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Hokkaido in Style City Buzz, Forest Treks & Wildlife Encounters
Japan – Hokkaido – Sapporo – the Shiretoko Peninsula
Before delving into the wilds, enjoy a few nights in Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo. Here, you can rub shoulders with locals, duck into buzzing izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs) and savour the buzz of urban life. While nowhere near as busy as Tokyo, Sapporo is still Japan’s fifth-largest city, complete with expansive boulevards, leafy parks and all manner of excellent eateries.
Next, lace up your hiking boots as you set out to explore the island’s national parks. When you’re not walking along off-the-beaten-track trails and peering through binoculars in search of local wildlife, you can simmer in natural hot springs and cool off in glassy lakes. Dreamy.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready – your Hokkaido adventure starts today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and nip into the lounge for some complimentary fizz before take-off. Flights to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, connect through Tokyo and take around 16 hours in total, so don’t forget to bring a page-turning read.
You’ll land in Sapporo the following morning, where you’ll be met and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel. This will be your home for the next two nights so unpack and settle in.
This evening, we’ve arranged for you to meet up with a friendly local for a private tour of the city. You’ll duck into a series of izakayas (traditional Japanese pubs), with the chance to try regional specialities like miso ramen, yakitori skewers, snow crab, fresh sashimi, jingisukan (barbecue lamb) and korokke (Hokkaido potato croquettes).
Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning before stepping out to explore further afield. A 45-minute drive west of Sapporo lies the port town of Otaru, a charming little place, brimming with history.
Let curiosity lead the way as you stroll these storied streets, rubbing shoulders with locals and experiencing a slower side of Hokkaido. Be sure to snap some photos of the scenic waterway while you’re here, too – it's lined with colourful houses and ornate lampposts. Talk about photogenic.
Return to Sapporo this afternoon to unwind before delving back into the buzz of the city this evening. Since izakayas were the star of the show last night, why not ask our local Concierge for some more formal dining options tonight?
Bid the bright lights of Sapporo a fond farewell this morning as you check out and collect your hire car to drive to Lake Shikotsu. An hour south, nestled in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, this is the second-deepest lake in all of Japan.
Pull up to the shores of the lake around midday, ready to check in for a two-night stay. Following a leisurely lunch, step out to soak in the scenery this afternoon. The lake itself is a lovely spot for a paddle, kayak or swim, so don’t hesitate to don your swimsuits and wade in.
This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner before sinking into bed to rest up for tomorrow’s adventures.
The name of the game today: relaxation. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lake, head out to Noboribetsu, Japan’s most famous hot spring resort. It’s an hour and a half away by car, so strap in and hit the road.
Perched on Hokkaido’s southern coast, Noboribetsu is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and mineral-rich waters. Sink into the simmering waters as you gaze up at the surrounding forests and steaming geothermal vents. This is the ideal combo of relaxation, beauty and the otherworldly Jigokundai – that's ‘Hell Valley’ to us Brits.
Zen and zonked, head back to your hotel this afternoon for even more R&R in the lead up to dinner tonight.
Another day, another picturesque national park. After breakfast this morning, check out and head off towards Asahidake, in Daisetsuzan, Japan’ largest national park. It’s an hour and 45 minutes away so crank up the volume and cue the road trip tunes.
When you arrive, check in for two nights and divvy up the sides of the bed. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. If you’re raring to go, head out for a stroll – or even a full-blown hike – through the park’s lush alpine landscapes. Or, if you're tired from your travels, simply kick back and enjoy the facilities at your hotel. This is the life.
After tucking into a tasty breakfast this morning, pack your day bags and join forces with a private local guide. It’s time for a tour of Daisetsuzan National Park – meaning ‘Great Snowy Mountains’.
Spanning nearly 890 square miles in the centre of Hokkaido, the park features five majestic peaks that rise over 6,500ft above sea level. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers, rich in volcanic flora and fauna. While bird sightings are rare, foxes and bears are abundant, so keep your eyes peeled.
Having racked up some seriously steep step counts, return to your hotel this afternoon to put your feet up and enjoy a well-earned pause. Then, put rumbling stomachs to rest with yet another sumptuous supper.
