Hokkaido
The northernmost of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido is renowned for its dramatic volcanoes, tranquil geothermal pools and impressive ski slopes.
The island is the least developed of the group and features vast expanses of untouched wilderness protected by the Daisetsuzan and Shikotsu-Tōya National Parks.
Visitors can look forward to hiking the area's towering volcanic mountains, exploring the remarkable aquamarine caldera lakes and soaking in the relaxing hot springs. Over fifty percent of the island is comprised of dense forest, which is home to bears, owls, hawks, cranes, foxes, and other wildlife you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Japan. With an annual snowfall of almost fourteen metres and cold air blowing in from Siberia that keeps the powder remarkably dry, the island offers some incredible skiing opportunities on the numerous uncrowded slopes of the coastal mountains.
ITINERARY INSPIRATION FOR HOKKAIDO
Japan - Off the Beaten Track
15 nights
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HOKKAIDO
Otaru
Just 30 minutes from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a quaint port city dotted with canals, old warehouses, sushi bars and sake distilleries. When visiting you will feel like you've stepped back in time as it has been beautifully preserved.
Furano
Furano is a picturesque town famous for its lovely landscapes and vibrant flower gardens. In the summer, Furano's lavender fields and rolling hills come alive with colours. In the winter months, Furano is a paradise if you love winter sports, with world-class skiing and snowboarding down powdery slopes.
Hokkaido Nature Trail
This is one for the adventurers! The Hokkaido Nature Trail stretches to an incredible 2849 miles and you'll be passing through forests, across wet lands, up incredible volcanoes, past steaming vents and onto high plateaus with panoramic views.
Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and is famous for beer, skiing and of course, the Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February. Every year the city is transformed into a winter wonderland with over 250 snow and ice sculptures; this festival alone brings visitors from all over the world.
Unkai Terrace
For a more of a surreal experience, we recommend taking a 13 minute gondola ride up to the Unkai Terrace at dawn to witness the incredible sea of clouds and the mesmerising sun rise.
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS IN HOKKAIDO
Hotel Sosei Sapporo
Hokkaido
5 star
Higashiyama Niseko Village
Hokkaido
5 star
Zaborin Ryokan
Hokkaido
5 star
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AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Every holiday is tailor made to the finest detail to match your preferences
We offer unique experiences to help create truly rewarding memories
Your interests are our priority and we handpick activies accordingly - whether its cycling through rice fields in Vietnam or a special dinner under the stars for your honeymoon
HANDPICKED HOTELS
All hotels are handpicked based on individual specifications
The hotels we choose are ones where we have either personally stayed or visited
We make sure that you will have some of the most incredible views from your hotel that will surely stay in your memory forever
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
All of us here are from, have lived and/or worked in your chosen destination
Our local, qualified guides are courteous, knowledgeable and always willing to go the extra mile for every Tailored Journeys client
We have built special relationships with incredible people who help us bring an authentic element to our holidays
SUPPORT & TECHNOLOGY
You will have the same specialist look after your trip from start to finish
You will have the support of a local office in each destination and access a 24 hour mobile number here in the UK
You will also have access to an interactive app so you can view your itinerary offline