Located near the center of the island and often called the “belly button of Hokkaido,” the Furano area is a picture-perfect destination where colorful flowers bloom in summer. Most famous of all are its lavender fields. This tour takes you to Furano’s best-known lavender spots, where you can fully enjoy the purple beauty of early summer.
The first stop after departing Sapporo Station is Highland Furano, a resort hot spring hotel surrounded by lavender fields and rich natural scenery. Walking paths are available, making it a lovely place to enjoy a stroll, forest air, seasonal flowers, and wild birds. Lunch here features a small fondue set made with Furano cheese and hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor a menu centered on local ingredients.
The next stop is Campana Rokkatei, a shop by the beloved confectionery maker Rokkatei, set on a scenic hilltop. From the glass-walled interior, you can look out over the Daisetsuzan mountain range and rolling countryside while enjoying shopping with a view. Be sure to check out signature sweets such as the Marusei Butter Sandwich, the limited-edition Furano Mochi, and the attached gallery as well.
In the second half of the journey, visit Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower garden with around 70 years of history, and Lavender East, one of Japan’s largest lavender fields, managed by Farm Tomita.
At Lavender East, lavender stretches across a vast 14-hectare site, creating a view like a great purple carpet spread across the land. Farm Tomita features 14 flower fields, where, alongside lavender, you can also admire charming seasonal blooms.
Both Lavender East and Farm Tomita have their own shops, offering original lavender-themed products. Especially not to be missed are Lavender East’s exclusive Lavender White Chocolate Soft-Serve Ice Cream, along with lavender oil, soap, and other lavender items.
Lavender blooms across broad rolling hills, decorating their gentle slopes in shades of purple. Why not set out by sightseeing but to experience this grand scenery, so distinctive to Hokkaido?
Tag Archives: 1 day tour
Find yourself surrounded by a carpet of purple at Highland Furano, Farm Tomita, and Lavender East.
Find yourself surrounded by Hokkaido’s flower fields on a journey across its vast landscapes.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village & Shikisai no Oka Tour (With Light Meal, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This course takes you through flower fields that decorate Hokkaido’s vast landscapes. Set out under the summer sun to admire vibrant blooms in full display.
Hokuryu Sunflower Village is one of Japan’s largest sunflower fields, spanning about 23 hectares with around 2 million sunflowers in bloom. During peak season, from July 20 to August 18, the Sunflower Festival takes place, featuring a giant sunflower maze, guided tours, and daily events. This tour operates during the festival period, so be sure to check the event schedule in advance.
Before visiting the sunflower fields, the tour stops at Sunagawa Highway Oasis for a break. This spot gathers the best of the Sorachi area, truly a “highway oasis.” The included light meal bento is specially prepared here, featuring local favorites such as minced cutlet made with premium Jinai Wagyu beef and Akabira’s signature hot leg chicken. Enjoy these local flavors while taking in the sunflower views.
On the way from Hokuryu to Biei, enjoy views of the Patchwork Road and the iconic Seven Stars Tree from the bus. Then, stop at Hokusei-no-Oka Observatory Park, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Daisetsuzan mountains and rolling hills. A perfect chance to take photos while taking a short rest.
The final stop is Shikisai no Oka, where more than 30 types of flowers bloom in succession from May through late October. The peak season runs from late July to late September, when the gently sloping hills transform into a patchwork of color. A 15-minute ride on the tractor bus “Shikisai Norokko” is highly recommended. The site also has alpacas, and visitors can enter the farm area as an optional activity to interact with and feed them.
Breathe in Hokkaido’s refreshing summer air beneath wide-open blue skies, where colorful flowers paint the vast landscape. This tour offers a full Hokkaido experience brought to you by a comfortable sightseeing bus.
A Classic Summer of Shakotan Blue and Seafood Bowls
“All of Shakotan” Scenic Cape Shakotan Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Stretching out into the Sea of Japan, the Shakotan Peninsula is known for its jewel-like “Shakotan Blue” waters, dramatic cliffs, and striking rock formations. This scheduled sightseeing bus offers an ideal way to experience this remarkable region.
This tour visits Cape Kamui, Shimamui Coast, and the Shakotan Underwater Observation Boat “New Shakotan-go” at Bikuni Fishing Port.
