Japan Private Tour (JPN006): Hokkaido - Biei - Furano (In-Depth Sapporo) 7 Days 6 Nights

We will pick you up at Chitose Airport and head to Asahikawa. "Asahikawa" is a major city situated right in the center of Hokkaido at the foot of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, second in size only to Sapporo. Surrounded by mountain basins, its climate is more varied than other cities, offering beautiful nature to enjoy throughout all 4 seasons.

Our first stop is Asahiyama Zoo. The highlight here is that animals are not caged like in traditional zoos, but live in natural environments. This lets everyone experience the cuteness of the animals and observe their genuine daily behaviors, keeping them stress-free and wonderfully friendly to visitors.

Next, step into a world of ice at the Snow Crystal Museum. The interior is elegantly decorated in a European style, reminiscent of the ice castle from Frozen. Inside the museum, you'll find ice pillars and a music hall used for concerts and weddings.

End the day at Asahikawa Heiwa-dori Shopping Street. Established in 1972 as Japan's very first permanent pedestrian street, it is lined with countless shops ranging from restaurants and clothing boutiques to everyday necessities.

hotel Overnight Asahikawa

In the morning, we take a 26 km drive to Biei, an adorable small town located in Kamikawa District. Biei is renowned for its picturesque countryside and stunning natural attractions, including the famous Shirogane Blue Pond and Shirogane Onsen (Hot Spring). The town is also celebrated for its iconic trees dotting the hills, such as the Ken and Mary Tree, the Seven Stars Tree, and the historic oak tree atop Mild Seven Hill.

We will visit and take photos at these celebrated scenic trees, starting with the Seven Stars Tree, followed by the Ken and Mary Tree, and Mild Seven Hill. Next, we journey to the famous Shirogane Blue Pond (known in Japanese as Aoi-ike)—a must-visit destination when traveling to Hokkaido. On clear days, you can admire stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and withered birch trees in the turquoise water. The blue coloration does not occur purely by coincidence in nature; it was formed when local authorities built a dam to protect Biei from volcanic mudflows, with natural aluminium hydroxide minerals in the water reflecting sunlight to create its brilliant blue hue.

Next, we travel 37 km (approx. 50 minutes) to Furano. Furano is one of Hokkaido's most celebrated destination towns, beloved by travelers for its vast lavender fields in summer and premier ski slopes in winter, enjoying pleasantly cool weather all year round. In summer, the absolute top highlight is Farm Tomita in Nakafurano, an expansive lavender farm where fragrant purple fields stretch as far as the eye can see. In winter, its ski resort is just as popular as any across Hokkaido.

In the afternoon, we treat you to Furano's most famous sweet delicacy—fresh melon at Tomita Melon House. Sourced directly from Farm Tomita, the venue offers a mouthwatering array of melon specialties, from freshly sliced melon and rich melon soft serve to delightful melon-infused pastries.

During summer and late spring, Farm Tomita is the absolute best spot in the area to admire blooming lavender and colorful flower carpets.

Afterward, take a charming stroll and shop for unique crafts at Ningle Terrace. Set within a fairytale forest, these rustic wooden cottages display and sell traditional Japanese handcrafted goods, beautifully illuminated with fairy lights for an exceptionally warm and cozy atmosphere.

hotel Overnight Furano

In the morning, enjoy a full half-day in the snow with free time for winter activities at Furano Ski Resort. The resort offers plenty of fun activities to choose from. Equipment rentals: skis 5,500 yen, snowboard 5,500 yen, ski wear 5,300 yen. Lift tickets/admission: 3 hours 4,000 yen, 5 hours 4,800 yen, full day 5,500 yen.

Before heading to Sapporo, we take you to enjoy the famous cheesecake at Furano Delice. We can truly say the cheesecake here is unlike anywhere else—widely acclaimed as a masterclass in original Hokkaido cheesecake.

Then, we travel to Sapporo (distance 115 km, travel time 1 hour and 50 minutes). Sapporo is Japan's 5th most populous city, after Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, and is also the central hub of Hokkaido Prefecture.

