Explore unique nature and cityscapes alike as you travel from within the heart of Sapporo out to the wilder areas of western Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, known for its vast wilderness, quite unlike anything in the rest of Japan. The capital city, Sapporo, has a completely distinct feel, from its food to its landscapes. For the newcomer to Hokkaido, Sapporo and its surrounding region are some of the best places to begin exploring the island.
You’ll begin in the heart of Sapporo, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks that chart the passage of time and the city’s growth and development. These include the 19th-century, Western-style government buildings, the university tasked with turning Sapporo into an agricultural powerhouse, and the ski slope that featured prominently in the 1972 Winter Olympics – the event where Sapporo came into the consciousness of much of the rest of the world. This urban centre has its patches of natural paradise as well; the trail through Maruyama Park and up the mountain of the same name will make you forget you’re in the middle of the city…that is, until you reach the summit and the view of Sapporo sprawling before you.
Your journey then takes you outward to gradually wilder places: Mount Shioya Maruyama, which presides over the Shakotan Peninsula and the nearby mountains; Lake Shikotsu, where you will walk through an impossibly green, mossy corridor; the volcanic crater trails of the Lake Toya area; a lush, uninhabited island in the middle of a lake. At the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, you’ll learn about the Ainu, Hokkaidō’s indigenous peoples.
A base in Sapporo for the first three nights will allow you to grow intimately acquainted with the city, while at-leisure dinners will let you sample whichever of Sapporo’s one-of-a-kind dishes you crave – from jingisukan, or grilled lamb, to soup curry. As always, you’re guided by our detailed maps and in-depth guidebooks.
Your tour highlights
- See the extraordinary nature and beauty of Western Hokkaidō
- Walk through the lush Kaedasawa Moss Corridor
- Enjoy the healing properties of Lake Toya’s onsen hot springs
- Stroll through the trails of an uninhabited island in the centre of a lake
- Visit the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
- Take the time to explore Sapporo City’s sights
Tour itinerary
Begin your exploration of Sapporo armed with our Walking Guidebook, which will introduce you to a number of the city’s highlights, from 19th-century government buildings to Hokkaido University’s botanical gardens to the ski jump used in the 1972 Winter Olympics. We offer recommended routes that you can follow to make the most of your day.
Dinner is at leisure – here is your chance to sample Sapporo’s unique cuisine!
We recommend booking your flight to arrive in Sapporo at around noon in order to ensure enough time to explore on your first day.
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido, but you can easily get a hint of the natural beauty that lies just beyond its borders. Trees, plants, and over 200 Buddhist statues line the path up to Mount Maruyama, located in the park of the same name. Though Maruyama Park is near the city centre, expect to feel like you’re on a secluded forest path. Your reward will be views of the city from atop the mountain.
In the afternoon, you will be able to continue your exploration of Sapporo, and an optional evening trip up to Mount Moiwa will show you the difference between the city in the daytime versus at night.
Dinner is at leisure.
Walking distance: 2.7 km / 1.7 mi
Elevation gain: 185 m / 605 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: around 1.5 hours for Mount Maruyama hike; please allow additional time for up to 3 km / 1.9 mi of park walking.
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Board a train to the west near the city of Otaru for your hike up Mount Shioya Maruyama where, on a clear day, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Shakotan Peninsula and the surrounding mountains. This is your first venture out into the wilderness around Sapporo, and it will be a chance to glimpse the stunning nature of the region of Western Hokkaidō.
In the evening, return to your Sapporo accommodation. Dinner is at leisure.
Walking distance: 8.1 km / 5 mi
Elevation gain: 560 m / 1,835 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 4 hours
Accommodation: Western-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast
At the foot of Mount Tarumae and near beautiful Lake Shikotsu is the Kaedesawa Moss Corridor, a volcanic canyon that – as its name suggests – is covered in emerald-green moss. Walk through this natural wonder, then alongside the lake, where, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a glimpse of the birds that make the nearby forest their home.
Spend the night near Lake Shikotsu.
Walking distance: 6 km / 3.7 mi
Elevation gain: 90 m / 295 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours
Accommodation: Japanese- or Western-style onsen hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
You will start your day with a visit to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in the town of Shiraoi, where you will learn about Hokkaido’s indigenous population. Then, travel to the Lake Toya area for today’s walk. The series of eruptions on Mount Usu in March of 2000 led to the creation of a number of new craters and crater trails. Though there were no casualties, the area was preserved as it was to educate visitors about the power of nature. You will also see nature’s beauty as you hike over boardwalks, along forest paths, and past stunning lake and mountain views.
Overnight in Toyako Onsen, near Lake Tōya.
Walking distance: 5.8 km / 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: 150 m / 490 ft of ascent and 120 m / 395 ft of descent
Time required: About 2 hours
A short option of about 3.1 km / 1.9 mi is also available. This route includes 45 m / 150 ft of ascent and 100 m / 330 ft of descent and takes approximately an hour.
Accommodation: Japanese- or Western-style onsen hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Nakajima is a large island in the centre of Lake Toya, as well as your destination for the day. You’ll enjoy natural walks both inside and around the perimeter of the island – a chance to truly be alone with nature.
In the afternoon, transfer by train to New Chitose Airport to continue your journey in Japan.
Walking distance: 8.2 km / 5.1 mi
Elevation gain: 250 m / 820 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $3,275
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
5 nights at accommodations on the island of Hokkaidō
4 breakfasts and 2 dinners
A pre-paid transit card for transportation within Sapporo
Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the trip
Transfer by pre-booked taxi at specific points during your journey
Transfer from Lake Toya to New Chitose Airport
Ferry tickets to and from Nakajima Island
Entrance to Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park
Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
Topographical maps
Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks
Local support by telephone