8 Days Hokkaido Floral Escape

Hokkaido Floral Escape Tour Overview

Immerse yourself in the vibrant beauty of Japan’s northern gem with our 8-Day Hokkaido Floral Escape. Journey through a breathtaking tapestry of flower-filled landscapes, scenic mountain villages, and serene lakes as you explore iconic destinations like Furano, Biei, and Lake Akan. Wander through the lavender fields of Furano, marvel at the colorful patchwork hills of Biei, and experience the untouched natural beauty of Shiretoko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your adventure begins in the lively city of Sapporo, where modern culture meets seasonal charm. Visit the quaint canals of Otaru, soak in the mineral-rich waters of Jozankei and Sounkyo Onsen, and take in the scenic coastlines of Abashiri and Mombetsu. Discover the spiritual tranquility of Lake Akan, the wild beauty of Shiretoko Peninsula, and the floral wonders of Furano and Biei. Conclude your journey in vibrant Tokyo, blending traditional Japan with cutting-edge modernity.

Perfectly timed with Hokkaido’s blooming season, this curated escape offers a harmonious blend of natural splendor, cultural encounters, and rejuvenating relaxation.

Places Covered: Sapporo, Mombetsu, Otaru, Furano, Sounkyo, Abashiri, Tokyo, Lake Akan, Shiretoko, Biei, Chitose, Jozankei

8 Days Hokkaido Floral Escape Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Singapore – Tokyo – Chitose – Sapporo

Highlights: Odori Park, Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade
Meals: Meal on Board, Dinner
Accommodation: Sapporo View Odori Park or similar

Begin your floral adventure as you assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chitose via Tokyo (Narita/Haneda). Upon arrival, make your way to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital.

Your first stop is the serene Odori Park, a lush green oasis in the heart of the city adorned with elegant fountains, artistic sculptures, and seasonal flowerbeds. This central promenade is also famously known for hosting the Sapporo Snow Festival each winter.

Next, take a leisurely stroll through the lively Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the oldest and longest shopping street in Hokkaido. Spanning over 1 km with hundreds of shops, it’s the perfect spot to soak in the local energy, shop for souvenirs, or indulge in a delicious local snack.

After an exciting start, check in to your hotel and unwind for the journey ahead.

Day 2: Chitose – Sapporo – Otaru – Jozankei

Highlights: Shiroi Koibito Park, Otaru Canal, Otaru Music Box Museum, Yukata Experience, Onsen Stay in Jozankei
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (8-Course Kaiseki)
Accommodation: Jozankei Manseikaku Hotel Millione or similar

After a hearty breakfast, begin your day with a sweet stop at Shiroi Koibito Park, home to Hokkaido’s beloved chocolate biscuits. Housed in a charming Tudor-style building straight out of a fairy tale, this delightful attraction is a dream come true for chocoholics and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Next, travel to the picturesque port town of Otaru. Stroll along the romantic Otaru Canal, flanked by beautifully preserved stone warehouses and softly glowing gas lamps—an atmospheric blend of old-world charm and serene beauty.

Continue to the enchanting Otaru Music Box Museum, where intricately crafted music boxes fill the air with delicate melodies. Each piece is a work of art, evoking nostalgia and whimsy. Don’t miss the opportunity to dress in a traditional yukata and take a stroll by the canal for an unforgettable photo moment.

In the late afternoon, head to the tranquil hot spring town of Jozankei. Check in to your onsen resort and embrace Japanese hospitality at its finest. Don a yukata and indulge in a sumptuous 8-course Kaiseki dinner, showcasing seasonal Hokkaido flavors. End your evening with a rejuvenating soak in a traditional hot spring bath—perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the day’s serene delights.

Day 3: Jozankei – Biei – Furano – Sounkyo

Highlights: Shikisai-no-Oka, Furano Herb Garden, DIY Lavender Pillow with Potpourri, Seasonal Fruit & Corn Tasting
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Japanese Set), Dinner
Accommodation: New Furano Prince Hotel / Choyo Resort Hotel or similar

Start your day surrounded by Hokkaido’s natural beauty as you journey to the picturesque region of Biei, known for its gently rolling hills and panoramic views. Here, explore the vibrant and expansive Shikisai-no-Oka, a sprawling 15-hectare garden blanketed in brilliant seasonal flowers—lavender, sunflowers, poppies, and more. It’s a painter’s palette brought to life across the landscape, perfect for capturing postcard-worthy photos.

Continue to Furano, the heart of Hokkaido’s lavender country. Visit the Furano Herb Garden, where you’ll immerse yourself in the calming aroma of fresh herbs and flowers. Engage in a hands-on DIY lavender pillow activity, crafting your own fragrant keepsake filled with potpourri—a soothing souvenir to bring home.

Seasonal Bonus:
Depending on your travel month, enjoy an added delight:

• June: Pick and taste juicy strawberries
• July: Sample sweet, ripe cherries
• August: Savor luscious peaches
• September: Relish the unique flavor of freshly harvested corn

As the day winds down, head to the peaceful town of Sounkyo, nestled in the Daisetsuzan Mountains. Check in to your accommodation and enjoy a satisfying dinner before relaxing for the night in this alpine retreat.

