A three-day trip through the retro townscape and of Hakodate Arrive at Hakodate Airport and depart from New Chitose Airport

Upon arrival at Hakodate Airport, we will first head to our lodgings for the day. On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful Hakodate cityscape from the windows of the bus and streetcar. After dropping off your luggage at your accommodation, you will head out for a quick city tour. From Yunokawa Onsen, we will take the streetcar and walk to Goryokaku Park. Goryokaku Park is a rare, star-shaped fortress built in the mid-19th century. The entire park can be viewed from the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower. Goryokaku Park is known best for its springtime cherry blossoms, but the snowy views of the Goryokaku make it worth the visit even during the winters. After taking a lunch break in the Goryokaku area, we will take a streetcar to Motomachi Area, where we will visit a church built in the mid-19th century as well as other historical buildings.

End the night with the iconic views that can be observed from Mount Hakodate.

Wake up in the morning for a soak in a hot spring bath, and start the second day of the trip fully refreshed. Rent a car at Hakodate Station and headed to Onuma Quasi-National Park. There you can make a hole in the frozen surface of the lake and enjoy wakasagi smelt fishing. You can also participate in snowmobiling, swan watching, and many other fun activities that are offered only during the winters. After having lunch, we will drive north to Lake Toya.

Buy some souvenirs at Wakasaimo Honpo and take a rest at the Silo Observation Deck, where we take in the spectacular views of the lake. Then we'll be back on the road to Noboribetsu Onsen, our hotel for the day. After checking in, take a stroll through Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley), which is lit up in the evening to give you an amazing view of the valley. For your second night, take a relaxing soak in the hot springs of Noboribetsu to wind up the day.

On the last day of the trip, we will leave Noboribetsu Onsen and head for Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Shiraoi Town. Here, we will visit the National Ainu Museum, which introduces the history and culture of the Ainu people in detail. You can also try your hand at making traditional Ainu crafts. For lunch, you can enjoy traditional Ainu food at the food court in the facility. After filling your heart and stomach with Ainu culture, head to Lake Shikotsu, located fairly close to the New Chitose Airport.

After you see the spectacular view of the blue waters of the winter lake, stop by the Lake Shikotsu Visitor Center. Your three-day trip to enjoy the history, culture, and nature of Hokkaido will end at New Chitose Airport. After being acquainted with the land and culture of Hokkaido, the views from the plane on the way back may look a little different from before.