8 Days Autumn Tour of Hokkaido

Autumn Tour of Hokkaido – Overview

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido as Japan’s northernmost island transforms into a canvas of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. This 8-day journey is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort, taking you through iconic autumn destinations including Sapporo, Furano, Biei, Sounkyo, Noboribetsu, Jozankei, and beyond.

Your adventure begins in Chitose and Sapporo, where urban sophistication meets scenic charm. Head to Furano and Biei for postcard-perfect landscapes of rolling hills, flower fields, and fall foliage. Explore the dramatic gorges and waterfalls of Sounkyo, soak in the rejuvenating hot springs of Noboribetsu and Jozankei, and stroll the nostalgic streets of Otaru.

Travel eastward to discover the coastal serenity of Kushiro, the wildlife of Abashiri, and the northern flavors of Mombetsu. Your journey concludes with a glimpse of vibrant city life in Tokyo, where modernity meets tradition.

This seasonal tour offers a rich tapestry of natural wonders, hot springs, local cuisine, and cultural experiences—an unforgettable autumn escape in the heart of Japan.

Places Covered:  Sapporo, Chitose, Tokyo, Furano, Sounkyo, Noboribetsu, Jozankei, Biei, Otaru, Kushiro, Mombetsu, Abashiri

8 Days Autumn Tour of Hokkaido Itinerary

DAY 1: SINGAPORE – TOKYO – CHITOSE – SAPPORO

Meals: Meal On Board
Accommodation: Sapporo View Odori Park Hotel or similar

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chitose, with a transit stop at Narita or Haneda Airport, Tokyo. Upon arrival in Chitose, transfer to your hotel in Sapporo. Take some time to relax and settle in after your journey.

DAY 2: CHITOSE – SAPPORO – OTARU – JOZANKEI

Highlights: Shiroi Koibito, Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum, Japanese Yukata Dress-Up Session
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (8-Course Kaiseki)
Accommodation: Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Milione or similar

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before visiting Shiroi Koibito, a beloved confectionery housed in a charming Tudor-style building that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Chocolate lovers, get ready to indulge!

Next, travel to the picturesque Otaru Canal, where century-old stone warehouses line both sides of this tranquil waterway, evoking a nostalgic atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls and photos. Continue your visit at the Otaru Music Box Museum, home to enchanting displays of intricately crafted music boxes that play delightful melodies sure to charm visitors of all ages.

Experience authentic Japanese culture with a Yukata dress-up session, then take a scenic walk by the canal, capturing timeless cultural snapshots.

In the afternoon, journey to the serene onsen resort of Jozankei, nestled amid stunning natural surroundings. Tonight, don your traditional yukata once more and savor an exquisite 8-course Kaiseki dinner—a culinary celebration of seasonal flavors. Afterward, unwind with a soothing dip in the rejuvenating hot spring baths. You’ve earned it.

DAY 3: JOZANKEI – BIEI – SOUNKYO

Highlights: Shirahige Falls, Shirogane Blue Pond
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Choyo Resort Hotel or similar

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the stunning Shirahige Falls, where water cascades through rocky crevices, resembling a flowing white beard—hence its name. The waterfall’s water springs from beneath the rocks, plunging powerfully onto the stones below and creating a mesmerizing splash of vibrant cobalt blue.

Next, explore the enchanting Shirogane Blue Pond, famed for its striking color transformations. Depending on the angle and light, the pond’s waters shift from shimmering blue to serene shades of green, offering a magical and photogenic experience.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to the scenic valley of Sounkyo. Here, unwind and rejuvenate with a relaxing mineral hot spring bath at your onsen resort, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes.

DAY 4: SOUNKYO – MOMBETSU

Highlights: Sounkyo Gorge, Mt. Daisetsu-zan, Shooting Star Falls, Milky Way Falls, Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum, Okhotsk Tower, Okhotsk Seal Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Seafood Set with Crab)
Accommodation: Mombetsu Prince Hotel or similar

Begin your morning with a visit to the breathtaking Sounkyo Gorge, nestled in the valley of majestic Mt. Daisetsu-zan. This rugged mountain is famously marked by the spectacular Shooting Star Falls and Milky Way Falls, whose cascading waters add to the dramatic cliffside scenery. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of these natural wonders — a perfect moment to reflect and connect with nature’s grandeur.

