Hokkaido Self-Guided Tours

Your adventure, your way. Experience the best of Hokkaido at your own pace with the help of our local knowledge and support. Choose from our selection of self-guided itineraries and head off into Hokkaido under your own steam! These itineraries are perfect for small private groups, families, or even a honeymoon. We’ll be with you all the way from behind the scenes, leaving you free to enjoy your very own Hokkaido adventure with peace of mind.

Our Hokkaido Self-Guided Tours

The mountains of the Shiretoko National Park are reflected in a still lake at Shiretoko Five Lakes

Eastern Wilderness 7 Day Self-Guided Tour

Discover the breathtaking highlights of eastern Hokkaido with this self-guided itinerary, designed to immerse you in the beauty of two national parks. Enjoy exciting walks, spot fascinating wildlife, and interact with friendly locals.

Easy Multi-Activity

Jun

Sep

Oct

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A nighttime view of Hakodate Bay. The sun is setting and reflecting off the water, along with the lights of ships and buildings. Mt. Hakodate is visible in the background.

Hot Springs & History 7 Day Self-Guided Tour

With a perfect blend of urban excitement and off-the-beaten track exploration, this adventure takes you from the peaks of Hakodate to the dramatic landscapes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, including vast caldera lakes and fuming craters.

Relaxed Hiking

May

Jun

Sep

Oct

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A view of Lake Toya from up high. Most of the lake is visible. Nakajima Island is visible in the middle of the lake. It is a bright, sunny day.

Lakes & Volcanoes 8 Day Self-Guided Tour

Discover hidden natural beauty just hours from Sapporo City. Visit the hot spring towns of Jozankei, Lake Toya and Noboribetsu and get up close and personal with the lakes, mountains and volcanoes of Shikotsu–Toya National Park.

Intermediate Hiking

May

Jun

Sep

Oct

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Aerial image of the Northern Rebun Island

Northern Islands 7 Day Self-Guided Tour

Travel off the beaten track to the northern tip of Japan, home to Rebun and Rishiri islands. Explore the region’s varied trails along rugged coastlines and clifftops. Refuel with seafood at local restaurants and hot spring soaks.

Advanced Hiking

May

Aug

Sep

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Why Travel Self-Guided in Hokkaido

Getting around by public transport is fun and green

Hokkaido is the northernmost prefecture in Japan and also has the lowest population density. The island of Hokkaido is vast, with scenic landscapes, which you can enjoy taking in while travelling slowly on local trains and buses. Finding the right bus stops and paying the correct fares in coins can be challenging if you do not speak the language. However, we believe traveling alongside with local people makes for a fun adventure. People from Hokkaido can be shy when it comes to speaking English but they are warm at heart and are willing to help visitors in any way they can.
You are the guide...

Going independent allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility during the day. Although we pre-arrange accommodation (and some activities with guides) and suggest places to visit and activities to do, what you actually do during the day is up to you. You are your own guide, deciding where to go, where to eat, and what to do during the day. You are free to set your own daily schedule. Having a smartphone equipped with a local SIM is indispensable, as it will serve as your capable assistant guide, helping you with navigation and translation.
... but you are not alone

We are here to support you throughout the planning process and while you are traveling. We make reservations for the accommodations with included meals as described. We will arrange dinner with hotels where dining out is not an option, especially in remote villages. Activities that require bookings in advance will be arranged by us.
We provide daily cue sheets and vouchers for each day. The cue sheets provide the information about the details of public transport you should take on each day, where and what time the bus or train departs and arrives, and how much it costs. The vouchers are to be handed in to the receptionist or the guide at check-in, just to avoid any confusion and lost in translation moments.
In an emergency, whether you've missed your transport, gotten lost or are unwell, we are also just a phone call away. You can travel independently with the confidence of knowing you have a local friend ready to help if things don't go quite to plan.