Eastern Hokkaido 5-Day Tour by Private Taxi Charter

Overview

Embark on an expansive and rejuvenating 5-day, 4-night private taxi tour through the magnificent heart of Eastern Hokkaido (Doto). This grand itinerary is meticulously crafted to showcase the region’s diverse and stunning natural beauty, from the picturesque flower-dotted fields of Biei and Furano to the wild, UNESCO-protected coastline of the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Traveling by a comfortable, dedicated sightseeing taxi is the only practical way to link the geographically distant wonders of the Akan-Mashu-Shiretoko National Parks with the pastoral beauty of Central Hokkaido. This charter service eliminates the stress of complicated train and bus transfers, ensuring you move efficiently and comfortably between volcanic hot springs, crystalline caldera lakes, and vast flower fields.

You will spend five luxurious days creating unforgettable memories, immersed in Hokkaido’s unique culture, savoring its fresh cuisine, and finding relaxation in the region’s renowned hot spring resorts, all from the privacy and comfort of a Toyota Alphard or Toyota Hiace.

Highlights

• Volcanic Wonders of Akan-Mashu: Experience the deep blue serenity of Lake Mashu, view the active sulfur vents of Mount Io, and unwind in the lakeside hot springs of Lake Akan Onsen and Kawayu Onsen.
• UNESCO World Heritage Shiretoko: Explore the untouched wilderness of the Shiretoko Peninsula, visiting the serene Shiretoko Five Lakes, the cascading Oshinkoshin Falls, and driving the famed Road to Heaven.
• Biei and Furano Pastoral Beauty: Wander through the colorful fields of Biei’s Patchwork Hill and capture the ethereal blue light of the Blue Pond (Aoiike) before enjoying the vast meadows of Naitai Farm.
• Tokachi Nature and Wildlife: Stroll through the expertly designed landscapes of Tokachi Millennium Forest and encounter adorable animals and large-scale ranching operations at Naitai Farm, Japan’s largest public ranch.
• Hokkaido Marine Life Finale: Conclude your adventure with a visit to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium near the airport, allowing for an up-close look at the rare and diverse marine life of Hokkaido’s rivers and oceans.

Complete Details

This 5-day, 4-night tour is a comprehensive exploration of Central and Eastern Hokkaido’s natural and cultural landmarks, utilizing a dedicated sightseeing taxi to maximize efficiency and comfort across the long travel distances.

Day 1: Biei’s Artistic Landscape

• Morning/Afternoon: Begin the tour in the Biei area. Explore the unique scenery of the Patchwork Hill and Panorama Road, where agricultural fields create a colorful, quilt-like pattern (seasonal).
• Mid-Afternoon: Visit the famous Blue Pond (Aoiike) to see the striking blue water and submerged trees.
• Evening: Enjoy a delicious local dinner before checking into your accommodation in or around the Furano/Tokachi region.

Day 2: Furano, Tokachi Meadows, and Lake Akan

• Morning: Explore the Furano area, visiting seasonal flower attractions and attractions like the Naitai Farm, Japan’s largest public ranch, offering vast open scenery and animal viewing opportunities.
• Lunch: Enjoy a meal featuring local Tokachi produce, beef, or dairy.
• Afternoon: Stroll through the peaceful landscapes of Tokachi Millennium Forest, an expansive, nature-focused park.
• Evening: Drive to Lake Akan Onsen for check-in. Relax in the hot springs and explore the adjacent Ainu Kotan (traditional Ainu village).

Day 3: Volcanoes, Lakes, and Utoro

• Morning: Drive to the Akan-Mashu National Park. Visit an observation deck to view the mystical, clear-blue Lake Mashu.
• Mid-day: Visit Mount Io (Iōzan) to see the yellow sulfur fumaroles and boiling steam vents up close. Stop at Kawayu Onsen for an optional footbath.
• Afternoon: Continue the journey toward the Shiretoko Peninsula.
• Evening: Arrive at Utoro Onsen (Shiretoko) for check-in. The area offers optional sightseeing boat tours (seasonal) which sometimes view the majestic Monbetsu Fuji (Mount Shari) from the sea.

Day 4: Shiretoko World Heritage Wilderness

• Morning: Explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko). Take the elevated wooden boardwalk or the ground trail (seasonal restrictions may apply) for pristine views of the lakes and surrounding forests.
• Mid-day: Visit Oshinkoshin Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall that plunges down into the sea, known as the “Twin Beauties.”
• Afternoon: Drive the scenic Road to Heaven and through the Shiretoko Pass, offering spectacular coastal views and the chance to see wildlife.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh, local seafood in Utoro before a final relaxing night in the onsen.

Day 5: Transit and Marine Life Finale

• Morning: Begin the long but comfortable private transfer towards the Chitose area.
• Mid-day: Visit Chitose Salmon Aquarium, which features an underwater observation zone into the Chitose River, allowing you to see native fish like salmon in their natural habitat, alongside other local marine life.
• Afternoon: An optional stop at Ecorin Village (if time allows, note the significant travel distance) to see various farm animals, or direct drop-off at New Chitose Airport (CTS) or your Sapporo-area hotel.

Vehicle Options: Choose the executive Toyota Alphard (6-7 passengers) for a luxurious and quiet long-distance ride, or the practical Toyota Hiace/Wagon (10 passengers) for larger groups and maximum storage space.

Booking with Jasumo

For booking this private 5-day Eastern Hokkaido Grand Nature Immersion tour, or to arrange any custom multi-day itinerary that adapts this route to your specific interests or seasonal timing, please contact us using the Contact Us Form. We will handle all of your travel arrangements for a unique and comfortable journey.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Eastern Hokkaido for this 5-day tour?

The most popular time is summer (June to August) for the flower fields of Biei/Furano and the Shiretoko sightseeing boats. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is spectacular for the early autumn foliage at Shiretoko Five Lakes and Shiretoko Pass.

How does a private taxi enhance this long, multi-day tour?

A private taxi is essential for covering the massive distances between Shiretoko, Lake Akan, and Furano efficiently and comfortably. It provides door-to-door service between hotels and remote trailheads, eliminates rigid public transport schedules, and offers the flexibility to stop for photos or unscheduled breaks anywhere you choose.

Are the Shiretoko Five Lakes accessible during all seasons of the tour?

Access to the Shiretoko Five Lakes is seasonal. The elevated wooden boardwalk is typically open year-round, but the ground walking trails are restricted or closed during parts of the year, especially during the brown bear activity season (May to late July), which may require guided tours.

What types of hot springs can we expect to experience on this itinerary?

The tour includes stays near several unique onsen resorts. Lake Akan Onsen offers relaxing springs by the lake. Kawayu Onsen is famous for its highly acidic, sulfurous waters believed to have strong therapeutic properties. You will have opportunities for nightly soaks at your chosen accommodations.

Since Chitose is far from Shiretoko, is the Day 5 itinerary realistic?

Yes, the private taxi makes the long journey (approximately 5 hours driving time) from Shiretoko to Chitose in one comfortable push. The visit to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium is strategically located near New Chitose Airport (CTS), making it an efficient final stop before a late-afternoon or evening flight departure.

Location