Day 4: Furano – Sounkyo – Mombetsu

Highlights: Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum, Okhotsk Tower, Okhotsk Seal Centre, Onsen Stay in Mombetsu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Japanese Set with Crab)
Accommodation: Mombetsu Prince Hotel or similar

This morning, delve into the fascinating world of the northern seas at the Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum. This interactive science center offers a captivating journey into the natural phenomena of sea ice, climate, and marine ecology. Explore its immersive exhibits and learn how drifting sea ice shapes the region’s ecosystem.

Next, brace yourself for an icy adventure at the Okhotsk Tower, where you’ll step into a sub-zero environment to experience the magic of drift ice up close. Try blowing a bubble that freezes mid-air, and if you’re lucky, spot the elusive “ice fairy”—a microscopic creature that lives within the frozen waters.

In the afternoon, visit the Okhotsk Seal Centre, a unique conservation facility where you’ll get up close with adorable seals native to Hokkaido’s northern coast. Learn about their habitat, conservation efforts, and enjoy watching these graceful animals in their natural-like environment.

As the day winds down, journey to the peaceful coastal town of Mombetsu, where you’ll check in to a relaxing onsen resort. End your evening with a sumptuous Japanese set dinner featuring fresh crab, followed by a rejuvenating soak in the hot springs.

Seasonal Bonus:
If traveling from mid-May to early June, don’t miss the stunning Takinoue Pink Moss Park, where hillsides burst into brilliant shades of pink and purple shibazakura (moss phlox), creating a floral wonderland like no other.

Day 5: Mombetsu – Abashiri – Shiretoko

Highlights: Abashiri Prison Museum, Shiretoko National Park, Seafood Buffet with Free-Flow Liquor
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Seafood Buffet with Free-Flow of Liquor)
Accommodation: Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel / Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort or similar

After breakfast, set off for the remote and rugged beauty of Shiretoko, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, stop by the historic Abashiri Prison Museum, a well-preserved complex originally built in the 1890s to hold some of Japan’s most notorious criminals. Today, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh lives of inmates through immersive exhibits, life-sized dioramas, and period architecture.

Continue your journey to Shiretoko National Park, one of Japan’s last pristine wildernesses. Located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, this remote park is home to dramatic coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. Enjoy a refreshing walk through the park and keep an eye out for deer, red foxes, and—if you’re lucky—even brown bears in their natural habitat.

In winter, the Shiretoko coastline becomes one of the southernmost places in the northern hemisphere where you can witness spectacular drift ice formations along the Sea of Okhotsk—a truly rare sight.

As the day draws to a close, check in to your hotel and indulge in a lavish seafood buffet dinner, paired with free-flowing local liquor, the perfect way to unwind while savoring the coastal flavors of Hokkaido.

Seasonal Bonus:

• May to Early June: Admire over 120 varieties of tulips in full bloom at Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park
• Mid to Late July: Walk among golden sunflower fields
• Mid to Late September: Enjoy vibrant cosmos blooms at Omagari Lakeside Park

Day 6: Shiretoko – Lake Akan

Highlights: Lake Akan, Akan National Park, Mt Iou, Lake Kussharo Foot Spa, Ainu Kotan Village & Cultural Performance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel New Akan or similar

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive toward the mystical Lake Akan, nestled within the expansive Akan National Park. This serene crater lake is famed for its rare marimo—spherical green algae that can grow to impressive sizes over centuries, a true natural wonder unique to this region.

En route, stop at the fascinating Mt Iou, an active volcano known for its otherworldly landscape of bubbling sulfur pits and steaming vents. Don’t miss the chance to try a locally prepared sulfur-steamed egg, a delicacy believed to bring good health.

Continue on to Lake Kussharo, another gem within Akan National Park. Here, unwind with a relaxing natural foot spa by the lakeside, letting the warm, mineral-rich waters soothe your feet while you take in the tranquil mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the heritage of Japan’s indigenous people with a visit to Ainu Kotan, a charming village home to the Ainu community. Stroll along streets lined with traditional craft shops offering hand-carved souvenirs and cultural artifacts. The visit culminates with a captivating Ainu performance, showcasing their music, dance, and rich oral traditions—a rare opportunity to connect with one of Japan’s oldest cultures.

Settle in for the night at a traditional onsen hotel overlooking Lake Akan, and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by nature and cultural charm.

Day 7: Lake Akan – Sapporo

Highlight: Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sapporo View Odori Park or similar

After breakfast, say goodbye to the tranquil shores of Lake Akan as you journey back to vibrant Sapporo, the cosmopolitan heart of Hokkaido. Upon arrival, indulge in some last-minute retail therapy at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, one of Hokkaido’s largest outlet malls.

Browse through a wide array of local and international brands, offering everything from fashion and footwear to accessories and specialty goods—all at attractive outlet prices. Whether you’re picking up souvenirs or treating yourself, it’s the perfect spot to cap off your Hokkaido adventure with a satisfying shopping spree.

Return to your hotel in Sapporo for a relaxing evening and prepare for your journey home.

Day 8: Sapporo – Chitose – Tokyo – Singapore

Meals: Breakfast, Meal on Board

After an early breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting island of Hokkaido. Transfer to New Chitose Airport for your connecting flight via Tokyo back to Singapore, bringing home beautiful memories of flower-filled landscapes, cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this serene and scenic journey through the heart of Hokkaido. Safe travels and see you on your next adventure!