15 Top Tours In Hokkaido (With Reviews & Prices)

Hokkaido is a fantastic destination for those who crave authentic outdoor adventures, spectacular scenery, and cultural insights. Unlike other regions in Japan, Hokkaido offers vast wilderness areas, diverse wildlife, and less crowded attractions. We especially love tours like the Primeval Forest Cliff Trekking for wildlife encounters and the full-day private Furano and Biei tour that combines scenic lavender fields with personalized exploration. If you’re interested in observing majestic birds like the Steller’s Sea Eagle, the Eagle Watching tour is a highlight. Overall, Hokkaido’s tours are distinguished by their focus on nature, wildlife, and local flavor.

Quick Overview

This list features a variety of tours suited for different interests and schedules. If you love wildlife, you’ll find opportunities like the Wildlife Watching Tour and Drift Ice Walks. For scenic landscapes, the Furano & Biei full-day tours and Lake Toya Premium Tour shine. Those seeking a more adventurous or personalized experience can opt for the private customizable tours or the trekking and mountain tours. Here’s your guide to the best options.

1. 3hours Primeval Forest and Stunning Views of Cliff Trekking Tour

This tour is one of the most popular for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll hike through a pristine primeval forest with expert guides leading the way. The highlight is a towering cliff over 100 meters tall, offering spectacular waterfalls and sweeping views. Free rental rainwear, rubber boots, and binoculars make exploring easy, even in unpredictable weather. The tour’s high review rating of 5.0/5 from 20 travelers speaks to its engaging experience. Expect to see animal tracks, possible wildlife encounters, and learn about the ecosystem from knowledgeable guides. The price of around $54 makes it an excellent value for an authentic nature walk. If you love the idea of walking in untouched wilderness with wildlife sightings, this tour is a winner.

Bottom Line: Perfect for outdoor lovers who want a guided walk with wildlife spotting and scenic waterfalls. Easy to join and affordable.

2. 3.5hours Primeval Forest Snowshoe hike and Wildlife Watching Tour

This tour is ideal if you’re visiting in winter and want a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll follow animal-made tracks through snow-covered forests, often with a high chance of seeing wildlife like deer or fox prints. If enough snow falls, snowshoes are provided, enabling you to walk anywhere, even on deep snow. Guides will help you interpret footprints and search for signs of animals. Rated 5.0/5 from 14 reviews, this tour is praised for its small group size and authentic wilderness feel. The $56 price makes it an accessible way to experience winter’s quiet beauty and wildlife. It’s suitable for those comfortable in snow and looking for an active, nature-focused outing.

Bottom Line: A memorable winter adventure for those willing to walk in snow and observe animal signs in a remote setting.

3. Furano & Biei 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver only, No Guide

This private, fully customizable six-hour tour offers relaxed exploration of Furano and Biei with an English-speaking driver. For around $548, up to four people can enjoy the flexibility of choosing their stops. Highlights include Farm Tomita with its iconic lavender fields, Ningle Terrace for artisanal shopping, and the Furano Cheese Factory. The driver acts as a chauffeur, making it ideal for travelers who want maximum flexibility without a guide. The itinerary can be tailored to your interests—whether it’s lavender in July or flower fields in other seasons. Reviews mention the driver’s friendliness and the ability to customize stops, which makes this a fantastic value for those who prefer private tours.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a personalized day exploring Furano and Biei with total flexibility.

4. Furano & Biei 4 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver only, No Guide

For a shorter, half-day private experience, this tour offers an efficient way to see Furano and Biei at your own pace. Starting from about $347, it includes private transportation with an English-speaking driver. You can select a few key sites such as Farm Tomita, where lavender blooms in summer, Ningle Terrace, or the Furano Cheese Craft Center. The driver will handle logistics, enabling you to focus on enjoying the scenery or shopping. The flexibility is a great advantage, especially if your schedule is tight or you want to skip certain stops. With a 5/5 review, travelers appreciated the early pickup and ability to customize their day.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting a half-day private tour with personalized stops.

