Hokkaido Gourmet Lavender Tour 2026
Flowers, food, and fun in Hokkaido!
Journey across Japan’s colorful north for striking summer beauty and delectable local cuisine
Breathe in the cool, refreshing air of a Hokkaido summer sweetly perfumed with the region’s famous fields of violet lavender! Our carefully crafted itinerary has everything from outdoor experiences like lake canoeing, an agricultural farm tour, and a horsemanship performance to hands-on activities like ice cream making using fresh, local milk. You’ll pick fresh cherries and harvest succulent Furano melon, and you’ll visit not one, not two, but THREE different major lavender destinations! Plus, enjoy a relaxed pace every day with multiple consecutive nights at your fantastic accommodations.
Hokkaido is the perfect spot for a summer adventure, offering temperate weather and stunning floral landscapes, including the famous Farm Tomita, Japan’s most notable lavender farm. You’ll get to relish tasty local cuisine (definitely don’t miss the many varieties of “soft cream” ice cream!), plus slip into exceptional hot springs, including the rare “moor onsen” of Tokachigawa. Known as the “Hot Springs of Beauty”, it is one of only a few locations in the country with this type of skin-moisturizing water. With a special focus on activities and memorable interactions with local residents, this tour will take you to Japan in a way you’ve only imagined.
Destination Highlights for the Gourmet Lavender Tour
Shakotan Peninsula – Otaru – Obihiro – Sounkyo Onsen – Biei – Furano – Lake Shikotsu – Sapporo – and more!
A special highlight of this tour is a relaxing canoe experience atop the tranquil, crystalline waters of Lake Shikotsu. This caldera lake is known to have astonishingly clear water, and it is actually the second-deepest lake in the whole country. Paddling across the calm surface while drinking in the surrounding beautiful natural scenery makes for a truly special occasion you’ll want to remember long after you’ve returned to shore.
Ready to wander amidst the famous violet flowers of a Hokkaido summer? Come immerse yourself in a journey through one of Japan’s most picturesque seasonal spectacles and discover flowers, food, and fun!
What’s included on the Hokkaido Gourmet Lavender Tour:
- Start your journey in peace, away from the airport crowds, with a chance to relax at HIS Hawaii’s exclusive LeaLea Lounge at Honolulu Airport before your flight.
- Expert English-speaking local guides and a professional tour escort from Honolulu
- A private professional driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Authentic cultural activities like juicy Furano melon tasting, a tour of a working farm on the fertile Tokachi plain, picking your own succulent fresh fruit at a local orchard, and more!
- Relaxing stays at exceptional hotels and onsen (hot springs) resorts
- 26 fantastic meals, featuring regional and seasonal delicacies, including a deluxe crab kaiseki dinner!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Explore multiple lavender destinations such as Furano’s renowned Farm Tomita, Sapporo’s “Hill of the Buddha”, and Biei’s Hokusei no Oka View Park.
- Enjoy light hiking on the Shakotan Peninsula at Cape Kamui using a well-maintained trail out to a breathtaking coastal landscape. Make sure to reward yourself with the special Shakotan Blue soft-serve ice cream, only sold here!
- Pick exceptionally sweet cherries right off the treee at a local orchard outside of Otaru. Japanese fruit is famous for its superior quality and you’ll see why with this activity!
- Bite into fresh, juicy Furano Melon at a specialty farm. You won’t want to stop eating!
- Paddle atop crystal-clear Lake Shikotsu while enjoying a relaxing canoe tour. The tranquil atmosphere will linger within you long after you’ve returned to shore.
- Savor specialty seasonal and regional cuisine with 26 included exceptional meals, including a premium crab kaiseki-style farewell dinner. Hokkaido is especially well-known for its seafood and its dairy products, and you’ll get your fill of both!
- Feel the richness of the country’s culture through hands-on activities that let you meet local residents and learn from experienced artisans. Enjoy a horsemanship performance and try riding a horse yourself at an Obihiro ranch, immerse yourself in a working Tokachi plain farm while having an agricultural experience (plus lunch made with local produce!), and try making your own tasty ice cream using Hokkaido milk.
- Relax with a full free day in Sapporo to do any last-minute shopping or enjoy certain foods you’ve always wanted to try, all at your own pace! You can also add an optional day tour if you’d prefer. Ask us for suggestions!
Tour Itinerary
10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS IN JAPAN
Click here to see the full tour schedule!
Day 0 – July 8 (Wednesday): Departure from Honolulu
- Your journey to Japan begins at Honolulu International Airport. Relax in the exclusive LeaLea Lounge before boarding your nonstop flight with Japan Airlines (JAL). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1 – July 9 (Thursday): Arrival in Japan
- Arrive at Haneda International Airport, pass through immigration and customs, then have some time to relax and eat dinner while waiting for your short domestic flight to Hokkaido. Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, walk to your hotel directly connected to the terminal. Rest up and enjoy hot springs!
