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Hokkaido Blooms

Hokkaido Blooms

10 Nights / 11 Days Small Group Tour
from €4,500 / £4,050 / US$5,050 / AU$7,900 per person sharing (See Dates/Prices below)

Embark on a relaxing journey, witnessing the colourful transformation of Hokkaido’s blooming landscape after a long white winter. Experience lively seasonal festivals, meet with indigenous Ainu people, stay in opulent ryokans, and witness breathtaking national parks worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status. This immersive tour spans from Sapporo’s dynamic festivals to Shiretoko’s rugged coastline, offering a tapestry of cultural and natural wonders. Relish the fusion of modernity with tradition and rejuvenate amidst the serenity of Japan’s celebrated hot springs and hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sapporo: The Cultural Heartbeat of Hokkaido

Start your Hokkaido adventure in Sapporo; a mere hour’s drive from Chitose International Airport. Settle into a Superior Western-style hotel and refresh before beginning to explore the street culture and energy of this vibrant city. As the largest city in Japan north of Tokyo, there are many options to explore, from the Sapporo Beer Museum and factory tour to the historic clock tower and period buildings.
Perhaps you will enjoy the urban greenery of Odori Park; which comes alive with many cultural festivals throughout the year. In the evening, check out the bright lights of the Suskino entertainment district and discover a welcoming and lively buzz of great restaurants and streets overflowing with people coming and going on a fun night out.

Day 2: Sapporo's Festive Soul

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.

Day 3: Furano's Floral Symphony: Wine, Cheese, and Lavender Blooms

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.

Day 4: Captivating Biei: Sapphire Waters and Lush Landscapes

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.

Day 5: Daisetsuzan's Alpine Majesty

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.

 

Day 6: Alcatraz of Asia: Abashiri's Storied Prison Past

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.

Day 7: UNESCO Natural Heritage: Shiretoko's Pristine Paradise Coast

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.

Day 8: Ainu Spirits and Lakeside Serenity at Akanko Onsen

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.

Day 9: Akan's Lakeside Secrets: Unveiling Marimo Mysteries

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.

Day 10: Tomamu's Heavenly Horizons: Clouds and Comfort

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.

Day 11: Depart Hokkaido or Extend Your Stay

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.

Dates and Prices

Triple Room€4,250 £US$ AU$
Twin/Double€4,500£4,050US$5,050AU$7,900
Single Room€6,074£US$AU$

 

Tour Starts:

May 11, 2024

Tour Ends:

May 22, 2024
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Tour Starts:

June 03, 2024

Tour Ends:

June 14, 2024
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Tour Starts:

July 25, 2024

Tour Ends:

August 05, 2024
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Tour Starts:

August 18, 2024

Tour Ends:

August 29, 2024
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Tour Starts:

May 10, 2025

Tour Ends:

May 21, 2025
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Tour Starts:

June 04, 2025

Tour Ends:

June 15, 2025
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Tour Starts:

July 25, 2025

Tour Ends:

August 05, 2025
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Tour Starts:

August 17, 2025

Tour Ends:

August 28, 2025
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Tour Starts:

May 09, 2026

Tour Ends:

May 20, 2026
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Accommodation

JR TOWER HOTEL NIKKO SAPPORO

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.

NOZO HOTEL

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.

CHOYO TEI (Superior Western-Japanese Style)

Situated in the heart of Sapporo, this 4-star hotel offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The hotel features well-designed rooms and a variety of restaurants on-site, catering to all tastes. Just a short stroll from the hotel, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant city center of Sapporo, where you can savor a steaming bowl of ramen enriched with the region’s famous local crabmeat. This centrally located hotel is the perfect base to explore all that Sapporo has to offer. 

ABASHIRIKO TSURUGA RESORT ( Superior Ryokan Japanese Style)

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.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, located in the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido, provides a luxurious and peaceful setting ideal for any traveler seeking both relaxation and adventure. The elegantly designed rooms each offer a unique and tranquil atmosphere. 

The resort is renowned for its comprehensive array of amenities. Visitors have access to relaxing hot springs, a selection of pools, and a fully equipped fitness center. Spa services are available for those looking to unwind further. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse dining options available, which highlight authentic Japanese dishes and international cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. For those inclined towards outdoor activities, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu offers year-round opportunities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and horseback riding in the warmer months. Families will find the resort accommodating, with numerous activities and clubs designed for children and various seasonal events that cater to guests of all ages. 

Each morning, guests can wake up to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys. The resort’s commitment to exceptional service ensures that every visitor’s stay is personalized and memorable, making Hoshino Resorts Tomamu an excellent choice for travelers organizing their trip through external providers. 

Tour Testimonial

Unique Japan Tours
Average rating:  
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Whats Included

DateService
Accommodation

5 nights in Superior and Deluxe Western hotels

5 nights in traditional Ryokans, Japanese style

English-speaking tour leader
  • Daily local English-speaking Tour Leader* (Group Size: 6–12 persons)
*If your tour has less than 5 people on it, we will arrange the tour on a semi-escorted basis. You will be met in each area by our local assistants and guides on days you don’t have private guides.
Private Tour GuidesLocal English-speaking tour guides, where appropriate
TransfersAll transfers included from arrival to departure airports
Entrance Fees
Included in all sights listed in the itinerary
Cultural Experiences
  • Sapporo City with our local guide
  • Arts and Crafts shopping in Furano
  • Furano Winery and Sweets Shop
  • Furano Cheese Factory (May~Sep)
  • Farm Visit
  • Tomita Lavender Fields (June/July)
  • Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirahige Falls
  • Scenic Drives throughout
  • Soukyo Gorge Waterfalls & RockFormations
  • Seasonal Blooms at DaisetsuMori-no Garden
  • Luxurious Ryokan Stays with Onsen andEvening Meals
  • Gondola Ride up Daisetsuzan
  • Yamabiko Falls Visit
  • Abashiri Prison Museum
  • Cape Notoro Lighthouse
  • Shiretoko UNESCO Coastline Boat Tour
  • Sightseeing Stops at Lake Mashu andLake Kussharo
  • Marimo Algae Exploration on Lake Akan
  • Ainu Community Interaction andPerformance
  • Gondala to the Sea of CloudsSEASONAL EVENTS*
  • Cherry Blossom Season (May)
  • Furano Cherry Blossom Festival (May)
  • Hokkaido-Jingu Shrine CulturalFestival (June)
  • Sapporo Summer Cultural Festival (July)
  • Furano “Belly Button” CulturalFestival (July)
  • Sapporo Bon Odori Festival (August)
  • Sapporo Autumn Festival (August)
Meals Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 2 evening meals (including one traditional kaiseki dinner)
Other Inclusions:
  • Comprehensive Travel Pack
  • Unique Japan Tours Travel App
  • Local Emergency Contact
  • All Taxes and Accommodation Surcharges
  • Fixed Price Policy
  • Minimum 2 / maximum 12 people
  • No hidden costs!
This package does not include:
  • International Flights [Arrange own flights into and out of Tokyo’s Haneda or Narita Airports – Always check the arrival date on your flight e.g. if flying from Europe/US, you will arrive into Tokyo the following day (depending on airline you use)]
  • Meals other than those specified in the itinerary. Generally, you can expect to pay 1,000yen for lunches and anything from 2,500yen for your evening meals.
  • Beverages consumed at any meal (Water served freely)
  • Baggage Handling (You are requested to carry your own bags so be careful when packing!)
  • Tour Leader, Guide or Driver Gratuity – can be arranged among your group (Optional)

 


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