Hokkaido Private Spring Tour: Intriguing Ainu Culture and Local Cuisine

DAY

Chitose Airport - Lake Toya

The adventure begins! After a quick pass through “Hell Valley,” a spectacular site thriving with volcanic activity, we’ll head to our first destination for a fun traditional Ainu-style lunch. Here you can enjoy both the aroma and experience of grilling your own freshly caught salmon. Inspire your creativity with a cultural Ainu stitchery experience and meet local people with expertise in Ainu history and culture. You’ll also have a chance to put on Ainu clothing including shoes made from salmon skin and walk on the frozen lake in Cepkeri!

DAY

Lake Toya - Lake Toya

Wake up to the picturesque landscape of Lake Toya from your lake view room and feel free to enjoy a morning ropeway trip for a scenic elevated view from the top of Mt. Usu, an active volcano! Get ready for an organic vegetable and chicken Dutch oven lunch at Lake Hill Farm prepared with the freshest ingredients. Meet and talk with the locals while having lunch overlooking the lake! You’ll get to make ice cream too! Finish the day with a long-awaited refreshing time in the hot springs.

DAY

Lake Toya - Niseko

Do you like scallops? We have a once in a lifetime rural adventure planned for you today! First, we’ll meet with an experienced local guide at the Toyoura Port who will give us a scallop shucking demonstration before giving you some hands-on experience. Sea scallop fishing may also be available! Enjoy savory scallops for lunch before heading out to Niseko!

DAY

Niseko - Sapporo

As we make our way through the rural town of Yoichi, we’ll stop by the Nikka whiskey distillery known for its beautiful architecture and award-winning Hokkaido made whiskeys. Enjoy a Japanese handmade lunch at the Old Herring House Café! Here you will have a unique hands on opportunity to make and learn about Japanese culinary arts. This life changing experience is guaranteed to heighten your sense of appreciation for Japanese cuisine.

DAY

Sapporo - Sapporo

Explore the beautiful city of Sapporo at your leisure. Apart from the abundance of shopping facilities in Sapporo Station, Tanukikoji and the underground walkways, you can also visit some local sightseeing spots all within walking distance. We recommend the TV Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Breweries and many more depending on your interests! Don’t forget to try Sapporo Ramen, Soup Curry or Genghis Khan at one of the many establishments in the heart of downtown.

DAY

Sapporo - New Chitose Airport

There’s so much to do up until the moment you board the plane bound for home. It’s the perfect time to do some last-minute shopping in downtown Sapporo and Chitose airport. You’ll find that the airport has a spectacular selection of Hokkaido delicacies, which make wonderful souvenirs for family and friends back home. Enjoy!