2027 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan

Welcome to the 2027 Food Tour of Hokkaido, Japan.

Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport or JR Sapporo Station, you will be warmly greeted by your Journey to the East guide and escorted to your hotel, conveniently located within the airport terminal. Even if you arrive early, there is no need to worry about waiting around - New Chitose Airport is a destination in its own right. Explore its famous ramen alley, visit the Royce’ Chocolate World factory, browse specialty boutiques, enjoy excellent restaurants, or even relax in the airport’s onsen.

After a restful night, you will be ready to begin the first full day of your Hokkaido culinary adventure tomorrow.

While Hokkaido is often associated with powder snow, world-class skiing, and long winters, this tour takes place in early summer - arguably the most delightful season. Expect fresh green landscapes, comfortable temperatures ranging from approximately 12°C (54°F) in the evening to 22°C (72°F) during the day, and seasonal produce at its very best.

After breakfast at an airport café - your first taste of Japan’s classic “morningu setto” (set breakfast) - your Hokkaido food journey begins in earnest.

Your first stop is Yubari, synonymous with the prized Yubari King Melon - Japan’s most celebrated luxury fruit. Often seen in high-end Tokyo department stores, perfectly wrapped and presented in individual boxes, these melons can command tens of thousands of yen each at auction.

Here, you will visit a melon grading facility to gain rare insight into the meticulous cultivation, sugar-level testing, and strict selection process that define premium Japanese fruit culture. Learn how terroir, climate, and craftsmanship combine to produce the melon’s signature fragrance, fine-textured flesh, and extraordinary sweetness.

After a light lunch, you will have the opportunity to pick seasonal fruit yourself - and, of course, taste it at peak freshness.

This afternoon, you continue to Obihiro, located in the fertile Tokachi Plain, often called Hokkaido’s breadbasket. The region is renowned for its dairy, wheat, beans, and pristine produce - foundations of Hokkaido’s distinct culinary identity.

Tonight, enjoy a special “Welcome to Japan” dinner at a carefully selected local restaurant, introducing you to the flavours of Tokachi through seasonal ingredients and regional specialities.

Your accommodation is a luxury onsen resort. Unwind in the mineral-rich hot spring baths - an essential Japanese experience - and let the restorative waters prepare you for the gourmet discoveries ahead.

This morning, travel by private minibus from Obihiro to Shiraoi, continuing your culinary exploration of southern Hokkaido.

You won’t have to wait long to experience one of Japan’s most celebrated ingredients: wagyu beef. Today’s highlight is premium Shiraoi Beef, one of Hokkaido’s finest wagyu brands, renowned for its exquisite marbling, refined sweetness, and clean finish. Enjoy it at a farm restaurant, grilled yakiniku-style - allowing the delicate fat to render gently and release its signature aroma.

Next, visit the impressive Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, Japan’s first national museum dedicated to the indigenous Ainu people. Through beautifully curated exhibits, traditional architecture, and cultural demonstrations, you will gain a deeper understanding of Hokkaido’s history and the Ainu’s spiritual connection to nature, food, and land - an essential cultural foundation for appreciating the region’s cuisine.

In the afternoon, continue to Noboribetsu, Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resort. Your guide will lead you on a walk through Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic volcanic landscape that produces approximately 10,000 tons of mineral-rich hot water daily. Along the trail, observe steaming vents and intermittently erupting geysers - a vivid reminder of the geothermal forces beneath your feet.

Tonight, stay at a high-class traditional ryokan. Savour an elegant multi-course kaiseki dinner showcasing seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, then unwind in the therapeutic onsen baths. Refined cuisine, serene surroundings, and impeccable Japanese hospitality - an unforgettable evening at its finest.

Today, immerse yourself in Hokkaido’s seafood, scallops - a hallmark of northern Japan’s coastal cuisine.

Your morning begins in the charming fishing village of Toyoura, where a local guide will share the fascinating lifecycle of Hokkaido scallops, from tiny eggs to the plump, sweet delicacies enjoyed across Japan. Witness hands-on harvesting techniques and auction process, gain an appreciation for the meticulous care required to produce such premium seafood.

After tasting Hokkaido's juicy, sun-ripened strawberries on a way at a farm, you enjoy a lunch lovingly prepared by a local lady.

In the afternoon, you travel further south to Onuma Park, a picturesque quasi-national park known for its serene lake dotted with small islands connected by charming bridges. Take a leisurely stroll along walking paths and soaking in views of Mt. Komagatake and surrounding forests.

Tonight, you’ll stay in an exquisite western-style auberge, a refreshing contrast to last night’s traditional ryokan. The highlight is a refined French-style dinner, “Onuma 50 miles,” crafted with fresh local vegetables and seafood, celebrating Hokkaido’s rich culinary bounty while offering a sophisticated international flair.

Today highlights one of Hokkaido’s iconic seafood treasures: kombu (kelp), the essential ingredient in Japan’s famous dashi stock. Hokkaido is Japan’s largest producer of kombu, prized for its rich umami flavor and role as the backbone of traditional Japanese cuisine.

