Wild Hokkaido Tour 2026
Discover the majestic, remote Shiretoko Peninsula!
Enchanting Nature + Wondrous Wildlife await you in Hokkaido
Journey across pristine eastern Hokkaido and revel in a multitude of memorable wildlife experiences with our Wild Hokkaido Tour! Home to some of Japan’s most beautiful nature reserves, including the mystical Shiretoko Peninsula, you’ll have the chance to encounter iconic species such as the impressive tanchо̄ red-crowned cranes, majestic Steller’s sea eagles, and even the powerful Hokkaido higuma brown bear. Don’t worry, it will be at a safe distance! These unforgettable encounters with rare animals, combined with premium onsen hot springs, regional culinary specialties, and unique activities like a “night safari”, make this a dream destination for anyone searching for a world far away from the blinding lights of Tokyo.
You’ll enjoy everything from immersive experiences like river canoeing (no experience needed!) and a guided nature walk around Shiretoko’s gorgeous “Five Lakes” region, to activities like cherry picking at a local orchard and a hands-on milking + ice cream making experience at a working dairy farm. If you love animals and brilliant natural vistas then this is the tour for you!
Destination Highlights for the Wild Hokkaido Tour
Furano – Obihiro – Lake Akan – Kushiro – Lake Mashu – Lake Kussharo – Shiretoko Peninsula – Abashiri – Asahikawa – Sapporo – and more!
One special highlight is a “night safari” wildlife experience, which lets you see the many nocturnal creatures that populate this region up close in their natural habitat. Look out for owls, foxes, deer, and more!
In addition, this tour includes SEVEN NIGHTS of superb onsen, so it is perfect for hot springs aficionados! Combined with carefully selected restaurants to provide you with exceptional dining each and every day, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Dive into the details below, then reserve your spot today!
What’s included on the Wild Hokkaido 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
- Outdoor activities for all ages like Kushiro River canoeing, a small-group guided nature walk around Shiretoko Five Lakes, 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 the regional specialty Genghis Khan barbecue alongside succulent king crab!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
Key Highlights:
- Explore the phenomenal Shiretoko Peninsula, one of Japan’s last great nature reserves, and home to a plethora of magnificent wildlife. Don’t miss the special “Night Safari” experience where knowledgeable guides will take you to discover nocturnal creatures like owls and foxes in their natural habitats.
- Enjoy a small-group guided nature walk around Shiretoko’s renowned Five Lakes trail. Shiretoko holds Japan’s largest population of brown bears so these guided walks are the only way to gain access to the protected areas during the summer season.
- Pick juicy, sweet cherries right off the treee at a local orchard. Japanese fruit is famous for its superior quality and you’ll see why with this activity!
- Try a hands-on milking experience on a working farm and then make your own tasty ice cream.
- Paddle down the Kushiro River while it winds through expansive wetlands on a relaxing canoe tour. You’ll travel with the current, making paddling easier, and witness deer, birdlife, and more, from your unique river viewpoint. No experience necessary!
- Savor exceptional seasonal and regional cuisine with 26 included exceptional meals, including a Genghis Khan specialty barbecue farewell dinner complete with a side order of succulent king crab. 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 animal kingdom through hands-on experiences that bring you up close and personal to these fantastic creatures. Wander Sahoro “Bear Mountain” to marvel at these powerful specimens from a safe perspective, take an ocean cruise along the Shiretoko coast and try to spot wild higuma brown bears on shore, and gaze at the incredible, graceful Red-crowned cranes of the Akan International Crane Center.
- 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 12 (Sunday): 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 13 (Monday): 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 14 (Tuesday): XX
This magical summer journey takes care of every detail, so you can fully relax and immerse yourself in Japan’s exceptional nature-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.
$5,190.00*
$4,290.00 **
$1,600.00
**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: Japan during the early summer usually has a pleasant climate, especially in Hokkaido. Average high temperatures for Sapporo in the middle of July are about 77 degrees during the day, with a low of around 65 degrees at night.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour, and participants never have to join a certain activity if they don’t want to. However, this tour would not be suitable for those requiring a wheelchair.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are several 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.
