Best Hokkaido Tours and Activities in Spring/Summer 2024

Hokkaido offers numbers of tourist attractions in each season. Especially in spring and summer, there are special outdoor activities as well as beautiful scenic spots which you shouldn’t miss on your trip in Hokkaido! From a classic city tour to seasonal activities, here are my picks of 10 most recommended tours and activities for the best spring and summer experiences in Hokkaido!

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1. Explore Sapporo’s Highlights in a Half Day

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido and there are plenty tourist attractions. If you wish to enjoy the city with a short time, it’s highly recommended to take a guided tour! The customized private tour with an English speaking guide allows you to see the best bits of Sapporo within 4 hours!

Booking ▶ Sapporo Half Day Private Tour with a Local Guide 

2. Take a Trip to a Flower Paradise in Furano and Biei!

Furano and Biei are towns in the central Hokkaido, and they are popular travel destinations especially during spring and summer since both areas are famous for the colourful flower fields and the countryside scenery. It is possible to travel there from Sapporo for a day trip and visit several scenic spots if you join a guided tour. Take a little escape from the city to the countryside and enjoy the astonishing scenery of flower fields as well as a buffet lunch with all-you-can-eat melon!

Booking ▶ Furano & Tomita Farm Day Tour with All-You-Can-Eat Melon

3. Day Trip to Sapporo’s Neighbourhoods

As much as Sapporo is very attractive city itself with dozens of tourist attractions, there are several great day trip destinations from the city where you can have totally different experiences. Jozenkei is an Onsen town situated outskirt of Sapporo city surrounded by beautiful nature. Otaru is also a popular tourist destination in Hokkaido for its unique and charming townscape with the canal. The “Jozankei Onsen, Otaru & Shiroi Koibito Park Day Tour from Sapporo” tour allows you to visit those two spots as well as Shiroi Koibito Park, the popular sweets entertainment park in one day!

Booking ▶ Jozankei Onsen, Otaru & Shiroi Koibito Park Day Tour from Sapporo

4. Best Highlights of Central Hokkaido

Besides flower fields, the central Hokkaido has several more great tourist sites such as Arashiyama Zoo, and Blue Pond. It could be hard to see many things in one day by yourself as Hokkaido has a tremendous land but with a guided tour, you can stop by at many points. Join the “Asahiyama Zoo & Biei Blue Pond Day Trip in Hokkaido” and see the best highlights of central Hokkaido in one day!

Booking ▶ Asahiyama Zoo & Biei Blue Pond Day Trip in Hokkaido

5. Distillery Tour and Gin Tasting in Asahikawa

Discover the unique flavors of Japanese gin with a private tasting and tour at Takasu Distillery in Asahikawa. Immerse yourself in the gin-making process as the distillery owner guides you through the facility, showcasing the machines and techniques used. Taste an array of gins, including Takasu’s original brand, crafted with locally sourced botanicals like yuzu, cherry blossoms, and sansho pepper.

Set in the picturesque landscape of Asahikawa, this experience offers a deep dive into the art of gin, all while savoring the distinctive notes that define Japanese gin.

Booking ▶ Distillery Tour and Gin Tasting in Asahikawa

6. Farm Tour and Cheese Making

Hokkaido is famous for farming, so why don’t you take a chance to experience farming rather than just visiting there? The “Educational Dairy Farm Tour and Cheesemaking Experience” is a highly recommended unique tour that gives you an opportunity to learn about one of local dairy farms in the  beautiful countryside of Hokkaido. The tour also includes fresh mozzarella cheese making experience!

Booking ▶ Educational Dairy Farm Tour and Cheesemaking Experience

7. Noboribetsu and Lake Toya Day Tour from Sapporo

Hokkaido is home to many scenic nature spots such as lakes, mountains, capes, etc. Those nature spots might be hard to visit by public transport, so joining a day-trip tour could save you a lot of time and effort! With the “Noboribetsu and Lake Toya Day Tour from Sapporo” tour, you can visit Hokkaido’s iconic landmarks in beautiful nature such as Lake Toya, Chikyu Cape and Jigokudani Valley. Enjoy the picturesque scenery and take a lot of photos! It’s a guided tour so you can learn about the places from the expert guide!

Booking ▶ Noboribetsu and Lake Toya Day Tour from Sapporo

8. Cycling Experience in Furano

Cycling is an amazing way to explore Hokkaido’s tremendous nature. By cycling at your own pace, you can explore the places better and even discover hidden spots! Enjoy the scenic cycling in Furano, one of the most beautiful countryside areas in Hokkaido, feel the fresh air and relax in Hokkaido’s beautiful nature!

Booking ▶ Cycling Experience in Furano

9. Shiretoko Goko Lakes Half-Day Guided Walking Tour

Visit Shiretoko Goko Lakes, a series of fiver connected lakes located within the Shiretoko National Park, known as one of the most beautiful nature spots in Japan. Enjoy hiking around the lakes, watch the crystal clear water lakes and surrounding nature, and experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

Booking ▶ Shiretoko Goko Lakes Half-Day Guided Walking Tour

10. Go Lake Kayaking in Hokkaido

Kayaking is an amazing outdoor activity to try in Hokkaido as there are several beautiful lakes. Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake in Shikotsu Toya National Park. The water in Shikotsu Lake is so clear that you can enjoy watching the underwater scenery while kayaking! The kayaking tour is with a guide and it’s  beginner-friendly even for kids over 4!

Booking ▶ Lake Shikotsu Clear Kayak Experience in Hokkaido

Thanks for reading! If you are planning a trip to Hokkaido, I’d recommend to check out those suggest itineraries in Hokkaido, too!

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