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Tour · Wendy Wu Tours · 11 nights

Northern Japan: Secrets of Hokkaido

  • Domestic transportation and 3-4 star accommodation included
  • Guided tours and entrance fees covered
  • Immersive cultural experiences like Ainu dance performance
From
$12,090 pp twin share
Was $12,990 pp
$14,570 pp solo share
11 nights
Enquire
Departs 13 June 2027 Returns 3 October 2028
Duration11 nights
OperatorWendy Wu Tours
StyleTour
HighlightDiscover Japan's captivating northern island of Hokkaido, where a striking harmony of culture, nature and wide-open landscapes awaits
Explore the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people. Gaze out across dramatic lakes and untamed national parks. Unwind in soothing hot spring baths

Perfect for those who have already explored the highlights of Honshu, or for travellers seeking something a little more off the beaten track, this expertly crafted escorted tour reveals the very best of Hokkaido – Japan's captivating northern island.

Here, a striking harmony of culture, nature and wide-open landscapes awaits. Discover the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people, gaze out across dramatic lakes, and unwind in soothing hot spring baths.

From vibrant flower fields to untamed national parks and pristine coastlines, this journey through Hokkaido's vast, elemental beauty offers a refreshing glimpse of Japan at its most expansive and serene.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
13 June 2027
Returns 3 October 2028
Returns
3 October 2028
Duration
11 nights
From pp twin share
$12,090 pp
Was $12,990 pp
From pp solo cabin
$14,570 pp
  • 13 Jun 2027 - 25 Jun 2027
    Land only: from $10,890 pp twin share / $13,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,090 pp twin share / $14,570 pp sole use *
  • 27 Jun 2027 - 09 Jul 2027
    Land only: from $10,890 pp twin share / $13,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,090 pp twin share / $14,570 pp sole use *
  • 04 Jul 2027 - 16 Jul 2027
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,270 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,470 pp sole use *
  • 25 Jul 2027 - 06 Aug 2027
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,270 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,470 pp sole use *
  • 15 Aug 2027 - 27 Aug 2027
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,270 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,470 pp sole use *
  • 05 Sep 2027 - 17 Sep 2027
    Land only: from $10,890 pp twin share / $13,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,090 pp twin share / $14,570 pp sole use *
  • 26 Sep 2027 - 08 Oct 2027
    Land only: from $10,890 pp twin share / $13,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,090 pp twin share / $14,570 pp sole use *
  • 18 May 2028 - 30 May 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 01 Jun 2028 - 13 Jun 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 22 Jun 2028 - 04 Jul 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 06 Jul 2028 - 18 Jul 2028
    Land only: from $11,890 pp twin share / $15,170 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $13,090 pp twin share / $16,370 pp sole use *
  • 20 Jul 2028 - 01 Aug 2028
    Land only: from $11,890 pp twin share / $15,170 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $13,090 pp twin share / $16,370 pp sole use *
  • 17 Aug 2028 - 29 Aug 2028
    Land only: from $11,890 pp twin share / $15,170 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $13,090 pp twin share / $16,370 pp sole use *
  • 31 Aug 2028 - 12 Sep 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 07 Sep 2028 - 19 Sep 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 14 Sep 2028 - 26 Sep 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *
  • 21 Sep 2028 - 03 Oct 2028
    Land only: from $11,490 pp twin share / $14,370 pp sole use
    Flight inclusive: from $12,690 pp twin share / $15,570 pp sole use *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrive in Sapporo

    Days 1–2

    Fly overnight to the laidback city of Sapporo, the gateway to Hokkaido. Transfer to the hotel. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local atmosphere before tonight's welcome dinner.

  2. 3

    Sapporo: History, Beer & Ramen

    Begin your full-day tour of Sapporo, exploring how this vibrant city became the foremost city of Hokkaido. Step back into Hokkaido's early days at the Historical Village, brimming with preserved 19th-century buildings. After lunch, visit the iconic Sapporo Clock Tower and enjoy a stroll through Odori Park. This afternoon, visit the Sapporo Beer Museum and enjoy a tasting before heading to Sapporo's famous Ramen Alley, famous for its tiny shops serving miso-rich ramen.

  3. 4

    Olympic Museum & Otaru at Leisure

    Discover the event that put Sapporo on the international map: the Winter Olympics of 1972. Visit the fascinating Olympic Museum with its surprisingly interactive displays, then ride the Okura Ski Jump to enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo. Later, head to Otaru and enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. Return to Sapporo ahead of dinner this evening.

