38 Tour Reviews

Custom Group Travel | Leisure Groups Tour Code: GTT6521009

12-Day Hokkaido Food & Culture Autumn Leaves Tour
38 Reviews
12 days 11 nights

Price On Request

Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

Join a special Autumn Leaves tour of Hokkaido focusing on its unique local culture and mouthwatering food, in addition to its breathtaking natural beauty.

Gorgeous Hokkaido Island is Japan's northernmost island and it is known mainly for its rugged, unspoiled nature (especially during its wondrous winter season). But Hokkaido also has a unique culture that, though similar in some ways, is distinct from the rest of Japan. This includes the cuisine as well as the one-of- a-kind immersive experiences, which means our Hokkaido Food and Culture Tour is a feast for all the senses. Additionally, this tour takes place during the magnificent autumn season, when the maple, zelkova, ginkgo (and other types of Japanese trees) change their leaves to flashy fall colors.

Each new day of the tour you set out to an incredible mix of fascinating cultural wonders and mouthwatering culinary delights. Hokkaido is known across Japan for its wild beauty, and we showcase that beauty through visits to of its most breathtaking locations including the volcanic caldera Lake Toya and Onuma Quasi- National Park, which reaches peak loveliness in the autumn leaves season. While enjoying the sights of Lake Toya, take in picture perfect views from the Mount Usu terrace and Sairo Observatory, and taste delicious Hokkaido barbeque at a dinner by the lake prepared by a private chef. And make delicious ice cream on nearby Hill Farm using the high-quality Hokkaido Milk. Destinations include must-see cities like Sapporo, Otaru, and Hakodate, but with more immersive activities and local sites than you would find on a general tour. A visit to Hakodate includes a guided stroll through the heritage Motomachi district, with its blend of European and Japanese buildings. But you also compare different green teas with a Japanese tea master in a traditional teahouse. Your tour of Otaru includes a tour of the glassmakers' workshops of Sakaimichi Street, but also savoring delicious sake during your tour of a local brewery. A day in Sapporo sees you admiring the stunning Hill of the Buddha (designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando), but also sampling the famous crab cuisine of Hokkaido's chief city. Although, it really is the visits to small towns out in Hokkaido's vast countryside, like Shikabe, Kuromatsunai, Shiraoi, and Biratori, that really allow you to discover Hokkaido culture on a more experiential level. See a geyser in Shikabe erupt every 10-15 minutes as you dip your toes in a natural footbath, then join a cooking lesson given by fishermen's wives who teach you to cook simple and delicious seasonal seafood from their town's catch of the day. In Kuromatsunai, taste the local tofu made using their unique recipe and tour a local farm before eating a picnic there. In Shiraoi and Biratori you will have the chance to study the unique culture of the indigenous Ainu, which includes much more than just visiting the local Ainu Museum. You will hear native epic sagas, known as "Yukar", as told by an Ainu Storyteller, visiting an Ainu Crafts Workshop, carving your very own wooden coaster with a traditional Ainu Pattern, and trying the local cuisine as well.

Book the Hokkaido Food and Culture tour by AJT and discover the northern island's very best cultural and culinary delights. This carefully crafted itinerary includes transportation on one of our comfortable private coaches, while in the company of one of our expert bilingual tour guides.

AJT makes itinerary planning simple: start with one of our classic itineraries below and customize it to suit your group. Our Japan tour specialists will be happy to consult with you to coordinate the best itinerary for your group. Please feel free to CONTACT US to get started.

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Tour Information

Please Note:

● The price depends on the group size and travel dates. The larger the group size, the lower the cost per person. Please contact us. for more information.
● The itinerary can be customized based on your group's interests and budget, please contact us to plan a perfect vacation for your group to Japan.

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.

What's included

• 9 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Sapporo New Chitose Airport
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private coach transfers between destinations in Japan
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 10 lunches and 10 dinners

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, hassle free baggage handling.
Arrival Departure Airports
For arrivals and departures at New Chitose Airport (CTS), this tour starts and ends in Sapporo.
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.
Meet and Greet
Meet and greet and airport transfers on arrival and departure included

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Hokkaido
Day2 Lake Toya
Day3 Lake Toya - Kuromatsunai Town - Lake Toya
Day4 Lake Toya - Shikabe - Onuma Park - Hakodate
Day5 Hakodate
Day6 Hakodate - Noboribetsu
Day7 Noboribetsu - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu
Day8 Noboribetsu - Biratori
Day9 Biratori - Otaru
Day10 Otaru - Sapporo
Day11 Sapporo
Day12 Tour Ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Welcome to New Chitose Airport!

Meet your tour guide at the exit gate and transfer to your hotel.