Next, engage with science and nature at the interactive Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits about sea ice, climate change, and the natural world, perfect for curious minds of all ages.

Continue to the Okhotsk Tower, where you’ll step into a sub-zero environment to experience the mystique of drift ice. Witness the enchanting “ice fairy” phenomenon and try blowing “ice bubbles” for a truly unique experience.

Later, visit the Okhotsk Seal Centre, a conservation sanctuary dedicated to protecting rare seals. Observe these remarkable creatures up close in their safe and natural-like habitat.

In the evening, journey to an onsen resort in Mombetsu to relax and unwind.

Seasonal Bonus: In October, delight in the vibrant display of fluffy red kokia at Shikisai no Oka — a stunning seasonal highlight.

DAY 5: MOMBETSU – ABASHIRI – SHIRETOKO

Highlights: Shiretoko National Park, Abashiri Prison
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Buffet)
Accommodation: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel or similar

After breakfast, depart for the stunning Shiretoko Peninsula. En route, visit the historic Abashiri Prison, an imposing structure built in the 1890s that once housed some of Japan’s most dangerous criminals. Today, the prison operates as a fascinating museum offering a detailed glimpse into the harsh lives of its inmates and the prison’s unique history.

Continue to Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its pristine wilderness and breathtaking landscapes. Located on the eastern tip of Hokkaido, Shiretoko offers some of Japan’s most unspoiled natural beauty. In winter, its coastline along the Sea of Okhotsk becomes one of the northern hemisphere’s southernmost drift ice viewing spots—a spectacular sight.

Conclude your day with a delicious buffet dinner at your hotel, savoring a variety of local and international dishes in a cozy setting.

DAY 6: SHIRETOKO – AKAN NATIONAL PARK

Highlights: Lake Akan, Akan National Park, Mt. Iou, Lake Kussharo, Ainu Kotan, Ainu Performance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel New Akan or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Lake Akan, a unique crater lake nestled within Akan National Park. This serene lake is famous for its rare marimo algae—moss balls that have slowly formed over centuries into beautiful green spheres.

En route, explore the otherworldly landscape of Mt. Iou, a sulphur valley where boiling ponds and steaming vents create a fascinating geothermal display. You might even get the chance to taste a traditional local delicacy—sulfur steam egg—cooked naturally by the volcanic heat.

Next, relax and rejuvenate with a soothing foot spa by the tranquil waters of Lake Kussharo, letting the warm mineral waters ease your tired feet after your morning walk.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Ainu, Japan’s indigenous people, at Ainu Kotan, a charming village near Lake Akan. Stroll through streets lined with traditional souvenir shops and handcraft boutiques, then enjoy an authentic Ainu cultural performance showcasing music, dance, and storytelling that brings their unique traditions to life.

Spend the night at a comfortable onsen hotel by Lake Akan, where you can unwind with a hot spring bath surrounded by nature.

DAY 7: LAKE AKAN – SAPPORO

Highlights: Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, Odori Park, Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sapporo View Odori Park Hotel or similar

After breakfast, bid farewell to the tranquil surroundings of Lake Akan and travel to the vibrant city of Sapporo, the bustling capital of Hokkaido.

Kick off your day with a shopping spree at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, a premier outlet mall featuring a wide selection of both domestic and international brands—perfect for picking up stylish souvenirs or seasonal deals.

Next, visit Odori Park, Sapporo’s central green oasis. This beautifully landscaped park is dotted with fountains, sculptures, and vibrant flowerbeds. It’s also famous for hosting the spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival each winter, attracting visitors from around the world.

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the longest covered shopping street in Hokkaido. Browse through an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and boutiques as you soak in the lively local atmosphere.

DAY 8: SAPPORO – CHITOSE – TOKYO – SINGAPORE

Meals: Breakfast, Meal On Board

After breakfast, transfer to Chitose Airport for your connecting flight via Tokyo back to Singapore. Reflect on the unforgettable memories and stunning autumn landscapes you’ve experienced during your Hokkaido adventure as you journey home.