Summer Activities: June - August
As the only place in Japan that avoids the summer monsoon, Hokkaido's pleasant summer climate and activities attract many visitors. The main attractions during summer are the lavender fields, situated about 2 hours north of Sapporo. The rolling fields of lavender, poppies, lilies and more are a spectacle for the eyes. Visitors are also drawn by the countless hiking opportunities, pristine camping, wildlife viewing, healthy cuisine and the many other activities on offer.       

Please take a look at our Summer Activities page below and contact us for more information about creating a Custom-Made Tour.

Summer Sightseeing

Our English speaking guides will accompany you to the best sightseeing spots in Hokkaido from the comfort of private vehicles to visit temples, museums, zoos, aquariums, farms, distilleries and anywhere else you may want to go. Of course the flower fields around Furano and Biei are major highlights, but there are many other incredible attractions island-wide. 
 
Half-day to multi-day sightseeing tours are available all over Hokkaido.. Visit the Summer Sightseeing page to learn more about the top activities offered in the summer season (coming soon).

Time of Year: June - August
Fitness Level: All levels

Summer Gourmet

Hokkaido's cuisine is famous throughout Japan and across Asia. Come with us on a Gourmet Tour to sample the best seafood, beef, lamb, Genghis Khan, soup curry, ramen, soft cream, dessert houses, cafes and many, many other great eats.

We visit a wide variety of gourmet locations - local restaurants, famous establishments, homestead farms and wholesale markets, to name a few - all according to your taste and budget. Summertime also offers fruit picking across Hokkaido, with strawberries, cherries, melons and blueberries leading the charge. Indulge in all-you-can-eat fruit picking; fun for the whole family. 

Gourmet Tours: Available across Hokkaido throughout the year. 
Fruit Picking:  May - October

Hiking & Trekking

There are countless mountains to hike in Hokkaido, both volcanic and tectonic in their formation. The biggest drawcard is Japan's largest national park, Daisetsuzan National Park, but eastern, northern and central Hokkaido all offer their share of amazing hikes. 

We offer complete mountain guiding across Hokkaido, with many years of hiking and trekking experience both in Japan and abroad. Hikes can last a few hours to a few weeks, and by hiking and trekking with us you'll receive excellent service with private transportation, the best of Hokkaido's hot springs selections, high safety standards and an intimate connection with nature.   

Time of Year: April - November 
Fitness Level: All levels

Hot Springs  

Few experiences are as iconic to Japan as a long soak in a hot spring, and none are more relaxing. We are veritable connoisseurs of Hokkaido's hot springs offerings: Small ryoukans, large hotels, "wild" hot springs, foot baths and even hot springs waterfalls are all possible in Hokkaido.  

Time of Year: All year
Fitness Level: All levels

Summer Wildlife & Zoos

Summer wildlife in Hokkaido is highlighted by some very big creatures: Brown bears, Orca whales, dolphins and seals. While eastern Hokkaido remains the wildlife hot spot in Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan National Park and the Tsugaru Strait also offer good opportunities in summer. Additionally, there are birding tours, deer spotting walks, Blakiston's fish owl ryokans and red-crested cranes all waiting to be discovered.    

If you're not lucky enough to spot wildlife during your tour, Hokkaido has some fantastic zoos and aquariums where you can quickly become acquainted with the island's local fauna. Take a look at our Summer Wildlife & Zoos page for more information.      

Time of Year: June - August
Fitness Level: All levels

Hokkaido Farm Visits & Horseback Riding

For people who lead busy lives in crowded cities, farm visits are a great way to unwind and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of farm life. Overnight farm stays include vegetable, fruit, dairy and sheep farms; from just outside Sapporo to the pasture land of Eastern Hokkaido. This is your chance to milk a Holstein, shear a sheep or just watch the asparagus grow before you munch it down over a slow-cooked country dinner. 

​Horseback riding is another popular and relaxing way to get back in touch with nature. You can participate in beginner to advanced horseback rides all over Hokkaido on seaside, grassland, hilly and forested courses. 