Cape Kamui lies at the northwestern tip of the peninsula, with a 770-meter walking path leading to its edge. From the cape’s tip, a sweeping panorama of the open sea and a gently curving horizon unfolds.
Shimamui Coast, selected as one of Japan’s 100 best shores, is reached through a 30-meter tunnel originally carved to transport herring. Emerging from the dim passage, a vivid emerald sea opens up, revealing a truly breathtaking view.
The New Shakotan-go at Bikuni Fishing Port is one of the few underwater observation boats in Hokkaido. Views through onboard windows reveal the sea below, including emerald waters, unique rock formations, and fish swimming close by. On the return journey, a seagull feeding experience is also available.
*Boarding the New Shakotan-go is optional and requires payment on-site.
A seafood bowl lunch is included. On weekdays, it is served at Kaisen Ajidokoro Shinsei, and on weekends at Misaki no Yu Shakotan, offering a taste of Hokkaido’s fresh seafood.
The roadside station Space Apple Yoichi, visited both outbound and inbound, is another highlight. Apple pie made with locally grown Yoichi apples and rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream are especially popular.
Traveling along a dynamic coastal route, the scenery from the window becomes part of the experience. A succession of stunning views unfolds throughout the journey.
Crystal-clear waters and lush green forests… Experience Hokkaido’s great outdoors up close!
Lakes and Mountains of Hokkaido: Lake Shikotsu, Niseko, and Mt. Yotei Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This guided bus tour takes you through the stunning summer landscapes of Niseko and Lake Shikotsu.
The first stop is Kyogoku Fukidashi Park, one of Japan’s most renowned natural spring sites. Around 80,000 tons of snowmelt from Mt. Yotei flows here daily, earning recognition as one of the Ministry of the Environment’s “Top 100 Waters” and a designated “Hokkaido Heritage” site. The park features scenic walking paths and numerous water-drawing points, where visitors can drink or take home the fresh spring water. Bringing a bottle is recommended. The adjacent roadside station, Meisui-no-Sato Kyogoku, is also popular for treats like spring-water coffee and coffee jelly.
Lunch is served at Niseko Nook Annupuri, located at the base of Mt. Niseko Annupuri. The highlight is a sukiyaki-style hot pot set featuring herb-fed pork from nearby Makkari Village. Raised on herb-infused feed, the pork is known for its rich flavor and natural sweetness, fully brought out in this hearty sukiyaki dish.
After lunch, visit the Niseko Distillery, established in 2019 and specializing in whisky and gin. It is part of the Hakkaisan Group, a long-established sake brewery from Niigata. Its high-quality gin has won top honors at international competitions. Tastings are available, including gin, plum wine, and shochu.
Niseko Milk Kobo, set against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei, is known for its sweets made with fresh milk from the nearby Takahashi Farm. Enjoy a wide range of treats, including soft-serve ice cream, drinkable yogurt, cream puffs, pudding, and roll cakes, all highlighting the natural flavor of the ingredients.
Leaving the Niseko area, the final stop is Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan’s clearest lakes. Step off the bus and take in the deep blue waters shimmering with reflected light. The nearby Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center offers insights into the lake’s volcanic origins and surrounding wildlife. Optional activities include sightseeing boat cruises with underwater viewing and swan boat rides across the lake.
With over 230 kilometers of travel, this tour offers a safe and comfortable journey with professional drivers. A relaxed way to explore Hokkaido’s vast landscape, this bus tour lets you experience nature at your own pace.
Discover the vivid blue seas of Shakotan, the nostalgic charm of Otaru, and Sapporo’s must-see spots.
Shakotan Cape Kamui, Otaru Canal, and Shiroi Koibito Park Tour(Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Travel from Sapporo along the Sea of Japan to the Shakotan area. Stroll through Otaru, then stop by a sweets-themed park on the way back. This is a packed, best-of itinerary you can only enjoy by bus.
The first stop is Cape Kamui at the northwestern tip of the Shakotan Peninsula. On the way, the bus will stop at Road Station Space Apple Yoichi, a highlight in its own right. Try the popular apple pie made with locally grown Yoichi apples or the rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream. Perfect treats for the journey.
Upon arrival at Cape Kamui, enjoy about one hour of free time. A well-maintained 770-meter walking trail leads to the tip of the cape, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In early summer, vibrant yellow Ezo daylillies bloom along the path, and from the cape’s edge, you can take in sweeping ocean views and a gently curved horizon.
