Hokkaido Escape

Konnichiwa, Hokkaido! Meet your Trip Manager and fellow travellers before we get our first taste of Japan's northernmost island. We'll settle down in Sapporo (a city where buzzing nightlife meets incredible local food), where you'll have the chance to wander through the neon-lit streets of Susukino, check out the famous Ramen Alley or settle into a local izakaya for dinner.

Today, we'll swap city streets for rolling countryside as we leave Sapporo behind and head deeper into Hokkaido. First up: Shikisai-no-Oka, for colourful flower fields that stretch across the hillsides. Then it's time to experience one of Hokkaido's quirkiest road trip traditions with a stop at a Michi-no-Eki (AKA a service station) where you'll have time to grab lunch.This afternoon, we'll visit a soy sauce factory to see the craft behind one of Japan's most essential ingredients (and even sample a few varieties, of course). Later, we'll arrive in Asahikawa. Check in and perhaps unwind with a soak in the hotel's Onsen. Later, your Trip Manager will lead an orientation walk to help you get your bearings of this city.

Ready for Hokkaido's wild side? Today we're heading for Taisetsuzan National Park, home to some of the island's most dramatic mountain scenery.We'll hop on the Mt Asahidake Ropeway and ride up the slopes of Hokkaido's highest peak before exploring on foot through the volcanic landscapes of Taisetsuzan National Park (AKA Daisetsuzan National Park). You've got around an hour to take in the rugged scenery, steaming vents and sweeping mountain views that make this a favourite among outdoor lovers. Oh, and keep your camera handy for some of Hokkaido's very best photo ops.After returning to Asahikawa, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Maybe have a wander around Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum? Or, if you wanna dial up the adrenaline, there's an optional white water rafting adventure in Minami Furano up for grabs. The rest of the evening is all yours.

Fancy getting even closer to Hokkaido's wild landscapes? Join us for an optional hike through Mt Tokachi Geo Park this morning before we head to our next stop, stopping at another Michi-no-Eki along the way.Welcome to Lake Akan. Our home base here is a traditional ryokan, complete with tatami-mat rooms and classic Japanese sleeping arrangements. You'll have time to explore the lakeside village and nearby Ainu Kotan before sitting down to a local dinner. Tonight, you'll also experience an Ainu dance performance before rolling out your futon and settling in for a distinctly Hokkaido stay.

What's better than an early walk around Lake Akan to kick off the day? From here, we'll continue to some of eastern Hokkaido's most fascinating natural sights, beginning with panoramic views over Lake Mashu from the observatory.Next up? Mt Io - an active volcano known for its steaming sulphur vents. Here, you'll also get to try the unique Sunayu experience, where naturally heated sand and water create a natural outdoor foot bath. Later, we'll check into our lodge near Lake Mashu. Feeling adventurous? There's the option to canoe on Lake Kussharo, one of the world's largest caldera lakes. We'll wrap up the day by gathering for a BBQ dinner and perhaps, stargazing too.

Time to say goodbye to Lake Mashu. On the way, we'll stop at Watanabe Farm for an ice cream-making experience that puts Hokkaido's renowned dairy produce centre stage. Plus, you can join an optional whale-watching cruise from Rausu for the chance to spot whales, dolphins and even orcas in the waters.By evening, we'll arrive in Shiretoko. Then the rest of the day is all yours to do whatever you please.

Today is all about exploring one of Japan's most spectacular wilderness regions on foot. First, we'll visit the Shiretoko Nature Centre before taking a short hike to Furepe Waterfall for some seriously impressive views. Next, we'll head to the Shiretoko Five Lakes area and follow the elevated boardwalk through a magical landscape shaped by forests, mountains and crystal-clear lakes. The afternoon is yours to relax or keep the adventure going with an optional coastal cycling experience.

Shiretoko, you were stunning. After breakfast, we'll head back to Sapporo, with a few Hokkaido faves along the way. Stop by at Kitami Mint Shop and sample some mint-inspired treats, before making another roadside stop at a Michi-no-Eki for lunch.Back in Sapporo, enjoy a free evening. Perhaps head out with your crew for a final-night get-together and tuck into local specialities like Genghis Khan BBQ or izakaya dishes.

And just like that, our Hokkaido adventure comes to an end. After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your crew, swap socials and start planning where you'll meet again on the road. Until next time, matane!