Discover Hokkaido “Water Island of Japan”:A 4-Day Journey through the Secrets of Pure Water
4 -DAY
DIFFICULTY
GREEN SEASON
4Days 3nights
Min. 4 Max.15
River Canoe
Walking
- HIGHTLIGHTS
-
- The Source of Life: Deep dive into Japan’s iconic Onsen culture with a walking tour to the volcanic sources of Noboribetsu.
- Sacred Waters & Indigenous Wisdom: Explore the National Ainu Museum (Upopoy) to learn about the sacred relationship between the Ainu people, water, and salmon.
- Gourmet of the Earth: Taste the "Water Theme" through local Wagyu, sake brewery tours, and craft beer made from Mt. Yotei’s pristine subsoil water
Ntural Foot Soup
The Blessings of Niseko's Water
OVERVIEW
Hokkaido is whispered to have the finest water in Japan, but its true secret lies in the delicate balance between nature, people, and industry . This journey is more than a sightseeing tour; it is an exploration of the life cycle of water. From the volcanic springs of Noboribetsu that boil from the ancient earth, to the crystal-clear silence of Lake Shikotsu—one of Japan’s deepest and clearest lakes—you will witness how water shapes both the landscape and the soul of its people
Discover the spiritual connection between the Ainu people and the salmon-rich rivers, and see how modern industry strives to coexist with rare wildlife sanctuaries. Through canoeing, forest walking, and meeting local sake craftsmen who transform subsoil water into liquid gold, you will realize how water enriches every aspect of life in Hokkaido.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Symbiosis of Nature and Development
Depart from Sapporo to Lake Utonai Sanctuary, where you will explore the harmony between industrial development and bird conservation. Enjoy a nature walk along a 2km wooden path followed by canoeing on the gentle Bibigawa River to experience the ecosystem firsthand. The highlight is witnessing how human technology and pristine wildlife sanctuaries coexist in the Yufutsu Wilderness.
DAY 2
Earth’s Pulsation and Environmental Harmony
Explore the dramatic volcanic sources of Noboribetsu Onsen through a 3km forest walk to Jigokudani and Oyunuma. In the afternoon, visit an eco-friendly cosmetics factory to craft original aroma mists using natural spring water and local plants. The highlight is the contrast between the powerful, smoky volcanic landscape and the serene, crystal-clear beauty of Lake Shikotsu.
DAY 3
Indigenous Culture and Sacred Lakes
Wake up to the “mirror-like” waters of Lake Shikotsu for a private canoeing tour focused on sustainability. Later, visit Upopoy (National Ainu Museum) to learn about the spiritual bond between the Ainu people, rivers, and salmon. The highlight is an exclusive sake brewery tour in Niseko, where a master craftsman explains how Mt. Yotei’s subsoil water is transformed into premium sake.
DAY 4
Benefits of the Subsoil Water
Enjoy a guided 3.5km trek through Shinsen-numa, the most beautiful alpine marsh in the Niseko area. After a lunch featuring local ingredients and craft beer made from pristine mountain water, return to Sapporo. The highlight is a historical city tour in Sapporo, discovering the vital role water played in the town’s pioneering development and concluding with a celebratory toast.
MEAL
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wagyu Yakiniku near the river | ||
| 2 | Lunch at Natu-Forest Factory restaurant. | ||
| 3 | Soba lunch in Shiraoi | ||
| 4 | Local craft beer workshop and gourmet hamburgers made from Mt. Yotei’s waters |
ACCOMMODATIONS
| Area | Facility Type | Room Type | Onsen / Spa | WiFi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noboribets-Onsen |  |
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| 2 | Lake-Shikotsu-Onsen | |
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| 3 | Niseko | |
Tour Operator / Contact
TOBU TOP TOURS Co.,LTD Sapporo Branch
- Address
7F Park East Sapporo, 1-3, South 1 East 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0051 Japan
2020spk@tobutoptours.co.jp
- WEBsite
https://www.tobutoptours.co.jp/en/
Awareness of environmentally friendly action and the protection of our precious nature has always been at the core of our corporate philosophy. We feel that we need to do more than our obligations to ensure that our business and participants have a positive impact on the community. Our important goal is also to encourage guests to spend more time in Hokkaido’s natural environment, protecting the natural environment and taking action to respect the indigenous culture.
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