Air Terminal Hotel or similar

Day2

New Chitose Airport - Lake Toya

After breakfast, the day begins with a trip up Mount Usu via the Mount Usu Ropeway, which offers some breathtaking views near Lake Toya. You will be greeted by the spectacular sight Showa Shinzan and the gorgeous surrounding forest dappled with autumn colors. Then enjoy a lunch featuring locally-caught scallops, sweet and soft, and cooked to perfection! Then take in the stunning vista at Sairo Observatory, where you can get a panoramic view of Lake Toya and Nakajima Island in the center. After, we enjoy an Ice Cream-Making Experience at Lake Hill Farm, using one of Hokkaido's most famous products - rich and creamy Hokkaido Milk! Check in at Nonokaze Resort Toya, then savor a Hokkaido Specialty BBQ, expertly prepared by a Private Chef! Dine beside the beautiful lake as you enjoy a mouthwatering barbeque of Hokkaido meat and vegetables! After dinner, enjoy the dazzling sight of fireworks over the lake.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Nonokaze Resort Toya or similar class

Day3

Lake Toya - Kuromatsunai Town - Lake Toya

After breakfast, we travel to Kuromatusnai Town - a small country town that prides itself on its particular rustic "omotenashi" - Japanese homegrown hospitality. Here you will visit a local Tofu shop and taste the tofu they handmake with their own special recipe. For lunch its a picnic on a nearby farm with organic vegetables accompanied by grilled chicken, salt-grilled sweetfish, and other seafood, with Japanese sweets for dessert!. Then we return to your hotel at Lake Toya to enjoy a delicious buffet dinner!

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Nonokaze Resort Toya or similar class

Day4

Lake Toya - Shikabe - Onuma Park - Hakodate

Today, we travel from Lake Toya to Shikabe - a fishing town located north of Onuma Quasi- National Park, with spectacular views of Mount Komagatake, where you can enjoy a relaxing footbath at Shikabe Geyser Park as you watch the geyser spray every 10-15 minutes. Take a unique cooking lesson with local Fisherman's wives (lovingly referred to as the "Mothers of the Seashore") with a fall menu that could include Okhotsk Atka Mackerel, Sculpin, or even Salmon, but will depend entirely on the day's catch. Then take a short trip to Onuma Quasi-National Park to enjoy the lovely fall foliage spread over the area. Check into the LaVista Hakodate Bay Hotel in Hakodate before we head up to Mount Hakodate by bus to see a splendid sunset, and a view of the glittering lights of the city at night. Finally, enjoy dinner at one of Hakodate's popular sushi restaurants.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

LaVista Hakodate Bay or similar class

Day5

Hakodate

Begin the day in Hakodate with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a trip to Hakodate Morning Market, a vibrant street market boasting a broad variety of fresh seafood and seasonal produce. Next, we visit a Japanese Tea House for a chance to compare the taste of green teas with a resident Japanese Tea Master. Savor a Seasonal Seafood Bowl for lunch that features the day's catch, and then take a guided tour of Motomachi. Motomachi is a district of Hakodate that is a strange fusion of East and West architecture. With the influx of trade from Russia, China, and Western nations, historic Western-style buildings like the Old Public Hall, Catholic and Orthodox Churches, and the Old British Consulate create the unique atmosphere you will find walking the sloping streets. Head back to the Hotel for a rest, followed by a dinner of Basque cuisine using local ingredients. Basque is a balanced European cuisine from Spain that include stews, grilled fish and meat dishes, and sparkling wine.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

LaVista Hakodate Bay or similar class

Day6

Hakodate - Noboribetsu

The sightseeing tour of Hakodate continues with a visit to Fort Goryokaku Tower and gorgeous Goryokaku Park. Once a Western- style military fort built in the shape of a star, it has since been converted into a beautiful public park. Guests get a bird's-eye view of the surrounding park from the Tower's observation deck. Then we travel to Noboribetsu, home of a wooded valley known as Noboribetsu Hell Valley. Steam rises from natural vents and hot pools and rivers, and walking trails ideal for viewing the delightful autumn colors in the area wind through the valley. After, check into your hotel - Daiichi Takimotokan - where you can relax in your choice of five different kinds of onsen baths while enjoying beer or sake. Then enjoy a dinner of Japanese cuisine at the hotel before heading to bed for the evening.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Daiichi Takimotokan or similar class

Day7

Noboribetsu - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu

After breakfast, we visit the town of Shiraoi, starting with a guided tour of the National Ainu Museum Upopoi, where you will be able to study the culture and knowledge of the indigenous Ainu people. Enjoy a lunch of mouthwatering beef hamburger, followed by soft serve ice cream at "Mother's" Sweets Shop before heading back to Noboribetsu and a buffet dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Daiichi Takimotokan or similar class

