Top Hokkaido Art & Culture - page 2

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Hakodate's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking guide! Hakodate has a long history of international trade and as such hosted a small foreign community. That influence is evident in the European buildings, churches, and red-brick warehouses that you can see from the nostalgic streetcar that makes its rounds of the city. Note 1: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history. Note 2: You cannot visit all the sites on the intinerary. You must choose up to 4 and inform your guide.

Skip the lines with this convenient day pass for Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura historical village. Here, you can experience about Edo-period (17th-19th century) Japan first-hand by visiting samurai homes, watching ninja performances, eating at an old-fashioned noodle restaurant, and many more historical experiences. One of the best ways to learn about something is to immerse all your senses in it, and both kids and adults will love learning about Japanese history and culture here.

Proud recipient of the 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award, placing us among the top 10% of experiences worldwide. Explore with our award-winning local team! Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This tour is designed exclusively for cruise passengers and offers the convenience of a private car service with no sharing. Unlike group tours, travelers can enjoy a flexible schedule and explore Hakodate’s highlights at their own pace. The itinerary combines history, culture, food, and scenic views in just five hours, making it the perfect choice for guests with limited time in port. Communication with the driver is supported by a translation device, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.

Avoid the traffic and discover the wonders of Sapporo on foot with this half-day private tour. Traveling with a private guide is a great way to get your bearings of the city and learn about its most interesting sights, without doing any research. Potential sights you can visit include Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, Odori Park, Jozankei Onsen, Nijo Market, and Sapporo Science Center.

Language barriers can make it tricky to know what to order when exploring Sapporo, so make life easy and have someone to take care of translating with this food-themed bar-hopping tour. Along the way, try a variety of local treats—such as ramen or a parfait dessert—and get insider tips on favorite spots that locals love.

Ditch the busy crowds and explore Hakodate on this private tour with a National Licensed Guide. Hop between highlights by streetcar, bus, and ropeway as you learn about the city’s history and culture. See the Goryokaku Tower from above, stroll through the scenic Goryokaku Park, and take in sweeping city vistas from the Hakodateyama Ropeway. Admission and transportation fees are included; lunch is not included.

・You can carve the surface of soft stone yourself to create your own seal. ・There is an instructor to guide you, so even children can participate safely. ・The finished seal can be used for various purposes. ・There is a market nearby where you can enjoy shopping and dining after the experience. ・You can take home the stamp box, ink pad, and stamp mat.

We can enjoy taking city buses or city tram from spot to spot. First, we walk to Hakodate morning market, so you can grab some food and fruits if you will. Then take a tram to Red brick warehouses to visit shopping area near the sea front. Next, we take bus to the base station of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The ropeway brings us to the 334m high summit of Mt. Hakodate to enjoy one of three significant views in Japan. (Due to the strong wind, Mt. Hakodate Ropeway service can be stopped. In that case, I will recommend an alternative spot) Lastly, we take buses to Goryokaku fort. From a 90m high tower, you can witness the whole view of the Goryokaku fortress where the last civil war was fought between shognate force and new government force. Lunch can be enjoyed at the summit building of Mt. Hakodate or near the Goryokaku.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the scenic landscapes of Furano and Biei, where breathtaking natural beauty awaits at every stop. Witness the mesmerizing hues of the Shirogane Blue Pond, a surreal sight that changes with the seasons. Stroll through the vibrant fields of Shikisai no Oka, bursting with colorful flowers in summer and offering stunning panoramic views year-round. Indulge in a delicious meal at a Furano farmhouse restaurant, where you can savor authentic Japanese cuisine, with an optional package featuring unlimited sweet and juicy cantaloupe. Explore the charming Farm Tomita, home to fragrant lavender fields and delightful local specialties like lavender ice cream. Sit back, relax, and soak in the picturesque countryside as you journey along the iconic Patchwork Road. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this experience promises unforgettable moments in the heart of Hokkaido.

Taste the best of Sapporo regional specialties by going on this combination of a market tour, a cooking class, and lunch. As you explore Nijo Ichiba market with a guide, you’ll discover more about local produce. A private tour means you can learn to cook at your own pace, and you’ll have direct access to your guide for questions. It’ll be the ultimate hassle-free day as all ingredients, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are included.

