Hokkaido Private Autumn Tour: Fall Foliage, Hot Springs and Local Experiences

DAY

Chitose Airport - Noboribetsu

Welcome to Hokkaido! Meet your driver and get ready for an awesome journey. Make your way to a small onsen town and be amazed at how the local people embrace and utilize the powerful volcanic activity. You’ll also be visiting the best hot spring in Noboribetsu! Experience the natural healing power of the most famous volcanic hot springs in town and be ready to wake up tomorrow feeling rejuvenated.

DAY

Noboribetsu - Lake Toya

Our first stop today is, “Hell Valley,” a spectacular sight just above Noboribetsu Onsen thriving with hot steam vents, sulfurous streams and other volcanic activity. There are attractive walking trails through the wooded hills, which will take you to Oyunuma, a mysterious sulfurous pond. Make sure to take a break at the natural footbath in the Oyunuma River, which is a hot spring river that flows from the pond providing a surreal place to relax. Before heading to a ninja village to watch an action-packed samurai show, we’ll stop by Shiraoi for lunch to enjoy some tender, deep flavored Hokkaido raised Shiraoi Beef. Finish your day with a spectacular dinner and lakeside view from your resort hotel.

DAY

Lake Toya - Lake Toya

Start the day with a stunning ropeway view from the top of Mt. Usu, an active volcano! Get ready for a rural experience around Toyoura Town. In Japanese characters, Toyo means “rich” and ura means “bay.” Toyoura is known as the origin of Japanese scallop cultivation and for having some of the most delicious seafood in all of Japan. After meeting your tour guide, you’ll put on some “kappa-zubon” (“raincoat pants”) and learn about the local cultivation process. You’ll also get to fish and shuck scallops. Enjoy your savory seafood lunch followed by a trip to Lake Hill Farm for some freshly made gelato! Head back to your hotel for a relaxing time in the onsen overlooking the picturesque Lake Toya.

DAY

Lake Toya - Iwanai

Today you’ll visit Kuromatsunai, one of the most beautiful villages in Hokkaido known for its rich and unique nature. Meet your local guide and start your adventure on a beach forest walking tour. Enjoy the spectacular contrast of terrain where the forest meets the ocean. Seafood is the local specialty! Today you’ll have a memorable social experience with a seafood cooking activity organized by a local group of Fisherman’s mothers. Have fun laughing together and sharing about each other’s lifestyles, while enjoying fresh seafood dishes. Finish the day relaxing at your Ryokan (Traditional Japanese Style Inn) and enjoy the cultural experience of the “at home” atmosphere and serene onsen.

DAY

Iwanai - Otaru

Do you like soba (Japanese buckwheat noodles)? Have you ever made it from scratch? Let’s head over to the Old Herring House Café in the rural town of Yoichi and learn how to make handmade soba! Have fun making new friends with the locals and enjoy your homemade meal together. This life changing experience is guaranteed to heighten your sense of appreciation for Japanese cuisine. Next stop, the nostalgic port town of Otaru! Old bank buildings and warehouses are still left from the times when this town thrived of herring fishing. Enjoy walking around the famous Otaru Canal, Sakai Machi Street, Music Box Museum, glass blowing shops, the LeTAO Cheesecake headquarters, and many more one-of-a-kind spots. The romantic atmosphere comes to life in the evening when the gas lanterns and streetlights illuminate the city in style. Have dinner at a local restaurant of your choice.

DAY

Otaru - Sapporo

After breakfast at your hotel, get ready to put your hand-eye coordination to the test with a fun glass blowing workshop! You’ll learn from the best craftsmen and create your own glass cup, which has recently become the signature craft of Otaru. Enjoy the highly recommended grilled chicken or fresh sushi lunch! Next stop, Sapporo! You’ll arrive at the famous Mt. Okura Ski Jump, a 90-meter ski jump where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held! The museum has a variety of fun sport simulation games that cover events like ski jumping, speed skating and hockey. Next, you’ll visit the majestic Hokkaido Shrine, a massive sacred structure built in 1869. As we make our way back to your hotel in the heart of downtown Sapporo, we’ll take you on a quick car tour of the city before dropping you off to explore the shopping areas and have dinner as you like. Enjoy some city night exploration too!

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 or just a few stops away on the foreigner friendly public transportation. We recommend the TV Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Breweries and many more unforgettable locations 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 - Chitose Airport

Even your last day can be enjoyed to the fullest! Go shopping in downtown Sapporo, or stop by one of the popular outlet malls on the way to the airport. Lots of seafood and Hokkaido specialties are available at the recently revamped Chitose Airport, which is actually an impressive destination on its own. Have fun exploring and doing some last-minute shopping! We hope you had a wonderful experience here on Treasure Island and look forward to adventuring with you again soon!