Enchanting Hokkaido

Day 1
Welcome to Sapporo! Your Hokkaido Adventure Begins

• Arrival at New Chitose Airport (CTS): Touch down in Hokkaido! Your private driver will be waiting to whisk you away from New Chitose Airport (CTS), the gateway to this beautiful island. Did you know that CTS is the largest airport in Hokkaido, known for its unique amenities like a Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park and the Royce Chocolate World?

• Smooth Transfer to Your Hotel: Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you’re transferred directly to your hotel in Sapporo.

• Hotel Check-In (3:00 PM): Settle into your accommodation. After a long journey, you will have plenty of time to unwind and get ready for the evening.

• Lunch on Your Own: Explore Sapporo’s culinary scene! Sapporo is famous for its ramen, especially miso ramen, so make sure to try it. You can also find amazing seafood, fresh from the Sea of Japan.

• Afternoon Exploration: The afternoon is yours to discover Sapporo! Consider these options:

  • Odori Park: A green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a stroll.
  • Sapporo TV Tower: Head up for panoramic views.
  • Sapporo Beer Garden and Museum: Sample some of Sapporo’s famous beer.
  • Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade: A covered shopping street with everything from souvenirs to local snacks.

• Dinner on Your Own: Indulge in the local cuisine. Sapporo is known for its delicious seafood, especially crab and salmon.

• Overnight at Your Hotel in Sapporo: Rest up and get ready for more adventures!

Enjoy your first day in Sapporo!

Day 2
Sapporo: A Day of Parks, History, and Deliciousness!

Morning:

• Fuel Up: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You’ll need the energy for a day of exploration!
• ESG Meetup: Connect with your ESG representative in the hotel lobby.
• Odori Park Adventure: Just a quick 10-minute stroll from Sapporo JR Station (or a swift subway ride to Ōdōri Station), you’ll find yourself in the heart of Sapporo at Odori Park. This sprawling oasis is a true urban gem, stretching for over a kilometer and dividing the city into North and South sections.
  • Fun Fact: Odori Park transforms with the seasons! In winter, it’s a dazzling wonderland with snow sculptures. In summer, you can enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant flower displays. Keep an eye out for the iconic Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end of the park – it offers fantastic panoramic views! Also, Odori Park is just a quick 5-minute walk from Susukino, Sapporo’s vibrant entertainment district.

Afternoon:

• Lunch on Your Own: Explore the area around Odori Park or Susukino for lunch. From ramen to seafood, Sapporo has a culinary adventure waiting for you!

• Moerenuma Park: A Sculptural Paradise: Prepare to be amazed at Moerenuma Park. This is a unique city park designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, who envisioned it as a “landscape sculpture.”

  • Fun Fact: Noguchi considered the park his life’s work, and it took over two decades to realize his vision. Explore the iconic Glass Pyramid, climb the impressive Mount Moere (an artificial mountain), and wander through the many artistic installations that dot the landscape.

• Sapporo Beer Museum: A Taste of History: Dive into the history and brewing process of Sapporo Beer.

  • Fun Fact: Sapporo is home to Japan’s oldest beer brand! Learn about the fascinating story behind the iconic beverage and, of course, enjoy a tasting (if you wish)!

• Hotel Drop-off: Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner.

Evening:

• Dinner on Your Own: Embrace Sapporo’s culinary scene!
• Overnight in Sapporo: Enjoy a comfortable night at your hotel, ready for more adventures tomorrow!

Enjoy your trip to Sapporo!