After taking in Shakotan’s stunning scenery, disembark at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town. Nearby highlights include Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street. It’s recommended to plan ahead where to visit and where to enjoy lunch.
On the return to Sapporo, stop at Shiroi Koibito Park, a sweets-themed attraction, for sightseeing and shopping.* Enjoy an English garden with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, and a whimsical clock tower where mechanical animals perform a parade every hour, on the hour.
*Entry to paid areas is optional.
A memorable journey through Hokkaido, from the endless blue seas of Shakotan to the historic charm of Otaru and Sapporo’s iconic sights. A full day packed with unforgettable experiences.
ROYCE’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
● Mt. Moiwa Observatory
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
Scenic View of Biei’s Rolling Hills and the Iconic Seven Stars Tree from the Window
Best-of Asahikawa and Biei Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This premium sightseeing course brings together two of Hokkaido’s signature attractions, Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa and the Shirogane Blue Pond, in a single day.
The journey begins in Sapporo, traveling to Asahiyama Zoo for approximately two hours of exploration, followed by a visit to the Shirogane Blue Pond. While the route covers a considerable distance, the experience remains engaging aboard a guided sightseeing bus. A stop is also included at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, offering time to rest and shop. This hub for Sorachi specialties is an excellent place to pick up local souvenirs and sweets.
Asahiyama Zoo is designed to showcase the animals’ natural abilities and behaviors to their fullest. Known as “behavioral exhibits,” these features allow close observation of dynamic scenes, from orangutans crossing overhead ropes to polar bears diving and swimming in pools, all in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
After the zoo visit, the tour continues to the Shirogane Blue Pond in Shirogane, a scene of striking, almost painterly beauty. Depending on the weather and angle of light, the water shifts between cobalt and emerald blue, with standing larch trees rising from its surface, creating a truly mesmerizing natural landscape.
The return journey features sweeping views of Biei’s hills, the Patchwork Road, and the iconic Seven Stars Tree, offering classic Hokkaido scenery from the window.
Covering nearly 320 km, this route would be demanding to drive independently. A scheduled sightseeing bus allows the journey to unfold comfortably under the care of professional drivers. Discover Hokkaido’s green season with ease and comfort.
Visit Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya, both famed for their beautiful waters, plus Mount Usu, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark, all in one day!Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel through Hokkaido’s magnificent natural landscapes aborad a bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.
Lake Shikotsu was once ranked No. 1 in Japan for water quality for 11 consecutive years, and is known for having some of the clearest water in the country. Step off the bus and take in the lake’s deep blue waters, shimmering as they reflect the surrounding light. Near the shore, the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center is a place where sightseers can learn more about the area’s dramatic volcanic history as well as the plants and animals that inhabit the surrounding landscape.
After enjoying Lake Shikotsu, the tour continues on to Lake Toya, with a rest and shopping stop along the way at Kinoko Oukoku Otaki Main Store. With more than 2,000 kinds of souvenirs on offer, it is a great place to browse, especially for specialty mushroom products, just as the name suggests.
Lake Toya is a caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption around 100,000 years ago. Lunch will be served at Toyako Kohantei on the lakeshore*. Enjoy a set meal generously prepared with locally sourced seafood, vegetables, pork, and other regional ingredients, for a true taste of Hokkaido’s abundant nature. As the planned stay here is approximately 70 minutes, those wanting some fresh air can also enjoy a stroll along the lakeside after lunch.
*During certain periods, lunch will be at the traveler’s own discretion instead, with approximately 60 minutes allotted for the stay and meal at Kinoko Oukoku.
After taking in the scenery at Lake Toya, head to Mount Usu, the first site in Japan to be recognized as a Global Geopark, a natural heritage designation for areas of major geological significance. Ride the Usuzan Ropeway for a scenic journey through the air, then admire the dramatic natural vistas from the summit terrace and walking trails. As an optional stop, visitors can also go to the Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch, where the bears play and relax, and even enjoy a feeding experience.
This course is perfect for becoming immersed in the natural beauty created by Hokkaido’s lakes, forests, and mountains. Sit back, relax, and set out on a grand Hokkaido journey in comfort with a professionally operated bus tour!
Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka and Blue Pond Tour (With Lunch, Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel by bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, as you explore the highlights of Furano and Biei, where colorful flower fields and rolling hillscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
The first stop is Furano Wine House, a hilltop restaurant with sweeping views over Furano City. Dine while taking in lavender fields, vast pastoral scenery, and a panoramic view of the Tokachidake mountain range. Here, diners can enjoy a set meal featuring a petit fondue made with Furano cheese and a hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor the flavors of Furano and Biei through a meal made with local ingredients.
True to its name, the Wine House also offers a wide selection of products, including wine, 100% natural grape juice, and lavender-themed goods.
After a meal, continue to Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower farm that has been cultivating lavender since 1958. Centered around lavender, its 14 flower fields create a vibrant landscape filled with seasonal blooms. The grounds also feature shops stocked with original items such as soaps, perfumes, and massage oils, along with a café, gallery, and lavender distillery, offering plenty to see and enjoy.
Passing along the dramatic Roller Coaster Road, the next destination is Shikisai-no-Oka. More than 30 varieties of flowers are planted here, blooming one after another from May through late October. The best season is from late July to late September. The sight of the gently sloping hills painted in patchwork colors is truly breathtaking.
A ride on the tracor bus, the Shikisai Norokko-go, is also recommended for a leisurely 15-minute tour around the grounds (optional, extra charge). Shikisai-no-Oka is also home to alpacas, and as an optional activity, visitors may enter the farm area. Enjoy meeting animals up close and even feeding them.
On the return journey to Sapporo, enjoy views from the bus of the Patchwork Road and the famous Seven Stars tree. The final highlight of the tour is the Shirogane Blue Pond. Now one of the most iconic and sought-after sights in the Biei area, it draws visitors from across Japan and beyond. Its cobalt-blue waters, paired with the stark silhouettes of standing dead larch trees, create a dreamlike, almost painterly scene. The way its appearance shifts with the weather and the angle of the light makes it feel truly mysterious.
In the Furano and Bieo area, gently rolling hills unfold beneath a tapestry of colorful flower fields. From the bus window and at each stop along the way, unforgettable scenery awaits at every turn.
Seafood Grill and Ropeway Views
Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Tour (With Lunch, Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Otaru was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2025. This sightseeing bus tour offers a richly rewarding day, combining the history and scenery of Otaru with a visit to one of Sapporo’s classic attractions, Shiroi Koibito Park.
The first destination, the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, is a hugely popular spot known as a favorite filming location for movies. At the summit station, five observation points offer sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape, the Sea of Japan, and the mountains rising in the distance, scenery that is also recognized as part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets. In addition to the views, the summit station also features shops and cafés, a ski museum, a chipmunk park, and activities such as a zipline, making it full of things to enjoy.
At the foot of Tenguyama is The Glass Studio in Otaru, where the glassmaking process behind Otaru glass can be observed, and with advance reservation, a glassblowing experience of about 10 to 20 minutes is also available.
*Glassblowing experience is closed every Tuesday.
After enjoying the views, it’s time for lunch. Lunch is served at Otaru Bine, a renovated Meiji-era building that once housed the former head office of Hokkaido Bank, where a seafood grill meal can be enjoyed in a historic setting. Savor Otaru specialties such as herring marinade and seasonal seafood.
After lunch, the next stop is the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch. Built in 1906 in a Western-style design inspired by the revival architecture of modern Europe, this building is both part of the Japan Heritage cultural assets and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Inside, the lavish interior showcases finely crafted details in the columns, wallpaper, and ceiling decorations, vividly reflecting Otaru’s former prosperity.
*Closed every Tuesday and on September 24. On those dates, this stop is omitted and time for exploring Otaru is extended to approximately 3 hours.
After visiting the historic building, the tour continues with a drop-off at Otaru Canal Terminal for free time to explore the town of Otaru.
Nearby are attractions such as the Otaru Canal, Denuki Koji, and Sakaimachi Street, lined with popular spots including Kitaichi Glass, Otaru Music Box Museum, and Kitakaro. Planning which places to visit in advance is recommended.
On the way back to Sapporo, the tour stops at the sweets-themed park Shiroi Koibito Park for sightseeing and shopping. Highlights include an English garden filled with around 200 rose bushes and seasonal flowers, along with a mechanical clock tower where animal automata perform a cheerful parade every hour on the hour.
