8-Day Japan Hokkaido Tour
8 Days
ABOUT THE TOUR
Explore the natural beauty and cultural charm of Hokkaido on this immersive 8-day tour. This journey covers scenic destinations, such as Sapporo, Noboribetsu, Otaru, and Lake Akan, with experiences tailored to each season. Delight in Hokkaido’s culinary delights and relax in traditional hot springs at carefully selected accommodations, all with a seamless itinerary designed to make the most of each location. This exclusive tour offers the perfect mix of natural wonders, cultural insights, and Japanese hospitality
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What’s Included |
What’s Not Included |
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Itinerary
Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Noboribetsu. Settle in and unwind before indulging in a delightful welcome dinner, featuring authentic local dishes carefully crafted to introduce you to Hokkaido’s renowned culinary flavors
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Noboribetsu Manseikaku or similar
Note:
Transfers:
Group airport transfers are available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. If your flight arrives outside of these hours, you will be responsible for arranging your own transfer from the airport to the hotel at your own expense.
Dinner:
Dinner is served until 8:00 pm local time, and the hotel is in a remote area with limited dining options. We strongly recommend arriving early to enjoy the included dinner, as late arrivals will need to arrange their own meals.
Hotel Check-in:
The hotel check-in is available after 3 PM. If you arrive before this time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with the hotel staff while you explore the area or relax in the hotel lobby. When you return, kindly present your passport at the reception desk to complete your check-in.
Start your day with a visit to Noboribetsu Hell Valley, a striking volcanic crater that serves as the primary source of the region’s famous hot springs. Wander through the steaming landscapes and admire the raw beauty of this unique geothermal area. Next, step back in time at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, an Edo period theme park filled with traditional architecture, lively performances, and fascinating insights into the lives of ninjas and samurai. Afterward, take in the serene beauty of Lake Toya, surrounded by lush landscapes and panoramic views, before heading to the bustling city of Sapporo for the night.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Tokyu Rei Hotel Sapporo or similar
Head to the enchanting city of Otaru, famous for its nostalgic charm and scenic waterfront. Begin your exploration with a leisurely stroll along the historic Otaru Canal, lined with vintage warehouses and quaint stone paths that evoke a timeless romance. Next, visit Kitaichi Glass, where you can marvel at exquisite glass art and craftsmanship that Otaru is known for. Returning to Sapporo, take a peaceful walk through Odori Park, a lush green space in the heart of the city, and visit the iconic Clock Tower (Tokeidai), a beloved Sapporo landmark. Wrap up the day with a visit to Tanuki Koji Street, a lively shopping arcade perfect for browsing unique shops, sampling local treats, and immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Tokyu Rei Hotel Sapporo or similar
Begin your day with a picturesque drive to Furano, where you’ll visit the stunning Tomita Farm, Hokkaido’s largest and most vibrant flower farm. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fields bursting with seasonal blooms, from lavender to colorful wildflowers, painting the landscape in breathtaking hues. During late summer, from July to August, this stop shifts to the Sunflower Village, a seasonal highlight showcasing radiant sunflower fields. Next, continue to the charming town of Biei-cho, where gently rolling hills and idyllic farmland create a postcard-perfect scene. Explore the breathtaking Shikisai no Oka, a colorful tapestry of seasonal flowers that stretches across the hills. Don’t miss a peaceful stroll around the enchanting Blue Pond, its brilliant blue waters mirroring the surrounding trees in an almost magical reflection. As evening draws in, arrive at Sounkyo Gorge and unwind over a cozy dinner at your hotel, immersed in the serene beauty of the gorge.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Sounkaku Grand Hotel Hokkaido or similar
Begin your day exploring the stunning landscapes of Sounkyo Valley, where you’ll be captivated by the majestic Ginga and Ryusei-no-taki Falls, known as the "Milky Way" and "Shooting Star" waterfalls. These powerful cascades tumble dramatically down sheer cliffs, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. Next, head to Abashiri and delve into the icy world of the Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, where fascinating exhibits showcase the region's unique marine life adapted to cold waters. Depending on the season, you’ll visit other remarkable locations: the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, ablaze with pink moss blooms in mid May; the Koshimizu Wild Flower Garden with its vibrant flora from late June to late August; or the striking red hues of Ubaranai Sango Grassland in September. Conclude your journey with a visit to Shiretoko and the stunning Oshinkoshin Waterfall, often called "Twin Beauties" for its split cascade, offering yet another beautiful display of Hokkaido's natural charm.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel or similar
Immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with untouched landscapes and diverse wildlife. Begin with a visit to the enchanting Kamuiwakka Hot Falls, where natural hot spring waters cascade down rocky terraces, inviting you to dip your toes in its warm, mineral-rich pools. Continue to the serene Shiretoko Goko Lakes, where a peaceful boardwalk offers stunning views of the five interconnected lakes, surrounded by ancient forests and reflecting the towering mountains beyond. Journey on to Lake Kussharo, a beautiful caldera lake, and explore the fascinating Atosanupuri Mountain, an active volcano dotted with rare alpine plants that thrive in the volcanic soil. As evening falls, unwind at your hot spring hotel near Lake Akan, where you can soak in soothing onsen waters and reflect on the day's adventures surrounded by the tranquility of Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: New Akan Hotel or similar
