Best of Hokkaido: Sapporo, Furano, Asahikawa
(Mini Group Tour)

Itinerary

• Day 1: Sapporo, Arrival

  Welcome to Hokkaido, a wonderland in northern Japan! Upon your arrival at the New Chitose Airport of Sapporo, you will be picked up by a private driver who can speak basic English. After hotel check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to recover from the long journey.

  Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Sapporo Nakajima Park or similar

  • Sapporo

• Day 2: Sapporo City Discovery With Ishiya Chocolate Factory

  Today you will explore Sapporo, the largest city on the island of Hokkaido. Begin your journey at the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the few remaining Western-style buildings in this vibrant metropolis and a symbol of its rich history. From there, make your way to Odori Park, a popular destination for relaxation and recreation. At the eastern end of this expansive green space stands the imposing Sapporo TV Tower with an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of both the park and the cityscape.

  For a sweet and fun-filled afternoon, head to Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate-themed park that houses the Ishiya Chocolate Factory. Shiroi Koibito chocolate is a beloved treat among kids and adults, and the park offers innovative ways to experience and savor this delicious white chocolate. You will observe the production process of the famous Shiroi Koibito chocolate cookie souvenir, and even participate in the factory's courses that will enchant you with the magic of chocolate. Plus, you and your loved ones can create your sweet treats as a memento of your magical day. It will surely be an unforgettable experience!

  Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Sapporo Nakajima Park or similar

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  • Sapporo

• Day 3: Sapporo - Furano, Farm Tomita and Ningle Terrace Tour

  Your Furano discovery starts with a visit to Ningle Terrace, a collection of log cabins in the forest linked by boardwalks. These cute cabins serve as arts and crafts stores where the local artisans showcase their creations and skills, as well as cafes offering snacks and drinks. In addition to taking a relaxing stroll under cool shades of green with your friends and family, you can also try the area's specialty food here, including baked milk and ice cream.

  With seemingly endless flower fields in vibrant colors of blue, purple, orange, and red, Farm Tomita has become a symbol of Hokkaido and it is a must-visit for anyone loving an encounter with nature. For lavender in full bloom, time your visit between mid to late July and you will be awed by the spectacle of a purple carpet of lavender flowers coating the hills. If you come in May, blooming grape hyacinth and viola greet you will their vivid colors, while marigold and silver cock's comb adorn the fields with lively orange and red.

  Accommodation: Nozo Hotel or similar

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  • Furano

• Day 4: Asahidake Onsen, Biei Shikisai Hill & Blue Pond

  Today, your Hokkaido discovery takes you to Asahidake Onsen with a stop in Biei. You will arrive in Biei after around 40 minutes. Here you will be awed by the spectacular view of Shikisai Hill (Shikisai no Oka, 四季彩の丘)'s bright-colored flower fields. To make your visit more fun, consider riding the buggies, carts, or the Norokko tractor bus (at your own expense) through the flower fields to appreciate the beauty from more angles.

  Your trip then takes you to the Blue Pond tucked in verdant hills. Named for its blue color created by minerals dissolved in the water, the pond presents different shades of blue depending on the time, weather, and season you visit, with the barren trunks of withered Japanese larch trees piercing through the water's surface towards the sky. Roam around to soak up the serene vibe and capture some great shots.

  Proceed to Shirahige Falls afterward. Flowing from an underground river, the white streams of the waterfall gush down rocky cliffs into the flowing Biei River in a deep cobalt blue color. Afterward, it's another 40-minute drive to Asahikawa.

  Accommodation: Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa or similar

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  • Asahikawa

• Day 5: Asahiyama Zoo, Ramen Village & More

  This morning, you will visit one of the most beloved zoos in the country - Asahiyama Zoo. In this incredible zoo, you can admire the penguins swimming freely from an underwater glass tunnel, witness the polar bears in action during feeding time, have a close encounter with them from the Seal's Eye capsule, and catch the seal swimming through the glass pipe at the nearby Seal House!

  Discover the splendid nature by visiting the valley of Kamui Kotan (also spelled Kamuy Kotan). In the language of the indigenous Ainu people, Kamui Kotan means "a place dwelled by the kamuy gods". Here the Ishikari River turns into surging rapids, cutting through steep cliffs coated by dense forests as it rushes into the distance. Walk along the jagged riverbanks to fully appreciate the gorgeous views.

  Afterward, proceed to a Ramen Village. Eight of Asahikawa's most famous ramen restaurants have opened branches here, each offering a selection of ramen varieties from the flavorful miso ramen to the tongue-numbing spicy ramen. Asahikawa ramen is known for its shoyu (soya sauce) based broths, so it is also possible for you to taste this local specialty food here.

