Charms of Hokkaido Tour

Hokkaido is one of Japan's most underrated tour destinations, next to exciting Tokyo or historic Kyoto. But Japan's northern island offers travelers a unique appeal all its own through its magnificent wonders of nature, indigenous history and culture, fantastic local festivals, and fresh seafood. Hokkaido boasts different beauties in each season, whether its bright lavender flowers in summer or a winter snow festival; whether you taste the delights of Sapporo's Autumn Fest or the last cherry blossoms of springtime. We are confident you will find at least one itinerary among our selection with the charms of Hokkaido that appeal to you!

Hokkaido is probably most synonymous with winter fun, and some of our itineraries are geared toward helping you make the most out of a winter vacation. All our tours start in Sapporo, and the Sapporo Snow Festival is arguably Japan's most famous winter festival, although the tour also includes the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Ashikawa Winter Festival, and Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival. Hokkaido has many amusements that take advantage of the season, including picture-perfect places to photograph the rare birds of the island, such as the enchanting red-crowned crane in Kushiro, Steller's Sea Eagle at Lake Furen, and the Whooper Swan at Lake Kussharo. Our engaging winter itineraries also include engaging winter activities like Smelt Fishing at Lake Akan, and visiting a Kitakitsune Fox Farm at Kitami.

As the weather gets warmer, Hokkaido shows of a vibrant array of floral beauties, including fields of lavender flowers in Furano and Biei, tall sunflowers in Hokuryu Town, and of course, Japan's last cherry blossoms of spring, finally reaching Hokkaido in early May. Hokkaido has plenty of attractions to enjoy at this time of the year. Take a nature cruise in Shiretoko where bears and foxes roam free, or pick fresh seasonal fruit on a farm by Lake Toya, and much, much more. When autumn finally arrives, travelers can enjoy the seasonal taste of Hokkaido at the Sapporo Autumn Fest - Hokkaido's largest food festival. The early autumn season is also a good time to experience natural beauties of places like Noboribetsu, Onuma Quasi- National Park, and the Utasai Beech Forest at Kuromatsunai. Travelers can enjoy the changing autumn colors and the Salmon Run of Shiraoi in mid October.

We include experiences that allow our guests to explore the locations and culture unique to Hokkaido. Our Charms of Hokkaido tours travel all over the island, to popular destinations as well as off-the-beaten-path locations. Learn about the indigenous Ainu people at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum at Shiraoi. Stroll the canals in Otaru, then explore the port city's glass-blowing industry. Take an icebreaker cruise off the coast of Abashiri. Taste fresh crab and sample the local brew on a tour of the Asahi Beer Brewery in Hokkaido's capital city - Sapporo, a vibrant city full of entertaining amusements.

We carefully plan our tours based on seasonal attractions with must see sites in every tour. Click on the tours below to learn more about our Charms of Hokkaido Series tours featuring Cherry Blossoms, Winter Birding and Photography, Lavenders and Summer Flowers, Summer Flowers and Nature, Sapporo Autumn Fest, Autumn Leaves, and Hokkaido Winter Festivals..