Hokkaido Tours & Trips

What our customers ask about Hokkaido Tours & Trips

• When is the best time to visit Hokkaido Islands for a general sightseeing tour?

  Each season in Hokkaido Islands presents distinct travel experiences. Summer (June-August) works well for exploring Sapporo and the purple-filled lavender fields of Furano. Fall colors peak during September and October especially around Lake Toya and Shiretoko National Park. The winter months from December through February feature the Sapporo Snow Festival and dramatic drift ice formations in Abashiri. A TourRadar traveler noted "We used Supera Tours for fall foliage viewing and everything far exceeded our expectations with perfectly timed visits to each location." Cherry blossoms make April and May popular particularly at Higashimokoto Park near Abashiri.

• What are the must-see highlights during a general tour of Hokkaido Islands?

  Key stops in Hokkaido include Sapporo's TV Tower and the shopping district of Tanuki Koji Street. The Otaru Canal comes alive during the Snow Light Path Festival while Noboribetsu Hell Valley shows off the island's volcanic side. The Shiretoko Peninsula a UNESCO site draws visitors with its rugged coastline and wildlife spotting. Other notable spots include the thermal waters of Lake Toya the color-changing Blue Pond in Biei and Asahiyama Zoo's popular penguin parade in winter. Many visitors use the centrally located Tokyu Rei Hotel Sapporo as their base for exploring these attractions.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on a general Hokkaido Islands tour?

  Accommodations range from Western-style hotels to traditional Japanese inns. Most tours include stays at properties like the 4-star ANA Crowne Plaza in Sapporo along with authentic ryokans such as Lake Akan Tsuruga Wings or Shiretoko Dai-Ichi Hotel. Rooms often come in both Western and Japanese tatami styles. A TourRadar guest noted: "The onsen baths were probably the biggest highlight offering spectacular views while enjoying traditional Japanese bathing customs."

• What are the transportation options available during Hokkaido Islands tours?

  Tours typically combine private charter buses with some public transit in cities. Comfortable coaches handle longer routes like the 32-mile stretch from Sapporo to Noboribetsu while shorter trips between places like Biei and Asahikawa span 16 miles. A TourRadar traveler shared that "transportation was well-coordinated with balanced travel times between destinations." Tour packages usually cover airport transfers from New Chitose Airport and all city-to-city travel in climate-controlled vehicles.

• How is the food experience on Hokkaido Islands tours?

  Food takes center stage in Hokkaido with tours featuring varied dining experiences. Visitors sample traditional kaiseki meals fresh catches at Kushiro's Washo Ichiba Market and local dishes along Sapporo's Tanuki Koji Street. One TourRadar guest reported "meals were wonderful gastronomic delights ranging from Michelin Star restaurants to traditional kaiseki and area specialties." Tours typically include hotel breakfasts with both Western and Japanese options plus selected meals at local restaurants.

• What unique cultural experiences can I expect in Hokkaido?

  Hokkaido stands out for its Ainu cultural heritage. Visitors can watch traditional Ainu performances at Lake Akan explore the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Museum in Asahikawa and learn about indigenous customs and crafts. The region's food culture shines through its seafood markets in Kushiro and the historical Sapporo Beer Museum. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Meeting with indigenous Ainu people was incredible - I had read lots about Japan's ancient people so to meet them in person was probably the biggest highlight."