Top 5 Recommended Day Tours in Hokkaido: Must-See Spots for a Perfect One-Day Trip
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and exciting activities. Whether you’re drawn to its bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or stunning coastlines, Hokkaido offers something for everyone. If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of what this incredible region has to offer, our guide to one-day tours in Hokkaido is perfect for you. We’ve curated five fantastic day trips that showcase the diverse attractions of Hokkaido, making it easy for you to explore and enjoy this beautiful island.
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1. Sapporo and Otaru Day Tour
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Morning:
- Sapporo Clock Tower: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower. Built in 1878, it is one of the oldest buildings in Sapporo and a symbol of the city. The clock tower houses a small museum that provides insights into the history of Sapporo and its development.
- Odori Park: Next, take a leisurely stroll through Odori Park, which stretches over 1.5 kilometers through the heart of Sapporo. The park is a hub of activity and is particularly beautiful during the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter and the summer flower festival. Enjoy the sculptures, fountains, and seasonal flower displays as you walk.
- Hokkaido Shrine: Head to the Hokkaido Shrine, located in Maruyama Park. This Shinto shrine, surrounded by a forest, offers a peaceful retreat from the city. It was established in 1869 and is dedicated to the soul of Emperor Meiji and three deities. Explore the serene grounds, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony.
Afternoon:
- Otaru Canal: After exploring Sapporo, take a short train ride to the charming town of Otaru. Begin your visit with a walk along the picturesque Otaru Canal, lined with historic warehouses and stone-paved pathways. The canal area is particularly enchanting at dusk when the gas lamps are lit.
- Otaru Music Box Museum: Visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved building. The museum features an extensive collection of music boxes from around the world, and you can even purchase custom-made music boxes as souvenirs.
- Sakaimachi Street: End your day with a stroll along Sakaimachi Street, known for its beautifully preserved buildings, glassworks, and local delicacies. Enjoy shopping for handmade glassware, sample some fresh seafood, and try the famous Otaru cheesecake.
2. Furano and Biei Day Tour
Morning:
- Farm Tomita: Start your day at Farm Tomita, one of the most famous flower farms in Hokkaido. The farm is renowned for its stunning lavender fields, which are in full bloom from mid-July to early August. Apart from lavender, you can also see a variety of other flowers, including poppies, cosmos, and marigolds. Don’t forget to try lavender-flavored ice cream!
- Shikisai no Oka: Next, visit Shikisai no Oka, a panoramic flower garden offering breathtaking views of colorful flower fields against the backdrop of the Tokachi Mountain Range. The garden features seasonal flowers that bloom from spring to autumn, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. You can explore the garden on foot or take a ride on a tractor bus.
Afternoon:
- Blue Pond (Aoiike): Travel to Biei and visit the Blue Pond, famous for its striking blue water. The pond gets its color from the natural minerals dissolved in the water, creating a mesmerizing and surreal landscape. The surrounding trees, often partially submerged, add to the otherworldly beauty of the location.
- Patchwork Road: Drive along Patchwork Road, a scenic route that winds through the rolling hills of Biei. The landscape is characterized by its patchwork of fields, each planted with different crops, creating a mosaic of colors and textures. Popular spots along the route include Ken & Mary Tree and Seven Stars Tree.
- Shirahige Falls: End your day with a visit to Shirahige Falls, where water cascades into the Biei River from the cliffs above. The falls are named after their resemblance to a white beard (“Shirahige” in Japanese) and offer a serene and picturesque setting.
3. Asahikawa and Asahiyama Zoo Day Tour
Morning:
- Asahiyama Zoo: Begin your day at Asahiyama Zoo, one of Japan’s most beloved zoos. Known for its interactive and innovative enclosures, the zoo allows visitors to get up close and personal with the animals. Highlights include the underwater penguin tunnel, the polar bear pool, and the seal dome. The zoo is especially popular during the winter when you can see animals in their snowy habitats.
Afternoon:
- Ueno Farm: Visit Ueno Farm, a beautiful English-style garden located just outside of Asahikawa. The garden features a variety of plants and flowers arranged in picturesque displays. Wander through the themed sections, such as the “Mother’s Garden” and the “Hobbit House,” and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
- Otokoyama Sake Brewery: Learn about the traditional process of sake brewing at Otokoyama Sake Brewery. The brewery has a history of over 340 years and is known for its high-quality sake. You can tour the brewery, visit the museum, and sample different types of sake.
- Ramen Village: For lunch or an afternoon snack, stop by Ramen Village, a collection of ramen shops serving Asahikawa’s famous soy sauce-based ramen. Each shop offers its unique take on the dish, so be sure to try a couple of different bowls to find your favorite.
4. Noboribetsu and Lake Toya Day Tour
Morning:
- Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley): Start your day with a visit to Noboribetsu Jigokudani, a dramatic volcanic landscape featuring steaming vents, sulfurous streams, and bubbling hot springs. The valley is a stark reminder of Hokkaido’s volcanic activity and offers numerous walking trails with informational signs explaining the geothermal phenomena.
- Noboribetsu Bear Park: Take a short ride on the Noboribetsu Ropeway to reach the Noboribetsu Bear Park, where you can see Hokkaido brown bears up close. The park also features a bear museum and a small Ainu village exhibit, providing insights into the culture of Hokkaido’s indigenous people.
Afternoon:
- Lake Toya: Head to Lake Toya, a beautiful caldera lake formed by volcanic activity. The lake is known for its clear waters and stunning scenery. Take a leisurely boat cruise to enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and the lake’s islands.
- Usuzan Ropeway: Ride the Usuzan Ropeway to the top of Mount Usu, an active volcano. From the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and the Pacific Ocean. There are also several walking trails around the crater that offer a closer look at the volcanic landscape.
- Toyako Onsen: End your day with a relaxing soak in the hot springs at Toyako Onsen. Many of the hot spring baths offer views of Lake Toya, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.
5. Hakodate Day Tour
Morning:
- Morning Market: Begin your day at the Hakodate Morning Market, a bustling area with over 250 shops and stalls selling fresh seafood, local produce, and other goods. Enjoy a breakfast of freshly caught seafood, such as uni (sea urchin), crab, and squid.
- Goryokaku Tower: Visit Goryokaku Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort and its surrounding park. The fort, originally built in the late Edo period, is now a public park and a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
- Goryokaku Park: Explore Goryokaku Park, walking along the tree-lined paths and visiting the Hakodate Magistrate’s Office, a reconstructed historical building within the park.
Afternoon:
- Motomachi: Wander through the Motomachi area, known for its historic Western-style buildings, churches, and picturesque streets. The area reflects Hakodate’s history as one of Japan’s first international ports open to foreign trade.
- Hakodate Ropeway: In the evening, take the Hakodate Ropeway to the top of Mount Hakodate for a stunning night view of the city. The view from the summit is considered one of the best night views in Japan and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city lights and the surrounding bay.
Conclusion
Exploring Hokkaido in a day is an adventure filled with diverse experiences, from the historical charm of Hakodate to the scenic beauty of Furano and Biei. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Sapporo and Otaru, witness the unique wildlife at Asahiyama Zoo, or relax in the serene landscapes of Lake Toya, Hokkaido has something to offer every traveler. We hope these recommended day tours inspire you to make the most of your time in Hokkaido and create unforgettable memories. Don’t forget to share your experiences and favorite spots in the comments below!
