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Japan
HOKKAIDO EXTREME: ARCTIC PANORAMAS AND SACRED VOLCANOES
Volcanic peaks piercing clouds, lavender waves scenting summer air. Hokkaido, unspoiled nature at the edge of the world.
≈ 18
Days
0
Km
18
Stops
Discover Hakodate between harbor and sea views, then reach Furano and its fragrant fields. Climb toward Asahidake, follow Sounkyo gorges carved by water, then reach Shiretoko and its untouched nature. Hokkaido offers a journey of wide spaces, where volcanoes, forests and sea compose a raw setting.
- Hakodate: historic port glows beauty
- Furano: lavender fields bloom purple
- Asahidake: volcanic peak crowns region
- Shiretoko: untamed wilderness guards secret
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Mount Hakodate observatory at 334 meters altitude
2
Million dollar night view with city lights between two seas
Activities
→
Take ropeway to summit for panoramic night view
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Observe Tsugaru Strait on left and Hakodate Bay on right
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Experience romantic atmosphere of starry city lights
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Cape Chikyu overlooking Pacific Ocean from Etomo Peninsula
2
Observation deck on cliff with 360-degree curved horizon view
Activities
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Feel the roundness of the Earth from the panoramic viewpoint
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Spot dolphins and whales during migration season
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View sea of clouds forming below the cape
3
Day
9 photos
Discover
1
Otaru Canal, 1,140 meters long completed in 1923
2
Historic stone warehouses along the waterfront
Activities
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Stroll cobblestone streets with Taisho era romantic atmosphere
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Admire orange gas lamps illuminating the canal at night
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Photograph illuminated warehouses reflecting on water
4
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Cape Kamui extending into Sea of Japan on Shakotan Peninsula
2
Kamui Rock with tragic legend of Charenka
Activities
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Hike Charenka no Michi trail along ridge to cape tip
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Enjoy 300-degree panoramic ocean view with curved horizon
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Admire Shakotan Blue crystal clear waters rivaling tropical seas
+1 Optional activities
5
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Hokuryu Sunflower Village with 1.5 million sunflowers
2
Largest sunflower fields in Japan covering five Tokyo Domes
Activities
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Walk through golden fields rivaling Provence and Andalusia
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Photograph sunflowers with wide petals basking in sunshine
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Visit during short summer season only
6
Day
8 photos
Discover
1
Furano lavender fields in deep purple covering the region
2
Lavender farms in Furano, Nakafurano, and Kamifurano
Activities
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Visit early morning when flowers glisten with dew
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Experience aromatherapy effects of lavender scent
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View mountain ridges from hilltops with lavender foreground
+1 Optional activities
7
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Shirogane Blue Pond with mysterious cobalt blue water
2
Patchwork Road through potato and wheat fields
3
Shikisai no Oka flower garden on Panorama Road
Activities
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Photograph dead larches emerging from blue colloidal waters
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Visit Blue Pond early morning on clear windless days for best color
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Drive through rolling hills resembling European countryside
+1 Optional activities
8
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Mount Asahi, highest peak of Daisetsuzan at 2,291 meters
2
Kagami-ike and Suribachi-ike crater ponds
3
Sugatami-no-ike reflecting Mount Asahi
Activities
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Take ropeway to 1,600 meters and hike through alpine nature
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Spot Hokkaido deer and chipmunks
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See rare Aleutian flower fields blooming briefly in summer
+1 Optional activities
9
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Sounkyo Gorge with 24 km of steep cliffs along Ishikari River
2
Ginga Falls and Ryusei Falls
3
Cliffs towering 200 meters in Daisetsuzan National Park
Activities
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View autumn foliage coloring the cliff faces in red and yellow
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See elegant Ginga Falls and dynamic Ryusei Falls
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Visit late September to early October for peak autumn colors
+1 Optional activities
10
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Unkai Terrace at 1,088 meters in Hoshino Resort Tomamu
2
Sea of clouds observation platform
Activities
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Wake early morning for 30-40% chance to see sea of clouds
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Watch ethereal cloud formations from above June to September
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Experience unforgettable moment if lucky enough to witness phenomenon
11
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Mikuni Pass, highest pass in Hokkaido at 1,139 meters
2
Taushubetsu River Bridge, phantom concrete arch bridge
3
Matsumi Ohashi Bridge and Midorifuka observation point
Activities
→
Admire deep green Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir forest
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View autumn foliage late September to early October
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See ghost bridge emerging from water January to August
+1 Optional activities
12
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Lake Mashu, most transparent lake in Japan and second in world
2
Sacred lake of the Ainu people with deep Mashu Blue waters
Activities
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Visit on clear day to see famous deep blue Mashu color
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See into lake depths from the surface
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Experience mystical foggy lake atmosphere on misty days
+1 Optional activities
13
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Kushiro Wetlands covering 60% of Japan's wetland area
2
Habitat for over 2,000 species of plants and animals
Activities
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Walk boardwalks with 360-degree views of lush vegetation
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Spot protected red-crowned cranes in the wetland
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Ride Kushiro Wetland Norokko sightseeing train through greenery
+1 Optional activities
14
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Shiretoko Five Lakes in UNESCO World Heritage primeval forest
2
Shiretoko mountain range reflected in pristine lakes
3
Eight Views of Shiretoko scenic spots
Activities
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Walk nature trails through untouched virgin forest
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Experience sunlight filtering through deep green canopy
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Spot Ezo red foxes, Hokkaido deer, and Hokkaido squirrels
+2 Optional activities
15
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Abashiri drift ice covering Sea of Okhotsk
2
Ice floes traveling 1,000 km from Siberian Amur River
Activities
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Board icebreaker cruise through frozen sea late January to mid-March
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Spot seals basking on ice floes
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Experience magic and grandeur of nature's winter spectacle
+1 Optional activities
16
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Cape Kimuneup extending into Lake Saroma
2
Red coral grass fields creating crimson carpet mid-September to early October
Activities
→
View spectacular Lake Saroma panorama
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Photograph fiery red grass covering the landscape
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Watch swans resting during winter migration
+2 Optional activities
17
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Soya Hills behind Cape Soya, northernmost point of Japan
2
Gentle rolling hills formed 20,000 years ago during Ice Age
3
57 wind turbines turning slowly in the breeze
Activities
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Watch cows grazing on alpine plant-covered hills
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Walk the northernmost White Road paved with scallop shells
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Feel refreshing breeze unique to Soya Hills
+1 Optional activities
18
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Teuri Island Akaiwa Observatory, world's largest puffin breeding site
2
Small island 30 km west of Haboro with 400,000 breeding pairs
Activities
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Take ferry from Haboro Port to 15 km circumference island
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Watch puffins return at sunset with fish for chicks
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See birds dive at incredible speed into burrows
+1 Optional activities
🗺️ 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 14 and 22 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.