4 Incentive Travel Plans in Hokkaido
If you're considering an incentive travel in Hokkaido, the best way is to fully enjoy its unparalleled natural environment and savor the various ingredients it offers. In this article, we introduce the following four plans.
1. Food Tour for Gourmets
2. Alcohol Tour for Drink Lovers
3. Winter Nature Tour
4. Summer Nature Tour
Food Tour for Gourmets: "Hokkaido Gourmet Expedition"
Hokkaido is renowned for its diverse ingredients born from its rich natural environment and the unique food culture that leverages them. This tour targets those passionate about food, offering an exploration of Hokkaido's select gourmet delights and an experience of tasting dishes abundantly using local ingredients. From the sea, fresh seafood; from the mountains, wild vegetables and mushrooms; and from the vast farmlands, high-quality vegetables and fruits are harvested, all enriching Hokkaido's culinary offerings.
Day 1: Sapporo
Lunch at Sapporo Central Market is the perfect start to indulge in Hokkaido's proud fresh seafood. The seafood caught in this region is of particularly high quality within Japan, and tasting it on the spot allows for enjoying the freshest state of marine products. For dinner, taste the Hokkaido specialty, lamb meat, known for its origin as a by-product of wool production. The combination of juicy lamb and beer at Sapporo Beer Garden is unparalleled.
Day 2: Otaru
Move to the scenic Otaru and stroll along the historic canal, heading towards the sushi street. Otaru is known for its fresh marine products, and sushi is one of the dishes that best brings out the goodness of these seafood ingredients. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of a music box and other craft stores, and indulge in sweets.
Day 3: Furano
Head to Furano and enjoy a lunch made with local agricultural produce. Blessed with vast lands, Hokkaido is one of Japan's leading agricultural areas. Furano, in particular, is known for its fertile soil and clean water sources, making it famous for high-quality vegetables and grains. Like agriculture, dairy farming is also indispensable to Hokkaido's industries. An afternoon dairy farming experience allows tasting fresh dairy products from cows raised in Hokkaido's vast pastures.
Day 4: Asahikawa
In Asahikawa, enjoy the local ramen. "Asahikawa Ramen" is characterized by the fusion of seafood and pork bone broth. Asahikawa once had a thriving pig farming industry. Being a logistics hub in Hokkaido, it was easy to access seafood even inland, leading to the creation of the indispensable double soup for Asahikawa Ramen.
Day 5: Sapporo
The final day offers free time in Sapporo. Reflect on the culinary experiences in each visited location, and enjoy your last gourmet meal without regrets.
Alcohol Tour for Drink Lovers: "Drunken Journey Through the Northern Lands"
Hokkaido, with its pristine waters and cool climate, boasts a variety of breweries producing beer, wine, whiskey, and sake. This tour takes alcohol aficionados across Hokkaido to visit local breweries and distilleries, allowing them to witness the production processes firsthand and experience the depth of flavors through tastings. Interaction with local brewers and distillers is also planned, sharing the passion and craftsmanship behind Hokkaido's beverages.
Day 1: Sapporo
A welcome dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden marks the first step into Hokkaido's beer culture. Hokkaido is the birthplace of beer brewing in Japan, literally the home of "Sapporo Beer." Enjoy the unparalleled freshness of just-brewed beer.
Day 2: Yoichi
Yoichi is synonymous with whiskey! Japanese whiskey, now famous worldwide, has its mecca in Hokkaido. The climate and natural environment, similar to Scotland's whiskey heartland, have made this region a hotspot for whiskey production. Among them, the Nikka Whisky Distillery in Yoichi stands as one of Japan's representative distilleries.
Day 3: Furano
The European-like climate of Hokkaido nurtures grape cultivation as well, especially in the vast hills of Furano, which is ideal for viticulture. The Furano Wine Factory, a municipality-operated winery, uses only Furano-produced ingredients for its wine. While tasting, listen to the history of Furano's wine.
