Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Interested in camping but don’t have the tools or the experience? We recommend glamping in the great natures of Tokachi at Feriendorf, a rural holiday village in the Nakasatsunai area.

At Feriendorf, you can either have a relaxing stay at a cottage or choose to sleep in a tent for the full camping experience. Both plans come with a BBQ set and a shared kamado, a Japanese stove to cook your own rice, so there’s no compromise when it comes to food.

At night, don’t forget to look up at Tokachi’s beautiful night sky! 

■Address: 283 Minamitokiwa, Nakasatsunai, Kasai District, Hokkaido

■Access: 15-minute drive from Obihiro Airport

Early summer is cherry season in Hokkaidoーif you’re looking to taste the best cherries in the prefecture, we recommend you try cherry-picking, where you can enjoy fresh cherries right off the vine. The Ohashi Cherry Farm grows different types of cherries, all available for picking and tasting right then and there. It’s an experience that allows us to not only taste the delicious fruit but also learn about where they come from and how they’re cultivated here in Japan.

■Information on Ohashi Cherry Farm:

Best season: early July to late August

Note: There are many cherry farms that offer similar experiences in Hokkaido, so you can check if there is a location close to your travel destination.

Going on a canoe tour is one of the best ways you can experience the great natures of Kushiro, Hokkaido, and it is definitely one of the most recommended activities to try in the area. The Kushiro River expands from the headwater all the way to the marshes, where you may be able to meet wildlife like deer, eagles and the long-tailed tit. There are a few different canoe tours, so pick the one that you might like best!

*English guide available

■Access: 45-min. drive from JR Kushiro Station, or an hour drive from Kushiro Airport

Hot air balloon tours are unique to places that are abundant in vast natural landscapes, like that of Hokkaido. There are various tours available in the prefecture, and Tokachi, Niseko, and Furano are a few of the more popular areas. Tokachi is especially known for its endless view of green farms and mountains during the summer season. There’s a free-flight course for those who are brave enough to try, or an alternative course which uses a rope to tie the hot air balloon in place.

Get to know the magnificent sea creatures of Shiretoko, Hokkaido by going on one of the cruise tours!  The town of Rausu and the Shiretoko Peninsula are home to numerous cruises where you can see birds and sea mammals that make visits throughout the year. During these excursions, there’s a good chance that you will see eagles, whales and dolphins up close and in action. Early summer to fall is also when killer whales often make appearances!

We recommend these cruise tours for something that’s a bit different from the typical Hokkaido experience.

*Travelers should note that it’s not guaranteed to see specific animals during the tour.

■Access: 1-hour drive from Nakashibetsu Airport, 1.5-hour drive from Shiretokoshari Station