Begin the day in a quaint kombu fishing village, where local fishermen will share the secrets of harvesting, drying, and selecting kombu. You’ll also learn the art of making perfect dashi, a cornerstone of Japanese cooking, directly from those who have practiced the craft for generations.

In the late afternoon, travel to Hakodate, a historic port city known for its scenic harbor and rich seafood culture. Before settling in, your guide will take you to Mt Hakodate, offering one of the world’s most celebrated night views. From the summit, you can see the glittering city lights spread around the harbor, creating a panoramic scene that perfectly captures the magic of Hokkaido at dusk.

Today takes you northward through Hokkaido’s scenic landscapes, blending natural wonders with culinary pleasures.

Your morning begins in Kuromatsunai, a small town celebrated as the northern limit of Japan’s beech forest. This ecological treasure has been fiercely protected by locals, twice saving it from deforestation. Enjoy a guided 40-minute walk through the forest, where the towering beech trees, filtered sunlight, and serene environment provide a tranquil contrast to the food-focused experiences of previous days.

Lunch today is a beachside BBQ overlooking the Sea of Japan. Savor fresh ingredients grilled to perfection while taking in the ocean breeze and coastal scenery - a relaxed, alfresco Hokkaido experience.

In the afternoon, travel about an hour to Niseko, famous for its world-class ski resorts and fertile agricultural lands. Niseko is especially renowned for its dairy products, and no visit would be complete without a stop at Takanashi Dairy Farm to taste their famous fresh ice cream.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at one of most popular restaurants among our past guests, offering a warm sophisticated atmosphere and dishes that highlight the region’s local ingredients. It’s the perfect introduction to Niseko’s culinary charm after a day of forest walks and seaside BBQ.

Today’s journey takes you further north to explore Hokkaido’s famed whisky, exquisite fruits, and charming port towns.

Begin in Yoichi, best known as the birthplace of Nikka Whisky. Visit the historic Nikka Distillery and enjoy tasting a special whisky that is exclusive to this venue, a rare opportunity to savor Hokkaido craftsmanship in liquid form.

Next, indulge your senses with a visit to a local orchard. Set against breathtaking scenery - the sea on one side, mountains on the other - this orchard is arguably the most beautiful “office” in the world. Sample Hokkaido’s unique seasonal fruits and enjoy a light lunch overlooking this stunning panorama, blending nature and gastronomy.

In the afternoon, transfer to Otaru, one of Hokkaido’s most picturesque port towns.

Tonight, settle into your hotel, which will serve as your base for the next two nights. After a brief orientation walk with your guide, enjoy dinner at Naruto, Otaru’s famous fried chicken restaurant. Crispy, flavorful, and adored across Japan, the chicken pairs perfectly with a refreshing local craft beer - a delicious finale to a day full of Hokkaido highlights.

Today begins with a journey into Otaru’s rich maritime history. Your first stop is the Former Aoyama Villa, once the residence of affluent herring fishermen. These grand homes, known as Nishin Goten (herring mansions), reflect the prosperity brought by Otaru’s herring industry from the 19th century through the 1950s. The villa’s meticulously preserved architecture and luxurious materials offer a fascinating glimpse into the wealth and lifestyle of Hokkaido’s historic fishing elite.

After a guided walking tour of Sakai Street and the canal area,  enjoy some free time along the Otaru’s iconic thoroughfare lined with craft shops, local delicacies, and artisanal boutiques. It’s a perfect chance to explore, shop, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this charming port town.

In the afternoon, visit a local sake brewery to see the art and tradition behind Japan’s prized rice wine. From fermentation to bottling, you’ll gain insight into the meticulous process that produces Hokkaido’s distinctive sake flavors.

The day concludes with a meal at a top sushi restaurant in Otaru, celebrating yet another of the town’s culinary specialties. Enjoy fresh seafood and masterful sushi preparations that showcase the quality and diversity of Hokkaido’s coastal bounty.

Today, you journey to Sapporo, the vibrant capital of Hokkaido Prefecture, blending urban energy with historical charm.

En route, visit the Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium, one of the venues for the 1972 Winter Olympics. From the Okurayama Observation Lounge, perched 307 meters above the ground, enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo’s city centre, including the iconic Odori Park, and take in the surrounding mountains and urban landscape - a breathtaking perspective of Hokkaido’s capital.

For lunch, savor Hokkaido’s most famous dish - ramen - at Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (Ramen Alley). This culinary hotspot offers a variety of rich, hearty bowls crafted with miso, shio, or shoyu broth, highlighting the depth and regional flavor of Hokkaido cuisine.

In the afternoon, enjoy a walking guided tour of central Sapporo’s historic sites, including the Former Hokkaido Government Office, the Clock Tower of the former Hokkaido Agricultural College, and the leafy Odori Park, each reflecting the city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and green spaces.

This evening is free to explore Sapporo’s vibrant dining scene. From izakayas and ramen shops to fine dining and local craft beer bars, your guide can help you select a restaurant to match your tastes - the perfect finale to a day of sightseeing and gastronomic delights.