*TRIP BEGINS IN TOKYO AT 9AM on JUNE 28 Japan time in Tokyo. If flying in from another country, be sure to be in Japan by that time.
Highlights
⬆️ Enjoy a cooler, refreshing summer vacation exploring Hokkaido's natural beauty, perfect for hiking, relaxation, and amazing food.
🌷 Discover the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido, visiting the famous flower fields of Furano, the cobalt-blue Biei pond, and the slopes of Mt. Kurodake.
🍜 Experience the vibrant urban energy of Sapporo with its famous Ramen, lively Susukino bars, and a visit to the charming nearby port town of Otaru.
♨️ Conclude the adventure by relaxing for two nights at a five-star hot spring resort on the serene shores of Lake Shikotsu, with optional boating and possible fireworks.
Want a cooler summer vacation? Head north.
Japan’s northernmost island is renowned for its beauty in the summertime, and it makes sense; this is the spot where locals often head out to hike, relax and eat amazing food when the calendar turns to July. If you’re planning a summer trip to Japan, we’d like to invite you to join them on a quick jaunt north that captures all the best parts of summer in Hokkaido.
We begin in Asahikawa with a summer BBQ feast awaiting our arrival. From there, the city will be our home base as we travel out to the iconic flower fields of Furano, the cobalt-blue Biei pond, and the tree-lined slopes of Mt. Kurodake (which you’re welcome to hike while you’re in the area). After our time in the center of the island, we head west to the big city of Sapporo, where we’ll sample the city’s famous Ramen, visit the nearby port town of Otaru, shop the lively Tanuki Koji area, bar hop in Susukino, and much, much more.
After six days of exploring, it’ll be time to unwind on the shores of Lake Shikotsu. While the lake is a popular spot in winter (it’s been home to our Fire and Ice trip for years!), we’re visiting in the summer time to relax in the hot spring, boat around the lake, and maybe even catch a few fireworks lighting up the night sky. After all that, if you’re still not done, you can choose to combine this trip with Island Hopper to keep the party going down south (way south).
Don’t sweat out summer in Tokyo! Sign up and join us up north; you’ll be glad you did.
Trip itinerary
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After meeting in Tokyo, we’ll hop a plane to Asahikawa! After checking in at the hotel, we’ll walk down the Heiwa-do arcade to check out the local shops and cafes before a BBQ Beer Garden Dinner to kick the trip off.
Lodging: Route Inn Grand Asahikawa or similar
Meals: Dinner included -
We head south to Furano today to check out the iconic rolling hills of flowers, admire the cobalt-blue waters of Biei pond, and snack on whatever ice cream and fruit we come across (trust us, it’s delicious).
Lodging: Route Inn Grand Asahikawa or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
We head east to Daisetsuzan National Park today for a quick hike up Mt. Kurodake. Whether you’re looking to relax after the hike or just skip it entirely, everyone will get time to soak in and explore Sounkyo Onsen. :)
Lodging: Route Inn Grand Asahikawa or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
Welcome to the big city! We begin the visit at the Sapporo Beer Museum before making our way into the center of town to explore Odori Park, Susukino, and other local spots before dinner at a cool local izakaya.
Lodging: Karaksa Hotel Sapporo or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner included -
Cruise along the sea with us on our way to the seaside town of Otaru, where we’ll check out the classic Sakaimachi District and waterfront canal area. In the afternoon, we return to the city for some chill time to take in views from Mt. Moiwa Observatory.
Lodging: Karaksa Hotel Sapporo or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
Today is a free day! Explore as you like, or join your guide for a little bit of summer at a Fighters Baseball game (schedule permitting; this day could shift based on team schedules).
Lodging: Karaksa Hotel Sapporo or similar
Meals: Breakfast included -
After a morning in the city, we’ll hop the train down to Chitose and transfer to Lake Shikotsu! We’ll have some time to wander the charming lakeside town area, but if you like, you can get your relaxation time started early with a spa treatment or time in the hot spring baths.
Lodging: Mizunouta Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, dinner included -
It’s an onsen free day today! Hike around the lake area, rent a bike, or just relax in the hot spring – the choice is all yours.
Lodging: Mizunouta Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, dinner included -
It’s departure day! We’ll guide you back to Sapporo-Chitose Airport, from which you can return to Tokyo on the included flight, continue your time in Hokkaido, or transfer elsewhere (consult with us). You can also join us in Okinawa if that interests you…
Meals: Breakfast included
This trip includes…
| |
Trip Status |
CONFIRMED TO DEPART |
Deadline |
April 24, 2026 |
Minimum guest #: |
8 guests |
Fly → JP On*: |
June 25 or 26, 2026 |
Starts in JP On: |
June 28 (9AM), 2026 |
TRIP PACE |
Medium-heavy. It's medium if you skip the two parts with hikes. Trip has no content that a moderately experienced walker or hiker couldn't handle. |
Extras |
Single Room (Hotels): +$600 Single (All lodging): +$1200 |
*This is the date you should leave your home country.
Click for more info about:
FLIGHTS • REFUND POLICY
Click for more info about:
🛌 6 nights three-star accommodations and 2 nights in a five-star hot spring resort
🥢 Includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners
🚅 All scheduled rail, sea, and air transport within Japan.**
🧳 Baggage shipping (up to 3 complimentary luggage transfers for one suitcase per trip)
😀 Professional, bilingual guides there to help with anything you might need
🎟️ Admission to all scheduled activities
📗 Customized Trip Guidebook and Pre-Trip Orientation Materials, mailed to you before the trip so you can prepare for the journey before leaving home!
🍫 Nightly turndown service with local sweets
❤️ Complimentary concierge service: we can help plan extra stops, pre-and-post-trip extensions, and more.
🗾 Much, much more!
NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Flights to Japan from your home country
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Meals not listed above
NOTES:
ADVANCE DEPOSIT: The trip does not have a final price yet. Final price to be announced later; anyone who signs up early gets a $50 discount and may get a fee-free refund of the deposit if they do not approve of the final price when it is announced.
EDUCATOR DISCOUNT: Teachers and education professionals will receive an additional $200 off their final payment.
*All initial payments are a $300 deposit. The balance for the trip is due at the deadline for the trip.
**If a guest decides to go long distances on rail during free times, extra charges may apply.
