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6D Hokkaido Highlights: Sapporo & Beyond Self-Guided Walking Tour

6D Hokkaido Highlights: Sapporo & Beyond Self-Guided Walking Tour

Starts at US$ 2,040

Shipping calculated at checkout.

City: Sapporo

Tour Route: Sapporo, Maruyama, Lake Shikotsu, Shiraoi, Tōyako, & Nakajima Island

Explore unique nature and cityscapes alike as you travel from within the heart of Sapporo out to the wilder areas of western Hokkaidō. Highlights include hikes up mountains to see views of Sapporo as well as the Shakotan Peninsula, a walk through a natural volcanic corridor lined with green moss, a visit to an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Tōya, and entry to the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park.

Technical Level:
Trails may be uneven at times. While they may be waymarked, a degree of map-reading and route-finding skills is recommended for a smooth experience.

Activity Level:
Our Intermediate-level tours often include multiple dedicated days of trail walking, with some days of up to six hours or more and significant ascents and/or descents.

Tour Departures & Rates

  • Jun 1 2026 - Aug 31 2026: US$ 2,040
  • Sep 1 2026 - Nov 30 2026: US$ 2,270
  • Dec 1 2026 - Feb 28 2027: US$ 2,040
  • Mar 1 2027 - May 31 2027: US$ 2,270
  • Jun 1 2027 - Aug 31 2027: US$ 2,040
  • Single Supplement Fee: +US$ 510

Inclusions

  • 5 nights at accommodations along the Michinoku Coastal Trail
  • 5 breakfasts and 3 dinners
  • Pre-paid transportation for intermediate journeys on the Michinoku Coastal Trail
  • Taxi transfers to trailheads on certain days
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking guidebook
  • Topographical maps
  • Local support by telephone
  • Daily luggage transfer for 1 piece of luggage per person between Hachinohe and Miyako
  • Traveller's Guide handbook

Complimentary Services

No complimentary services for this tour package.

View full details

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in and explore the vibrant city of Sapporo

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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 Hokkaidō 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

Day 2: Visit See magnificent views over Sapporo in Maruyama Park

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Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaidō, 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

Day 3: Hike to the summit of Mount Shioya Maruyama

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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

Day 4: Walk through the mystical Kaedesawa Moss Corridor

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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

Day 5: Visit the Upopoy Ainu Museum, then traverse the volcanic crater trails of Lake Tōya

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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 Hokkaidō’s indigenous population. Then, travel to the Lake Tōya 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 Tōyako 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
Accommodation: Japanese- or Western-style onsen hotel

Day 6: Explore Lake Tōya’s Nakajima Island, then continue onward

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Nakajima is a large island in the centre of Lake Tōya, 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

Terms & Conditions

  • This is a self-guided land arrangement only.
  • Each tour has been assigned with Activity Level & Technical Level to help guests have a better understanding on what to expect. Please check both the Activity Level and Technical Level sections to ensure that you are choosing a trip appropriate to your adventure style.
  • The rate quoted per person is in US Dollars (US$). Any payments to be made in Philippine Pesos (PHP) at the time of booking are subject to the prevailing Airline Exchange Rate (ACR).
  • A minimum of one (1) person is required to book this tour arrangement.
  • A single supplement fee per person must be paid on top of the total tour fare (only if applicable).
  • This offer is valid for Philippine Passport Holders.
  • Eligible foreign passport holders may be subject to additional charges and may be required to secure extra travel documentation, such as visas, transit permits, travel authorizations, etc. All required documents must be completed before departure, as incomplete or missing documentation may lead to additional costs, cancellations, or denied boarding.
  • The itinerary and activities on this land arrangement are subject to change due to local weather conditions.
  • The following payment schedule applies to this group tour package:
    ○ Reservation Fee: a payment of the 50% of the total tour fare & submission of a signed travel service agreement form are required to secure your reservation on your preferred departure date.
    ○ The reservation fee is refundable but subject to penalties or charges.
    ○ Full Payment: the remaining tour fare must be settled at least seventy-five (75) days prior to the departure date or upon visa approval.
    ○ Bookings and reservations made within seventy-five (75) days prior to the tour departure may still be accommodated, subject to availability on the selected departure date. In such cases, full payment will be required upon confirmation to secure the reservation.
  • Banks may charge additional fees for bank transfers and over-the-counter transactions. These fees are imposed by your bank and are not included in the company’s total tour fare. The company is not responsible for covering these charges, and passengers are advised to settle them directly with their respective banks.
  • Full cancellation charges shall apply to the following:
    ○ Voluntary cancellations or withdrawals of tour participation made seventy-five (75) days before the tour departure.
    ○ No-show guests or offloaded guests (airport-to-airport cases)
  • This tour package excludes visa services, airline tickets, airport transfer to Sapporo on Day 1, beverages and meals not included in the itinerary, local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver, entrance fees for sites and activities not listed in the Tour Inclusions, daily luggage transfer, pocket Wi-Fi device rental, & other items not mentioned in the itinerary..
  • Any unused services of the tour package are non-refundable.
  • This itinerary or tour package may be booked as a private arrangement. Please seek the assistance of our reservation team.
  • This special interest travel experience is operated in partnership with a contracted operator in Japan.

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