Time of Year: All year
Fitness Level: All levels

Ferry & Boat Excursions

Hokkaido offers many boating opportunities at the plentiful lakes, rivers and coastlines that bless the island. The ferry rides at Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Onuma and Lake Akan are a relaxing way to take in spectacular volcanic scenery. Nature cruises at the Sea of Okhotsk and Tsugaru Strait are remarkable for their wildlife viewing, and can include dolphin and whale-watching, birding and more. There are also charter services available for private tours around remote coastline regions. Ferry & boating excursions are available in spring, summer and fall. 

Time of Year: April - November
Fitness Level: All levels

Summer Festivals

Hokkaido's summer festivals are abundant, and range from massive dancing street parties that attract tens of thousands of people, to traditional ceremonies for the deceased in rural villages.  Of course, there are also many food festivals around the island, such as Abashiri's King Crab Festival for some of the best crab in Japan. 

There is always a festival occurring somewhere in Hokkaido during the summertime, so we will try to include at least one in your tour. Take a look at our Summer Festivals page for more details (coming soon).

Time of Year: June - August

Gliders & Hot Air Ballooning

Takikawa glider flights are an incredible way to see Hokkaido's landscape from the Ishikari Plains to the Daisetsuzan National Park mountain range. Flights last about 30 minutes from take-off to landing. The perfect silence of the descending glider will leave a strong impression that is completely different from an airplane flight.

Hot air balloon flights are also available in the summer season, with operators from Niseko, Furano and eastern Hokkaido flying daily when the weather cooperates.  The Hot Air Balloon Festival in August is a main drawcard for Hokkaido's ballooning enthusiasts.     

Time of Year: All year
Fitness Level: All levels

Adventure Activities

For those seeking adrenaline on their visit to Hokkaido, adventure activities are for you. On offer are whitewater rafting, river and sea kayaking, bridge swinging, canyoning and stand-up paddle boarding and more, with transportation to/from Sapporo included.    

We contract licensed operators who maintain high safety standards. Contact us for more information on how to include adventure activities in your tour.

Time of Year: April - November
Fitness Level: All levels

Daisetsuzan National Park: Summer  

As Japan's largest national park, a visit to Daisetsuzan National Park should be on every Hokkaido itinerary. From June to August, the highland regions of the park come into full bloom with wildflowers and berry bushes dotting the landscape. Above the treeline, the flora takes on Siberian-like qualities and the chance of a brown bear encounter increases. Daisetsuzan National Park in summer is the best mountain experience in Hokkaido. 
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Popular summer activities include ropeways, waterfalls, camping, fishing and hot springs. There are excellent hotels and specialized tour operators in key areas as well. Top places to visit include Tokachidake Onsen Resort, Asahidake Onsen Resort, Sounkyo Gorge and Shikaribetsu Lake. We highly recommend making Daisetsuzan National Park a part of your Custom-Made Tour! 
 
Time of Year: All year
Fitness Level: All levels

Crafts, Culture & Cooking Courses

Want to try a new craft, learn about Japanese culture or how to cook a typical Hokkaido meal? Our Craft, Culture & Cooking Courses offer a wide variety of activities all over Hokkaido, including: soba noodle making, glass blowing, ceramic arts, wooden crafts, kimono ​fitting, tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, pounding rice into mochi, sausage making, sheep shearing and much more.

Time of Year: All year
Fitness Level: All levels

Camping & Fishing Trips 

With the hot days and cool nights of summer, this season is ideal for camping by lakes and on seaside beaches. We often include a plentiful BBQ dinner, simple breakfast and bathing at a local hot springs during an overnight camping trip, and one can easily be included as part of a longer tour.  Top camping locations include Lake Toya, Lake Shikotsu, Lake Kussharo, Lake Akan, Shakotan Peninsula, Rebun & Rishiri Islands and many more.  

You can also try your hand at fishing in Hokkaido's rivers and oceans, with rod or fly fshing at locations such as Furano, Otaru, Hakodate, Monbetsu, Abashiri, Rausu, Nemuro and more. 

Contact us for more information about camping and fishing trips in Hokkaido. 
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Time of Year: June - September
Fitness Level: All