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Sapporo,
capital of the north
Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Sapporo captivates with its balance of unspoiled nature, local traditions, and Nordic lifestyle. This four-day stay invites you to discover the region's natural and artisanal treasures, from forests and hot springs to authentic cultural encounters.
Day 1, Sapporo: Nordic flavors and atmosphere
Upon arrival in Sapporo, let yourself be enveloped by the peaceful atmosphere of Hokkaido's capital. After settling into your hotel, head out to explore Nijo Market . It's teeming with colorful stalls overflowing with king crabs, sea urchins, and freshly caught salmon.
In the afternoon, take a stroll through Odori Park , the large green artery that runs through the city, before climbing the television tower for a bird's-eye view of Sapporo.
Next, head to the Sapporo Beer Museum , housed in a former red-brick brewery. There, you'll discover the history of Japan's most famous beer, before a well-deserved tasting.
In the evening, try Sapporo ramen in the lively Susukino district. Curry soup is also a local specialty, highly appreciated for its many vegetables.
There are many onsen and sentō in Sapporo. After a day of sightseeing, there's nothing better than stepping into a hot spring and relaxing. Many can be booked privately for a more intimate experience.
Day 2, Otaru: crafts and the North Sea
The next day, we headed to Otaru , a charming port city about forty minutes from Sapporo. Once a center of maritime trade, Otaru has preserved its stone warehouses and picturesque canal lined with cafes. Take a stroll along the canal in winter: the city is even more charming.
In the afternoon, head to a glassblowing workshop and try your hand at glassblowing, a tradition that originated here thanks to the maritime lamps made for fishermen. The artisans will patiently guide you, and you'll leave with your own creation.
Before returning to Sapporo, enjoy dinner at a small restaurant in the port serving grilled crabs or freshly caught fish.
Otaru is the perfect place to try kaisendon (a rice bowl topped with seafood), but also cakes! Thanks to its openness to both Russia and the West, the city has acquired some excellent pastry-making techniques. The cheesecake from LeTAO bakery is particularly popular.
Day 3, Jozankei: Nature and relaxation in the Jozankei mountains
For this third day, head to Jozankei , a hot spring resort nestled in the mountains, about an hour's drive from Sapporo. Along the way, the city gives way to nature: birch forests, frozen rivers, and steep gorges create a setting worthy of a Japanese print.
Start the day with a stroll along the Toyohira River , where several bridges offer magnificent views of the valley. If you come in autumn, the leaves set the hills ablaze; in winter, everything is covered in a blanket of snow.
In the afternoon, take part in one of the many activities offered around the river. Canoeing, rafting, a tent transformed into a sauna, a night cruise… Each season has its recommended activity, and both the less daring and the more adventurous will find something to enjoy.
The evening is dedicated to relaxation in a traditional onsen. In the Jozankei outdoor baths, you can immerse yourself in 40°C thermal water while admiring the snow gently falling on the pine trees.
At the end of January, a candle festival without snow attracts many visitors. Mysticism and a change of scenery are guaranteed.
Day 4, Shiraoi: Discovering Ainu Culture
For your final day, leave the center of Sapporo and head towards Lake Shikotsu, where there are numerous activities to enjoy. From there, you'll travel to Shiraoi and its National Museum and Ainu Cultural Park, Upopoy. This park is entirely dedicated to preserving the culture of Hokkaido's native people. Throughout your visit, you'll discover the ancestral traditions of the Ainu through interactive exhibits, ritual chants, and craft demonstrations. For example, you can participate in a workshop where you can carve an Ainu motif onto a small wooden object.
The park offers cuisine inspired by Ainu recipes: game soup, grilled fish, wild roots and mountain herbs.
The onsen of Noboribetsu located nearby are worth a visit, with its own “Valley of Hell” (Jigoku-dani) and its volcanic craters and sulfur springs.
Hokkaidō is vast! If you wish to discover the whole island, we offer an excursion even further north for a unique experience in an untamed region: “ Wild Hokkaidō, between mountain and sea ”.
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AYUMI Voyage excursions are suggestions that are not exhaustive and are intended to inspire you in creating your own tour of Japan with our travel advisors. Offers, itineraries, and optional services are entirely customized by the agency after consultation with you.
Duration
4 days
3 nights
Place
Sapporo, Otaru, Jozankei, Shiraoi
Walking time
Elevation gain
Ideal season
AYUMI Premium Trip:
recommended additional services
Driver-Guide : To visit Hokkaido efficiently, we recommend hiring a driver-guide. This service will allow you to access more remote areas far from train stations. You can also enjoy the scenery and relax in the vehicle between excursions. Of course, organizing this trip by train is still possible, but would be more complicated.
Restaurant reservations: Hokkaido represents the countryside to the Japanese in the way a European would understand it. It's where a significant portion of the country's meat, seafood, and vegetables are produced. Add to that its abundant game, and you have the perfect recipe for making Hokkaido a culinary hotspot in Japan. Our advisors are here to help you find the best restaurants.
Activities and workshops: fishing. Between breathtaking landscapes, discover one of the island's most important industries and let local fishermen guide you. Our advisors will offer you a fishing workshop on one of the islands, Reibun or Rishiri, where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. Activities of this type are subject to weather conditions and may be canceled at the last minute to avoid any incidents.