Begin your day with a serene cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Akan, famed for its picturesque landscapes and unique marimo algae, a rare green moss that grows into velvety spheres. As you glide across the lake, take in the lush forests and peaceful ambiance that make this area a cherished natural wonder. Next, journey to Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Natural Park, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe these graceful, endangered cranes—symbols of longevity and good fortune in Japan —in their natural habitat. As evening approaches, retreat to a hot spring hotel in Tokachi-gawa, where you’ll be treated to a traditional Hokkaido feast. Savor the flavors of the region with a delightful meal featuring tender Hokkaido beef and locally sourced vegetables, making for a perfect end to a day immersed in nature and cultural richness.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Daiheigen Hotel or similar
On your final day, enjoy a seamless transfer to New Chitose Airport for your journey home. Our team will coordinate departure times to match each guest’s flight schedule, ensuring a relaxed and efficient departure. Take with you unforgettable memories of Hokkaido’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Note:
Transfer:
Group airport transfers are available between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Please note that driving from Tokachi-gawa to Sapporo takes approximately 4 hours. To ensure a smooth transition, we strongly recommend scheduling your flight for the afternoon to allow sufficient time for the transfer and any necessary connections. If your flight departs outside these hours, you will need to arrange your own transportation to the airport at your own expense.
Important Notes
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Minimum: 4 individuals
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Maximum: 20 individuals
- We are pleased to offer you a $100 AUD international flight credit as part of your tour package, which can be utilized when booking international flights with us. This credit provides you with the flexibility to choose your preferred carriers, enhancing your overall travel experience.
- The flight credit is applicable only for travellers booking flights for the tour from Australia.
- The flight credit is non-refundable and will be automatically forfeited should you decide to purchase flights independently or if you are departing from a country other than Australia.
- Please note that check-in at the hotel on Day 1 will be available after 3:00 pm. If you arrive earlier, you may store your luggage at the hotel and explore nearby areas until your room is ready. Thank you for your understanding!
- Please note that certain attractions on Days 4 and 5 are seasonal and may vary depending on the time of year.
- Day 4: In late July through August, Tomita Farm in Furano will be replaced by the Sunflower Village, offering stunning fields of sunflowers in full bloom.
- Day 5: Seasonal stops will vary. In May, you’ll visit Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, showcasing beautiful pink moss flowers. From June to August, enjoy the vibrant blooms at Koshimizu Wild Flower Garden, and in September, explore the Ubaranai Sango Grassland with its striking red hues.
- To secure your booking, full payment is required at the time of reservation. After creating your booking, you will be directed to your invoice, where you can select your preferred payment method.
Voluntary Changes:
Please note that any changes or upgrades requested after the booking is confirmed will be subject to a fee of AUD220 per person per change, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. This fee covers modifications to flights, hotels, tour dates, or any other services included in your package. To ensure smooth processing, we kindly request that you provide us with a minimum of 72 hours notice for all voluntary changes.
Cancellations & Refunds:
Please note that in the event of tour cancellation, a cancellation fee of AUD550 per person will be charged, in addition to any relevant supplier costs. Refund requests must be submitted in writing and will take up to 6 weeks to process. It is important to note that no refunds can be issued once the tour has commenced (for the flight-inclusive package, no refunds can be issued once the flights have been ticketed).
Name Correction Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person applies to name corrections on documents, along with any supplier costs. Kindly note that name corrections must be requested at least 72 hours prior to departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Document Change Fees:
A fee of AUD220 per person will be charged for any passport changes, in addition to any applicable supplier costs. Please note that train tickets and admission access must be linked to your travel passport details. Any changes to passport information must be requested at least 14 days before departure and are subject to approval from the supplier.
Supplier Fees:
In the event that the tour you have purchased is unable to proceed or a travel supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (such as a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our suppliers and is unrecoverable. This could be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins, or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. As your agent, Better Trip is committed to covering these costs and will make every effort to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your tour. However, please note that this may not be possible in every circumstance. If refunds are unavailable from our suppliers, we will strive to obtain a travel credit with the best possible terms and communicate these options to you. If Better Trip cannot obtain a refund, travel service credit, or only a partial refund, this cost will be passed on to the customer as a supplier fee. It is important to note that this fee is not intended to generate revenue but to cover the payments our suppliers withhold during the recovery process.
