7 Days / 6 Nights
Hokkaido enjoys distinct four seasons making it a desirable destination throughout the year. With its array of vibrant colours, the autumn foliage in Japan is a sight to behold. The seasonal change begins in northern Hokkaido when temperatures drop, leaf colour begins to change, along with the deciduous trees in mid-September.
Summary
This tour will whisk you to the very finest spots to immerse yourself in all the colours of autumn. A thrilling cable car ride through the mountains, a canoe trip across a lake lined with trees, and a hike along trails lined with crimson, amber, and gold will take you to breathtaking heights.
The colourful display is not only a time of leaf change, but also a time to sample some delicious seasonal foods. Hokkaido has a variety of mouth-watering fall dishes that originate from a variety of locations. Learn about the island's history through the eyes of the indigenous Ainu people, the caretakers of ancient Hokkaido. Visit Daisetsuzan National Park, also known as 'Kamoi Mintara' or 'the playing field of the gods' by the Ainu people.A more modern history can be found in the port city of Otaru, where a bustling trade industry flourished. A variety of culinary delights will be served throughout the tour, including charcoal-grilled dishes and a sushi-making workshop guided by a third-generation sushi master.
Do you want to see the true colours of Hokkaido? Experience the splendour of what's on offer with the expert help of an English-speaking local guide.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1 - RELAX IN KUSHIRO
Meet English speaking guide at the hotel in Kushiro.
Tour highlights:
- Indulge in the breathtaking scenery of Akanko Onsen
- Wander along the shores of Lake Akan
- Explore Ainu Kotan at night
- Enjoy an ancient ceremonial dance at the Akanko Ainu Theater Ikor
- Stay overnight at Akan Yuku no Sato Tsuruga or similar
DAY 2 - COLOURFUL KUSHIRO
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights:
- Experience the vibrant colours of Lake Onneto; the Five-Coloured Pond
- Shikaribetsu Lake, known as the Lake in the Sky
- Mikuni Pass offers sweeping views of the primordial forest
- Experience the soothing effects of an onsen bath
Stay overnight at Sounkaku Mountain Resort 1923 or similar
DAY 3- VIEWS, HEIGHTS AND HIKING
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights:
- Scenic peak of Mount Kurodake
- Daisetsuzan National Park; the garden where the Gods play
- Enjoy panoramic views while hiking
- Ginsendai guided hike
- The Ryuseino Falls
- The Gingano Falls
- The Ishikari River
Stay overnight at Sounkaku Mountain Resort 1923 or similar
DAY 4 -NATURAL BEAUTY AND EXQUISITE WILDLIFE
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights
- Asahidake Sanroku ropeway station
- A peaceful walk through nature to Sugatami no Ike
- Discover playful red squirrels
- Stunning beauty of the Shirogane Blue Pond
- See the Shirahige Waterfall plunge into the Biei River's chilly waters
Stay overnight at Shin Furano Prince Hotel or similar.
DAY 5 - FESTIVE COLOURS OF TORINUMA
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights
- Take a tour of Torinuma Nature Park
- Farm Tomita; a feast for the eyes
- View the Tokachi Mountains
- Hiraoka Tree Centre botanical garden
- Self-care time at the Forest Spa adjoining the hotel
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Stay overnight Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa Mori no Uta in Jozankei or similar
DAY 6 - SITES OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Breakfast at hotel. Full-day tour with private guide.
Tour highlights
- Otaru, a historic port city
- Take a sushi-making class at Masazushi
- The Sakaimachi Street is home to beautiful historical structures
- Peruse the crafts at the Kitaichi Glass Workshop.
- Cruise through the canals of Otaru
- Observe how whiskey is made at Nikka Whiskey Distillery
- An evening tour of Mt Moiwa for spectacular views of Sapporo
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Stay overnight at Royal Park Canvas Hotel at Sapporo Odori Park or similar
DAY 7 - SAYONARA SAPPORO
Breakfast and lunch at hotel. Spend your time in leisure until checkout in the afternoon
Tour highlights:
- Take a relaxing trip to Sapporo
- Visit Odori Park
- Take a tour of the Sapporo Beer Museum
- Visit Tanukikoji shopping street for some retail therapy
Transfer by car for onward travel in Hokkaido or take an internal flight to Osaka or Tokyo to catch your return flight home.
Rates and Includes
Rate Includes:
- Six nights at three or four-star hotels
- Meals; Daily Breakfast and Dinner and lunch during tours
- English-speaking guide: Per itinerary (including tip and allowance)
- Entrance and activity fees: Per itinerary
- Local transport: included during tours
Rate Excludes:
- International flights and internal flights to and from Hokkaido
- Drinks
- Certain meals, per itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Other items not mentioned in the itinerary