The longest drive of the trip awaits this morning, so fuel up on a hearty breakfast before heading off. Today, you’ll journey four hours to Akan Kohan, in the heart of Akan-Mashu National Park. It’s the only village on the shores of Lake Akan, so if you’re seeking some peace and quiet you’ll certainly find it here.
Pull into the hotel this afternoon to check in for another two-night stay and freshen up. Then, to stretch your legs before dinner, venture out on a gentle stroll to the Bihoro Pass Observatory, which offers panoramic views of a different lake: Lake Kussharo.
How you spend the rest of the day is up to you. If you fancy another dip in a natural hot spring, head to the Kotan Onsen. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Kawayu Visitor Center to learn about the region’s ecosystem, wildlife and history before setting out along the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail, which is 1.6 miles long and takes about an hour – ideal for working up an appetite for dinner.
Rise and shine – a world of natural wonders await. Tuck into a bountiful spread at breakfast then kick things off with an independent hike around Lake Mashu. Referred to as ‘Devil’s Lake’ in ancient times, it’s 656ft deep with almost transparent waters. Despite its rather insidious moniker, Mashu makes for a delightful hiking spot.
Set off on the nine-mile-long route around the shores today, with plenty of stops to photograph the stellar views and admire local vegetation such as golden grasses and white birches.
After stopping for lunch, continue exploring this afternoon with a canoeing adventure. Lake Kussharo is a crater lake with a 35-mile circumference, making it the largest in the park. Glide out on the waters with a local guide to experience it in all its shimmering glory.
Hop back in the car this morning for the roughly two-hour drive to Utoro Onsen. Perched on the northeastern tip of the island – on the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula – this will be your base for more nature-filled adventures.
Arriving in the afternoon, check in for two nights and celebrate the last leg of your trip with a welcome drink. Spend the rest of the afternoon kicking back and enjoying your new surroundings. Then, after an early dinner this evening, venture into the dark for a private night safari. Accompanied by an expert local guide, trek through the forest in search of brown bears, foxes and deer. Binoculars at the ready...
You’ve made some furry friends, now for the marine life. Jutting into the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shiretoko Peninsula is ideal for whale-watching cruises. So, after breakfast, climb into a boat and push off the coast in search of orcas.
Eager birdwatchers should keep their eyes peeled today, too. Coastal birds such as cormorants, gulls and sea eagles are sure to be soaring overhead or watching from the shores.
Camera rolls full and hair hilariously windswept, return to dry land this afternoon for an independent stroll around Utoro Onsen. There are plenty of scenic trails through the landscape, including those in Furepe no taki Falls and Shiretoko National Park. Time to lace up those trainers.
Then, at dinner tonight, ask your server to fish out the top-shelf booze so you can toast to your last night in Hokkaido. Kanpai (cheers)!
Sadly, your time in Hokkaido comes to an end today, but not before a final few adventures this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, pack your bags and head towards the city of Memambetsu, located in the east of the island.
After an hour and a half on the road, you’ll reach the Abashiri Prison Museum. Explore preserved Meiji-era buildings while learning about the inmates who helped shape Japan’s northern frontier.
Historied out, continue to Memanbetsu Airport to return your hire car and hop on a two-hour flight to Tokyo. Spend a night in the airport hotel before catching your 15-hour flight home the next morning.
Thanks to the time difference, you’ll land the same day, ready to regale friends and family with tales of your far-flung adventure.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
DOLPHIN AND SPERM WHALE WATCHING
The Shiretoko Peninsula boasts an abundance of marine species. So, if you’re keen to see something other than orcas, you can opt for a cruise in search of dolphins and sperm whales instead.BROWN BEAR SPOTTING CRUISE
If you’d prefer to keep your eyes on the shores during your wildlife-watching cruise, it’s also possible to hit the water in search of brown bears. At the tip of the Shiretoko Peninsula, in an area known as Rusha, you’ll have a good chance of spotting these beautiful beasts – cameras at the ready.
Why visit Japan with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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