*Admission to the paid area requires a separate fee.
One of the great appeals of this tour is the chance to fully enjoy both the historic landmarks and popular attractions of Otaru and Sapporo. Why not enjoy a full day of sightseeing on a bus journey departing from and returning to Sapporo?
Highland Furano, Farm Tomita, Shikisai-no-Oka, and Blue Pond Tour (With Lunch, Multilingual Audio Tour)
Travel by bus equipped with a multilingual guidance system in four languages, Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, as you explore the highlights of Furano and Biei, where vibrant flower fields and rolling hillscapes stretch across the landscape.
Departing from Sapporo Station, your first stop is Highland Furano, a nature-rich hot spring resort surrounded by expansive forests and lavender fields. The vivid purple stretching across the landscape truly feels like a “sea of lavender.” Walking paths are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy bathing in the air of the forest and observing seasonal plants and wild birds.
Lunch here features a set meal with a petit fondue made from Furano cheese and a hamburger steak made with Kamifurano pork. Savor the flavors of Furano and Biei through a menu crafted with local ingredients.
After a meal, continue to Farm Tomita, a sightseeing flower farm that has been cultivating lavender since 1958. Centered around lavender, its 14 flower fields create a vibrant landscape filled with seasonal blooms. The grounds also feature shops stocked with original items such as soaps, perfumes, and massage oils, along with a café, gallery, and lavender distillery, offering plenty to see and enjoy.
Passing along the dramatic Roller Coaster Road, the next destination is Shikisai-no-Oka. More than 30 varieties of flowers are planted here, blooming one after another from May through late October. The best season is from late July to late September. The sight of the gently sloping hills painted in patchwork colors is truly breathtaking.
A ride on the tracor bus, the Shikisai Norokko-go, is also recommended for a leisurely 15-minute tour around the grounds (optional, extra charge). Shikisai-no-Oka is also home to alpacas, and as an optional activity, visitors may enter the farm area. Enjoy meeting animals up close and even feeding them.
On the return journey to Sapporo, enjoy views from the bus of the Patchwork Road and the famous Seven Stars tree. The final highlight of the tour is the Shirogane Blue Pond. Now one of the most iconic and sought-after sights in the Biei area, it draws visitors from across Japan and beyond. Its cobalt-blue waters, paired with the stark silhouettes of standing dead larch trees, create a dreamlike, almost painterly scene. The way its appearance shifts with the weather and the angle of the light makes it feel truly mysterious.
In the Furano and Bieo area, gently rolling hills unfold beneath a tapestry of colorful flower fields. From the bus window and at each stop along the way, unforgettable scenery awaits at every turn.
Asahiyama Zoo One-Day Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
Located in Asahikawa City, near the heart of Hokkaido, Asahiyama Zoo is Japan’s northernmost zoo and a beloved destination for visitors from across the country and around the world. About 150 km from Sapporo, this attraction is easily reached by direct scheduled sightseeing bus.
The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, but with engaging commentary from your professional guide, the time will fly by. Enjoy fascinating insights into Hokkaido’s history, scenic views, and fun local trivia that make the ride itself part of the experience.
Asahiyama Zoo is renowned for its creative enclosures designed to showcase animals in their most natural and dynamic forms.
At the Seal House, watch seals swim gracefully through a towering cylindrical tank. At the Polar Bear House, witness powerful dives up close. In the Penguin House, a glass tunnel offers a unique underwater perspective, where penguins appear to soar overhead as if flying through the sky.
Beyond these highlights, the zoo features around 30 animal habitats, including the Red Panda House, Orangutan House, and Beast House. Popular programs such as the lively “”Mogu Mogu Time,”" when visitors can observe animals during feeding, along with informative talks by zookeepers, add to the experience. With so many opportunities to connect with the animals, it’s no wonder this beloved zoo welcomes many repeat visitors.
On the return journey, enjoy a relaxing break at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, a popular stop where fine products from across Hokkaido come together in one place. Browse for souvenirs at Oasis Plaza, featuring renowned local sweets, regional sake, and specialty gourmet items, or explore Sorachi Market, a farmers’ market offering fresh produce and artisanal goods from the Sorachi region. The site is also home to the very first shop of the beloved confectionery brand Kitakaro, where visitors can savor exclusive menu items available only here.
