Discover Hokkaido

Discover the incredible historical sites, natural splendor, and cultural marvels of Hokkaido on a 12-day tour of the northern island that includes some of its most thrilling winter festivals in Sapporo, Otaru, and Sounkyo. The tour features many sights of Hokkaido that go past the beaten path and into the island's incredible countryside, unforgettable culture and history, and historic treasures that are not to be missed.

Explore Sapporo starting with a day at the Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see enormous creations constructed entirely of snow and ice that have to be seen to be believed - scale models of national landmarks or famous buildings, dioramas or statues of famous characters from anime and pop culture. While there, we will take time to appreciate a selection of Sapporo's best, including Odori Park, Historic Village of Hokkaido, Hokkaido Shrine, Nijo Market, Mount Moiwa, and the Sapporo Beer Museum. We take a day trip to Otaru to see Sakaimachi Street, the Otaru Sushi District, Otaru Canal, and the Otaru Snow Light Path, where thousands of snow lanterns illuminate parts of the city, creating an atmosphere of winter enchantment. The tour continues through Asahikawa, stopping at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery and Museum and Asahikawa Ramen Village, then going to Sounkyo for the Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, where waterfalls are turned to ice and the whole winter world feels frozen in time. We arrive at Abashiri, where you will be able to observe the Drift Ice natural phenomenon, via the Okhotsk Ryuhyo Museum and the Drift Ice Cruise Aurora. The city also features a famous Prison Museum, which features displays on the prison system during the Meiji Period. We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko Peninsula, where abundant wildlife inhabits an unspoiled wilderness. Enjoy a trek across the Shiretoko landscape in snowshoes. Then we tour the Akan Mashu National Park, where you can visit an Ainu kotan (village), see the white whooper swans, go ice fishing for smelt, and watch the red-crowned cranes. We then stroll around the Lake Shikaribetsu Ice Village, which is built entirely on a frozen lake and where you can enjoy an outdoor onsen and learn to make ice glass. Finally, we go to Furano for an Ice Cream Making Experience, and tour of the Furano Winery, and either Dog Sledding or a Snowmobile Ride across the beautiful landscape.

Our Discover Hokkaido Tour, traveling around the northern island and discovering the rich culture of the northern island, with unforgettable historical sites, natural beauty, and cultural delights including three enchanting winter festivals. This tour includes all overnight accommodations, transportation by comfortable private coach bus, some meals, and a friendly, professional English-speaking guide. Please browse our detailed itinerary for more information.