- Hotel: Portom International or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Two meals served onboard the international flight
Day 2 – July 10 (Friday): Shakotan and Otaru
- Head toward the beautiful Shakotan Peninsula, renowned for uni (sea urchin) cuisine in the summer, and stop for a cherry picking experience at a local orchard. Next, try light hiking at Cape Kamui (not interested in the walk? Don’t miss the shakotan blue ice cream!), then enjoy a sake brewery tour plus free tastings in Otaru.
- Hotel: Grand Park Otaru or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3 – July 11 (Saturday): Otaru to Tokachigawa Onsen
- Begin with a photo stop at Otaru’s famous canal, then enjoy free time around the popular Sakaimachi Street, filled with fascinating shops and restaurants. Recommendations include the music box museum, Kitaichi Glassware, and LeTao Confectionary, but feel free to explore! Next, move to central Hokkaido and visit the Obihiro Centennial Museum, dedicated to the the history and culture of the Tokachi region. A special treat is staying at the “moor onsen” of Tokachigawa tonight, a rare type of water that leaves skin silky-smooth, leading to its moniker the “Hot Springs of Beauty”.
- Hotel: Hotel Kangetsuen or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4 – July 12 (Sunday): Tokachi Farms and Fun
- Start your day with a horsemanship performance and horse-riding activity at a local training center. Next, tour a working farm on the rich Tokachi plain, one of the country’s finest agricultural regions, including lunch made with scrumptious local produce. Stroll through Manabe Garden, Japan’s first conifer garden, then stop at Naitai Terrace, the largest public ranch in Japan with highly-recommended ice cream.
- Hotel: Hotel Taisetsu or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5 – July 13 (Monday): Sounkyo Onsen to Biei
- Take a ride on the Mt. Kurodake Ropeway to quickly ascend the mountain and experience expansive views over Daisetsuzan National Park. Next, make a quick photo stop at Ginga + Ryuusei Waterfalls, then transfer to Biei for Hokusei no Oka View Park and the iconic Aoi Ike Blue Pond, made famous when it was used as a wallpaper for Apple computers . As befits its name, there is blue “soft cream” ice cream to try here, too!
- Hotel: New Furano Prince Hotel or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 6 – July 14 (Tuesday): Furano Lavender
- Begin the morning with sightseeing at Farm Tomita, the biggest lavender farm in Japan. Make sure to sample all of the lavender goods, including lavender lemonade, lavender coffe, and of course, lavender soft cream! You’ll then enjoy a Furano winery tour plus tastings, before dropping by Furano Cheese Factory for excellent omiyage shopping and a hands-on ice cream experience. Later, browse local specialty goods at Furano Marche market and stroll around the picturesque Ningle Terrace wooden cabins near your hotel.
- Hotel: New Furano Prince Hotel or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7 – July 15 (Wednesday): Furano to Sapporo
- Start the day with a Furano Melon farm tour and super-fresh melon tasting. You’ll be amazed at the juicy sweetness when compared to those typically bought from a grocery store! Next, head back to the Sapporo area and enjoy sightseeing and shopping at Royce’ Cacao & Chocolate Town, home to the prefecture’s most famous chocolatier, then explore the amenities at your resort-style hotel.
- Hotel: Gateaux Kingdom Sapporo or similar ♨️
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 – July 16 (Thursday): Sapporo and surroundings
- Relax with sightseeing around the “Hill of the Buddha”, a site designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando that also features beautiful grounds filled with lavender, then enjoy shopping at Aeon Mall for staples like Seria (100 yen shop) and Uniqlo. Savor a special treat this evening with a parfait experience at Happiness Recipe specialty shop. Delicious! 😋
- Hotel: Fairfield Marriott Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9 – July 17 (Friday): Shimmering Lake Shikotsu
- Head to Shiraoi Town and explore Upopoy National Ainu Museum, the only National Museum dedicated to this region’s indigenous peoples, including a traditional arts performance at the center’s theater. Enjoy a memorable canoeing experience on the clear, tranquil waters of Lake Shikotsu, then return to Sapporo for a deluxe crab kaiseki farewell dinner.
- Hotel: Fairfield Marriott Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 – July 18 (Saturday): Free day in Sapporo
- Wander the city with a full free day to explore Sapporo at your own pace. Shop, dine, or just enjoy the sights. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: Fairfield Marriott Sapporo or similar
- Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 – July 19 (Sunday): Farewell & Return to Honolulu
- Relax or get in some last-minute shopping in the morning and early afternoon, then fly back to Hawaii via Tokyo-Haneda with Japan Airlines. Thank you for traveling with us and welcome home!
- Hotel: N/A
- Meals included: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard the international flight
This brilliantly colorful summer journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s exceptional flower-filled beauty, plus cultural experiences, gourmet cuisine, and comforting onsen (hot springs) retreats.
Pricing
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,590.00*
$4,690.00 **
$1,500.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Early-booking Special Offer:
SAVE $100 by being one of the first ten participants!
Here are just a few of the sights and activities you’ll enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: Hokkaido’s summer usually has a pleasant, temperate climate. Average high temperatures for Sapporo in the middle of June are about 78 degrees during the day, with a low of around 64 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day in Sapporo.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 26 exceptional meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 8 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere.
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international airfare from Honolulu to Japan, plus the domestic flights to/from Hokkaido, are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
