5 DAYS CENTRAL HOKKADIO PRIVATE TOUR

A small village of log-houses sits spirited away in the forests of Furano, not far from the New Furano Prince Hotel. This charming little hidden village emanates a magical air about it, and many local artisans come to sell their one-of-a-kind wares here.

With its iconic, orderly fields of flowers, Farm Tomita is one of the most photographed spots in Hokkaido and a major draw in summer. While they make for spectacular photographs, the gentle hills carpeted in lavender and other blooms fill the air with relaxing scents. While the farm has blooms from April to October, the iconic fields of lavender are best viewed from early to late July.

Hinode Lavender Garden - This is a scenic spot with lavender fields to the west and the Tokachi Mountain range to the east. During the lavender blooming season from late June to early August, the entire 4.2-hectare area of hills is dyed a brilliant purple color.

Otaru is full of historical architecture and time-old traditions; the Kitaichi Glass Sangokan Kitaichi Hall, a repurposed stone warehouse, is one of the best examples. Now used to house spectacular Hokkaido-made glassware, the warm glow of lamps fills the interior with an ethereal, almost cinematic, atmosphere. You can admire the many marvelous glass artworks, from kitchenware to lamps to writing utensils. And if you want to take a souvenir home, there’s a museum shop on site too. 

The Main Building of the Otaru Orgel Doh is emblematic of Western colonial architecture and still stands as a landmark of the Marchen Crossroads today. The famous sight of the tall clock outside discharging steam every 15 minutes, accompanied by a distinct five-note melody, is one of Hokkaido’s most enduring scenes.

 Otaru Art Base occupies four historical buildings dating back to the early 1920s when the once prominent port town was at its peak. Formerly bustling banks and warehouses, these buildings have been repurposed and now house an art collection that ranges from traditional Japanese to Art Deco.

The port town of Otaru became a center for business and trade in Hokkaido during the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868–1926). Many of the stately stone buildings of the banks and trading companies that were built in those days still remain, forming a romantic cityscape around Otaru Canal.

Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a full-scale recreation of the streets and culture of the Edo period (1603-1868). In the theater, performances such as powerful ninja action shows and amusing period comedies which make you laugh and cry are held every day. Enjoy the thrill of going back in time.Mount Usu and Mount Nishiyama Base Crater Walkway - Traverse Mount Usu and Mount Nishiyama’s Base Crater Walkway to see a site frozen in March 2000. This 1.6-kilometer walkway has been left as it was found when Mount Usu last erupted at the turn of the century. Witness for yourself the destructive power of nature. The land beneath your feet looks cracked and uneven, destroyed buildings dot the area, and knocked-over electric poles litter the path. At the end of the trail lies the beautiful Nishishinzan Pond, created through a collection of rainwater in one of the volcano’s remaining craters. Gazing upon the pond’s watery depths will leave a lasting impression. Located between Sapporo and Hakodate, Lake Toya is a natural oasis resting in a caldera created millions of years ago by the still-active volcano, Mount Usu. Nowadays, Lake Toya has become a popular power spot for those looking for an energy boost during their time in Hokkaido, as well as a fantastic site for nightly firework displays and Winter illuminations. In the center of the lake are four islands known as “Nakajima”. You can travel to the largest of the Nakajima islands via ferry and wander around the trails surrounded by massive coniferous trees.

Noboribetsu Hell Valley - Boiling springs rise up from Jigokudani, known as Hell Valley. The otherworldliness of the bleached rocks, steaming pools, and sulfuric odor create a hellish landscape, reminiscent of demons. Oyunuma River Natural Footbath in Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Hokkaido's most popular hot spring resorts, is a charming healing spot. A 30-minute walk along the promenade from Noboribetsu Park Service Center, located next to Jigokudani, while enjoying forest bathing, will lead you to the cobalt blue natural footbath. The unique healing time in the river with hot spring water flowing through it will be a wonderful memory of your trip. The Noboribetsu Bear Park, located a quick ropeway ride from Noboribetsu Hot Spring, is home to around 70 Ezo brown bears, the biggest bears in Japan. There are two large bear enclosures where the animals roam freely within, and a third enclosure called the “human cage,” which lets you get up close and personal with the bears. Do not leave the park without feeding the bears yourself! They raise their hands, roll over, and even make adorable poses in the hopes of being fed. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a bear cub during the birthing season in May. Be sure to stop by the Bear Museum to learn more about the history of these majestic creatures in Hokkaido, as well as the Bear Mountain Restaurant for a quick bite to eat before heading home.  

The whole family will enjoy a visit to the Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, an aquarium with a uniquely regal atmosphere. The building, which looks like a castle, is modeled after Egeskov Castle in Denmark and boasts over 400 different kinds of aquatic creatures. Strolling through the Aqua Tunnel gives visitors the feeling that they’re walking along the bottom of the ocean. If that’s too romantic, younger patrons will love the dolphin performance and the adorable penguin parade that takes place every day.