Day8

Noboribetsu - Biratori

After breakfast, travel to Biratori, to the Biratori Nibutani Ainu Culture Museum, which is dedicated to allowing guests to experience genuine Ainu culture and tradition. Then enjoy a lunch using local ingredients in Biratori. After, visit the workplace for Traditional Ainu Crafts for the Story of Ainu and Craftwork from Professionals. Check into the hotel for the evening and enjoy a dinner of Biratori Beef Sukiyaki - a native dish to the Biratori region - in a multi-course dinner consisting of traditional kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is a kind of Japanese haute cuisine that focuses on harmonizing seasonal dishes and flavors. Biratori beef is a high quality wagyu raised in the fertile climate of Hokkaido, meticulously bred and managed in order to produce a tender beef that melts in your mouth.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Biratori Onsen Yukara or similar

Day9

Biratori - Otaru

Today's tour of Biratori begins after breakfast at the hotel, when we visit a Chise (an Ainu small house) and listen to Ainu Yakura, or "Oral Literature" of the Ainu people. The Ainu believe that kamuy (gods or spirits) inhabit all things, and their stories reflect their beliefs. Next, try your hand at traditional Ainu crafts and try to carve your own Wooden Coaster with an Ainu pattern. Then, taste Ainu cuisine at Kaizawa Farm "Shitoki". Finally, we head to Otaru, check into your ryokan accommodation and enjoy a Japanese multi-course kaiseki dinner.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Otaru Asarigawa Onsen Korakuen or similar class

Day10

Otaru - Sapporo

After breakfast, your day of sightseeing in Otaru begins with a guided Sake Tour of the Otaru Tanaka Japanese Brewery Kikkogura, where you can enjoy tasting its best-selling sake labels as well as seasonal offerings. Then we visit the Aoyama Bettei Former Herring Fisherman's House - an enormous villa built by the influential Aoyama family, and is now preserved as a museum. Enjoy a lunch in Naruto of Traditional Fried Half-Chicken. Also known as Anishinaabe Chicken, this whole half of a spring chicken has been marinated for a whole day, fried in soybean oil and seasoned with salt and pepper for a crispy, juicy texture. Then continue sightseeing around Otaru starting with Otaru Canal, which played a big part of the city's development as a port town in the early 20th century, and has been preserved by the town as a heritage promenade. Then stroll down Sakaimichi Street, which is a heritage street full of preserved merchants houses and shops, now converted into cafes, boutique shops, and museums. An especially memorable shop is the Kitaichi Glass Museum and Workshop, which displays a variety of quality glass wares dating back to the Meiji and Taisho eras, as well as a workshop where you can watch the glass creation process. After, we travel to Sapporo to check into the hotel and enjoy dinner at Hokkaido Sake Izakaya before relaxing at the hotel for the evening.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Sapporo Grand Hotel or similar class

Day11

Sapporo

Today, after breakfast at the hotel before a day of sightseeing in Sapporo, beginning with a Guided Tour of the Sapporo Historical Village of Hokkaido. This open air museum displays various heritage buildings from Hokkaido's history, from as far back as the Meiji Era, and includes a town area, fishing village area, farm village area, and mountain village area. Then enjoy a lunch of Sapporo Ramen, before visiting the Hill of the Buddha, designed by the famous architect Tadao Ando. He built the Buddha just high enough to see his head peeking out from the hill, which was planted with thousands of lavender plants. Then we travel to either Hiraoka Jyugei Center or Nakajima Park for a chance to view the gorgeous autumn foliage. After, we take a trip on the Mount Moiwa Ropeway which showcases the breathtaking Sapporo skyline at night. The ropeway transfers to a special Mini Cable Car affectionately called the "Morris Car" which runs through breathtaking forests decked in bright autumn colors. Finally, we head back to the hotel for a rest before a Farewell dinner at a local crab restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Sapporo crab dishes.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Sapporo Grand Hotel or similar class

Day12

Tour Ends

After breakfast, free for leisure until to the airport for departure.

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.

