📍
Japan
WILD HOKKAIDO: LAVENDER WAVES, VOLCANIC STEAM AND FRESH SEAS
Lavender fields rolling beneath volcanoes, fishing ports coming alive at dawn, patchwork hills stretching endlessly. Hokkaido, Japan's wild north.
≈ 6
Days
254
Km
5
Stops
Breathe Furano's lavender fields, then follow Biei's hills that change hue with the seasons. Stop at Otaru along the canal and its warehouses, then reach Asahikawa to feel the cool mountain air. Northern Hokkaido unfolds an ample, luminous, deeply soothing Japan.
- Furano: lavender rows, mountain backdrop
- Biei: patchwork hills, rolling color
- Otaru: canal-side seafood nostalgia
- Sapporo: urban energy, craft beer
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Otaru Canal — Historic 1.3-kilometer canal built between 1914 and 1923 for maritime transport, lined with red brick warehouses converted into shops and restaurants, 63 vintage gas lamps lit at dusk creating romantic atmosphere, iconic Asakusa bridge, winter stroll with snow sculptures, symbol of past port prosperity.
2
Sakaimachi Street — Historic 900-meter shopping street preserving Meiji and Taisho architecture, 70 shops in renovated century-old buildings, specialty Otaru Orgel-do music boxes with 25,000 models on display, mouth-blown artisanal glassware, LeTao pastries famous for double cheese, nostalgic 1920s atmosphere.
3
Otaru Music Box Museum — Largest music box museum in Japan housed in 1912 warehouse, collection of 3,400 antique and contemporary music boxes from around the world, customization workshop to create your own box, regular concerts of historic 1908 steam organ, extensive shop, outdoor steam clock chiming every 15 minutes.
4
Temiya Shrine — Shinto shrine perched on hill offering panoramic view of port and Ishikari Bay, founded in 1865 to protect sailors and fishermen, steep staircase of 105 steps under vermillion torii, simple traditional wooden architecture, peaceful atmosphere away from tourist areas, cherry blossoms in May, popular spot for New Year's first visit hatsumode.
Activities
→
Visit to an artisanal glassworks — Attend a glass blowing demonstration in one of Otaru's 18 workshops perpetuating a century-old tradition, glass heated to 1200 degrees shaped by master craftsmen, possibility to create your own object in 30 minutes under supervision, technique inherited from European importation during the Meiji era, shops selling unique colored lamps bowls and cups.
→
Tasting at Sankaku Market — Explore the triangular fish market open since 1950, stalls of king crabs and fresh sea urchins caught in the morning, restaurants offering kaisendon hearty breakfast from 6am, lively local atmosphere, reasonable prices compared to Tokyo, free sample tasting, shops selling dried products and preserves.
Next stop
Distance:
148 km
Travel time:
2h57
2
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Sapporo Clock Tower tour — Emblematic wooden building in American style built in 1878 as a gymnasium for Hokkaido Agricultural University, mechanical clock imported from Massachusetts functioning for 145 years, museum displaying the history of Sapporo's development, rare Western architecture from the Meiji era, important cultural property of Japan.
2
Odori Park — Green artery of 1.5 kilometers crossing the city center from east to west, designed in 1871 as a firebreak then transformed into a landscaped park, venue for the famous Sapporo Snow Festival in February with monumental ice sculptures, 147-meter Sapporo Television Tower at the eastern end offering urban panorama, fountains and flower gardens, relaxation spot for residents.
3
Sapporo Beer Museum — Japan's only beer museum housed in a former red brick brewery from 1890, exhibition on the history of Japanese beer since the Meiji era, giant copper vats, free tasting of three varieties including Sapporo Classic exclusive to Hokkaido, Biergarten restaurant serving grilled jingisukan, preserved industrial architecture.
4
Hokkaido Jingu Shrine — Main Shinto shrine of Hokkaido founded in 1869 dedicated to four kami including souls of the island's pioneers, nestled in the forest of 180-hectare Maruyama Park, traditional nagare-zukuri architecture in natural wood, stone lantern pathway, cherry and plum blossoms April-May, peaceful spiritual atmosphere away from urban bustle.
Activities
→
Exploration of Nijo Market — Wander through Sapporo's historic food market opened in 1903, stalls overflowing with giant live king crabs, fresh sea urchins, whole salmon, scallops, kaisendon seafood bowl tasting at reasonable prices from 7am, authentic local atmosphere without mass tourists, shops selling dried products and preserves.
→
Ascent to JR Tower observation deck — Climb to the 38th floor of Sapporo Station tower at 160 meters altitude, JR Tower T38 observatory offering 360-degree panoramic view of the grid city and surrounding mountains, restrooms with vertiginous view, café lounge to rest, open until 11pm to admire nighttime illuminations, direct access from the station.
→
Night stroll in Susukino — Dive into the largest entertainment district north of Tokyo with 4000 establishments, colorful bright neon signs creating cyberpunk atmosphere, izakaya restaurants and ramen open until dawn, Norbesa tower with Noria Ferris wheel on the roof at 78 meters, historic Ganso Ramen Yokocho ramen street since 1951, vibrant secure nighttime atmosphere.
Next stop
Distance:
41 km
Travel time:
50min
3
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Farm Tomita — Hokkaido's most famous flower farm founded in 1958, purple lavender fields as far as the eye can see over 15 hectares peaking in mid-July, seven multicolored Rainbow Flower Fields plots with poppies tulips salvias, intoxicating lavender fragrance, shop selling derivative products essential oils soaps, signature lavender ice cream café, view of Tokachi mountains, free admission.
