A treasure trove of activities! Recommended Plans for Niseko, Otaru and Sapporo

- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
- Days required
- 4 days and 3 nights
- Main methods of transportation
- Car
Starting with rafting in Niseko, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as trekking, fruit picking, canoeing, and even horseback riding—perfect for those who love to stay active!
In Yoichi, you can experience the local whiskey, and in Otaru, you can enjoy herring and other local culinary delights. The accommodations in Niseko, Asarigawa, and Jozankei are all hot spring resorts, which is a major attraction.
This is an exciting course that aims to recharge your energy with outdoor activities and hot springs.
- * The spots and experience menus introduced in the course are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Rafting Experience
The cold water was a big hit! Let's go down the river on a rubber boat!
Set against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei and continuing all the way to the Sea of Japan, the Shiribetsu River offers a thrilling experience, especially in spring when the melting snow causes the river to swell. Even beginners can feel at ease as life jackets are provided, and a guide accompanies you.
Let's fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and excitement that Niseko has to offer!
- Address
- 倶知安町ニセコひらふ1条2丁目4-8
- Telephone Number
- 0136-23-2093
- Open
- 8:00–21:00
Rafting season: June to early November - Closed
- Open all year round (hours are subject to change or temporary closure due to unavoidable circumstances)
[Accommodation] Niseko (Hirafu, Annupuri, Konbu Hot Spring Village)
It's an area abundant with a variety of accommodations, ranging from large-scale resort hotels to pensions and hot spring inns.
Trekking
Niseko offers various styles of trekking
There are various tours available that allow you to explore the charm of Shinsen-numa, one of the lakes in the Niseko mountain range, and its surrounding wetlands while hiking, observing nature, and being guided by experienced guides. Private tours, which are popular among beginners and families, are also available. Many local repeat visitors are captivated by the alpine plants and beautiful scenery of Niseko.
- Telephone Number
- 0136-44-2468 (Niseko Resort Tourist Association)
Niseko Yotei Croquette Set Meal
Crunchy Niseko Gourmet for lunch
We offer a variety of dishes centered around crispy croquettes made with Baron potatoes. Among them, our European-style beef curry, simmered with Hokkaido beef in red wine, and our spicy Ezo deer curry are particularly popular!
- Address
- 倶知安町高砂52-8
- Telephone Number
- 0136-22-5876
- Open
- 11:00-14:00
- Closed
- Sundays & Holidays
Fruit Picking Experience
Enjoy seasonal fruits
Niki Town is known as one of Hokkaido's premier fruit towns. In its favorable climate, various farms lovingly cultivate a wide range of fruits. From mid-May, just after the snow melts, until late October, just before the snowfall, you can enjoy fruit picking without interruption. (Strawberries, cherries, blueberries, plums, grapes, etc.)
- Telephone Number
- 0135-32-2711 (Niki Tourism Association)
- Open
- *Depends on the facility.
Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery
Indulge in beautiful scenery and delicious whiskey
The "Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Yoichi Distillery" was established in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru, who learned the art of whisky making in Scotland, the homeland of whisky. The distillery, with its red roofs and soft stone buildings set against the green of lawns and trees, evokes the beautiful landscapes of Scotland. Here, traditional methods are used to continue producing malt whisky.
The "Nikka Museum," which offers a detailed introduction to the history of Nikka Whisky and a paid tasting corner, is also worth a visit. Additionally, ten buildings, including the Kiln Tower (First Drying Tower), are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
Free guided tours, which last about 70 minutes (about 50 minutes for the distillery tour and 20 minutes for free tasting), are held 12 times a day for groups of 1 to 9 people.
- Address
- 余市町黒川町7-6
- Telephone Number
- 0135-23-3131
- Open
- 9:15-16:15 (last departure for guided tours at 14:45)
- Closed
- Irregular holidays
[Accommodation] Asarigawa Hot Spring
Easy access to Asarigawa Hot Springs
Surrounded by mountains, Asarigawa Onsen is easily accessible from downtown Otaru in about 20 minutes by car. It is well-known as the backwater of Otaru, and is recommended as a base for sightseeing in Otaru. The hot spring resort has a wide variety of facilities including hot spring bathhouses, cottages, pensions, and campgrounds, and is visited by many locals as well as tourists. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hot springs and skiing while feeling nature.
- Address
- 小樽市朝里川温泉
- Telephone Number
- 0134-32-4111
Otaru Orgel Doh Music Box & Handicrafts Studio You-kobo
Only one in the world! Try your hand at making a music box!
The most popular "Topping Course" allows you to create your own original music box by choosing your favorite song and decorating it with glass ornaments. Additionally, we offer a variety of other experiences, such as pressed flower art, stained glass, and sandblasting.
- Address
- 小樽市入船1丁目1-5
- Telephone Number
- 0134-21-3101
- Open
- 9:00-18:00 (Last entry time 16:30)
- Closed
- Open all year round
The Old Aoyama Villa(Otaru Kihinkan)
The House that Herring Built
Using their great wealth amassed through the herring fishing trade, the Aoyama family constructed this stunning villa. Japan’s finest craftsmen spent 6 years perfecting the wood-frame construction while famous artists adorned the interior with original paintings, calligraphy, and more than 2,000 panes of handmade glass. Be sure not to leave before grabbing a bite! This residence-turned-preserved-villa now houses a delicious restaurant serving traditional herring cuisine, a reminder of how the family made its fortune.
- Address
- 小樽市祝津3-63
- Telephone Number
- 0134-24-0024
- Open
- (Apr.-Oct.) 9:00-17:00
(Nov.-Mar.) 9:00-16:00
(Dec. 29-31) 9:00-15:00 - Closed
- Jan. 1 - Jan. 7
Column
For lunch, enjoy Otaru's herring dishes!