  Accommodation: Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa or similar

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  • Asahikawa

• Day 6: Daisetsuzan National Park

  Today is dedicated to exploring Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest of its kind on the island of Hokkaido. Take the Asahidake Ropeway connecting Ashidake Onsen situated at the mountain foot to the Sugatami Station located within a two-hour hike from Mount Asahidake's summit, and you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the national park's towering mountains and verdant fields along the way.

  Depending on your interest and physical condition, you can hike the circular trail around the ropeway's upper station, which usually takes just under an hour to finish, or ascent to the summit of Asahidake standing at 2,291 meters and soak up the gorgeous scenery - the fumaroles gushing white, volcanic smoke, the Sugatami Pond with a clear reflection of Mt. Asahidake and an unobstructed, 360-degree view from the summit.

  Accommodation: Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa or similar

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  • Asahikawa

• Day 7: Asahikawa - Akanko Onsen

  Today, your driver will take you to Akanko Onsen. The road trip usually takes around 4 hours. Born from a volcanic eruption almost two centuries ago, the beautiful Lake Akan is loved for its gorgeous natural beauty - hills coated in lush forest hugging the lake, glistening, crystal-like "Frost Flowers" blooming in mid-winter...... It is also home to a unique kind of algae called "marimo", which could grow into a lovely green ball the size of a soccer if left alone for a few centuries. Tonight, you will be staying at Akanko Onsen, enjoy the soothing hot water of the hotel/onsen's bath, and have a good night's sleep.

  Accommodation: Forest of Akan Tsuruga Resort Hanayuuka or similar

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  • Akanko Onsen

• Day 8: Eastern Hokkaido Exploration

  Your journey today takes you deeper into the Akan-Mashu National Park. A one-and-a-half-hour drive takes you to the shore of Lake Kussharo. Here you can take a stroll along the walking paths on the Wakoto Peninsula situated at the lake's southern end for a deeper discovery of the surrounding forest, kick back in one of the outdoor baths on the lakeshore, and soak up the breathtaking scenery, or experience kayaking to appreciate the beauty from another angle.

  Next up is Mt. Io, an active volcano. Mt. Io literally means sulfur mountain in Japanese, and the smell of sulfur in the air and the sight of vents fuming with sulfurous steam will no doubt startle your senses. Stop at Lake Mashu and be awed by an unobstructed view of serene waters in a deep, mesmerizing blue and Mount Mashudake standing all tall and imposing on the western shore. Depending on the time and your physical condition, you can also opt for a hike that will take you along the rim of the caldera to the summit of Mount Mashudake.

  Wrap up the day with a visit to Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest wetland and a heaven for nature lovers with over 700 species of plants. The Marsh is an inhabitant of the endangered Japanese Red-Crowned Crane and if you are lucky enough, you'll get to spot these birds so iconic of Japan casually feeding in the fields. Other birds such as Steller's sea eagles and Latham's snipes can also be found in the area.

  Accommodation: Forest of Akan Tsuruga Resort Hanayuuka or similar

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  • Akanko Onsen

• Day 9: Shimukappu, All-inclusive Vacation in Club Med

  Transfer to Shimukapp today and get ready to embark on an ultimate all-inclusive vacation experience at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido!

  During your stay, all your meals are included. You can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes and drinks without any extra charge. You are welcome to take your time and savor the food and drinks at your leisure. Get ready for a gourmet adventure that will delight your senses!

  As you arrive, prepare to be pampered with a delectable dinner and relax in the rejuvenating hot springs or one of Japan's largest indoor pools. And, to top it all off, catch the breathtaking G.O. show in the evening that will leave you in awe. Your stay at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido promises to be nothing short of incredible and unforgettable.

  Accommodation: Club Med Tomamu

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  • Club Med Tomamu

• Day 10: All-inclusive Vacation in Club Med

  In the summertime, you can indulge in a delightful escapade at a water paradise and bask in the glorious warmth of the sun at the beach. The resort provides an extensive selection of activities, such as archery and trapeze, for both you and your little ones to relish. If you yearn for a calm and peaceful experience, you can opt for a gondola ride to Unkai Terrace where you will be able to witness the breathtaking sea of clouds. Indulge in a scrumptious cup of tea or coffee and revel in the panoramic view from the summit of Mt. Tomamu.

  Accommodation: Club Med Tomamu

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  • Club Med Tomamu

• Day 11: Drive to Sapporo

  Say goodbye to Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido today. Your private driver will take you to Sapporo. The overland journey usually takes 2 hours and you can enjoy the comfort of a private transfer. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is for you to discover this city under your own steam.

  Accommodation: Sapporo Stream Hotel or similar

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  • Sapporo

• Day 12: Sapporo, Departure

  About a 1-hour drive from Sapporo will take you to the New Chitose Airport for your departure flight or onward journey.

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