Japan: Hokkaido’s Wildlife and Lake Toya

See the highlights of Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, during this half day tour. At the scheduled time, meet your guide and travel by the subway and local buses to popular landmarks. Start with a visit to either Sapporo Beer Museum or Shiroi Koibito Park. The Sapporo Beer Museum chronicles the history of beer in Japan and offers insight into the process of beer-making. While here, you can also enjoy a sampling session. At Shiroi Koibito Park theme park, learn about the iconic white chocolate cookies that are synonymous with Hokkaido and the techniques used to make this delicious sweet treat. There is also a miniature train and landscaped gardens on the premises. Later, stop by the 19th-century Clock Tower made of wood, believed to be the oldest in the country. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the sprawling Odori Park, the venue for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, before winding up the tour at Nijo Market. This lively market is packed with restaurants and food stalls where you could treat yourself to a meal before heading back to your hotel.

(Duration: half day; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: easy)

Meet the guide at your hotel and head out by train to Otaru. Once you arrive, proceed to Sakaimachi Street, Otaru’s main avenue. Walk through this shopping boulevard that is lined with Western- style buildings, which house sushi restaurants, glass workshops, craft and souvenir shops. Pass by the Otaru Steam Clock and make your way to Sankaku Market, near Otaru Station. In this wet market, see vendors selling fruits, vegetables, seafood and prepared dishes. Stroll past stalls filled with salmon, Atka mackerel, clams, oysters, and king and hairy crabs. Next, head to the fabled Otaru Canal area. Stop for photos on the bridge, before setting out on a boat cruise. Glide by historic structures including stone-walled warehouses and old factories, which have been transformed into museums, shops and restaurants. Disembark and continue to the station, and take the train to Sapporo.

(Duration: half day; Time: 0845/1230 hrs; Private activity; Shared transfers (public transport) ; All entry fees, train & subway tickets are included; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Tour ends at Sapporo station; Afternoon tour is recommended as Otaru looks extra charming at dusk)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these attractions around Lake Toya. The lake is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and offers a range of outdoor activities. Go fishing in the lake or hiking in the park. Take the Usuzan Ropeway to get close to the summit of Mount Usu, a volcano that erupted as recently as the year 2000. Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Toya and Showa Shinzan, the neighboring mountain, from the observation deck at the upper station. Head to the second observation deck for views of the ocean and Mount Usu’s largest crater, formed in 1977. Follow the Kompirayama Walking Trail to see various ruins created by the recent eruption, including a destroyed public bath house, apartment block and bridge. The trail also passes two of the largest craters created by the eruption. The observatory at the top of Mount Kompirayama provides panoramic views over Lake Toya and the new craters on the west side of Mount Usu. Visit Toyako Onsen, a hot spring resort town on the shores of the lake, to immerse yourself in the soothing waters. You could also go on a sightseeing boat cruise of the lake.

(Duration: full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the wonderfully picturesque Onuma National Park! Located half an hour north of Hakodate, this designated ‘quasi-national park’ is renowned for its two lakes Onuma and Konuma, speckled with islands. Start your tour with some hiking and make your way over the bridges that connect the small peninsulas and lake shores. There’s plenty to do in the park, including camping, horseback riding and canoeing. Fishing enthusiasts will enjoy a bout of angling in the deep blue waters. Later, admire the majestic volcano Mt. Komagatake that makes for a stunning backdrop as you make your way through the park. You’ll easily spot some of the diverse wildlife that the region is known for, such as Hokkaido’s waterfowl in their natural habitat. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning, 0930 hrs; Duration: 4 hrs; Please wear shoes and clothes suitable for walking in the snow during winter) Public Transport: Local train with reserved seats. Pick up: hotel / Drop off: none (tour ends at Hakodate Station)

Discover the gastronomy of the vibrant port city of Osaka, also known as the food capital of Japan. In the early evening, set off to meet your guide at one of the city’s lively food districts. Walk down pedestrian-only streets lined with vibrant eateries and bars. From ramen bars to restaurants, visit the spots most frequented by locals and sample an array of regional snacks. Takoyaki or fried octopus, okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake, and kushikatsu or skewered meats and vegetables are some of the popular delicacies found here. You could also check out a traditional izakaya bar before it is time to head back.(Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1700 hrs; Private activity; No transfers; Meals included: light meal and drink; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Entrance fees included; The legal drinking age in Japan is 20; Please note that this being a street food tour, it is not recommended for people with strict dietary requirements; This tour is not available on Tuesdays; Min age: 13)