Welcome to Hokkaido! After arriving at Sapporo New Chitose Airport, please make your own way to the hotel by taking the 1.5-hour Hokkaido Chuo Bus ride.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and accompany you on a 1-hour train ride to Otaru.

On our arrival, let’s stroll along the city’s landmark Otaru Canal, where the kerosene street lamps and old warehouses along the banks evoke history and nostalgia. In a trance, you might imagine the busy scene of goods being transported on this canal. Watch artists paint by the river and take a classic photo at the Asakusa Bridge at the southern end of the canal.

Then, wander through Sakaimachi Street to explore the unique shops along the way, some of which are over 100 years old, selling local specialties, food, and most notably, glass crafts, which have earned Otaru the nickname ‘City of Glass.’ Visit the Kitaichi Glass Studio to see the glass-making process, admire the detailed handmade glass artworks on display, and experience the craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Stop by the Otaru Music Box Museum to marvel at the intricate mechanical devices and carvings set to beautiful tunes. You can also try making a small music box if you’re interested.

Our next stop today is the Otaru Sushi Restaurant Street, a short but bustling area with more than 20 sushi restaurants.

Last but not least, let’s take the Tenguyama Ropeway to enjoy the sweeping views of Otaru’s townscape. Finally, the guide will accompany you back to the hotel in Sapporo.

Today, meet your guide at the hotel, and we’ll take a 2-hour train ride to Noboribetsu, followed by a taxi to Hell Valley (Jigokudani).

Once there, get ready to be amazed by more volcanic remnants and hot spring attractions at both Oyunuma Pond and Little Pond. Watching the sulfur vapors erupt intermittently is spectacular but a bit intimidating; you’ll feel like you’ve entered hell by mistake. Additionally, by walking along the trail for about 30 minutes or taking a free shuttle bus, you can reach River Oyunuma Natural Footbath. Soaking your feet in the relaxing hot spring river will definitely create a wonderful memory of your trip.

After that, your guide will escort you to Noboribetsu Train Station by taxi and give you the ticket (included in the itinerary) for your next independent trip to Hakodate. Upon arrival, your hotel is just a 3-minute walk from JR Hakodate Station.

Since there are few English-speaking guides in Hakodate and most attractions are public streets and natural landscapes, you will have the whole day to explore on your own freely. Also, you can refer to the following popular touristy destinations.

On the last day of your Japan Hokkaido tour, you’ll need to get to Hakodate Airport on your own. Walk 4 minutes from your hotel to Hakodate Station, and then take the Hakodate Teisan Bus directly to the airport, which takes about 25 minutes. Wish you a happy journey home!