Day 4: Obihiro
In Obihiro, experience a different beer culture than in Sapporo. Craft beer is currently trending in Hokkaido, with Obihiro offering a variety of craft beers. Pairing these with another local specialty, pork bowl, makes for a special Obihiro night.
Day 5: Sapporo
On the final day, while reflecting on the experiences, carefully select souvenirs from the array of Hokkaido's alcoholic beverages available in Sapporo. You might need an extra trunk for all the treasures you find.
Winter Nature Tour: "Walking on a Snow Carpet"
Winter in Hokkaido is a gateway to another world enveloped in snow. This tour offers a full experience of Hokkaido's winter charm through activities set against snowy landscapes and relaxation in hot springs. Enjoying the art of snow and ice, adventures across snowfields, and unique winter gourmet, this plan allows for the complete enjoyment of winter in Hokkaido.
Day 1: Sapporo
Start with a warm-up in Sapporo city, preparing for the silver-white world that awaits. If the schedule allows, you may also enjoy the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, a winter light festival that promises a fantastical night.
Day 2: Asahikawa
Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa is renowned for its unique exhibition concept called "behavioral exhibition," differing from other zoos. Observe winter-specific animal behaviors such as penguin walks only performed during the snowy season.
Day 3: Biei
In Biei, immerse yourself in a world of silver. Known as the town of hills, Biei's winter landscape, with its gentle snow-covered undulations and scattered trees, resembles a postcard scene. Wearing snowshoes, listen to the silence as you make the first tracks on an untouched snowfield.
Day 4: Furano
Now for the winter's main dish, dive into the Japow! Among the world-renowned Hokkaido powder snow, Furano Ski Resort, located in an inland basin, boasts exceptional snow quality. Spend the day in the snow and the evening soaking in hot springs—a combination hard to experience elsewhere.
Day 5: Sapporo
Spend a leisurely final day in Sapporo. Whether indulging in winter specialties like miso ramen and crab hot pot or enjoying one last hot spring, relax and prepare for your journey home.
Summer Nature Tour: "Breathing in the Lush Green Hokkaido"
Summer in Hokkaido is a paradise of lush nature. While the summer in Japan can often be oppressively hot and humid, Hokkaido enjoys relatively cool and low humidity conditions, making it a comfortable destination within Japan during the summer months. Moreover, the majestic landscapes of Hokkaido, unparalleled by those in Honshu, are sure to become a lifelong memory for participants. This journey will allow you to fully immerse in the charm of Hokkaido's summer and enjoy harmony with nature.
Day 1: Sapporo
Start your stay at the gateway to Hokkaido, Sapporo. The first day involves a light stroll through the city, soaking up the atmosphere surrounded by nature. Recommended nature spots nearby include Moerenuma Park, Okurayama Viewing Platform, and Mount Moiwa Viewing Platform.
Day 2: Kushiro
First, take a flight to Kushiro. Enjoy a trekking tour in Kushiro Marsh, Japan's largest marshland. Known for its unique ecosystem, the marsh is a must-see for nature lovers, offering close-up observations of diverse flora and fauna coexisting. The peace and tranquility experienced here are invaluable, offering a break from urban life.
Day 3: Teshikaga
Head to Teshikaga and experience the beauty of its lakes. The area is home to Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu, each with its own unique beauty. Lake Mashu, in particular, is known for its exceptionally clear water worldwide, captivating visitors with its mystical blue. Enjoy the charm of each lake fully, using canoes or pleasure boats.
Day 4: Shiretoko
Move to the Shiretoko Peninsula to explore its magnificent nature. Shiretoko is a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous as a habitat for wildlife. Experience Shiretoko's great outdoors through trekking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes or cruising along the coastline. It's also recommended to extend your journey to the Notsuke Peninsula for a unique landscape that reminds one of the edge of the world.
Day 5: Sapporo
Return to Sapporo for a free final day. Spend it as you wish, whether it’s shopping for souvenirs or revisiting spots you loved. After fully enjoying summer in Hokkaido, prepare to head home with cherished memories in your heart.