Shimmering Lakes and Wild Landscapes: A Road Trip Through Japan’s Hokkaido Isl

When you land, you’ll journey into the city by train and head to your hotel, which is designed to reflect Sapporo’s pioneering spirit. Once you’ve settled in, relax by the small swimming pool and enjoy the beautiful city panorama before heading out to explore. The evening is yours to spend as you please: go for a wander to discover some of the prefecture’s old buildings, take in the view of the city from the top of the television tower, or see Sapporo by night in the bustling Susukino district. For dinner, tuck into some of the island’s specialities such as a bowl of soup curry or miso ramen.

Today, we’ll arrange for you to discover Sapporo in the footsteps of a local. Your guide has lived in Japan for years, and they’re perfectly placed not only to show you the city’s essential sights, but also to let you in on some of Sapporo’s local secrets. This relaxed walk will be tailored to you, so if there’s anything you want to see in particular, just ask. If you like, we can also arrange for you to spend the day in the port city of Otaru with a private guide.

Today is the day your road trip really begins. After picking up your rental car, you’ll drive south towards Lake Toya, which takes just under two hours in total. Along the way you can stop at Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake surrounded by three majestic mountains and dotted with onsen (hot springs). After taking in your stunning surroundings, you’ll continue on to Shikotsu-Toya National Park and the shores of Lake Toya. This spectacular lake resembles a gigantic donut, with a 25-mile circumference and a large island in the centre. You’ll spend two nights here beside the water in a hotel with unbeatable views, to be enjoyed whether you’re dining in the restaurant or soaking in the onsen.

While you’re here, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the most of your surroundings: explore the forest-covered islands by boat, bathe in soothing onsen and admire the surrounding peaks, in particular the steaming Mount Tarumae. On the lake’s southern shore, you can reach the top of Mount Usu – an active volcano – by taking the cable car from Showa-shinzan.

This morning you’ll drive on to Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring resort, also located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Nestled in a mountain setting, Noboribetsu is famous for its wide variety of hot springs and indoor and outdoor pools. When you’re not soaking in these healing waters, take a hike in the nearby volcanic valley of Jigokudani (Hell Valley), whose lunar landscape is dotted with geysers and fumaroles. Lake Kuttara and the Shiraoi Ainou Museum are also just a short drive away. You’ll spend the night in a small but comfortable ryokan, whose welcoming atmosphere stands out among Noboribetsu Onsen’s many large hotel complexes.

Today you’ll drive north for just over three-and-a-half hours, passing through Sapporo once again and continuing on to Sounkyo Onsen, located in the heart of the wild Daisetsuzan Park. If you have time, it’s worth taking a one-hour detour to the Furano region, known for its striking fields of lavender along with poppies, sunflowers and lilies. The sight of these vibrant colours arranged in perfect rows is truly spectacular. When you arrive in Sounkyo Onsen, you’ll spend two nights in a hotel on the mountainside. Relax after your journey with a soak in the onsen as you enjoy mountain views.

Daizetsuzan National Park is the largest in Japan, comprising over 540,000 acres of mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls and expanses of green. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife including brown bears. While you’re here, carve out some time to take the cable car up Mount Kurodake to enjoy the panoramic views. To discover the region on foot, hike around the Ohachidaira caldera or the Sounkyo gorges, famous for their beautiful waterfalls. After a day of exploring, the best way to unwind is by relaxing in one of Sounkyo's many onsen.

Today you’ll leave Daizetsuzan in favour of another national park: Akan Mashu. As you drive, you’ll cross waterfalls and mountain landscapes until you reach the spa resort of Akan Kohan, the only village on the shores of volcanic Lake Akan. This ancient crater is today surrounded by two active volcanoes. From here, marked trails meander through the forest or around the lake to natural mud pools. You’ll spend the night in a hotel on the banks of a river that crosses a dense and verdant forest. The onsen overlook the river, while the lake is moments away.

Your journey this morning will be a one-hour drive through the mountains and forests of the park to reach Lake Kussharo, one of the largest lakes on the island. You’ll spend two nights here in a tent beside the lake, where you can truly switch off and immerse yourself in your stunning surroundings.

We’ll organise for you to take a canoe trip on the water while you’re here. According to legend, this volcanic lake harbours the Kusshii on its central island, a lake monster similar to Scotland’s Nessie. Even if you don’t catch sight of the creature, you may spot swans that have settled here for the cold season, or the rare yet majestic wild cranes of Japan. If you like, we can also arrange riding trips around the lake.

Today you’ll take the road northeast to reach the Shiretoko Peninsula, whose name is derived from the Ainu word meaning ‘the end of the earth.’ Along the way, take a detour to Lake Mashu, whose transparent waters are sometimes covered in a fine, almost magical mist. The road continues through forests and fields until you reach the coast and the Sea of Okhotsk. Just after the Waterfall of Oshinkoshin – designated as one of Japan’s 100 best – you’ll arrive at Utoro Onsen, where you’ll spend two nights in a comfortable hotel on the sea.

Almost the entire Shiretoko Peninsula is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage national park. Covered in forests and volcanic ridges, these wild lands are home to some exceptional wildlife including whales, dolphins, eagles, deer, foxes and majestic brown bears, which you may well come across as you explore on foot or by car.

There are hiking routes for all abilities available here, so don’t miss a walk around the Shiretoko five lakes; or for panoramic views of Mount Rausu, climb to the top of Shiretoko Pass. If you’re interested in the region’s wildlife, take a cruise in Rusha Bay to watch for bears, or off Rausu for a chance of spotting orcas and other whales. At Rausu Fishing Port, you can visit the market for a taste of local life. If you like, we can arrange for you to take a guided mountain biking trip around the national park.