In Otaru, which once flourished with herring fishing, you can enjoy herring dishes such as soba, sashimi, and nigiri sushi at various restaurants throughout the city, including the dining area of the previously mentioned The Old Aoyama Villa.
TEL: 0134-33-2510 (Otaru Tourism Association)

Canadian canoe
Experience nature in Jozankei, a place famous for its deep green foliage in summer and autumn leaves in fall!
This course takes you along the Toyohira River in Jozankei, surrounded by valleys and rich forests (about 1km round trip). You will paddle down the gently flowing river in a very stable Canadian canoe, making it safe for beginners and small children. Why not enjoy the great outdoors, with the sound of birds and the murmuring of the river as your background music, in the refreshing air?
- Telephone Number
- 0570-011-411 (AMUSE SPORTS/10:00-17:00)
WILD MUSTANG'S
Welcome to the world of horseback riding! A wild experience with a western feel!
Nestled at the foot of Mt. Hakken, this horseback riding facility evokes the image of the good old American West. Thanks to the staff's careful instructions, the joy of interacting with horses is doubled. For young children, we also offer guided horse rides that can accommodate a parent and child together. (Advance reservation required)
- Address
- 札幌市南区砥山114
- Telephone Number
- 080-4093-3673
- Open
- 10:00-16:00
[Accommodation] Jozankei Hot Spring
Jozankei Hot Spring, well-liked for its easy accessibility
Jozankei Hot Spring boasts a history of more than 150 years and has long been known as “Sapporo's back seat,” and is also popular for its easy accessibility, being less than an hour's drive from downtown Sapporo. Many of the inns and hotels lining the Toyohira River valley offer overnight stays as well as day-trip bathing, and footbaths and handbaths are available for casual enjoyment.
Surrounded by abundant nature, the area is famous for its beautiful seasonal scenery, especially in autumn when the valley turns brilliant colors. The bright red Futami Suspension Bridge over the Toyohira River is a perfect photo spot.
Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a 30-minute drive away, and rafting, canoeing, and other activities that allow visitors to fully enjoy nature are available.
- Address
- 札幌市南区定山渓温泉
- Telephone Number
- 011-598-2012
Kururu no Mori Farm
A Hands-On Farm Experience Where You Can Learn About Agriculture Through Harvesting and Cooking
Nestled in a spacious rural landscape, Hokuren Kururu no Mori offers a unique opportunity to experience Hokkaido's rich agricultural culture. This hands-on facility features seasonal programs where visitors can enjoy activities such as sowing seeds, harvesting crops, and preparing dishes using the freshly picked produce. With various plans available, even small children can participate, making it a perfect destination for families seeking a fun and educational day out.
The site also includes a direct sales store offering fresh agricultural and livestock products, as well as a farm restaurant that serves locally sourced cuisine. In the restaurant, visitors can enjoy a buffet of seasonal dishes prepared with fresh vegetables and natural ingredients, showcasing the true taste of Hokkaido. The vibrant selection of farm-to-table dishes is popular even among the locals.
The earthy scent of soil and the sensation of touching real crops in nature make for a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you're visiting with family or friends, Hokuren Kururu no Mori provides a rare chance to connect with the land and discover the joy of farming in Hokkaido.
- Address
- 北広島市大曲377-1
- Telephone Number
- 011-377-8700
- Open
- [Rural Restaurant] 11:00-15:30
[Agricultural and livestock products direct sales shop] 10:00-17:00 - Closed
- Mondays (some months are open all year round, depending on the season)
Eco-rin Village
An Ecology-Themed Garden
An about 40-hectare space that encompasses the Galaxy “Ginga” Garden, which has multiple themed gardens; the Animal Farm “Midori no Makiba,” with its sheep dog shows; a restaurant; a garden shop; and more. The facility makes efforts to reduce their environmental impact—for example, by recycling the kitchen waste from the restaurant into organic fertilizer.
- Address
- 恵庭市牧場277-4
- Telephone Number
- 0123-34-7800(9:30〜17:00)
- Open
- [Galaxy Garden & Green Farm] 9:30-17:00 (until 16:00 in October)
[Garden Terrace Hana no Makiba] 9:30-17:00
[Welcome Center] (April to October) 9:30 to 17:00, (November to March) 10:00 to 17:00
[Tomato no Mori] 10:00-16:00
[Restaurant Rakudaken] 10:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:00)
[Forest Restaurant Ten-Man] 10:00-16:00 (L.O. 15:00)
[Sheep sheep camping field] Check-in 12:00-16:00, Check-out 10:00 - Closed
- [Galaxy Garden & Green Farm/Garden Terrace Hanano Makiba/Forest Restaurant Ten-Man] November to late April
[Welcome Center Restaurant Rakuda-ken] Year-end and New Year holidays
[Tomato no Mori] Mid-October to mid-April
[Sheep sheep camping field]December to May
Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium
Enjoy Exciting Encounters with the Fish of the Chitose River!
This aquarium offers a fun way to learn about the ecology of salmon and freshwater fish that inhabit the Chitose River. Inside, you'll find about 10,000 fish from freshwater habitats around the world, and the powerful sight of white sturgeon and Japanese huchen swimming in the large tank is truly impressive. The highlight is Japan's first "Underwater Observation Zone," allowing you to observe the actual conditions inside the Chitose River through glass. You can witness salmon fry in March, dace and cherry salmon in June, and salmon returning to spawn from late August through winter, all right before your eyes. In the interactive zone, popular tanks let you directly interact with fish, such as a touch pool with baby sturgeon and a doctor fish experience.
- Address
- 千歳市花園2-312サーモンパーク内
- Telephone Number
- 0123-42-3001
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- The New Year's holiday