Destinations

Lake Toya / Kuromatsunao Town / Shikabe / Onuma Park / Hakodate / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Biratori / Otaru / Sapporo

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Charms of Hokkaido: Sapporo Autumn Fest

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Group Tour Style	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours	< View Tours
Feature	Our Budget Tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget. Explore the must-see sights and enjoy a hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price.	Sample all Japan has to offer, from unique locales to must see tourist attractions. Our Deluxe Tours are fully guided, and use our luxury coaches for your convenience and comfort.	Experience Japanese culture at a slower pace, and with a smaller group size than our deluxe tours. Stay in each city longer so you can soak in the culture and fully appreciate the destinations.	Enjoy upgraded hotels, a slower pace, and a smaller group size for a more intimate experience. Access to a wide range of unique activities that immerse you in authentic Japanese culture.	Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape.
Advantage	Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a set of quick stops to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or if you plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys, these are the tours for you.	Our most popular tours for everyone. Fully-escorted - the most hassle-free way to visit Japan for the best value. From Hokkaido to Kyushu, the duration of our Deluxe Tours range from 5 to 27 days. Whether you want to see the best of Japan in a shorter time, or take your time in each city, you will find a tour package that suits your preferences.	Smaller group sizes enable our guests to access more of Japanese culture and traditions. Our Deluxe-Plus Tours are carefully balanced for you to discover the unique Japanese culture, history, arts, food and spectacular scenery Japan has. If you love Japan and want to appreciate the best of everything Japan can offer, these are the tours for you.	Dive into the cultural aspects of Japan at a more leisurely pace. Enjoy more than just sightseeing. All of our Signature Small Group Tours feature a wide range of cultural experiences through interaction with the people and places that represent all that is authentic about the destination. Get an alternative, more in-depth understanding of Japanese culture and art.	Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best cultural locations with off-the-beaten-path destinations via Japanese public transportation. Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.
Group Size	20 to 45 people	10 to 35 people	6 to 24 people	4 to 16 people	4 to 13 people
Fully-escorted	Comprehensively escorted by AJT's professional English speaking tour guide				Your guides are local experts and residents of the city you are visiting, they do not always escort the group when traveling between cities
Pace	Fast pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	Perfect pace to see as much as possible while in Japan	More leisurely pace to soak in and fully appreciate the destinations, plus free time to explore on your own
Airport Transfers	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified	Airport transfers are included* (If no options are taken: hotels are not requested to be changed and passengers use the correct airports)	Airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Private airport transfers are included if arriving on the first day of the tour and returning on the last day of the tour	Airport transfers are NOT included unless otherwise specified
Transfer between cities	Transfer between cities via private coach and Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary			Transfer between cities via private coach and first class Shinkansen (bullet train), depending on the itinerary	Transfer between cities via Shinkansen (bullet train) or express train. Private minivans are also used occasionally where public transport is not available or practical
Sightseeing	Sightseeing by private coach with an escorted guide		Sightseeing by private coach and public transportation with an escorted guide		Sightseeing via public transportation (local train, subway & local bus) with local guides
Admission fees and activities	All entry fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary are included
Luggage Transfers	Luggage transfers by private coach from hotel to hotel, plus separate luggage transfers are included on select tours				Separate luggage transfers are included
Meals	Breakfast every morning, plus meals as indicated (vegetarian or special meals can be arranged)
Accommodation	Carefully-selected budget hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected superior/deluxe hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/boutique hotels and ryokans	Carefully-selected deluxe/luxury hotels and ryokans	Accommodations range from local Japanese inns (minshuku) to budget hotels, to superior/deluxe hotels depending on the tour and destination
Ages	4 years old and above			6 years old and above
Health & Activity	In order to enjoy our tour, you should be able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing activities can only be accomplished on foot. Wheelchairs can be arranged upon request. However, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.				These tours are tailored to the energetic traveler; guests should feel comfortable walking from 4 to 10 miles a day depending on the tour and destination.

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12-Day Hokkaido Food & Culture Autumn Leaves Tour 38 Reviews 12 days 11 nights Price On Request

Join a special Autumn Leaves tour of Hokkaido focusing on its unique local culture and mouthwatering food, in addition to its breathtaking natural beauty.

Tour Information

Deposit

What's included

What's NOT included

Additional Information

Itinerary In Brief

Day1

Welcome to New Chitose Airport!

Day2

New Chitose Airport - Lake Toya

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day3

Lake Toya - Kuromatsunai Town - Lake Toya

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day4

Lake Toya - Shikabe - Onuma Park - Hakodate

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day5

Hakodate

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day6

Hakodate - Noboribetsu

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day7

Noboribetsu - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day8

Noboribetsu - Biratori

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day9

Biratori - Otaru

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day10

Otaru - Sapporo

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day11

Sapporo

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day12

Tour Ends

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

Charms of Hokkaido: Sapporo Autumn Fest

Charms of Hokkaido: Autumn Leaves & Salmon Run

Charms of Hokkaido: Summer Flowers & Nature

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12-Day Hokkaido Food & Culture Autumn Leaves Tour
38 Reviews
12 days 11 nights

Price On Request

Why Travel on Our
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