5. Steller’s sea Eagle/White-tailed Eagle watching tour

This tour is a must-do for bird lovers or those interested in majestic wildlife. Over about 2 hours, you’ll explore the Shiretoko Peninsula, a prime spot for observing the Steller’s Sea Eagle and White-tailed Eagle in winter. Watching these giants soaring overhead is unforgettable. The tour also offers opportunities to see Ezo Sika Deer, Ezo Red Foxes, and even seals on the ice. The average review is a perfect 5.0/5, reflecting its appeal. The tour costs roughly $32, making it a budget-friendly way to see some of Hokkaido’s most iconic winter wildlife. The shared meeting point at the roadside rest area makes it convenient.

Bottom Line: An extraordinary wildlife experience suited for birdwatchers and nature lovers who want to see breathtaking eagles in their natural habitat.

6. Full-day City Tour of Sapporo with Guide from Niseko

This guided tour of Sapporo offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and local flavor in around 7 hours. Starting at the Clock Tower, you’ll also visit Odori Park, where seasonal events take place. The highlight is the Nijo Market, perfect for sampling fresh seafood, and the Sapporo Beer Museum, which offers a fascinating look into the city’s brewing history. Reviewer Tomoyuki praises the guide’s local knowledge and flexibility. For $210, it’s a good value considering the comprehensive itinerary and transportation included. It’s ideal for travelers wanting an immersive city experience with a local guide.

Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a full culture in Sapporo with expert insights.

7. Departing from/Returning to Sapporo: Lake Toya Premium Tour 2 days

This is a luxurious two-day journey focused on enjoying Lake Toya during autumn. At around $2,357, it offers premium dining, including an exclusive dinner on Nakajima Island, with views of fireworks over the lake. The trip includes a stay at a top hotel, a boat ride to Nakajima, and visits to Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This tour is suited for travelers looking to indulge in comfort and scenery. The reviews highlight the “excellent time” and “informative guide,” making it ideal for those wanting a special, hassle-free experience.

Bottom Line: For travelers seeking luxury and relaxation with beautiful scenery, this is top-tier.

8. 2hours Drift ice walk guided tour in Shiretoko National Park

This 2-hour tour offers the chance to walk on drift ice, a surreal experience where you wear specialized dry suits. Rated 3.5/5 from 3 reviews, it’s a unique adventure that combines safety with excitement. The dry suits provide high heat retention and buoyancy, making it accessible even for those concerned about cold temperatures. The tour focuses on 360° views of sea and ice, and the guides help you interpret the icy landscape. Costing about $54, it’s a relatively affordable way to see and walk on drift ice, often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with cold weather.

Bottom Line: A rare chance to walk on drift ice, perfect for winter explorers.

9. Furano Private Customizable Half Day Tour

This private tour lets you choose 2-3 sites in Furano for about $156 per person. It’s perfect for travelers who want to personalize their experience, whether visiting flower fields, local shrines, or a winery. You’ll be guided by a knowledgeable expert who tailors the itinerary to your interests. The flexibility allows you to focus on what you love—be it lavender fields in summer or local cheese. The reviews are currently not available, but the customizable nature makes it ideal for those who prefer to set their own pace and priorities.

Bottom Line: Best for independent travelers wanting a personalized half-day explore.

10. Private Fishing & Nature Experience in Hokkaido

For a full day of relaxing in nature, this private fishing tour offers a chance to learn from an experienced angler. Priced at around $425, it includes hands-on fishing in scenic spots, with the guide sharing over 30 years of experience. The trip covers rural and scenic areas around Asahikawa, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The focus is on learning techniques and exploring hidden fishing spots not accessible to the average tourist. Although reviews are currently not available, the appeal lies in the personalized instruction and serene surroundings.

Bottom Line: Ideal for fishing enthusiasts and those wanting a peaceful day in nature.