  4. 5

    Furano Flower Fields, Winery and Blue Pond

    Take a scenic morning drive to Furano, known for its rural beauty. Visit Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Garden to see colourful seasonal blooms and try lavender ice cream. Continue to a local winery for a tasting and lunch, then stop at the vivid Blue Pond before heading to your hotel to relax or enjoy the onsen before dinner.

  5. 6

    Mount Asahidake & Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum

    Drive approximately one hour into Daisetsuzan National Park to reach Mount Asahidake, Hokkaido's highest peak. Ascend by cable car to Sugatami, the 5th Station (elevation 1,600 metres). Here, enjoy a relaxed walk of around one hour, taking in alpine scenery, volcanic terrain and seasonal flowers, before your return ropeway journey. Later, enjoy a sake tasting at the Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum before returning to your hotel in Furano, where you can relax or enjoy the onsen before dinner at the hotel.

  6. 7

    Kushiro Wetlands - Lake Akan & Ainu Show

    Travel through Hokkaido's rural landscapes to Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest wetland. Enjoy a gentle, beginner-friendly canoeing experience on the Kushiro river, with opportunities to spot local birdlife, including the rare red-crowned crane. After free time for lunch, drive north to Lake Akan and check in at your lakeside hotel. This evening, experience a traditional Ainu dance performance; a UNESCO-recognised art form telling stories of harmony between people and nature.

  7. 8

    Lake Akan - Lake Kussharo

    Take a cruise on the fascinating Lake Akan, in the heart of Akan Mashu National Park. Stop on a small island in the lake, famous for its charming marimo moss balls. Head back to shore and take a stroll in the Ainu Village before lunch. This afternoon, continue to your hotel on Lake Kussharo, stopping en route to see the geothermal vents at Mount Io.

  8. 9

    Sea of Clouds - Hokkaido Dairy Farm - Shiretoko

    Rise early to witness the 'Sea of Clouds', sipping a coffee as you admire the mists rolling over Lake Kussharo in the early morning light. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, visit a local farm to learn about Hokkaido's renowned dairy, beloved in Japan for its rich, almost vanilla-like taste. Explore the farm, enjoy a milking demonstration, taste fresh milk and and even try your hand it making butter! You will have time to visit the farm shop before continuing to your hotel in Utoro, the gateway to Shiretoko National Park.

  9. 10

    Shiretoko National Park by Land & Sea

    Head to the Shiretoko Nature Centre, and enjoy a relaxed stroll to Furepe Waterfall, which empties into the Okhotsk Sea. Later, drive to Shiretoko Goko Lakes and follow an elevated boardwalk through the fields to admire the scenery. If you are lucky, you may see Ezo deer, foxes, or intriguing local birds. After free time for lunch, take a two-hour bear spotting cruise from Utoro to Rusha Bay, in search of the Ussuri brown bears, who hunt and fish along this wild, untouched stretch of coastline in summer. Binoculars are recommended - some can be rented on the boat.

  10. 11

    Abashiri - Kitami - Sounkyo

    Depart Shiretoko for Abashiri, where we'll explore a former prison, which brings to life the harsh realities of Meiji-era convict labour. Later, visit the Museum of Northern Peoples, which exhibits many artefacts from indigenous Ainu culture. Later, visit Kitami, once responsible for 70% of the world's mint oil. Stop by a heritage mint museum and distillery, and sample mint ice cream before continuing to Sounkyo for your overnight stay.

  11. 12

    Sounkyo - Kita Craft Village - Sapporo

    Begin the day in Sounkyo, on the north side of Daisetsuzan National Park. Ascend Mount Kurodake by ropeway for sweeping mountain views, followed by a gentle forest walk. Later, journey back towards Sapporo, stopping en route at Kita-no-Arashiyama, a charming craft village known for its small artisan studios. Browse pottery, woodcrafts and glassware - a perfect final shopping opportunity - before returning to Sapporo for a farewell dinner.

  12. 13

    Depart Sapporo

    Days 13–14

    This morning is free at leisure before you transfer to Sapporo airport for your return flight home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • IInternational flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
  • Domestic transportation.
  • 3 – 4 star accommodation, plus ryokan and Buddhist temple lodging.
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Mercure Sapporo
  • Shin Furano Prince Hotel
  • Tsuruga Akan Yuko no Sato
  • Kussharo Prince Hotel
  • Shiretoko Daiichi Hotel
  • Hotel Taisetsu Onsen
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 14 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 13 Jun 2027 and 03 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Tipping is generally not part of the culture in Japan; however, you may wish to tip your National Escort at your discretion.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request
  • Please note: cherry blossoms & autumn leaves are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.
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Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

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Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

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From (twin) $12,090 pp
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Enquire