Hokkaido's Far North

Day 1 : Sapporo

After collecting your portable Pocket Wifi, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sapporo.

Day 2 : Sapporo, Yoichi & Otaru

Enjoy a private full day guided tour with a local lunch, including a visit to nearby Otaru and the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. The small port city of Otaru is known for its glassworks and has a beautifully preserved canal area lined with restored warehouses.

Day 3 : Sapporo > Wakkanai

Collect your rental car and settle in for your drive north to Wakkanai. Today’s journey via Rumoi is along the western coastal road that runs parallel to the Sea of Japan. On a clear day this stretch known locally as the ‘Ororon Line’ offers endless views of the coast and offshore islands.

Day 4 : Wakkanai

Today is free to explore the area around Wakkanai. We recommend visiting the northernmost tip of Hokkaido to take in the panoramic views at Cape Soya, as well as the gentle rolling hills and wind turbines of the Soya Hills. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the ‘white road’, a path of crushed scallop shells that are a brilliant contrast against the blue and green of the surrounding landscape on a fine day. Tonight, perhaps sample the Soya Black Beef that the region is famous for.

Day 5 : Wakkanai > Rishiri

Take the car ferry to the island of Rishiri, where the dormant volcano known as Rishiri-Fuji dominates the landscape. Make sure to try the ultra-fresh and exceptional uni (sea urchin) that the island is famous for. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

Day 6 : Rishiri > Rebun

Spend the morning exploring the forested slopes of Rishiri before taking the car ferry to Rebun – the “Floating Island of Flowers”. Take your pick of several hiking courses to discover rare alpine plants that grow from sea level – many cannot be found anywhere else. Don’t miss the view at Cape Sukai and its crystal clear waters of dazzling shades of deep blue. Dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

Day 7 : Rebun > Wakkanai

The morning is free to further explore Rebun. Perhaps visit Cape Sukoton, where you can usually find spotted seals in summer and see the Russian island of Sakhalin on a clear day. Perhaps try the unusual kombu (kelp) flavoured soft serve ice cream before leaving the islands. This afternoon, return by car ferry to Wakkanai for the night.

Day 8 : Wakkanai > Sounkyo Onsen

Drive to Sounkyo Onsen, a hot spring resort in the northern part of Japan’s largest national park. Enjoy the views from the Kurodake ropeway, visit the area’s beautiful waterfalls, and soak in the soothing hot spring waters in your room’s private open air onsen. Dinner is included tonight.

Day 9 : Sounkyo Onsen > Biei > Furano

Today leave the mountains of Daisetsuzan and head towards the rolling hills and patchwork fields of Biei. Don’t miss the stunning Blue Pond and its bright turquoise waters pierced by larch and silver birch trees. End your day at Furano, where dinner is included at your hotel tonight.

Day 10 : Furano

Today is free to explore the Furano area with your rental car. Perhaps visit Farm Tomita’s famous lavender fields, visit a cheese factory to sample Hokkaido’s renowned dairy products, or stop in at a local winery.

Day 11 : Furano > Lake Shikotsu

Drive to Lake Shikotsu, a beautiful caldera lake surrounded by mountains and famed for its clear waters. Admire the lake at close range on a sightseeing boat or kayak, stroll the paths around the shoreline or enjoy the trails through the green forest. End the day with an included dinner of seasonal Hokkaido delights and perhaps a relaxing soak in the hotel’s onsen baths.

Day 12 : Lake Shikotsu > Noboribetsu > Lake Toya

Depart this morning for Upopoy, Japan’s first national museum dedicated to the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people. The adjacent park is an open-air centre where visitors experience traditional dance, performing arts, cooking and crafts in harmony with nature. Carry on to the onsen town of Noboribetsu for a walk through desolate landscape of the appropriately named Jigokudani – Hell Valley. Those who also walk the wooded hills above the town can reward their feet with a soothing forest footbath in the Oyunuma hot spring river. Finish the day at your resort hotel overlooking Lake Toya.

Day 13 : Lake Toya

Today is free to explore the Lake Toya area. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway, which brings you close to the summit of one of Japan’s most active volcanoes and boasts panoramic views of the lake, Mt Yotei and the young Mt Showa-Shinzan. Walking trails lead to views of some of the newest craters. You may also wish to stroll the lakefront promenade complete with hot spring foot baths, admire the nearly 60 sculptures that are dotted around the shore, or take a sightseeing cruise on the lake.

Day 14 : Lake Toya > Sapporo

Drive back to Sapporo and return your rental car and Pocket Wifi, where arrangements end.