To ensure a smooth journey, it is imperative that you possess a valid passport and have obtained all necessary visas, permits, and certificates for the countries you plan to visit. Please note that passports are mandatory for all travellers when departing from Australia. For a permanent resident to travel on a foreign passport, you must also hold an Australian Re-entry Visa. Additionally, many countries require foreign nationals entering their borders to possess a passport with a minimum of six months validity. Remember, the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of your documentation lies with you as the individual traveller. Any fines, penalties, or expenses incurred due to incorrect documentation will be solely your responsibility.
Travel insurance is a requirement for all our travellers and should be obtained at the time of booking. Your travel insurance should cover personal accidents, death, medical expenses, and emergency repatriation, with a recommended minimum coverage of US$200,000 for each category. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, curtailment, personal liability, luggage loss, and personal effects. On the first day of your trip, you must provide proof of your travel insurance. Please note that joining the trip will not be possible without it. If you would like our assistance obtaining travel insurance, please contact us via email at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
Some of our packages include airport transfers in one or both directions for your arrival or departure from your destination. To determine if transfers are included, please refer to the “What’s Included” section of your selected package.
If you arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations independently and the tour includes transfers, please note that these transfers will be forfeited. Transfers are provided only in conjunction with the tour dates and any pre- or post-tour accommodations booked through Better Trip, when available.
Additionally, our standard airport transfers operate on a group basis, which may involve waiting times of up to 2 hours. To avoid any potential delays, we recommend booking a private transfer for a more prompt and personalized service. For more information, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au.
The default flights included in this package have been predetermined by our product team in collaboration with the airline carriers. Please note the following conditions:
- The default flights cannot be changed or refunded at any time. If these flights are not used, any unused segments will be forfeited without a refund.
- Flight carriers and schedules will be available approximately three months before the tour date.
- For customised flight requests, including changes to flight times, airlines, or classes, a re-quote will be provided at the prevailing market price, and additional charges may apply.
- If you have booked a flight-inclusive package and choose not to use the default flights, please notify us at least 72 hours before departure. Failure to do so will be considered a no-show, and the entire tour will be cancelled without a refund.
If you have any further questions or require assistance, please contact us at bookings@bettertrip.com.au
Fitness Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants in our tours should have a moderate level of fitness, including the ability to walk for extended periods and navigate varying terrains. The tour may involve physical activities such as hiking and walking tours, so we recommend being comfortable with exertion for several hours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consult a healthcare professional before booking. Regular physical activity leading up to the tour is encouraged to enhance your experience. Your safety is our top priority, so if you feel unwell during the tour, please inform your local guide.
Accommodation
Accommodations included in your tour package will be specified in your itinerary. While we strive to provide the listed accommodations, substitutions may be necessary due to availability. For bedding configurations, we offer double or twin options for travellers sharing a room, based on availability. Solo travellers who have purchased the single supplement will have the option of a single bed. Check-in is typically between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and check-out usually occurs between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM; early or late check-in/out may be available upon request, but is not guaranteed. Standard amenities will be provided, although additional services may incur extra charges. We are not liable for any loss or damage to personal property during your stay, so we recommend securing travel insurance for unforeseen events. Lastly, guests are responsible for adhering to any health and safety guidelines set by the accommodation providers.
Underage Travellers
All travellers under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the tour and must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will ensure their safety and well-being. Accommodation arrangements must comply with the policies of the accommodation provider, which may have age restrictions regarding room occupancy. Parents or guardians are responsible for informing us of any medical conditions or special requirements for the minor, and we recommend that all minors have appropriate travel insurance. Some of our packages are exclusively available for adult travellers aged 18 and over. All travellers are expected to adhere to our code of conduct; inappropriate behaviour may result in removal from the tour without a refund. Additionally, some activities may have age restrictions, and it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure all activities are suitable for the minor.
Tipping
Tipping is not included in your tour package and is expected to be paid during the tour. Unless otherwise specified in the itinerary. We recommend a gratuity of AUD 20 per day, per person for tour guides, drivers, and other service personnel to reflect the level of service provided. Tipping can be made in cash and given directly to the service personnel at your discretion. Please note that tipping customs may vary by country, so we encourage you to familiarize yourself with local practices. By participating in our tours, you acknowledge and accept this tipping policy
Itinerary Modification
The itinerary presented in your tour package is subject to modification due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Better Trip, such as weather conditions and operational requirements. In the event of any changes, we will notify you via email with relevant advice or instructions as soon as possible. While we will strive to provide suitable alternative arrangements, we cannot guarantee that all aspects of the original itinerary will remain unchanged. It is the traveller’s responsibility to stay informed of updates prior to departure, and by booking with us, you acknowledge and accept that itinerary modifications may occur.
Typically
$5299