With ample time scheduled for our visit to Asahiyama Zoo, this course allows guests to explore the park at a relaxed pace, rather than rushing from one sight to the next.
Why not take advantage of this comfortable, convenient, scheduled sightseeing bus and set out to meet the zoo’s lively, charming animals?
【Operated in 2025 / Ice Fishing Experience】 Wakasagi Smelt Fishing & Shinshinotsu Hot Spring Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This is the best course to experience and fully enjoy the harsh winter of Hokkaido and enjoy ice fishing from January to February.
Shinshinotsu Village, about an hour from Sapporo, sits in the heart of the Ishikari Plain. With strong winds and heavy snowfall, this area lets visitors experience Hokkaido’s true winter.
The main event, smelt fishing, takes place at Shinotsu Lake, a dam lake on the Ishikari River. Inside a tent set up on the ice, get ready for a full-on battle with the smelt.
It is extremely cold outside (freezing), but inside the tent is a different world. There is a kerosene heater, and plywood boards are laid underfoot so fishers don’t have to kept their feet in the snow. No matter how cold it is outside, the tent stays toasty warm and comfortable.
The fishing site is a one-minute walk from Shinshinotsu Hot Spring. After fishing, please enjoy a nice soak in the springs or relax in the rest area.
What’s more, if you wish, the smelt you catch can be cooked at the restaurant for your to enjoy (¥500 per cook).
・The tour bus will come back to Sapporo at 17:00 (around 17:30 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays), and this is a perfect deal for those who want to spend a satisfying day-trip in Hokkaido.
【Operated in 2025】Takino Snow World, Moai Statues, and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Takino Snow World
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Takino Snow World is a leisure area where visitors can fully enjoy Hokkaido’s winter. The expansive grounds, covered in pure white snow, offer a wide range of activities, including snow tubing, walking skis, and snowshoeing, suitable for beginners and advanced visitors alike. One of the most popular attractions is the long tubing course, where both children and adults slide down at full speed with excitement. Beyond snow play, winter nature walks are also appealing, allowing winter enthusiasts to enjoy Hokkaido’s magnificent scenery in crisp, clear air.
● Snow-Covered Moai Statues and the Hill of the Buddha at Takino Cemetery
Takino Cemetery becomes a magical sightseeing spot in winter. The giant Moai statues lined across the grounds take on an even more mysterious presence when covered in snow, creating an atmosphere like stepping into another world. The Hill of the Buddha, designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, is another must-see. (Separate admission fee required) The concrete architecture harmonizing with the snowy landscape is stunning, and the tranquil presence of the Great Buddha leaves a deep impression on visitors. It is a unique place where culture and art blend together, offering solemn winter scenery found only in Hokkaido.
● Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Located close to central Sapporo, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a popular spot offering panoramic views of Hokkaido’s vast snowy fields. In the clear winter air, the endless stretch of white landscape creates a quintessential Hokkaido view. The statue of Dr. William S. Clark, known for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious!”, stands on the hill and is a classic photo spot. The pastoral scene of sheep grazing calmly, combined with panoramic views of Sapporo, offers visitors both relaxation and inspiration. It is a place where visitors can experience the quiet beauty unique to winter.
【Operated in 2025】ROYCE’ CACAO & CHOCOLATE TOWN, Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway, and Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Winter Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town (Paid areas are optional and individually paid.)
・This facility adjoins the factory of Royce’, Hokkaido’s representative chocolate brand. Exhibits and hands-on experiences let visitors learn about cacao cultivation, cacao history, and production processes.
・Factory observation: Take a look at the chocolate production line through glass (1st-floor free area).
・Chocolate bar-making workshop: Create your own original chocolate (additional fee required).
・Factory shop: A spacious shop offering exclusive products and sweets available only here (1st-floor free area).
● Free-Time Lunch at the Sapporo Central Wholesale Market Outer Market
・Fresh seafood bowls: The Outer Market has many eateries serving seafood bowls and sushi made with seasonal fish.
・A treasure trove of Hokkaido cuisine: Enjoy ikura, uni, crab, and other local specialties on the spot.
・Free-choice style: Participants can choose any restaurant they like, allowing for a personalized lunch experience.
・Market exploration: You can also shop for souvenirs such as dried goods and local delicacies.
● Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway
・Panoramic views of Sapporo: From Mt. Moiwa at 531 m elevation, look out to see the cityscape and the Ishikari Plains. Both daytime and night views are spectacular.
・Ropeway + mini cable car: Ride the ropeway to the mid-station, then take the “Morris Car” cable car to the summit.
・Observation deck: The summit has an observation deck where you can take in the views at your leisure.
【Operated in 2025 / Winter】Otaru, the Japan Heritage City & Shiroi Koibito Park Course (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
● Experience a Japanese Heritage Site: The Nostalgic Ambiance of the Otaru Canal
The Otaru Canal is beloved as a symbol of the city. Walk along the canal lined with stone warehouses, and you’ll feel as if you’ve slipped back to the early 1900s. These warehouses once served as a hub for good entering Hokkaido, symbolizing Otaru’s prosperity as the region’s economic lifeblood. They are part of the Japanese heritage site: Otaru – The Town Once Called the “”Heart”" of Hokkaido. The historic buildings and the calm waters of the canal create a soothing scene that warms the hearts of visitors. You can also explore attractions such as Kitaichi Glass, the Otaru Music Box Museum, and the Nitori Museum of Art.
● Enjoy Grilled Seafood at Otaru Bine, a Designated Historic Building of Otaru
For lunch, dine at Otaru Bine, housed in the renovated former Hokkaido Bank Head Office—a building steeped in history. The interior features high ceilings and stately decor, where you’ll enjoy a seafood grill lunch made with fresh, local catches from Otaru and Hokkaido. The building itself is a symbol of Otaru’s financial power, which supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period onward.
● Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch (Closed Tuesdays and Dec. 29 to Jan. 3)
Completed in 1906, this was the second Otaru branch building of Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line).
Built during the port’s boom years, it stands as a symbol of Otaru’s prosperity as a thriving commercial and port city. It is also a Japan Heritage Site. Its refined interior include a marble side entrance, intricately carved wooden stair railings, and a finely crafted central ornament. Many imported materials were used, such as American steel shutters and German linoleum.
* Please note: If heavy snowfall or similar conditions make bus travel or boarding and alighting difficult, the visit to the Former Nippon Yusen Otaru Branch will be canceled and replaced with a stroll along the Otaru Canal. Thank you for your understanding.
● Otaru Aquarium (Visited only on operating days from Dec. 13 to Feb. 23)
Home to around 250 species and 5,000 animals, the aquarium’s winter highlight is the “”Penguin Snow Walk,”" where you can watch penguins strolling across the snow up close. Up to 15 gentoo penguins, including chicks born in 2025, take part in this charming event. At the Dolphin Stadium, watch bottlenose dolphins perform spectacular jumps and playful tricks. Inside, take a look at northern species such as harbor porpoises, lumpfish, and sea angels—species that are kept only at Otaru Aquarium in Japan.
● Shiroi Koibito Park
This theme park offers factory tours of the production line for Hokkaido’s beloved “”Shiroi Koibiti”" cookies, exhibits on the history of chocolate, and hands-on sweets-making experiences. Its British-style buildings and gardens make for many picturesque photo spots. Visitors can enjoy exclusive sweets at the on-site shops and cafés, making it a favorite destination for families and tourists alike. (Note: From January 3 to July 31, 2026, parts of the 3rd-floor “”Chocotopia”" viewing area, including the production line, may be closed for renovations. Paid admission areas will remain open during construction.)
【Operated in 2025】Lake Shikotsu Illumination and Ice Festival Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This course coincides with the “Lake Shikotsu Hyoto Festival,” a festival of ice held on the shores of Lake Shikotsu each winter. The objects of ice are made from Lake Shikotsu’s clear water, and illuminated with a myriad of colored lights creating a fantastic and mystical atmosphere!
*Admission to the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is not included in this course. Each passenger must pay for the entry fee. (Adults: 1,000 yen; 11 years old and younger: free)
【Operated in 2025】Lake Shikotsu and Lake Toya Winter Tour (Multilingual Audio Tour)
As you drive through the endless old growth forests, the road opens up to the beautiful blue “”Lake Shikotsu”" surrounded by lush nature. The ice-free (does not freeze during the winter) Lake Shikotsu is Japan’s northernmost lake of its kind. It has also been recognized by the Ministry of Environment as one of the most cleanest and clearest lakes in the nation. Nearby is Lake Toya, a large caldera lake created during a violent eruption over 100 thousand years ago. It is also surrounded by rich flora and is the habitat for a wide variety of fauna.
