A superior experience that is more valuable than taking the JR train:
Traditionally, taking the JR train between Sapporo and Hakodate is expensive, and all you see along the way is monotonous railway scenery. Our itinerary, however, offers a much more affordable option, taking you directly to places "not directly accessible by JR": Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Jigokudani! Avoid the fatigue of carrying luggage and transferring trains; the experience and value far surpass JR-only travel! In two days, we'll travel south, traversing the natural and urban essence of Hokkaido: lakes, volcanoes, night views, ports, seafood… not just a superficial glance, but a step-by-step exploration of Hokkaido.
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 5 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Shopping Experience | Local Markets |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Traditional markets, City walking tour, Historic site tour, Food tour・Izakaya Hopping |
| Transport | Bus tour |
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company names: Honyoshi Bus and other Hokkaido bus companies
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Minimum group size: 5
Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Name of the operating company: ワンダースタイルズ Co., Ltd.
Address: 10-4 Odori Nishi 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City, Odori Building 7th Floor
License Number: Hokkaido Governor's Registered Travel Agent No. 2-862
Travel Association Name: None
【Entrusted sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Tourism Authority of Singapore Registration No. 2045
Affiliated Group: Japan Travel Agents Association (JATA)
A minimum of 5 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 5 day(s) before the departure date
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
The two-day Hakodate tour includes a guided nighttime view tour. Departure and meeting times may be subject to change depending on the actual arrangements for the Hakodate nighttime view tour. To ensure you are notified of any changes promptly, please ensure the social media account you provided is correct and check your messages during the tour.
This itinerary does not include meals and accommodation; please arrange your own meals and accommodation. Optional activities include the Zhushan Ropeway, Bear Ranch, Goryokaku Pagoda, and Hakodate Ropeway, all at your own expense.
We will send you a confirmation email after 3:00 PM the day before your trip. The email will include the meeting time, your tour guide's contact information, and the vehicle's license plate number. Please check your inbox (it may end up in your spam folder).
The first day's itinerary ends around 7:30 PM, and the meeting point for the second day is at 8:00 AM. All locations are near Hakodate Station. For your convenience, we strongly recommend that you prioritize hotels near Hakodate Station when booking accommodations to facilitate seamless travel.
To avoid delaying your next departure, please arrive at the designated location 15 minutes in advance. Late arrivals will be considered as automatic cancellations and no refunds will be given.
Please keep your personal belongings safe and try not to carry valuables; you will be responsible for any loss or damage.
Infants aged 0-2 years who do not occupy a seat are free of charge, but must be informed in advance to avoid being refused service by the driver due to vehicle overload.
The journey is quite long; please be patient if you encounter traffic congestion. Our company will not be liable for any subsequent costs incurred due to delays caused by traffic jams. Thank you for your understanding.
Visitors typically use the Hakodateyama Ropeway, which provides a direct and scenic ascent from the base station to the observation deck. Alternatively, local buses or taxis can also take you up the mountain road, offering another convenient option, though the ropeway is often chosen for its panoramic views during the ride.
The term 'Million Dollar Night View' for Hakodate originated from an old estimate suggesting the total value of the city lights seen from Hakodateyama amounted to a million dollars. It vividly describes the breathtaking, sparkling panoramic vista, particularly noted for its distinctive hourglass shape formed by the two bays embracing the city.
While Hakodate's night view is globally celebrated, other prominent 'world's best night views' often include Hong Kong's Victoria Peak and Naples, Italy. These locations, like Hakodate, offer awe-inspiring panoramic vistas of illuminated cityscapes set against natural backdrops, drawing millions of visitors worldwide.
While walking trails are available for Hakodateyama, the most popular and recommended methods for ascent are the Hakodateyama Ropeway or taking a local bus or taxi. The ropeway offers quick access and excellent views. Walking might be an option for those seeking a hike during daylight, but it is less common for night view visitors due to practicalities and time.
For first-time visitors to this Hokkaido region, essential attractions include the iconic Hakodateyama night view, the bustling Hakodate Morning Market, and the historic Motomachi district. In Toyako, Lake Toya and the active volcanic dome Showa Shinzan are must-sees. Noboribetsu Hell Valley offers a unique geothermal landscape with hot springs and fumaroles.
A well-planned 2-day tour can efficiently cover the main highlights of Hakodate, Toyako, and Noboribetsu. This duration allows for experiencing key natural wonders like Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, Noboribetsu Hell Valley, and the renowned Hakodateyama night view, especially when the itinerary is optimized to avoid backtracking and maximize sightseeing time.
The period from late spring to autumn, specifically May to October, generally offers the most pleasant weather for visiting Hakodate, Toyako, and Noboribetsu. Summer (July-August) is popular for its mild temperatures, while autumn (September-October) presents stunning fall foliage. Winter (December-March) offers beautiful snowscapes but requires preparation for colder conditions.
While self-driving is a common option, it is not the only convenient way to visit these remote attractions. Guided tours often provide efficient transportation to places like Toyako, Showa Shinzan, and Noboribetsu Hell Valley, which are not directly accessible by JR trains. This alternative removes the need for navigation, parking, and vehicle rental, allowing travelers to enjoy the scenery stress-free.