Arriving in Sapporo as evening approaches, we take you to experience the evening atmosphere in nearby Otaru, arguably the most romantic town in the region.

hotel Overnight Sapporo

In the morning, we travel to Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaido's famous resort towns located southwest of Sapporo. Noboribetsu is renowned for its hot springs on Hokkaido. It became well known among Thai travelers as the filming location for sweet scenes in the movie "One Day" (Fanday), inspiring many to follow in the film's footsteps.

Our first destination is Jigokudani (Hell Valley), the source of the famous Noboribetsu Onsen. Admire its striking and unique beauty, where orange and brown hills are blanketed in white snow. As you walk along the trail, gentle steam drifts up periodically from the constantly bubbling hot springs, resembling smoke from the underworld—which is how Hell Valley got its name.

We recommend having lunch first around the entrance to Hell Valley, where you will find restaurants and souvenir shops to browse. Recommended spots include Onsen Ichiba, serving fresh seafood scooped live from tanks, and Sugi Bee Garden, selling carefully selected premium honey—with their honey-drizzled soft serve ice cream being the absolute highlight.

In the afternoon, we continue exploring Noboribetsu and visit Noboribetsu Bear Park. Ride the ropeway up to the summit of Mount Shihorei at 550 meters above sea level to see the bears. The park is home to many adorable bears waiting to share their warmth with visitors. Although it is an enclosure-based zoo, the bears live in a natural setting and look very happy. Admission is 2,592 yen for adults, with special rates for children.

Afterward, we drive you back to Sapporo.

hotel Overnight Sapporo

In the morning, we take you to Jogai Market, the largest seafood market in Sapporo and the prime spot bringing together Hokkaido's freshest, most delicious flavors. Every morning, vendors bring out fresh vegetables and fresh daily catches of fish to sell. Best of all, prices here are very friendly! We need to head out early today, as the market is open from 05:00 - 11:00.

Next, visit Odori Park, a large public park filled with plants and flowerbeds adding vibrant color in every season, serving as a favorite leisure spot for Sapporo locals. In spring, it features the Lilac Festival; in summer, the YOSAKOI Soran Festival and Beer Garden; in autumn, the Autumn Fest showcasing Hokkaido delicacies; and in winter, the world-renowned Snow Festival.

Enjoy free time for shopping at Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Sapporo's famous shopping arcade stretching about 1 kilometer, lined with shops on both sides reaching all the way to the Sosei River. This market has been open for over a century; despite its long history, the shops are modern and make shopping wonderful fun!

If you still want to shop more, we continue to Susukino, the largest entertainment district in Sapporo, located not far from Tanukikoji. The area's landmark is the giant KIRIN neon sign, much like the Glico running man in Osaka. You can stay in this district to enjoy Sapporo's nighttime lights, or choose to take in high-angle views of the city.

We take you to Okurayama Observatory, a fascinating and popular spot favored by tourists and skiers alike. Enjoy panoramic high-angle views of Sapporo, capture photos, and soak in the atmosphere to your heart's content. Then, we transfer you to your hotel to relax.

hotel Overnight Sapporo

In the morning, we take you to pay homage at Hokkaido's main shrine, Mikado Shrine, an important shrine in the Hokkaido region located next to Maruyama Park. Built in 1871, this shrine enshrines 4 deities who watch over the people of Sapporo and Hokkaido.

After that, we depart for Niseko, a small town south of Sapporo on Hokkaido island. This town is famous for having the finest snow quality in Japan, drawing large numbers of visitors for skiing. We take you to embrace the winter chill and enjoy the soft powder snow at NISEKO Grand HIRAFU (if you wish to stay overnight here, please inform us in advance). We will spend almost the entire day here.

If time permits, we take you to take lovely photos around town before returning to Sapporo.

hotel Overnight Sapporo or Niseko

In the morning, visit Hokkaido University, one of the country's leading universities, founded in 1876.

Then, before heading to the airport, stop for shopping and factory-outlet bargains at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo-Kitahiroshima, a shopping hub featuring numerous brand names discounted up to 70%. Beyond brand-name products, there are plenty of restaurants, snacks, and souvenirs—the perfect stop before flying home.

We transfer you to the airport 3 hours prior to departure for your flight back to Bangkok, wishing you a safe journey filled with wonderful memories.