Japan Private Tour (MOT005) Hokkaido in May: Blooming Flowers across Hakodate – Niseko – Sapporo 6 Days 5 Nights

Upon arriving at Chitose Airport, we will take you to Hakodate, the 3rd largest city in Hokkaido. Located at the southern tip of the island, it is a historic port city that once flourished, boasting many captivating attractions that can be visited in any season. The journey takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The first place we will take you to is Mount Hakodate, located in the forested area at the southern tip of the peninsula near downtown Hakodate. This mountain is considered one of Japan's top three night-view spots. Standing 334 meters high, the view is especially breathtaking on clear, bright days, allowing you to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from above.

If time permits, we will take you for a stroll along Hachiman-zaka Slope, a slope that stretches all the way down to the picturesque harbor and was voted #1 among "Japan's most visited slopes." It is located in Motomachi, the city's Western-style district, which is filled with historic buildings such as various churches.

We will then take you to check in and relax at your hotel.

hotel Overnight Hakodate

In the morning, we take you for a stroll and food tasting at Hakodate Morning Market. The highlight here is fresh seafood prepared by local market vendors. A must-try when visiting this fish market is the fresh seafood rice bowl (kaisendon). The market also features famous stalls where you can try squid fishing. The market is open from 06:00 to 14:00, so we should head out a bit early today.

Next, we take you to visit Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a shopping complex housed in red-brick warehouse buildings constructed in 1909. There is a wide variety of goods to choose from, ranging from fashion clothing and everyday items to snacks and Hokkaido souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we take you to admire cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Tower and Fort Goryokaku. This is considered one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido. Built in the late Edo period, the star-shaped fort is now open to the public as a park.

Afterward, we take you for dinner at Daimon Yokocho food stall alley. This charming alley houses 26 restaurants, featuring izakaya pubs, fresh seafood sushi bars, ramen shops, and oden stalls.

hotel Overnight Hakodate Night 2

In the morning, we take you to visit Kosetsuen Garden, a Japanese-style public park surrounded by lush trees throughout the grounds. The peak season for this garden is October, when visitors flock here to admire autumn foliage, but it can be visited in other months as well. Enjoy and unwind in the tranquil, shady atmosphere of Kosetsuen Garden.

Next, we travel to Niseko, taking about 2.5 hours of travel time. Niseko is a small town south of Sapporo on Hokkaido island. It is renowned for having the finest powder snow in Japan, but its springtime attractions are equally fascinating.

We then take you to Mishima Shibazakura Garden, a garden carpeted with moss phlox (pink moss) across the entire grounds. This garden is open to visitors only from May to June.

hotel Overnight Niseko (If you wish to stay at The Green Leaf Niseko Village, the famous ski resort in Niseko)

In the morning, we travel to Sapporo. Sapporo is Japan's 5th most populous city, following Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka, and serves as the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. The journey takes about 2 hours.

We take you to visit Ishiya Chocolate Factory in Hokkaido. Explore various rooms inside the factory, from vintage chocolate box exhibits to British antique teacups, and more. A must-try is the chocolate-filled langue de chat cookies and authentic Hokkaido vanilla soft-serve ice cream.

Next, we take you for a walk along Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, Hokkaido's famous shopping district.

In the evening, we take you to experience the nighttime ambiance of Otaru, a nearby town renowned as perhaps the most romantic city in the region.

hotel Overnight Sapporo

In the morning, we head to Jogai Market, Sapporo's largest seafood market and the premier destination for fresh, delicious Hokkaido flavors. Every morning, vendors bring out fresh vegetables and freshly caught seafood for sale daily. Best of all, prices here are very reasonable! We need to leave early today, as this market is open from 05:00 to 11:00.

Next, we take you to admire plum blossoms at Hiraoka Park. May is the prime time to view plum blossoms at this park. Inside, a wide array of plum products is also available for purchase until around mid-month. You can check the annual plum blossom festival dates on the website: http://www.sapporo.travel/find/nature-and-parks/hiraoka-park/?lang=th

Enjoy free time for shopping along Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Sapporo's famous shopping district. It is an arcade stretching about 1 kilometer with shops lining both sides all the way to the Sosei River. This market has been open for over a century—though historic, the shops offer modern, trendy goods for a truly delightful shopping experience!

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, 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.