Hot Springs & History 7 Day Self-Guided Tour

Welcome to Sapporo! Your adventure begins in Hokkaido's capital city. You'll explore the beautiful Maruyama area, where nature meets city life. A peaceful walk takes you to Hokkaido-Jingu, the region's largest Shinto shrine. From there, you hike through an old-growth forest to the summit of Mt. Maruyama (3.7 km).

Back in the city, you'll discover Sapporo's famous food scene. For dinner, our recommendation is to explore the Ramen Yokocho Alley, Tanukikoji Shopping Street, or Noren Yokocho near Nijo Market. Each offers delicious local specialties from ramen to fresh seafood.

Today you travel to Lake Shikotsu, a beautiful caldera lake surrounded by volcanoes. After a train and bus journey, you'll drop your bags at your accommodation and enjoy lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants. Try the local specialty - Kokanee Salmon, which has lived in the lake for over 100 years.

In the afternoon, you explore the lakeshore on foot. At the Visitor Centre, you learn about local wildlife before walking along a pleasant trail that crosses Hokkaido's oldest train bridge. The path continues through Yacho-no-Mori forest, home to native trees and birds, before looping back to the visitor centre. After dinner at your inn, you can relax in the natural hot springs - the perfect way to end your day.

After saying goodbye to Lake Shikotsu, you travel by bus and train to reach the coastal town of Shiraoi. Here you visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum, where you learn about Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people and their fascinating culture.

The museum is just a short walk from the station and has coin lockers for your luggage. You can enjoy lunch at one of three restaurants serving both Japanese and traditional Ainu dishes.

After exploring the museum for the afternoon, you check into your accommodation. For dinner, we suggest trying Shiraoi-Gyu, the local specialty wagyu beef.

Today you travel to Noboribetsu Onsen, home to the fascinating Hell Valley. After arriving and checking in to your inn, you enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring this unique volcanic landscape. A wooden walkway takes you on a 3.2 km walk through the sulphuric crater, where you'll experience an otherworldly atmosphere.

Your walk continues to Oyunuma, a volcanic lake with incredibly hot water - up to 50 °C at the surface! Following the lake's outflow, you reach a natural foot bath where you can soak your feet in the warm river water. End your day with dinner at your hotel and a relaxing soak in Noboribetsu's famous hot springs.

You travel from Noboribetsu to Lake Toya by bus and train. After checking in to your accommodation, you take a 25-minute ferry ride to Nakajima Island for a peaceful hike. The untouched island is a wildlife sanctuary!

You can hike the 3.3 km round trip to the clearing at Daiheigen, where you might see Mt. Yotei on clear days. The island has a museum with a café perfect for a light meal.

Back on the mainland, spend your free time walking by the lake before dinner and a relaxing hot spring soak at your hotel. If the weather's not good for hiking, visit the Lake Toya Visitor Centre to learn about the area's volcanic history.

You travel to Hakodate, one of Hokkaido's oldest cities and a fascinating port town with historic embassies and churches from around the world.

In the afternoon, you take a tram to Cape Tachimachi, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Tsugaru Strait - on clear days, you can even see the tip of mainland Honshu across the water.

The day's highlight is climbing Mt. Hakodate to explore fortress ruins near the summit. You can watch the sunset from the viewing platform (though it gets crowded!) and enjoy dinner either at the summit or back in the city after taking the ropeway down.

Our tour arrangements end with breakfast this morning. If you have free time before moving on to your next destination, our recommendations are to visit the famous Hakodate Morning Market - or Hakodate Jiyuichiba for a quieter experience - both are perfect spots to try a fresh seafood rice bowl.

Alternatively grab some baked goods from a local bakery and have a picnic in Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress turned city park shaded by cherry trees. The park's historic Magistrate's Office offers a glimpse into Japan's early diplomatic history.

Make sure that you have left nothing behind in Hokkaido before heading to the airport. Itterasshai!