8 Days Hokkaido Summer Tour: Colorful Family Vacation on Hokkaido Island

Welcome to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido! Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport (CTS), our representative will meet you at the arrivals gate with a sign bearing your name. They will then transfer you to your hotel in Sapporo for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Sapporo.

Welcome to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and the gateway to Japan’s northernmost island! Whether you're here for the Snow Festival in winter, the beer gardens in summer, or year-round city exploration and culinary delights. Sapporo is a place that's easy to fall in love with - your perfect first stop in Hokkaido.

Free Time Ideas:

Nijo Market: Nijo Market is Sapporo's renowned downtown seafood market, boasting over a century of history. It's a vibrant hub where you'll find Hokkaido's freshest seafood, including king crab, hairy crab, sea urchin, scallops, and a wide variety of freshly caught fish.

Arrival Ideas:

By Air: New Chitose Airport (CTS) is the primary gateway for Hokkaido. It serves as both the main international airport and the largest hub for domestic flights to the region.

International Flights: You can find direct flights to New Chitose Airport from numerous countries and regions, particularly in Asia, including China, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia. During peak seasons, like winter, there may also be direct flights from other parts of the world.

Domestic Flights: You can also find direct flights to New Chitose Airport from major cities in Japan like Tokyo (HND, NRT), Osaka (KIX, ITM), Nagoya (NGO), and Fukuoka (FUK).

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Shinkansen does not go all the way to Sapporo yet. But you can take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido (~ 4 hours). Then transfer to the Limited Express train to Sapporo (~3.5 hours).

After breakfast, drive to Shiroi Koibito Park, a chocolate-themed park on the western edge of Sapporo. It transforms Hokkaido's beloved Shiroi Koibito cookies into a confectionery kingdom. Inside the Ishiya Chocolate Factory, you can watch the meticulous process of how these delicate, buttery cookies are made. Outside, you can wander through charming, European-inspired courtyards and buildings, feeling as if you've stepped into a fairytale world.

After a sweet morning, you'll head back to central Sapporo. Our first stop is the historic Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built in 1878, this quaint white wooden structure with its red roof and prominent clock face symbolizes Hokkaido’s modernization and is one of the few remaining Western-style buildings from that era.

From there, take a leisurely stroll to Odori Park. This beautiful, expansive green space cuts through the heart of the city, changing its character with the seasons. Summer brings a lush green lawn filled with fragrant flowers, while winter, the park is blanketed in a pristine layer of snow, becoming the main venue for the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival. At its eastern end, you'll find the Sapporo TV Tower, which makes for a perfect photo opportunity from the park.

The day concludes with a visit to Tanukikoji Shopping Street, one of Hokkaido's oldest and most bustling shopping arcades. This covered street is a paradise for shoppers, offering a wide array of souvenir shops, local eateries, and boutiques. It's the perfect place to find a unique gift, enjoy a delicious dinner, and experience the lively urban atmosphere.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel in Sapporo.

Optional Activity: Mt. Moiwa Observatory for Night View ( at an additional cost).

For a truly spectacular night view, consider heading to Mt. Moiwa Observatory. Take the ropeway and mini cable car to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic night view of Sapporo city, considered one of Japan's top three night views.

Today, you'll venture from Sapporo into the picturesque heart of Hokkaido, enjoying unique animal encounters and breathtaking rural landscapes.

After breakfast, drive about 2.5 hours to Asahikawa. Upon arrival, head straight to Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan's most popular zoos. Unlike traditional zoos, it's celebrated for its unique "action display" exhibits, which let you observe animals up close as they behave in their natural habitats. You can walk through a dome-shaped tunnel with penguins "flying" around you, watch polar bears dive from a viewing window, and see seals zip through a vertical tank.

For lunch, we recommend trying Asahikawa Soy Sauce Ramen, a rich, oily broth that's one of Hokkaido's "Big Three" ramen styles.

From Asahikawa, drive to Biei, a scenic drive of about 40 minutes. Explore Biei's famous Patchwork Road, where rolling hills are cultivated with different crops (like wheat, potatoes, sugar beets), creating a vibrant, quilt-like pattern. Take your time driving through this picturesque landscape, stopping for photos at scenic viewpoints.

Continue to Shikisai no Oka, a vast hilltop flower park ( about 7 hectares) featuring rainbow-colored flower fields from June to October. In summer, the fields are filled with: Lavender, sunflowers, marigolds, salvia, and more.

After the tour, drive to Furano for accommodation (about 40 minutes).

After breakfast in Furano, drive to Biei's Shirogane Blue Pond (about 40-50 minutes). This artificial pond is famous for its mysteriously vibrant blue water, which changes hues with the weather and seasons. The stark, withered larch trees standing in the water create an ethereal, almost otherworldly landscape, perfect for unique photos. Just a short drive away is Shirahige Falls. Here, water cascades like white beards from cracks in the cliff face into the cobalt-blue Biei River below.

