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8-Day Hokkaido Summer Vacation — Nature & Traditions

8-Day Hokkaido Summer Vacation — Nature & Traditions

By RobertUpdated Aug. 14, 2023
Witness North Japan's Beauty and Taste Its Local Traditions

Looking for a worry-free, relaxing, and camera-friendly vacation? Look no further than our 8-day Hokkaido summer vacation!
Get away from busy city life and immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of North Japan. Our thoughtfully-planned itinerary would take you to some of the most mesmerizing spots in Hokkaido, where you can witness awe-inspiring landscapes and fully embrace the local customs like never before.

  • Days:
  • Best For:First-timers, Families, Nature lovers
  • Departure date:up to you
  • Sample Price:from US$ 4,099 each (based on family of 4 people, 2 per room)

Journey Route

Hokkaido travel guide

This is an ideal tour for first-time visitors and families. Sign up for your favorite part of the tour or simply treat the whole tour as inspiration, designing each element specially for you.

Highlights

Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Hokkaido by taking a walk into its fields of flowers.

The flower fields in Furano

Discover the fascinating history behind Hokkaido's local delicacies, such as ramen, chocolate biscuits, and honey lavender ice-cream, while savoring their delicious flavors.

the biscuit ice-cream in Hokkaido
the tag of ah hand picked

Experience Hokkaido's wildlife up close by visiting its top zoo, a bear park, and even taking a horse ride if you are interested.

The Brown Bear
the tag of ah hand picked

Delve into the intriguing history and culture of Hokkaido by visiting museums and villages that provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people.

Miyama's Thatched Village
the tag of ah hand picked

Be entertained by a skillful ninja performance in an authentic and scenic Edo-period setting.

Ninja performance at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
the tag of ah hand picked

Take in the stunning views of Lake Toya's panorama with a leisurely boat ride.

boats on the Lake Toya

Take in otherworldly smoking Hell Valley in Noboribetsu and its natural wonders.

the smoking Hall Valley
the tag of ah hand picked

Learn about science in an interactive and engaging way at Sapporo Science Center.

inside the Sapporo Science Center
the tag of ah hand picked

Have your own guide and private vehicle during the guided trip.

private driver and vehicle service

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Itinerary in Detail

We arrange plenty of cultural activities to help create memorable experiences along the way. We also take time to admire the nature, and enjoy great foods. Of course, all of them are adjustable according to your ideas!

Day 1
Sapporo Arrival and Highlights

Welcome to Hokkaido, a land of natural wonders and cultural treasures. We would be honored to take you there and excited to show you around Sapporo.

Upon arrival, we will pick you up from the airport and take you to visit some of the city's most beloved landmarks, including Sapporo Clock Tower, a historic building that has become a symbol of the city, lively Tanukikoji Shopping Street, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine, and Nijo Market, a seafood market that offers a unique glimpse into the daily life of the locals and their love for fresh seafood.

night of Sapporo Clock Tower
The night at the Sapporo Clock Tower
Day 2
Sapporo to Furano via Asahikawa

On day 3, we would travel to Asahikawa and visit its highlights:

  • Asahiyama Zoo is Hokkaido's most popular zoo in Asahikawa, with unique and interactive exhibits. It's home to over 700 animals from 150 different species, including rare and endangered species.
  • Asahikawa Ramen Village is a food theme park with eight different ramen shops and a museum that explains the history and culture of ramen.
  • In the afternoon, go horse riding at Clark Horse Garden or visit Arashiyama Workshop for various activities. The area is known for attracting artists and has pottery, glass, and dyeing workshops, as well as charming cafes with shopping opportunities.
colorful bird at Asahiyama Zoo
Colorful Bird in the Asahiyama Zoo
Day 3
Furano Highlights

This day guarantees a colorful experience and a taste of Japan's rural culture:

  • Furano is a town in Hokkaido known for its beautiful flower fields, including lavender, sunflowers, and poppies. The flower fields are in full bloom during the summer months and offer stunning views.
  • Biei is a nearby town known for its Blue Pond, a natural pond with vivid blue water that is a popular photography spot. The pond gets its unique color from natural minerals in the water and is especially beautiful in the sunlight.
  • In the afternoon, visit Furano Farm to try various hands-on experiences, such as making cheese, butter, and candles. If lucky, visitors could also have the chance to taste authentic lavender ice cream made with locally-grown lavender. The farm is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers a relaxing atmosphere.
the Blue Pond
The Blue Pond in Biei
Day 4
Furano to Noboribetsu

Take a day trip to experience Hokkaido's spectacular geothermal activity, and meet the local bears:

  • Visit Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley) for geysers, hot springs, and volcanic activity. You can walk along the boardwalks and see the steam rising from the ground. The area is also known for its unique smell, which comes from the sulfur in the hot springs.
  • Bear Park is a nearby attraction where visitors can see bears up close and learn about their behavior and habitat. The ranch has a large outdoor area where the bears can roam freely, and visitors can watch them from observation decks.
the Hell Valley
The Hall Valley
Day 5
Japanese culture performances and Southwest Hokkaido Lake

On Day 5, we plan to immerse yourselves in the history and culture of Noboribetsu and visit a beautiful lake:

  • Enter Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura for a ninja experience and traditional Edo-Period (1603–1867) Japanese culture performances, such as ninja shows and samurai sword fights. Hands-on experiences include dressing up in traditional costumes and trying your hand at archery.
  • In the afternoon, visit Lake Toya and take a cruise to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and Mount Usu. Lake Toya is a caldera lake in southwestern Hokkaido, known for its beautiful scenery and hot springs.
Lake Toya morning
Lake Toya in the morning
Day 6
Back to Sapporo via Otaru

Heading to Otaru on day 6...

  • Immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of Otaru Canal, a beloved landmark that has been featured in many movies and TV dramas. Learn about the canal's rich history and significance to the region.
  • Then visit Music Box Museum, where you can see and hear a stunning collection of music boxes from around the world.
  • In the afternoon, head back to Sapporo and visit Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory, where you can have a hands-on experience making your own chocolate treats.
the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal after sunset
Day 7
Sapporo's Classic Highlights

On the seventh day, we'll discover Sapporo's rich history and culture:

  • Visit Hokkaido Museum and Hokkaido Historical Village to learn about the history, culture, and natural environment of Hokkaido.
  • In the afternoon, visit Sapporo Science Center for fun and educational activities. The Center has various exhibits and interactive displays that allow visitors to learn about science and technology in a fun and engaging way. It has a planetarium and a 3D theater that offer immersive experiences for visitors of all ages.
Miyajima night
Mammoth skeleton in Hokkaido Museum
Day 8
Sapporo Departure

As your Japan adventure draws to a close on day 8, take some time to relax or explore Sapporo on your own before your private driver takes you to the airport for your flight.
Have a safe trip and we hope you enjoyed your Hokkaido summer vacation!

flight at the airport
Have a safe flight home!

Hand-Picked Hotels

We have selected hotels with different styles and for different budgets. Let us know your preferences and we will help you find the right one.

hotel in Sapporo
Hotel in Sapporo with superb location
Temple lodging in Koyasan
Hotel with top floor hot-spring bath in Furano
Hotel in Kobe
Hotel with nice forest and onsen in Noboribetsu

Our Service Includes:

8 days from
US$ 4,099
per person (based on 4 persons and 4-star hotels)
  • Private transport and personal English-speaking tour guide
  • All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
  • Breakfasts at hotels
  • Governmental taxes

Tour code: ah-jp-17

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day. Over 50% of our clients complete their bookings within 10 days of submitting their inquiry.

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  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
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  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

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