・Hosted by the café loved by the local community as a space of relaxation ・You are shown to little-known but good spots not listed in the guidebooks! ・Fun and safe tour with a friendly tour guide ・Appreciate cuisine related to the town's history (optional) ・A good location for going sightseeing in Hakodate before and after the tour In this tour, you will visit precious buildings and places, founded in the 19th century, with the owner of the local Russian café. She will tell you all about the local food culture necessary to understand the history of Hakodate. You can broaden your knowledge, not only by seeing or listening. If you taste the meal that is related to the food culture of Hakodate at the cozy café before the tour, you may be able to feel a sense of unity with the mood of the city. (optional) Enjoy the city walk tour through the five senses, and make unforgettable memories of your visit.

Experience the best of Hokkaido on a full-day guided tour from Sapporo, combining unforgettable wildlife encounters with the region's most spectacular natural scenery. Visit the renowned Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its innovative exhibits that let you observe penguins, polar bears, seals, and other animals up close in natural-style habitats. Continue to the picturesque countryside of Biei, stopping at its iconic scenic tree before admiring the stunning Shirahige Falls, where crystal-clear water cascades into the vivid blue Biei River. Marvel at the surreal beauty of the Shirogane Blue Pond, celebrated for its vibrant turquoise waters and breathtaking seasonal landscapes, then conclude your journey at the enchanting Ningle Terrace, a charming forest village filled with artisan craft shops and cozy wooden cottages.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Furano and Biei on a full-day guided tour from Sapporo, showcasing Hokkaido's most spectacular seasonal landscapes. Visit the famous Farm Tomita, renowned for its vibrant lavender fields and colorful flower gardens, where you can stroll through beautifully landscaped grounds, browse lavender products, and enjoy panoramic countryside views. Continue to Shikisai-no-Oka, one of Hokkaido's most scenic flower parks, featuring rolling hills blanketed with vibrant seasonal blooms that create a picture-perfect setting for unforgettable photographs. Next, marvel at the surreal beauty of the Shirogane Blue Pond, celebrated for its striking cobalt-blue waters, before stopping at the nearby Shirahige Falls, where crystal-clear streams cascade into the vivid blue Biei River. Travel along the picturesque Patchwork Road, famous for its gently rolling fields, iconic lone trees, and postcard-worthy rural scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.

This tour will take us to the port city of Otaru. Otaru is just a 30-minute convenient train ride away from Sapporo. Otaru was once one of the most prosperous port cities on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Otaru is long past its proud history as a fishing and coal port town, but traces of its glory days remain almost everywhere and visitors should take note. Most tourism activities in Otaru are centered around the Otaru Canal in The Sakaimachi Sightseeing and Shopping District. So many sights to see and activities to partake in in this area. Specifically, on this tour we will “focus on” these well known locations along Sakaimachi Street

Enjoy a cooking class in a memorable setting—a local’s home in Sapporo. It’s a great way to discover more about local life in Hokkaido, and to learn recipes that you wouldn’t discover otherwise. As it’s a private experience, you’ll be able to share stories and ask questions as you cook. The lesson consists of multiple dishes, that may include fresh seafood, cooked burdock, deep-fried tofu, or miso soup. Reward your hard work by eating the feast you’ve cooked at the end of your lesson.

See the highlights of Sapporo in a day and save hours of research and planning time by choosing a private guided tour. To ensure the itinerary suits your interests, you can select your must-see spots from a list of potential locations sent before the tour. Then, enjoy a customized itinerary with 2-4 sites over 4 to 6 hours—such as Moerenuma Park, Mount Moiwa, Nijo Market, and Jozankei Onsen.

In this 8-hour tour, you can visit both Otaru and Yoichi with a licensed guide and a private vehicle. The famous Otaru Canal and historical buildings, such as stone warehouses, contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere of Otaru’s townscape. Otaru is home to a large number of Hokkaido’s remaining historical buildings, many of which have been restored and converted into cafes and shops. Yoichi is a small coastal town located about 30 30-minute drive from Otaru. Yoichi is home to the Yoichi Distillery owned by Nikka Whisky. The town is also famous for its fruit, particularly apples, and is becoming increasingly popular as a wine region. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize an eight-hour tour that's best for you!

Hike up one of Japan's most active volcanoes! Learn about past volcanic eruptions of Mt. Usu and discover the nature of Lake Toya! Visit the best viewpoint of Lake Toya and get some photos! This tour differs by not just hiking the volcano, but also by visiting Lake Toya and the Toyo-Usu Geopark Center. There you can learn about the volcano you climbed, its recent volcanic eruption in 2000, its lasting effects on the local area, and Lake Toya's nature and geology. This tour also has a max number of 7 people, keeping the groups small ensures more time for each customer to enjoy the tour and not to be rushed. Also, it ensures safety whilst hiking on the mountain. We also includes pick-up and drop-off which other tour companies do not provide. The tour is suitable for anyone who loves the outdoors, is interested in volcanoes and their destructive power and anyone who loves lakes.

