Top All Sample Tours First Time in Hokkaido

First Time in Hokkaido

2025
Last updated : 2025

Your First Journey to Hokkaido — A Story of Nature, Culture, and Serenity

Is this your first trip to Hokkaido?

If so, why not start by considering this itinerary — the perfect introduction to Japan’s northern wonderland.

Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts, is known for its rich variety of mineral waters. It’s truly worth staying overnight to relax and experience the onsen culture.

From there, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake surrounded by mountains, including the majestic Mt. Yotei, often called “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji.” Continue on to Otaru, a charming retro port town filled with nostalgic canals, glass workshops, music boxes, and sushi restaurants. Don’t miss the romantic canal illumination at night — it’s a highlight of the visit.

Next, head to Asahikawa to visit the world-famous Asahiyama Zoo, renowned for its unique “behavioral exhibitions.” It’s a favorite spot for families and international travelers alike. Deep within Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo Gorge boasts some of Hokkaido’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Stretching for over 20 kilometers along the Ishikari River, the gorge is surrounded by towering 100-meter cliffs, waterfalls, and untouched alpine landscapes. We highly recommend staying overnight here to truly appreciate its tranquil beauty.

Another must-see area is Furano and Biei, where you can enjoy Hokkaido’s signature rolling hills and colorful landscapes. Visit Farm Tomita for its famous lavender fields in summer, the Blue Pond, and Shikisai-no-Oka flower hills — each season offers its own photogenic scenery, from vibrant blooms to autumn leaves and snowy winter views.

Finally, explore Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido and the center of its urban culture and cuisine. Highlights include the Clock Tower, Susukino district, and the Sapporo Beer Museum. Be sure to try local favorites such as Genghis Khan BBQ, soup curry, and ramen.Stay two nights here to fully enjoy shopping, dining, and the city’s relaxed atmosphere.

This 6-day journey covers the must-see highlights and authentic local experiences that define Japan’s northern wonderland.

Itinerary:

Day1 New Chitose AP – Noboribetsu

After arriving at New Chitose airport you go to Noboribetsu today. First stop is Shiraoi. National ainu museum UPOPOY where you learn and enjoy Hokkaido native “AINU” is open in 2020. Then move to Noboribetsu, famous onsen resort not just in Hokkaido but in Japan. Hell valley, Oyunuma, Date Jidaimura etc. are tourist attractions.

Overnight in Noboribetsu

Day2 Noboribetsu – Otaru

Drive to volcanic caldera lake Toya first, two volcanoes called Mt. Usu and Showashinzan on the way. If taking a cable car there, panoramic view of lake Toya and Mt. Yotei available from the top of the mountain. After lake Toya area, Kyogoku, the base of Mt. Yotei and Yoichi, a hometown of Nikka whiskey would be tourist spots.

Overnight in Otaru

Kyogoku Fukidashi park
Day3 Otaru – Sounkyo

After check out start sightseeing Otaru canal, Kitaichi Glass factory, Musical Box factory etc. in the morning. Then taking a expressway to Asahikawa city. Asahiyama zoo, Otokoyama sake factory, ramen village etc. are tourist spots. Then move to Sounkyo – gorges stretching for 24 kms along the Ishikari River.

Overnight in Sounkyo

Otokoyama Sake museum, ASAHIKAWA
Day4 Sounkyo – Sapporo

First drive to Biei town surrounded by a pleasant hilly landscape. Blue pond, Shirahige falls and Shikisai-no-Oka are on the list to visit. About 30-40 min. drive to Furano area. Tourist spots are Farm Tomita, cheese factory, Furano winery, jam garden etc. After Furano take a express way to Sapporo – the biggest city in Hokkaido.

Overnight in Sapporo

Day5 Sapporo

Sapporo sightseeing day today. Shiroi koibito park must be good not only for kids but adults. Mt. Okurayama or Mt. Moiwa would be recommended to see a great landscape. Visit Historical village of Hokkaido to learn about Hokkaido. Hill of the buddha, Fushimi Inari shrine are photogenic places. Genhis Khan lamb BBQ is a famous local cuisine.

Overnight in Sapporo

Sapporo Snow Festival(early FEB)
Day6 Sapporo – New Chitose AP

Check out and have a breakfast at seafood market in the morning. Then head for New Chitose airport. It takes almost one hour. And spend some time to do your last minute shopping in the airport or factory outlet mall near airport.

Back to list

Customized Tour Request

    Service you would like to request*

    Click here if you would like “Airport Transfer Only”

    Preferred area(s) and departure location*

    Local departure date

    Number of days

    Number of participants

    Adults:

    Children (0–12 yrs) :

    Children’s age(s)

    Other services you would like to request

    Tour Budget

    Your Information

    Name*

    Email Address*

    Nationality*

    Message

    Privacy Policy:

    North Star Travel Co., Ltd owns and operates tour booking services and provides said services to customers worldwide who visit Hokkaido and Japan for pleasure. Our services are given as SERVICE in this privacy policy listed below. We value our customer's trust when providing SERVICE. We are committed to maintaining the privacy of your personal information. Our privacy policy clearly describes how we treat personal information we receive.

    1.Information we collect

    When you visit our website, we may collect personally identifiable information from you as follows.

    • Contact information such as full name, address, telephone number and email address.

    • Personal information such as date of birth, gender, occupation and personal interests

    • Technical information such as log-in ID, password, IP address, cookies, and your device type

    2.How We Use Information Collected

    We may use information collected for the following purposes.

    • To provide and operate SERVICE

    • To handle customer inquiries

    • To provide useful information and to contact customers

    • To create statistics and other data about SERVICE

    3.Providing Personal Information to Third Parties

    Unless required by law, we will not provide personal information collected to third parties.

    4.Security

    We are committed to protecting customer personal information collected. We maintain safeguards and security measures to prevent leakage, loss, falsification and unauthorized access.

    5.Update, Erase and Suspend Your Data

    Customers have the right to update, erase and suspend all use of their personal information.

    We will apply such requests within a reasonable period following user identity verification.

    6.Policy Modifications

    We may change this Privacy Policy from time to time. Customers will be notified of any changes by us. Changes in the Privacy Policy will be in effect once they appear on this page.

    7.Comments and Questions

    If you have any questions, comments or concerns about our Privacy Policy, please contact us.