokkaido, but disappeared under mysterious circumstances. HOKUTEN NO OKA Lake Abashiri Tsuruga Resort is a hotel located on the shores of Lake Abashiri that pays homage to these native people through distinctive design elements and accents. This unique Hokkaido getaway offers fine dining, spa treatments with many volcanic hot spring baths, and guest-rooms with their own private outdoor hot spring bath.