Day 3
Sapporo Adventure: A Day of Sweet Treats & City Delights

Day 4
Exploring the Charm of Hokkaido

• Morning: Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your Sapporo hotel. Afterwards, meet your guide at the lobby of the hotel to start your journey.
• Otaru Canal: A Glimpse into the Past
  • Your first stop is the picturesque Otaru Canal. Once a bustling hub for cargo ships during the Meiji and Taisho eras, the canal is now a romantic waterfront lined with beautifully preserved warehouses.
  • Fun Fact: The gas lamps lining the canal are lit every evening, creating a magical atmosphere.
• Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery: A Taste of Japanese Whisky
  • Next, delve into the world of whisky at the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery. Learn about the traditional methods used to craft this world-renowned spirit. You can taste the whisky and enjoy the beautiful distillery grounds, which echo the history of this legendary whisky maker.
  • Fun Fact: The distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who traveled to Scotland to learn the art of whisky making and brought his knowledge back to Japan.
• Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely lunch on your own in Otaru. You have plenty of options to choose from: fresh seafood, ramen, or anything else that takes your fancy.
• Afternoon:
  • Otaru City Museum: Uncover the secrets of Otaru
    • Visit the Otaru City Museum to learn about the history and culture of the town, from the era of its development to the thriving city it is today.
• Sakaimachi Street: Shopping and Sweet Delights
  • Wander along Sakaimachi Street, a charming lane filled with shops, cafes, and glass studios. Browse unique souvenirs, treat yourself to delicious sweets (like the famous Otaru-made sweets), or admire the intricate glass artwork.
  • Fun Fact: Many shops along Sakaimachi Street are housed in beautifully preserved historical buildings.
• Evening: Return to your hotel in Sapporo and relax. Dinner is on your own. Take the opportunity to explore Sapporo’s culinary scene, from fresh seafood to hearty ramen.

Overnight: Enjoy a comfortable night’s rest at your hotel in Sapporo.

Enjoy your adventure!

Day 5
Sapporo Awakening & Furano’s Floral Embrace

• Morning:

  • Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at your Sapporo hotel.
  • Meet your ESG tour guide in the lobby.

• Daytime Adventures:

  • Furano Flower Fields: Prepare to be mesmerized! Imagine vast fields bursting with vibrant colors, a painter’s palette brought to life. Furano is renowned for its stunning flower fields, especially during the summer months. Lavender, poppies, sunflowers – you’ll find them all here, creating a truly unforgettable panorama. Take lots of pictures!
  • Blue Pond (Aoiike): Next, prepare to be astonished by the Blue Pond! This surreal, turquoise-hued pond is a photographer’s dream. The unique color is caused by minerals in the water reflecting sunlight, creating an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The submerged trees add an element of mystery and beauty.

• Lunch: Enjoy a relaxing lunch on your own. Explore the local eateries and savor the flavors of Hokkaido.

• Afternoon:

  • Furano Winery: Savor the taste of Hokkaido at the Furano Winery. Sample locally produced wines, learn about the winemaking process, and perhaps purchase a bottle or two to bring home as a delightful souvenir.

• Evening:

  • Return to your Sapporo hotel and relax after a day of exploration.
  • Enjoy dinner on your own, exploring Sapporo’s culinary scene. Consider trying local specialties like ramen, seafood, or soup curry!

• Accommodation: Overnight in your comfortable Sapporo hotel.

Day 6
Sapporo: Your Day, Your Adventure! Free at Leisure

• Morning: Fuel up for your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel. You’ll need the energy for exploring this vibrant city!

• Daytime: Now, the city is yours to discover! Sapporo is famous for a few things, and here’s what you might want to know:

  • The Sapporo Snow Festival: If you’re visiting in February, you’re in for a treat! Massive, incredible snow sculptures and ice sculptures take over the city – a truly unforgettable sight. But this is just the annual event. You can still see the snow sculptures in the city.

  • The Sapporo Beer Garden: Sapporo is the home of Sapporo Beer, one of Japan’s most popular brews. Consider a visit to the Sapporo Beer Garden for a taste of local culture and fantastic beer, especially if you are with your friends.

  • Parks and Nature: Sapporo is surprisingly green! Visit Odori Park, a long, beautiful park that stretches through the city center, and offers a peaceful escape. You can also explore the picturesque Botanical Garden.

  • Shopping and Local Life: Head to the Susukino entertainment district for a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Historical sites: Don’t miss the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Hokkaido Government Office.

• Evening: Enjoy your time!

Have a wonderful day exploring Sapporo!

Day 7
Departure from Sapporo: A Sweet Farewell

• Morning:

  • Fuel Up for the Journey: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Sapporo is known for its amazing food scene! Did you know that Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen and fresh seafood? Be sure to enjoy those on your visit.
  • Check-Out & Last Looks: Complete your hotel check-out. Take one last look at the beautiful city of Sapporo, maybe even snap a few final photos! Sapporo is a relatively young city, having been established only in 1868, but quickly became a modern hub.

• Travel to New Chitose Airport (CTS):

  • Transfer Time: Head to New Chitose Airport (CTS), the main international airport serving Sapporo. The journey is quite easy via train!
  • Airport Fun: Explore the airport! New Chitose Airport isn’t just an airport; it’s an experience in itself. You can find shops, restaurants, and even entertainment like the Doraemon WakuWaku Sky Park and Royce’ Chocolate World.