2
Shikisai-no-oka Farm — Panoramic 15-hectare hill of flowers in rainbow horizontal strips, tulips in May, lavender in July, cosmos in September, Norokko-go tractor crossing the fields, alpacas and llamas in mini zoo, electric buggy rental, view of Mount Tokachi-dake, free entry and free visit, less crowded than Tomita.
3
Ningle Terrace — Fairy-tale craft village in birch forest of New Furano Prince Hotel, 15 log cottages housing leather glass wood artisan workshops, fairy tale atmosphere inspired by ningle forest spirits imagined by author Sō Kuramoto, wooden plank paths, magical nighttime illuminations, unique creative shops, forest café.
Activities
→
Bike ride between flower fields — Rent an electric bike and ride the scenic route connecting Farm Tomita to Shikisai-no-oka over 6 kilometers, bucolic landscapes of multicolored patchwork fields, snow-capped mountains as backdrop, unlimited photo stops, authentic farming villages, self-service vegetable stands, famous Furano melons, easy pedaling on flat road.
→
Sunset at Mild Seven Hill — Admire the iconic rolling hill photographed for Mild Seven cigarette advertisements in the 1970s, seven solitary larches at the summit silhouetted against the sky, zen minimalist pastoral landscape, golden wheat and potato fields, sublime golden evening light, freely accessible, emblematic photographic spot of Hokkaido.
Next stop
Distance:
37 km
Travel time:
44min
4
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Patchwork Hill — Rolling agricultural area of 3000 hectares with multicolored plots creating natural patchwork pattern, wheat potato sunflower and flower fields, scenic roads winding between hills, iconic Hokkaido view used in advertisements and films, emblematic solitary Ken and Mary Seven Star trees, landscapes changing with seasons, free accessible by car or bike.
2
Blue Pond Aoiike — Artificial pond created in 1988 for flood control dam that became natural attraction, unreal electric cobalt blue water caused by suspended aluminum particles, white dead tree trunks emerge creating surreal ghostly scene, MacOS wallpaper inspiration, color varying according to weather and season, wooden walking trails, magical winter illuminations.
3
Shirahige Waterfall — Unique 30-meter underground waterfall gushing directly from volcanic rock cliff into Biei river, milky white turquoise water due to minerals, blue suspension bridge offering plunging view, same mineral source as blue pond located 3 km downstream, preserved forest environment, easily accessible, less crowded in mornings.
Activities
→
Scenic car circuit — Drive the famous Biei tree road connecting emblematic photographic spots Seven Star Tree solitary cedar, Ken and Mary Tree poplar, Parent and Child Tree, Philosopher's Tree five larches, perfect bucolic landscapes between multicolored rolling fields, frequent photo stops, 20-kilometer circuit requires 2 to 3 hours with breaks.
→
Visit to Selection Biei — Art photography gallery shop exhibiting shots by professionals capturing the beauty of Biei landscapes in four seasons, large format prints sold, advice for photographing hills at the best golden light moment, café with valley panorama, local artisan products, inspiring atmosphere for photographers.
Next stop
Distance:
28 km
Travel time:
34min
5
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Asahiyama Zoo — Revolutionary design zoo opened in 1967, innovative installations allowing observation of animals' natural behaviors, underwater tunnel with seals, polar bear enclosure with immersive dome, penguins walking freely in winter, red pandas gibbons wolves, 2nd most visited zoo in Japan after Ueno, educational and conservation mission, natural hilly forest setting.
2
Kamikawa Shrine — Shinto shrine built in 1893 at the confluence of the Ishikari and Chubetsu rivers, spiritual guardian of Asahikawa city, imposing vermillion torii, traditional cedar wood architecture, annual matsuri festival in September, cherry trees lining access path blooming in late April, serene local atmosphere not touristy, view of Mount Ohiradake.
3
Takasago Sake Museum — Historic sake brewery founded in 1899 still in operation, red brick building in Western style classified as heritage, exhibition on traditional brewing process using Hokkaido rice and pure snowmelt water, free tasting of six award-winning sakes, extensive shop, izakaya restaurant serving local cuisine ideal accompaniment, warm atmosphere.
Activities
→
Asahikawa ramen tour — Taste the local shoyu ramen style pioneer of Hokkaido since 1947, double pork-fish soup broth with aromatic soy sauce, thin wavy noodles, grilled chashu, six to eight famous restaurants concentrated in Asahikawa Ramen Village, unique family variations, nostalgic Showa atmosphere, generous portions comforting against winter cold.
→
Night walk at Snow Crystal Museum — Discover unique thematic museum dedicated to snow crystals research of Dr. Nakaya native of Asahikawa, whimsical ice castle architecture, hexagonal hall with 200 macro photographs of snowflakes, temperature maintained at minus 20 degrees, video projection of crystal formation, ice princess dresses rental for photos, fascinating Japanese kitsch.
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - Japan
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, perfect weather, mild temperatures, iconic sakura viewing, peak tourist season, advance booking essential, magical atmosphere.
Fall (September-November): Autumn colors, comfortable weather, clear skies, beautiful foliage, excellent touring, fewer crowds, ideal photography, pleasant conditions.
Summer (June-August): Hot humid weather, rainy season, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, mountain hiking, beach activities, air conditioning essential.
Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow sports, illuminations, onsen season, fewer crowds, winter festivals, cozy atmosphere, skiing opportunities.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Japan?
Unique culture with ancient traditions, modern innovation, and incredible attention to detail. Experience temples, technology, and authentic Japanese lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Japan provides transformative cultural experiences with historical depth and modern sophistication.