South Hokkaido Private Autumn Tour: Fall Colors and Seasonal Rural Activities

DAY

Chitose Airport - Jozankei

Welcome to Hokkaido! Look out the window and enjoy the majestic autumn scenery as we make our way to Jozankei, a small onsen town and one of the most breathtaking areas to view autumn leaves in all of Hokkaido.
Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to take a highly recommended stroll on the path (the Futami-Jozan Walking Trail) along the mountain stream and appreciate being surrounded by vivid reds and yellows. Take it easy at your hotel in the evening with a spectacular dinner and a relaxing onsen. Experience the natural volcanic healing power of the hot springs and be ready to wake up tomorrow feeling rejuvenated!

DAY

Jozankei - Niseko

Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready to meet your local guides for an unforgettable canoeing adventure in the Toyohira River. After a few simple instructions, you’ll jump in your canoe and instantly fall in love with the autumn beauty full of vibrant reds and yellows reflecting off the river as you glide downstream at a comfortable pace. Make sure to bring a nice camera! There’ll be a few opportunities where you can give your camera to your guides and they’ll take amazing pictures of you with a stunning backdrop! Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and try hard boiling eggs in a nearby onsen! Next stop, Niseko! Before arriving at your hotel in the foreigner friendly district of Hirafu, we’ll stop by the Niseko Milk Kobo Farm for some handmade creampuffs and gelato!

DAY

Niseko - Yakumo

Check out of your hotel and get ready to bond with the powerful natural beauty of Hokkaido. Hidden in the mountains of Niseko is the strikingly beautiful Shinsennuma Marsh Natural Recreation Forest. The marsh land and surrounding forest features beautiful seasonal flowers, spectacular mountain views, and tranquil lakes. As you walk around the raised wooden board walkways, you’ll be surrounded by lush autumn foliage and the echo of local bird life. This location is especially attractive around this time of year with the reflection of the vivid autumn landscape shining off the calm waters. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll stop by a rural farm and take part in a fun potato harvesting and potato chips making activity. Make your way to your Ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Yakumo and enjoy the “at home” old style outdoor hot springs that have been around for over 80 years!

DAY

Yakumo - Hakodate

Visit the Chiba farm known for its homelike atmosphere and farm-life experience! Mr. Chiba is the fourth generation to take care of this 130-year-old farm. They mainly harvest rice and “Mochi” (sticky rice). The Chiba family also harvests organic vegetables like pumpkins, white Japanese “Daikon” radish, corn, sweet potatoes, asparagus, lettuce, tomatoes, and much more! Today you’re going to try Mochi Pounding, a classic countryside experience! The “Mochi-Pounding” is called “Aidori”, done in pairs, with one person folding the rice mound while another hammers it: a rhythmical process that requires focus, teamwork and great timing! This is the ultimate rural experience! After a fresh delicious homemade lunch with the Chiba family, you’ll make your way to the Goryokaku Tower in Hakodate. Enjoy the contrast between the historical layout of the land and the autumn beauty.

DAY

Hakodate - Lake Toya

After checking out of your hotel, have fun exploring the romantic Motomachi area of Hakodate for shopping, coffee and lunch of your choice. We recommend the morning market where you’ll find about 250 stores selling delicacies of Hakodate, such as fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, sweets and much more! Enjoy a majestic boat ride at the foot of Mt. Komagatake in Onuma Quasi National Park. You’ll explore the mysterious volcanic landscape and have a chance to take some fun photos with a powerful backdrop. Don’t forget to have a look at the Geysers and try a relaxing all natural footbath before departing for Lake Toya!

DAY

Lake Toya - Sapporo

Wake up to the picturesque landscape of Lake Toya from your lake view room and start your day with a scenic horse trekking tour. Enjoy bonding with these magnificent creatures through the surrounding mountains rich with foliage and wild birds. Get ready for an organic vegetable and chicken Dutch oven lunch prepared with the freshest ingredients at Herbal Ranch. Meet and talk with the locals while having lunch overlooking the lake! Next, you’ll go on a ropeway trip for a scenic elevated view from the top of Mt. Usu, an active volcano! As we make our way back to your hotel in 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.

DAY

Sapporo - Sapporo

Have a fun and relaxing day in the beautiful city of Sapporo. 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. You’re free to choose restaurants of your choice for lunch and dinner. We recommend Sapporo Ramen, Soup Curry or Genghis Khan at one of the many establishments in the heart of downtown. Enjoy some city night exploration too!

DAY

Sapporo - Chitose Airport

It’s your day to do some last-minute shopping in downtown Sapporo, or enjoy shopping at one of the outlet malls near the airport! Hokkaido’s recently revamped airport is a destination all on its own. Get ready for an abundance of Hokkaido made delicacies, which make great souvenirs! There are also many attractions such as a movie theatre, onsen, Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park and a Ramen Dojo, which houses 10 of the best ramen establishments from all over Hokkaido, each with their own signature style. We hope you had a wonderful journey on Treasure Island!