True Autumn Full of Stunning Colors and Outdoor Activities in Central Hokkaido

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

1. DAY

   01

   Asahikawa Airport - Asahidake

   Relaxing in hot springs at the bottom of Hokkaido's highest mountain

   
   Welcome to the highest mountain of Hokkaido, Mount Asahidake! Today marks the first day of your incredible journey. The mountain is located in Daisetsuzan National Park. This is usually the first place in Japan where one can appreciate the autumn foliage, making it a prime spot for japan autumn season enthusiasts. At the bottom of Mt. Asahidake there is a lovely “onsen” hot springs village. On the first night of your private tour, just take a dip in the rejuvenating waters and feel your jet lag melt away, a perfect start to your japan travel. Your japan tour guide will ensure a smooth arrival and provide insights into this beautiful region, acting as your trusted japan tour guide. This experience truly embodies the essence of japan autumn season, offering unparalleled natural beauty for your japan travel. Trust your japan tour guide to enhance your japan autumn season experience, making this japan travel unforgettable.
   

   Hokkaido nature: Mount Asahidake

   

   – 2291 meters (7516 feet) high, Mount Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido.
   – This active volcano is located in Daisetsuzan National Park (established in 1934).
   – The mountain is popular among hikers in summer and skiers in winter.
   – Being the highest point of Japan’s northernmost island, Mount Asahidake is usually the first place in the whole country to have autumn leaves and snowfall.
   – The mountain area is home to beautiful alpine plants. Unlike other parts of Japan or southern Hokkaido, evergreens like spruce are common in the national park.

2. DAY

   02

   Asahidake - Asahidake

   Trekking among captivating autumn colors in Daisetsuzan National Park

   

   Today it’s time to go hunting for the autumn leaves among the mountainous scenery of Daisetsuzan National Park. This area is known for its clear cold waters and fresh mountain air. Your local nature guide will choose the route where the most beautiful autumn leaves can be found right at that moment. This private tour is entirely yours, so the hike can naturally be altered according to your stamina and interests. Be prepared for a magnificent sea of different shades of red, yellow, orange, purple, magenta and brown on the mountain sides of Hokkaido’s highest peak!

   In the evening you will be arriving in Hokkaido’s second largest city, Asahikawa. Before leaping back into the wilderness, explore the city at night, and perhaps visit some unique “Izakaya” Japanese style bars while you are here.

3. DAY

   03

   Asahidake - Furano

   Capture the reflection of the red and yellow of autumn leaves in the turquoise water of Blue Pond

   

   The blue color was originally formed because of a man-made dam that was built to prevent the potential damage of the active volcano Mount Tokachidake which is found in the area. Colorful autumn leaves reflecting on the peculiar colored water makes this an autumn spot seen nowhere else, a highlight of any autumn tour. Nearby you can find Shirahige Waterfall, a rare type of waterfall that seems to emerge out from solid rock. This unique natural phenomenon is a must-see on your japan tour. After the buzzing tourist location, you can make your way up to Tokachidake Observatory and take a breather gazing out into the surrounding autumn scenery, a perfect moment on your autumn tour. This segment of your japan tour offers unparalleled natural beauty, ensuring a memorable autumn tour experience. It’s truly a special part of your japan tour.

4. DAY

   04

   Furano - Tokachigawa

   Hiking in the forest and Making wooden spoon

   In the morning, let’s embark on a delightful stroll amidst the autumn leaves! Wandering through the brilliant fall colors, with the gentle sounds of streams flowing nearby, offers a truly breathtaking and serene experience. In the latter part of this experience, you’ll enjoy a spoon-making workshop using local wood from the region. Take your time to feel the warmth and texture of Hokkaido’s natural wood in your hands as you create your own unique souvenir.

   Afterward, we will head to Tokachigawa Onsen, a famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido. This unique onsen is renowned for its rare “moor hot springs”, rich in organic plant matter, which are known for their incredibly smooth texture and skin-beautifying properties. It’s a perfect place to unwind and experience a distinct type of Japanese hot spring.

   Accommodation: Tokachigawa Onsen Daiichi Hotel

   – Classy but modern onsen resort located on the shore of Tokachigawa River.
   – Famous for its special plant-derived Moor Onsen that is believed to have various positive health effects. There are even rooms with a private open-air Moor Onsen bath.
   – High quality cuisine using fresh and local ingredients from the Tokachi area known throughout the country as the breadbasket of Hokkaido and all Japan.

5. DAY

   05

   Tokachigawa - Tokachigawa

   Harvesting seasonal vegetables with the locals

   　

   Visit a local farm to harvest some seasonal potatoes and corn, a quintessential Hokkaido autumn experience. After the picnic (perhaps enjoyed with some of your fresh produce), we will visit a local house to cook a homemade meal for your Lunch, truly embracing the spirit of Japan autumn. You’ll prepare authentic local dishes such as Inari Zushi, Imo-Dango, and other traditional delights. There is something truly satisfying in getting to eat what you have gathered and made from scratch with your own hands, making it a memorable part of your Hokkaido autumn journey. This unique Japan autumn activity offers a deep connection to the land and its bounty, a highlight of any Hokkaido autumn itinerary.

6. DAY

   06

   Tokachigawa - Sapporo

   Canoe with Autumn Foliage at Lake Shikaribetsu

   

   Today, we begin our journey towards Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city! Along the way, we’ll enjoy a serene canoe experience on a beautiful lake adorned with autumn foliage. Here, the trees blaze with vibrant reds and yellows, their colors vividly reflected on the calm water’s surface, creating a breathtaking spectacle unlike the views found deep within the forest.

   Upon arrival in Sapporo, you’ll have ample time to check into your hotel and rest, preparing for an evening of culinary delights. In the evening, let’s savor various dining experiences recommended by our travel consultants! We’ll introduce you to a range of genres, but if you have any specific restaurants in mind beyond our suggestions, please feel free to consult us.

7. DAY

   07

   Sapporo- Sapporo

   Seasonal food culture in the capital of Hokkaido

   

   Today you will get to enjoy some free time in Sapporo city, truly embracing the vibrant atmosphere of sapporo autumn. There is plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and of course, more excellent Japanese cuisine. If you haven’t yet had enough of seasonal Hokkaido food, no worries; the Sapporo Autumn Festival is held in September, making the city pulsate with life and showcasing the best of japan autumn flavors! This is your perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm of sapporo autumn, discovering local delights and enjoying the crisp air. Experience the rich tapestry of colors and tastes that define japan autumn in this magnificent city. Make the most of your sapporo autumn day, a true highlight of your japan autumn journey.

8. DAY

   08

   Sapporo- New Chitose Airport

   Farewell Hokkaido!

   We hope you enjoyed your autumn journey full of local Hokkaido culture, seasonal foods and colorful fall foliage. Today it is time to head to the airport and say goodbye to Japan’s northernmost island. At the airport there will still be an opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs and maybe even catch a Japanese movie at the theater within New Chitose Airport before it is time to return home. Each season brings with it something fun that can only be enjoyed at that moment. Please look forward to an entirely different side of Hokkaido the next time you pay us a visit!