We will have lunch at Toya Kohantei that sits on the shores of Lake Toya.
After we leave Lake Toya the bus will head to Mt Usu, the first in Japan to be inducted as a Global Geopark in August, 2009. A Global Geopark is a natural park where visitors can explore and enjoy the Earth through nature trails, interpretive signs, and guided tours. The Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark, recognized alongside Itoigawa and the Shimabara Peninsula, is part of the Global Geoparks Network supported by UNESCO, and was among the 59th to 61st sites in the world to receive this designation. At Mt. Usu, visitors can take the ropeway to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
This course takes visitors to two of Hokkaido’s most popular lakes in just one day.
During the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival (February 1st to February 23th), you can take an optional tour of the Ice Festival. (The tour fee is at your own expense.)
*Meals are not included on some dates. You will have free reign to eat. (There will be a 50-minute meal time at Mushroom Kingdom.)
【Operated in 2025】Asahiyama Zoo Winter One-Day Tour (Excluding Multilingual Audio System)
This tour invites you to Asahiyama Zoo where many tourists visit. There is the‘Seal Aquarium’ and ‘Polar Bear Aquatic Park, where you can observe the animals’ natural behavior. The‘Orangutan Trapeze’, ‘Spider Monkey & Capybara’, “Chimpanzee’s Forest” are also highlights of the zoo. Get a feel for the animals up close at the ‘Lesser Panda Suspension Bridge’ and ‘Tancho-sha’. Many repeat tourists visit Asahiyama Zoo.
We will go to Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa directly from Sapporo. It will take much time to Asahikawa, but we do not lose your interest because of tour bus. Our tour guides will entertain you with their talk depending on each view or destination. Your destination is only Asahiyama, so you have much time to look around there. This is not a busy tour with many destinations, but relaxed so you can look around at the animals to your heart’s content.
On the way back to Sapporo, we will stop for a rest at the Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where you can enjoy shopping for special products of Hokkaido and taste good food in the cafeteria managed by the famous confectionery maker in Hokkaido. You can alight at ‘Sapporo Clock Tower,’the symbol of Sapporo, near Odori. Let’s go to Asahiyama Zoo to look for vigorous animals in comfortable tour bus.
Hike through autumn colors at Hokkaido’s highest peak.
Asahidake “Garden in the Sky” Walking Tour (with Lunch)
At 2,291 meters, Asahidake is the highest mountain in Hokkaido. After a scenic 190-kilometer drive from Sapporo, enjoy a hike in this “garden in the sky” near the center of Hokkaido.
The journey from Sapporo takes about three hours, with a rest stop along the way Upon arrival at the Asahidake Ropeway, enjoy lunch at the Sugatami Shokudo on the second floor. The menu features a hearty stewed hamburger steak topped with chunky locally grown Higashikawa vegetables. Made with 100% Hokkaido beef, it’s juicy and well-balanced, perfect for fueling up before your hike.
After lunch, take the ropeway at your own pace up to Sugatami Station at 1,600 meters. From the station, set out on a scenic hike. A 1.7-kilometer walking loop (about one hour) leads past alpine plants such as chinguruma, the reflective Sugatami Pond that mirrors Asahidake on calm days, and occasionally wildlife such as the Ezo pika.
On the return journey, stop at Sunagawa Highway Oasis, where products from across Hokkaido come together. Brows Oasis Plaza for famous sweets, local sake, and regional specialties, or visit Soraichi Market for fresh produce and local goods from the Sorachi area. The site also features the first shop of the popular confectionery maker Kitakaro, offering exclusive items you can only find here.
With about three hours each way and roughly 400 km in total, this comfortable journey is made easy by the sightseeing bus. Don’t miss the chance to experience these seasonal views that can only be enjoyed for a short time each autumn.
(日本語) 晩秋の札幌１日コース
Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.
(日本語) 秋の豊平峡と紅葉ゴンドラ小樽散策コース
Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.
(日本語) 札幌１日コース
Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.
(日本語) ファーム富田と青い池・美瑛コース
Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.
(日本語) 北海道パノラマロード （富良野・美瑛＆旭山動物園多言語コース）
Sorry, this entry is only available in 日本語.