11. Furano Private Customizable Full Day Tour

This full-day private experience offers 8 hours of tailored exploration. For about $230 per person, you can pick 4-5 sites, including scenic vineyards, local shrines, or flower fields. The guide provides insights and recommendations to maximize your visit. It suits travelers wanting an intimate, flexible day in Furano, especially those with specific interests. Since reviews aren’t available yet, this tour’s strength is its customization and personal attention.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a bespoke day exploring Furano at their own pace.

12. 8 Hours Shore Excursion in Noboribetsu from Muroran Cruise Port

This all-day tour is designed for cruise travelers wishing to explore Noboribetsu’s famous hot springs and volcanic scenery. Starting from the Muroran Cruise Port, it includes visits to Jigokudani Valley with its steaming vents and sulfurous ponds, plus time at Noboribetsu Onsen for bathing. The tour costs about $983, considering it offers a comprehensive experience with private transportation and multiple stops. Reviews are currently not available, but the itinerary suits those seeking relaxation and geological wonders.

Bottom Line: Best for cruise passengers wanting an in-depth hot spring experience.

13. Hokkaido 2-Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo

This two-day winter adventure combines drift ice cruising aboard Garinko III and visits to Asahiyama Zoo to see the famous penguin walk. The tour also includes time at the Sounkyo hot springs—a perfect way to relax after active days. Although the review score isn’t available, the itinerary is packed with iconic experiences like icebreaking and animal encounters. Priced at around $350, it’s suited for travelers wanting an immersive winter trip with a mix of adventure and leisure.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine winter wildlife with icebreaker thrills over two days.

14. E-MTB Ride Tour in a Town at the Foot of the Hidaka Mountains

This 2.5-hour electric mountain bike tour explores Samani Town in the Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park. It’s perfect for active travelers wanting to experience the landscape’s geological stories and local industries like fishing. The guide shares insights about the formation of the Hidaka Mountains and local culture. Costing about $99, it’s a great way to cover ground without overexerting yourself, and the scenery includes panoramic views and natural beauty.

Bottom Line: Best for outdoor-loving cyclists interested in geology and local culture.

15. Mt. Tokachi Private Trekking Tour with Spectacular Mountain View

This short, 1-hour trek up Mt. Tokachi offers early autumn colorful views and a chance to experience Daisetsuzan National Park. Rated 0/5, but the description promises stunning mountain vistas, making it ideal for less-fit travelers or those wanting a quick outdoor activity. The tour is flexible, with a focus on enjoying nature without strenuous effort, perfect for a family outing or first-time hikers. The cost of around $92 makes it accessible for most.

Bottom Line: An easy, scenic walk for beginners or those short on time but wanting a mountain view.

How to Choose Your Perfect Hokkaido Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your interests, fitness level, and the time you have available. Wildlife lovers should check out the Wildlife Watching or Drift Ice Walk. For scenic landscapes, the Furano & Biei tours offer unbeatable views of flower fields and mountain scenery. If you prefer luxury and relaxation, the Lake Toya Premium Tour provides top-tier accommodations and exclusive experiences.

Consider your budget: tours like the Wildlife or Eagle Watching are budget-friendly, while the Lake Toya luxury trip is more of an investment. Think about seasonality; some tours, like the snowshoe hikes or drift ice walks, are best during winter, while flower tours shine in summer.

Finally, book early to secure spots—especially for popular activities like the full-day Furano & Biei tours or the 2-day icebreaker trip.

Hokkaido offers a range of extraordinary experiences, whether you’re after wildlife, mountain vistas, or cultural insights. For nature lovers, tours like the Primeval Forest Trek and Snowshoe Wildlife provide deep immersion. For scenic beauty and personalized exploration, the Furano & Biei private tours are unmatched. If wildlife is your focus, the eagle and drift ice tours deliver unforgettable moments.

No matter your travel style, booking early and choosing the right activity will ensure you get the most from this rugged, beautiful part of Japan.