Japan's Wild North — Ten Days in Hokkaido
Trade Kyoto's crowds for Hokkaido's space — where Japan opens out into mountains, hot springs, and a stillness unlike any other.
Discover the Japan That Lies Beyond the Bullet Train
Most India-to-Japan itineraries follow the same gold-paved trail: Tokyo, Kyoto, perhaps Osaka. They are wonderful — but they are also one country among many that Japan contains.
Hokkaido is another country entirely. The island is vast, lightly populated, fiercely seasonal, and breathtakingly beautiful. Volcanic calderas, lavender fields rolling to the horizon, indigenous Ainu culture, ramen alleys where the broth has simmered since dawn — Hokkaido is the Japan of breath and space.
This ten-day journey traces the island from Sapporo to the canal town of Otaru, into the summer flower fields of Furano and Biei, the powder-soft slopes of Niseko, and the volcanic shores of Lake Toya. Quiet, slow, vast.
10 Days / 9 Nights
DESTINATIONS
Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, Niseko, Lake Toya
BEST TIME
June to October (summer); January to February (powder snow)
Experiences That Make Hokkaido Unforgettable
Lavender Fields of Furano in Bloom
Walk through the legendary purple expanses of Farm Tomita in July, when Hokkaido's most photographed landscape comes alive.
Patchwork Hills of Biei
Cycle through Biei's gentle hills — a quilt of wheat, potato and beetroot fields stretching to the volcanoes beyond.
Private Onsen at a Lake Toya Ryokan
Soak in a private outdoor hot spring overlooking the volcanic lake at sunset — Hokkaido's most restorative ritual.
Canal Walk and Sushi in Otaru
Wander the historic glass-blowing canal town of Otaru, then lunch at a tiny sushi counter where the day's catch arrived hours ago.
Ainu Cultural Encounter at Lake Akan
A private visit to an Ainu village to learn about Hokkaido's indigenous people, their crafts, music, and spiritual traditions.
Sapporo Ramen Alley by Night
A guided walk through Susukino's ramen alley with a local food writer — three legendary bowls, three legendary stories.
Your Ten-Day Hokkaido Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Sapporo
Arrive at New Chitose airport and transfer by private car to your boutique hotel in central Sapporo. Evening: a guided walk through Susukino's ramen alley with a local food writer, sampling three legendary bowls.
Overnight
- Boutique design hotel, Sapporo — 2 nights
Day 2: Sapporo — City and Brewery
Morning visit to Hokkaido Shrine and the historic Botanical Gardens. Lunch at the Nijo fish market. Afternoon: a behind-the-scenes tour of the original Sapporo Beer brewery and museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 3: Sapporo to Otaru — Canal Town Day Trip
Morning train to Otaru (45 minutes). Walk the historic canal, visit glass-blowing studios and music-box workshops. Sushi lunch at a tiny canal-side counter. Return to Sapporo by evening, then onward train to Furano. Check in to your countryside auberge.
Overnight
- Boutique auberge, Furano — 2 nights
Day 4: Furano — Lavender and Wine
Morning at Farm Tomita's lavender fields (June–July) or autumn flower meadows (Sep–Oct). Lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant. Afternoon: visit Furano's winery and cheese factory. Evening: a multi-course dinner at the auberge featuring Hokkaido's celebrated produce.
Day 5: Biei — Cycling the Patchwork Hills
Private transfer to Biei. Spend the day cycling (or driving) through the famous Patchwork Path — quilted fields, lone trees, and the Aoi-ike blue pond. Lunch at a farmhouse café. Return to Furano in the evening for a quiet dinner.
Day 6: Furano to Niseko — Mountain Country
Long but spectacular drive south to Niseko (5 hours with stops). Arrive at your mountain lodge. Afternoon at leisure — hiking trail, spa, or the outdoor onsen. Welcome dinner of Hokkaido lamb and local vegetables.
Overnight
- Mountain lodge, Niseko — 2 nights
Day 7: Niseko — Hike, Soak, Rest
Morning hike on Mount Yotei or a gentler nature walk depending on weather and preference. Lunch at a mountain café. Afternoon: a long onsen soak and a private foot reflexology session. Evening: a kaiseki dinner at the lodge.
Day 8: Niseko to Lake Toya — Volcanic Calm
Morning private transfer to Lake Toya (2 hours). Check in to your lakefront ryokan with private onsen. Afternoon: cruise on the lake and visit the active Showa Shinzan volcano. Evening: private outdoor onsen at sunset, followed by kaiseki dinner served in your room.
Overnight
- Lakefront ryokan with private onsen, Lake Toya — 2 nights
Day 9: Lake Toya — A Day of Quiet
The day is intentionally unhurried — slow morning, lakeside walk, perhaps a visit to the volcano museum, and ample time at the onsen. Evening: a final kaiseki tasting menu by candlelight.
Day 10: Departure
Late-morning private transfer back to New Chitose airport (90 minutes) for your flight home — already plotting a winter return for the powder snow.
Inclusions
- All international flights (India ↔ Sapporo, often via Tokyo)
- Japan Rail Pass and all train transfers within Hokkaido
- Private intercity transfers in chauffeured cars
- 9 nights accommodation (boutique design hotel, country auberge, mountain lodge, lakefront ryokan)
- Daily breakfast and 5 curated dinners (kaiseki, farm-to-table, ramen)
- Private guided walks (Susukino ramen, Otaru, Biei)
- Farm and brewery visits in Furano
- Lake Toya cruise
- English-speaking guides on touring days
Exclusions
- Japan visa fees (eVisa available for most Indian passports)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and alcoholic beverages
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Optional ski lift passes and equipment rental (winter season)
Why Travel Hokkaido with Pushpakka Vimana
Beyond the Bullet Train
We design itineraries that move past Tokyo and Kyoto into the Japan of space, season and silence.
Season-Aware Planning
We time visits to lavender peaks, autumn foliage, or powder-snow season — and choose accommodation to match each.
Curated Ryokans
Hand-picked properties with private onsen, kaiseki kitchens, and the kind of quiet only Hokkaido can offer.
Indian Diet, Honoured
We brief every ryokan kitchen and restaurant on vegetarian, Jain or specific dietary needs — well in advance.
Hokkaido Travel Questions, Answered
June–July for lavender, September–October for autumn colours and crisp weather, January–February for legendary powder snow. We tailor the itinerary to your chosen season.
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Let Us Show You the Japan You Haven't Seen
Hokkaido rewards travellers who want space, season and the slow road. Tell us when you'd like to travel, and we'll design the rest.
