Cultural Getaway to South Hokkaido in the Peak of Autumn

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

1. DAY

   01

   New Chitose Airport - Noboribetsu

   Welcome to Hokkaido: Your Autumn Adventure Begins!

   

   Welcome to Hokkaido! Your unforgettable autumn journey is about to unfold. Today, after your flight, we’ll whisk you away to the renowned Noboribetsu Onsen, a famous hot spring town perfectly situated to soothe your travel weariness. This is the ideal place to begin your exploration of Hokkaido’s natural wonders, allowing your body to relax and rejuvenate in its therapeutic waters.

   As evening approaches, prepare to be captivated by the mystical landscape of Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Here, plumes of steam rise dramatically from the earth, creating an otherworldly, ethereal atmosphere, especially enchanting as the sun begins to set. A leisurely stroll along the boardwalks through this unique volcanic valley offers a truly mesmerizing experience, with the geothermal activity providing a stark yet beautiful contrast to the surrounding environment.

   For ultimate relaxation, immerse yourself in one of the vibrant footbaths nestled amidst the stunning autumn foliage. Imagine soaking your feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by trees ablaze with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. It’s a serene and picturesque way to unwind and feel completely refreshed. Noboribetsu offers a variety of ways to enjoy its hot springs, from public baths to private rotenburo (open-air baths), ensuring a perfect start to your Hokkaido adventure.

2. DAY

   02

   Noboribetsu - Noboribetsu

   Discover the Enchanting Culture of Hokkaido's Indigenous Ainu People

   

   To truly understand the history and culture of Hokkaido, one must explore the fascinating heritage of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Northern Japan and Russia. Today, you’ll have the profound opportunity to delve into Ainu culture at Upopoy, the Ainu National Museum, a sprawling facility dedicated to their history and traditions.

   At Upopoy, you can experience the vibrant Ainu culture firsthand through captivating traditional performances, explore the meticulously recreated Ainu village (Kotan) to understand their daily life, and engage with interactive exhibits at the National Ainu Museum. It’s a place designed for deep learning and cultural immersion.

   For lunch, you’ll savor Ainu cuisine, thoughtfully reinterpreted with a modern twist, offering a unique culinary journey. In the afternoon, your experience continues with a hands-on Ainu embroidery workshop, where you’ll learn directly from Ainu cultural inheritors in Shiraoi. This is a chance to discover and truly feel the diversity of culture as you learn the meanings behind the distinctive patterns found in Ainu embroidery, connecting with their rich artistic traditions.

   Local gourmet: Ainu-style cuisine

   

   Local gourmet: Ainu-style cuisine
   – Ainu cuisine or restaurants are not common even in Hokkaido.
   – The history of Ainu people and Japanese is a complicated one, and not in a very positive way. Nowadays, there are very few speakers of Ainu language and many individuals are not even aware of their Ainu roots because of extensive cultural assimilation.
   – Culture is constantly changing and always in movement. If Ainu culture and Japanese culture had had a chance to live more harmoniously side by side, there would most likely been more fusion cuisine like the one you will have today.

3. DAY

   03

   Noboribetsu - Hakodate

   Autumn salmon and the local fishing culture in a charming seaside town

   After a nice breakfast at a traditional Japanese “ryokan” inn with hot springs, you will learn about another enchanting aspect of the local culture; Hokkaido is surrounded by the sea from all directions, and fishing is an essential part of the local way of life.
   Today you will visit the seaport town of Toyoura where you can witness wild autumn salmon returning from the ocean to the rivers of their birth. You can also have some fresh salmon and salmon roe, that will be cooked together with the help of a local expert.
   In the evening you will arrive in the city of Hakodate, where you can relax and set your eyes on the stunning, lit-up autumn leaves displayed in Kōsetsu-en park.

   Hokkaido nature: salmon run

   

   – Hokkaido’ salmon run occurs typically from October to November.
   – Salmon run refers to salmon returning from the ocean to their original birthplace to spawn.
   – The salmon run in Hokkaido is an unusual phenomena: wild salmon in a relatively urban environment.
   – Salmon has cultural significance for Ainu, the indigenous people of North Japan and Russia. In Ainu language salmon is “Kamuy-Cep” meaning Fish God. Cep-keri are traditional boots made from salmon skin.

