Hokkaido – Discover Japan’s Great Outdoors and the Beauty of All Four Seasons
Hokkaido is a place where you can leave the noise of the city behind and reconnect with nature. As you travel across its vast landscapes, you’ll experience the changing seasons and discover a different side of Japan.
Overview of Hokkaido
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and one of the country’s four main islands alongside Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Known for its expansive wilderness, fresh air, exceptional produce, and dramatic seasonal landscapes, Hokkaido offers something special year-round.
Cool summers make it a popular retreat from the heat, while winter transforms the island into a world-class destination for snow sports and breathtaking snowy scenery.
Hokkaido also has its own unique history and culture, including the traditions of the Indigenous Ainu people—offering travelers a deeper sense of Japan’s diversity.
Food: Fresh seafood (crab, sea urchin, salmon roe), Ramen, “Jingisukan” grilled lamb, Dairy products, Melons
Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding, Hiking, Hot springs, Wildlife watching
Culture: Ainu heritage, Snow festivals, Nature-based spiritual traditions
Recommended Destinations by Region
Because Hokkaido is so large, it’s easiest to explore it region by region. Here are four major areas and their highlights:
Northern Hokkaido (Dōhoku)
Character: A remote region filled with untouched wilderness and sweeping landscapes.
Top destinations:
- Wakkanai: Visit Cape Sōya, the northernmost point in Japan
- Rishiri & Rebun Islands: Known for scenic hikes, rare alpine flowers, and stunning views of Mt. Rishiri
- Biei: Famous for its rolling hills, Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, and the mystical Blue Pond
Central Hokkaido (Dōō)
Character: The heart of Hokkaido—an economic hub that blends urban attractions with natural beauty.
Top destinations:
- Sapporo: The island’s largest city, known for its Clock Tower, Odori Park, and the Sapporo Snow Festival
- Otaru: A charming canal town with historic architecture
- Furano: Renowned for its lavender fields and picturesque rural landscapes
- Noboribetsu & Lake Tōya: Famous hot spring resorts and a scenic volcanic lake
Eastern Hokkaido (Dōtō)
Character: A region rich in wildlife, national parks, and pristine natural landscapes.
Top destinations:
- Shiretoko Peninsula: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site known for wildlife and drift ice cruises
- Kushiro Wetlands: Japan’s largest wetland, home to red-crowned cranes and canoeing experiences
- Lake Mashu & Lake Kussharo: Mystical caldera lakes surrounded by volcanic terrain
- Lake Akan: A center of Ainu culture and known for its rare marimo algae
Southern Hokkaido (Dōnan)
Character: The gateway from mainland Japan, offering historic sites, port-town charm, and relaxing hot springs.
Top destinations:
- Hakodate: Famous for its spectacular night views, Goryokaku Fort, and red-brick warehouses
- Ōnuma Quasi-National Park: A scenic area perfect for boating and lakeside walks with Mt. Komagatake as a backdrop
- Yunokawa Onsen: A coastal hot spring resort known for its soothing atmosphere
How Your Trip Comes Together
When you begin discussing a private trip with your family or friends, feel free to contact MaximTravelers at any time. We are happy to assist you.
Tell us about your preferred destination, dates, trip length, number of travelers, budget, and any other requests by filling out the travel preference questionnaire on our inquiry page.
We will make a follow-up consultations as needed via email or online meeting such as Zoom.
We will prepare an initial trip proposal for you. Using this as a starting point, we will gather
additional requests and make revisions as needed until the final version is completed.
Once you agree to the proposal, please fill out the travel application form (we will send you
the link) and return it together with the required deposit.
| Trip Price per Person | Deposit Required (per person) |
|---|---|
| Under ¥150,000- | ¥20,000- |
| ¥150,000–¥299,999 | ¥30,000- |
| ¥300,000 or more | ¥50,000- |
If your application is made within 1 month of departure, the full trip price is due at the time
of booking.
Your contract is considered confirmed once we receive your deposit.
We will then send you a written contract detailing your trip.
Please pay the remaining balance by bank transfer by the due date stated in the contract.
(For security reasons, we do not accept cash payments or credit cards. Thank you for your understanding.)
If you must cancel your trip, the following cancellation fees will apply:
| Cancellation Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30 days to 1 day before departure | 20% of the trip price |
| 2 days before departure | 50% of the trip price |
| After departure or no-show | 100% of the trip price |
Please note: If flights, hotels, tickets, or other arrangements have already been booked at the time of cancellation, any fees required to cancel those reservations will be charged separately.
We will send your final travel itinerary (“Travel Guidebook”) approximately one week before departure. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.
On the day before departure, we will send an e-mail to the group representative for final confirmation.
On your departure day, please arrive at the meeting point on time.
We wish you a wonderful and safe journey!
Explore Other Regions of Japan
Hokkaido
Tohoku
Kanto
Chubu
Kansai
Chugoku
Shikoku
Kyushu & Okinawa