First Time Hokkaido Private Tour: Local Culture on a Deeper Level

DAY

Chitose Airport - Noboribetsu

Today, we will explore the early days of Hokkaido's history. Ainu people were living in Hokkaido long before the Japanese took over the island 150 years ago. Ainu lived in accord with nature, Some areas in Hokkaido still have a few Ainu people living in communities. Such is Shiraoi. Meet Ainu and try to make shoes from Salmon, eat a standard Ainu lunch and wear Ainu clothes. Don't miss the dance which is very unique.
Night we will stay in Noboribetsu, one of the most famous Onsen towns in Japan.

DAY

Noboribetsu - Yakumo

Wake up and take a walk through “Hell Valley”, with steam rising up from the earth’s core.
Noboribetsu is already interesting just by walking through it, but with a guide, this town is even more interesting!
You will also have a chance to bathe your feet in the hot river and feel the power of nature.

In the afternoon, we will head to Yakumo. It is not a famous destination, but it is one of our favorite places in Hokkaido. Relax in the deep forests and have a pleasant time in the Onsen, in the middle of nature!

DAY

Yakumo - Hakodate

Make your own “Mochi” rice cakes, and enjoy a home-made Japanese lunch.
Your destination for today is Hakodate. Hakodate is an old port town in southern Hokkaido, with many beautiful old churches and warehouses.
Enjoy the night view from Mt. Hakodate, which is said to be the most beautiful in all over Japan. Don’t forget your camera!

*Fort Gorokaku has beautiful Cherry Blossoms, Season: early May

DAY

Hakodate - Lake Toya

Start your day with a breakfast at the Morning Fish Market of Hakodate. You can even try squid fishing! After the excitement, relax with a Japanese Tea Ceremony, and start your drive to Lake Toya. Enjoy the amazing view over the lake from the peak of Mt.Usu, an active volcano. You can even visit a bear park!
Hotels in Toya have wonderful baths with a view over the lake. Fireworks are held over the lake every night in warmer seasons.

*Fireworks on Lake Toya: May until October

DAY

Lake Toya - Sapporo

Old bank buildings and warehouses are still left from the times when this town thrived of herring fishing.
Feel free to walk around in the evening. Many buildings are lit up and gas lanterns along the canal make the town very romantic.
Enjoy delicious seafood and shopping in Otaru, which is famous for glass, music boxes, Sushi, cheese cake, and more. Eat a local favorite for lunch!
Visit the Shiroi Koibito Chocolate Factory, producting some of Hokkaido’s most popular sweets, and design your own Hokkaido cookie! Stay at a hotel in downtown Sapporo City, and enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice.
*Optional activities: Rickshaw ride in Otaru, Smelt Ice Fishing or Snowmobile Fun in Sapporo (winter months only)

DAY

Sapporo

Have fun for a day in Sapporo at your leisure. Apart from the many shopping facilities in Tanuki Koji, Sapporo station, in the underground walkways and more, you can also visit the TV tower, Clock Tower, Sapporo Beer Breweries, Odori Park; many activities can keep you busy, one day is never enough!
Don’t forget to try the local delicacies Sapporo Ramen, Genghis Khan or Soup Curry at one of the many restaurants downtown.

*Sapporo Snow Festival: February

DAY

Sapporo - Chitose Airport

Even the last day has fun to offer! Do some last minute shopping downtown before heading home, or enjoy shopping on the way at one of the outlet malls near the airport. In case you didn’t have enough of Hokkaido’s delicacies, a lot of seafood and souvenirs are available for you to enjoy at the airport; there is even an Onsen! We hope you found your treasure on the island on this trip.