4. DAY

   04

   Hakodate - Hakodate

   Hakodate, a city with an intriguing history

   Southern Hokkaido is where the story of Japanese culture on the island began. Hakodate city has been a stage for some major historical events that ended up changing the fate of Japan. This is where the Imperial Forces – The Emperor’s side – and rebel Tokugawa Feudal Military Government – including “the last Samurai” – fought against each other.
   The battle’s outcome was part of a chain of events that led to the end of Japan’s “Closed Country” policy and the swift “modernization” of Japan. This history is visible in the interesting mix of Western and Japanese architecture in the Hakodate cityscape. Today you can listen to the whispers of the past and enjoy some sightseeing in this extraordinary city.

   History of Hokkaido: the Motomachi area

   History of Hokkaido: the Motomachi area
   – Hakodate was one of the first Japanese harbors to open to the outside world some 150 years ago.
   – In Motomachi area there is a concentration of historical Western buildings atypical to Japan.
   – Hakodate Russian Orthodox Church (1916) and Former British Consulate (1913 to 1934) are just some examples of the buildings found in this fascinating area located at the foot of Mount Hakodate.

5. DAY

   05

   Hakodate - Yakumo

   Autumn's Embrace: Lakeside Canoeing & Ryokan Bliss

   

   As we enter the latter half of your enchanting Hokkaido autumn tour, we begin our day departing from Hakodate in the morning. Our journey takes us to a stunning lake, where you’ll embark on a serene canoe experience amidst the vibrant autumn foliage. Here, the surrounding trees blaze with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, their colors painting a breathtaking reflection on the calm lake surface. This unique perspective offers an unparalleled view of Hokkaido’s natural beauty, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil splendor of the season in a way that’s truly unforgettable.

   This day is designed for relaxation and gentle appreciation of nature’s artistry. Our destination for the night is a charming, traditional ryokan, nestled comfortably amidst the very same beautiful autumn leaves. Upon arrival, you can unwind and let the day’s gentle adventures melt away. Take your time to soak leisurely in the soothing onsen (hot springs), allowing the warm, mineral-rich waters to rejuvenate your body and soul. This is your chance to experience the exquisite beauty of Japanese autumn with all your senses, surrounded by nature’s vibrant embrace.

6. DAY

   06

   Yakumo - Jozankei（Sapporo）

   The best autumn leaves spots around Sapporo

   

   Today, we embark on our journey towards Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city! Along the way, we’ll make a delightful stop at Lake Hill Farm and Silo Observation Deck. Here, you can savor some truly delicious gelato, a perfect treat amidst the crisp autumn air. From the observation deck, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views, with the vibrant autumn foliage painting the landscape in a breathtaking display of reds, oranges, and yellows around Lake Toya.

   As we draw closer to Sapporo, prepare for an exhilarating aerial adventure on the Autumn Foliage Gondola. This unique experience offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the spectacular autumn leaves from above, providing an unparalleled perspective of Hokkaido’s natural beauty. It’s an incredible opportunity to capture truly magnificent photos of the expansive, colorful forests stretching out beneath you, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

7. DAY

   07

   Jozankei（Sapporo） - New Chitose Airport

   Farewell Hokkaido: Last Moments in Sapporo & Jotankei

   

   Awakening in Jotankei, Sapporo’s serene “inner parlor” nestled amidst the mountains, marks the final day of your Hokkaido autumn journey. Before your private airport transfer takes you to New Chitose Airport, you’ll have ample free time to enjoy Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city.

   This is your chance to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs, or revisit a favorite spot. For those seeking to maximize their Japan autumn experience until the very end, our travel consultants can suggest various activities and experiences tailored to your interests. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems, savoring exquisite Hokkaido autumn cuisine, or simply relaxing in a city park, your Japan autumn adventure has one last chapter. Don’t hesitate to consult us for personalized suggestions to perfectly round off your Japan autumn trip.