Northern Japan: Secrets of Hokkaido

13 Days | Escorted Group Tour | Go Beyond Collection

From £6,290pp

Perfect for travellers who have already experienced Japan’s classic highlights, or those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trail, this expertly crafted journey showcases the spectacular landscapes, rich traditions and untamed beauty of Hokkaido – Japan’s northern island.

Discover a side of Japan that feels wonderfully different. From vast national parks and flower-filled countryside to pristine lakes and dramatic coastlines, Hokkaido offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Along the way, learn about the fascinating indigenous Ainu culture, relax in traditional hot spring baths, and experience authentic local cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

✔ Explore Japan’s wild and beautiful northern frontier

✔ Meet the indigenous Ainu people and discover their unique traditions

✔ Cruise across stunning volcanic lakes

✔ Visit colourful flower fields and scenic vineyards

✔ Experience Hokkaido’s famous dairy culture

✔ Search for wildlife in the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko National Park

✔ Enjoy traditional onsen hot spring experiences

✔ Taste regional specialities including Sapporo miso ramen and local sake

Tour Highlights

Visit a Traditional Hokkaido Dairy Farm

Learn why Hokkaido’s dairy products are famous throughout Japan. Watch a milking demonstration, sample fresh milk and even make your own butter.

Discover Ainu Culture

Experience the traditions of Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu people through insightful talks and a UNESCO-recognised cultural dance performance.

Dine in Sapporo’s Famous Ramen Alley

Choose from a collection of small traditional ramen shops and sample Hokkaido’s renowned rich miso ramen.

Explore Shiretoko National Park

One of Japan’s most spectacular wilderness areas, home to rugged coastlines, waterfalls, brown bears and abundant wildlife.

Witness the Sea of Clouds

Wake early to admire one of Hokkaido’s most magical natural spectacles as mist drifts across Lake Kussharo.

Included

• Return international flights
• 11 nights in quality 3+ and 4-star accommodation
• 11 breakfasts
• 6 lunches
• 10 dinners
• Expert English-speaking tour guides
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Comfortable transportation throughout
• Maximum group size of 18 guests

Your Itinerary

Days 1-2 – Arrive in Sapporo

Fly overnight to Sapporo, the vibrant gateway to Hokkaido. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to settle in and soak up the atmosphere before joining your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Day 3 – Sapporo: History, Beer & Ramen

Explore Hokkaido’s capital, beginning at the Historical Village where preserved 19th-century buildings tell the story of the island’s development. Continue to the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower and Odori Park before visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum for a tasting. End the day with dinner in the famous Ramen Alley, renowned for its rich miso ramen.

Day 4 – Olympic Museum & Otaru at Leisure

Discover the legacy of the 1972 Winter Olympics at the interactive Olympic Museum before riding the Okura Ski Jump for panoramic views over Sapporo. Later, enjoy free time in the charming canal town of Otaru before returning to Sapporo.

Day 5 – Furano Flower Fields, Winery & Blue Pond

Travel to Furano, one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque regions. Visit the colourful flower fields of Shikisai-no-Oka, sample lavender ice cream, enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a local winery, and stop at the stunning Blue Pond before arriving at your hotel.

Day 6 – Mount Asahidake & Sake Tasting

Journey into Daisetsuzan National Park and ascend Mount Asahidake by cable car to enjoy alpine scenery and a gentle walk among volcanic landscapes. Later, visit the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum for a tasting before returning to Furano.

Day 7 – Kushiro Wetlands, Lake Akan & Ainu Culture

Travel through Hokkaido’s beautiful countryside to Kushiro Marsh, Japan’s largest wetland. Enjoy a gentle canoeing experience before continuing to Lake Akan. This evening, experience a traditional Ainu dance performance, recognised by UNESCO for preserving indigenous culture.

Day 8 – Lake Akan & Lake Kussharo

Cruise across scenic Lake Akan, stopping to learn about its famous marimo moss balls. Explore the local Ainu village before travelling to Lake Kussharo, with a stop at the steaming geothermal landscape of Mount Io.

Day 9 – Sea of Clouds & Hokkaido Dairy Farm

Rise early to witness the magical Sea of Clouds drifting across Lake Kussharo. Later, visit a traditional dairy farm to learn about Hokkaido’s famous dairy industry, enjoy fresh milk and butter-making demonstrations before continuing to Shiretoko National Park.

Day 10 – Shiretoko National Park by Land & Sea

Discover one of Japan’s last great wilderness areas. Walk to Furepe Waterfall, explore the scenic Shiretoko Goko Lakes boardwalk, and join a bear-spotting cruise along the remote coastline in search of wild Ussuri brown bears.

Day 11 – Abashiri, Kitami & Sounkyo

Visit Abashiri’s former prison museum to learn about Hokkaido’s frontier history before exploring the Museum of Northern Peoples. Continue to Kitami, famous for mint production, where you’ll visit a heritage museum and sample mint ice cream before arriving in Sounkyo.

Day 12 – Mount Kurodake & Return to Sapporo

Ride the ropeway up Mount Kurodake for spectacular views over Daisetsuzan National Park and enjoy a gentle forest walk. Later, stop at the artisan village of Kita-no-Arashiyama before returning to Sapporo for a farewell dinner.

Day 13 – Depart Sapporo

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home, arriving the same day or the following day depending on your chosen flight schedule.

Places Visited

Sapporo (3N) → Furano (2N) → Lake Akan (1N) → Lake Kussharo (1N) → Shiretoko (2N) → Sounkyo (1N) → Sapporo (1N)

Is This Tour For Me?

Physical Rating: 1/5

Suitable for most travellers. Expect gentle walking, some uneven ground, occasional steps and periods of sightseeing on foot. No strenuous activity is required.

Speak to Aspen Travel

Our Japan specialists can help you find the perfect departure date and answer any questions about this incredible Hokkaido adventure.

Call Aspen Travel today to start planning your Northern Japan journey.