Drive back towards Furano to visit Farm Tomita, one of Hokkaido's most iconic lavender farms. In summer, the fields burst with vibrant lavender and other colorful blooms, creating a breathtaking tapestry of colors. Stroll through the fragrant fields and capture stunning photos. Tips: Lavender typically blooms from late June to early August, with peak season usually around mid-July.

Optional Activity: Indulge in some hands-on fun! You can choose to experience making cheese, butter, or even candles at local workshops in Furano. Don't forget to treat yourselves to some delicious lavender ice cream – a unique local delicacy!

Lastly, head to Ningle Terrace, a charming collection of rustic artisan cabins nestled within the forest, adjacent to the New Furano Prince Hotel. Each cabin sells unique handmade crafts, creating a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere.

Stay overnight in Furano.

After breakfast in Furano, drive south to Noboribetsu (about 3.5 hours), known for its onsen (hot springs) and its dramatic geothermal landscapes.

Upon arrival, step back in time at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a cultural theme park dedicated to Japan's Edo period. Wander through meticulously recreated streets, samurai residences, and ninja houses to experience life from centuries ago. Enjoy exciting ninja and samurai shows, and even opportunities to try on period costumes. Your imaginations are sure to be sparked by the lively antics of the performers, and you'll all come away with a deeper understanding of Japan's storied past.

After your journey through time, explore Noboribetsu Hell Valley (Jigokudani). This dramatic, volcanic landscape is the main source of Noboribetsu's famous hot springs. Walk along the well-maintained boardwalks, witnessing steaming vents, bubbling hot springs, and a strong scent of sulfur in the air. The vibrant, barren landscape truly feels like another world.

For more intense physical activity, hike deep into the hills. You can find Oyunuma River Natural Footbath, where you can relax your feet in a natural hot spring stream flowing through the forest.

Overnight Stay in Noboribetsu.

Optional: Noboribetsu Onsen town is conveniently located right next to Hell Valley, offering a wealth of hot spring experiences. If you'd like to book an onsen hotel for your stay, please contact your travel advisor to arrange it.

After breakfast in Noboribetsu, then make the one-hour drive to the scenic Lake Toya, a picturesque crater lake nestled in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Renowned for its thermal springs and the active volcano Mount Usu, this region combines natural beauty with geological wonders - even in cold weather, the lake never freezes! Take a relaxing cruise on Lake Toya, where you'll glide across calm waters and admire panoramic views of Nakajima Island, Mount Usu, and the surrounding volcanic peaks.

Next, stop in at the Toyako Volcano Science Museum to learn more about the volcanic activity that has shaped these dramatic landscapes. Then, board the Usuzan Ropeway and travel up Mount Usu, towering over the lake at more than 2,400 feet (737 m). From the observation decks, marvel at the vast expanse of Lake Toya, its central islands, and the unique Showa Shinzan - a mountain that dramatically rose from a flat field in just two years!

Lastly, head to Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, home to the brown Ezo bears native to the region. Here, you can observe Hokkaido's iconic brown bears up close and even feed them, providing a lively interaction.

Overnight Stay in Lake Toya.

Optional: If you'd like to book an onsen hotel for your stay, please contact your travel advisor to arrange it. Toyako Onsen town, located on the southern shore of the lake, is a renowned hot spring resort featuring various hotels and ryokans. Many of these accommodations offer baths with spectacular lake views.

Today, you'll bid farewell to Lake Toya's volcanic beauty and embark on a journey to the romantic port city of Otaru, before finally arriving in Sapporo for your overnight stay.

After breakfast in Lake Toya, enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Otaru. Upon arrival, begin your exploration at the iconic Otaru Canal. Stroll along its historic promenade, admiring the beautifully preserved stone warehouses and gas lamps that evoke a nostalgic, old-world charm. Optional Activity: You can also enjoy a canal cruise for a different perspective.

From here, make your way to Sakaimachi Street, a lively shopping area renowned for its exquisite glass and music box shops. Visit the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum, one of Japan's largest, where you can marvel at an incredible collection of intricate music boxes and listen to their melodious tunes. Just nearby is Kitaichi Glass, where you can admire exquisite glass art, witness glass blowing demonstrations, and even enjoy a unique ambiance at the oil-lamp-lit Kitaichi Hall.

This charming, pedestrian-friendly avenue is lined with unique shops, sweet treat boutiques (including the famous LeTAO), and various artisan stores, making it the perfect place to find unique gifts and indulge in local delicacies.

Finally, enjoy a short 1-hour drive from Otaru back to Sapporo, where you'll check into your hotel and settle in for the night.

It is time to end your unforgettable 8-Day Hokkaido Summer Tour. Your driver will transfer you to New Chitose Airport (CTS) for your departure flight.

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your trip in Japan, consider exploring other notable regions like Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Central Japan, or Okinawa etc. Feel free to contact us to customize your extended itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!