Escape Sapporo and discover two of Hokkaido’s most stunning destinations in one private day tour. Start at the Shakotan Peninsula to see the legendary “Shakotan Blue” sea. Walk the ridge trail to Cape Kamui for panoramic views and visit Shimamui Coast, one of Japan’s top 100 beaches. Then explore Otaru — stroll along the iconic canal with red-brick warehouses and browse Sakaimachi Street for glassware, music boxes, and sweets. As a bonus, choose between Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery or Shiroi Koibito Park. Private vehicle with hotel pickup/drop-off in Sapporo included.

Escape the crowds and cycle the forest paths near Sapporo on a mountain hike, then relax with a soak in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) and lunch during this small-group excursion that’s perfect for beginners. Take a 1.5-hour ride to the town of Jozankei, a city known for its hot springs, for a snack and a soak in the mineral baths of Hoheikyo Onsen, before finishing with a typical local lunch of Japanese curry.

Discover the best of Otaru and Yoichi on this fully customizable private day tour, ideal for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Enjoy door-to-door service from your hotel or chalet, traveling effortlessly in a spacious, climate-controlled vehicle. Visit renowned sites such as Nikka Whisky Distillery, charming Otaru Canal, historic Sakaimachi Street, and the panoramic views from Mt. Tengu. Benefit from insider tips and local recommendations from Hokkaido’s most experienced international transport provider. Perfect for families, groups, or culture lovers looking to explore at their own pace without the hassle of public transport, queues, or crowded tour buses.

We have a multitude of different routes with different levels of fitness and distance depending on your preferences. We are happy to discuss the details to suit your needs and experience. There are many routes to choose from Including- Jozankei Tengu-dake. Distance: Approximately 9.2 kilometers. Highest Point: The summit of Jozankei Tengu-dake at 1145 meters. Difficulty- 7/10. Sapporo-dake: Views from the summit, enjoy vistas across Sapporo City, Mount Yotei, Muine-yama, and Jozankei-tengu. Diff-5/10. Soranuma-dake is a great option for a day hike, offering beautiful, forested trails and serene lake views. Diff-3/10. Tiene-dake:Location: Tiene-dake is west of Sapporo City with sweeping views of The Sea of Japan. Diff-5/10. Muine-yama-dake: A steady hike via a hut and small lakes. Diff-5/10. Contact us for more routes and details. Lunch will be provided. After the hike, we will travel to a local onsen to relax and enjoy. Return to meeting point by private van.

Explore the heart of Hokkaido's spirituality and history at Hokkaido Shrine, the region's most significant Shinto shrine. Begin your journey in Maruyama Park, passing through the iconic torii gate into a tranquil setting. Visit the Kaitaku Shrine, where you'll learn about Hokkaido's pioneering past while participating in a temizu water purification ritual. Experience the unique Ezo Squirrel Omikuji fortune-drawing, and unwind at Jingu Chaya with Fuku-Rei Mochi, a delightful rice cake symbolizing good fortune. This immersive tour offers a blend of cultural insights and traditional practices, making it an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. - Discover Hokkaido Shrine and its historical significance - Participate in traditional rituals and learn from an expert guide - Enjoy unique local experiences like the Ezo Squirrel Omikuji - Taste the famous Fuku-Rei Mochi in a serene shrine environment

Head to Asahiyama Zoo, situated in the northernmost region of Japan and renowned as the country's most popular zoo. Delve into a world of fascinating wildlife, where you can discover valuable insights into the zoo's dedication to safeguarding these creatures' natural environments. Located on the left bank of the Biei River in Hokkaido, Biei Green Pond lies at an elevation of approximately 500 meters. This remarkable body of water boasts crystal-clear, azure hues, and its scenery undergoes breathtaking transformations throughout the year. Shirahige Falls, characterized by a 30-meter drop and situated at an altitude of 600 meters, can be found within the Shirogane Onsen Village in Biei Town. Earning its moniker "White Beard Falls" due to the way its waters cascade from rocky crevices, creating a visual resemblance to white whiskers, this waterfall captivates spectators as it relentlessly pounds against the rocks.