Exploring Hokkaido's Unique Sustainable Living: A 7-Night, 8-Day Ecological Journey
Through Furano, Niseko, and Shiretoko Arrive at Asahikawa Airport and depart from Memanbetsu Airport

The exciting journey starts at Asahikawa Airport. From there, charter a jumbo taxi to Furano, where you will spend the first two days. Your first stop is Flower Land Kamifurano, one of the largest tourist farms in Furano.

Spanning approximately 100,000 square meters, the farm is a vibrant tapestry of seasonal flowers set against the sweeping panorama of the Furano Basin and the Tokachi Mountain Range. For an efficient tour, a tractor bus that circles the park's scenic route in About 10 minutes is recommended. (Operating period: June to end of September)

After enjoying the floral vistas, check in to your accommodation in Furano City. In Furano, choosing where to stay is one of the great pleasures of the journey, thanks to its charming accommodations, such as the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, where you can enjoy hot springs drawn from deep beneath the Furano plains, and the Furano Hotel, known for its open-concept restaurant serving exquisite dishes made from local ingredients, including organic or reduced-pesticide vegetables.

On the second day, spend the entire day at the Furano Nature School. Originally a golf course, this vast area has been transformed back into a forest, and environmental education programs have been conducted since 2005.

Through workshops, including tree planting, you'll rediscover the importance of nature and gain insights toward a sustainable future. You can also customize plans to enjoy seasonal activities such as camping, outdoor saunas, and fishing. (Note: Fees, operating periods, and the number of participants vary by plan.)

After experiencing the Furano Nature School, return to your hotel in Furano City. Reflect on the preciousness of Furano's nature as you unwind with a delicious dinner and a bath, soothing the day's fatigue.

After checking out of the hotel, head to Niseko by taxi. First up is one of the popular activities of the green season: rafting! Let yourself go in the clear waters of the Shiribetsu River in Niseko and enjoy a thrilling experience with an exhilarating splash.

After soaking in Niseko's beautiful waters and greens, check in to today's accommodation, Zaborin. Experience a stay in a space where Japanese tradition and modern sensibility intertwine. The locally sourced meals showcase the beauty of Hokkaido's terroir with seasonal ingredients.

Moreover, each guest room has an onsen (hot spring) flowing directly from the source. With heated floors and snow-melting systems, Zaborin demonstrates environmental consideration to enjoy a luxurious stay.

Today, continue to enjoy the great outdoors of Niseko. First up is cycling. Niseko boasts wide, beautifully maintained roads and is known as a prime location for cycling, even hosting famous races. Feel a sense of freedom unique to Hokkaido as you cycle down endless straight routes with expansive skies and lands stretching out before you.

Next, head to Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu. In winter, this vast ski resort buzzes with activity, but come the green season, it transforms into a trekking spot lush with native alpine plants and beautiful flowers. Access to the highland plants becomes much easier using the summer gondola, which operates from July to September. (※Please refer to the official website for the detailed schedule.)

The Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu focuses on "environment, experience, and community," promoting activities to preserve the snow mountains and coexist with wild red foxes through parasite control projects, among other things, to protect sustainable nature and ecosystems. Keeping these efforts in mind, immerse yourself in Niseko's beautiful nature.

After thoroughly enjoying the great outdoors, check in to the resort hotel – AYA Niseko. From the luxury suite with a 100% natural outdoor onsen on the top floor, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of Mt. Yotei, the symbol of Niseko.

After checking out of the hotel, head to Lake Shikotsu, a caldera lake known for its exceptional clarity, one of the clearest in Japan. Recognized as the northernmost ice-free lake in Japan, you can enjoy canoeing and kayaking throughout the year. Glide over crystal-clear waters, taking deep breaths of fresh air.

Lake Shikotsu, within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park Lake Shikotsu area, has been designated as a "Zero Carbon Park" aiming for sustainable tourism through decarbonization and reduction of plastics.

Stay the night at Marukoma Onsen Ryokan by the lakeside. A highlight of this inn is the outdoor onsen with natural spring water bubbling up from beneath the ground, one of only About 20 places in the country. The rustic design, with only rocks separating the bath from the lake, results in a unique hot spring where the water level is affected by the lake's tide, making it one of the rarest in Japan. Immerse yourself in the sensation of becoming one with the great outdoors of Lake Shikotsu. The inn also practices environmental conservation efforts, such as drawing water from Lake Shikotsu only as needed and generating its own electricity.

In the morning, leave Lake Shikotsu by taxi to New Chitose Airport. After flying to Memanbetsu Airport, travel by land to Shiretoko Five Lakes. The Shiretoko Peninsula is registered as a World Natural Heritage Site and is known as one of Hokkaido's most scenic locations. Among its attractions is the Shiretoko Five Lakes, which offer a breathtaking view of the majestic Shiretoko Mountain Range and dense virgin forest, making it particularly popular with tourists.

Today's main activity is a tour around the highlights of the Shiretoko Five Lakes with a guide knowledgeable About Shiretoko's nature. This isn't just About admiring the beautiful natural scenery; you'll also have the chance to listen to valuable insights from an expert, making for a day full of learning.

Afterward, you'll stay at Utoro Onsen, a hot spring area with hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) on hillsides around Utoro Port overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk. Many establishments boast of large baths and open-air baths with ocean or port scenic views, making the beautiful sunset over the Sea of Okhotsk one of the day's highlights.

Today, let's fully enjoy the natural beauty of Shiretoko's seas. In the morning, try fishing around Utoro Port, one of the best fishing spots in the region. All the necessary equipment is available for rent, and experienced guides provide thorough instructions, making it beginner-friendly.

After fishing, board a sightseeing boat at Utoro Port and set off to enjoy the majestic nature of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site, from the sea.

As you leave the port, you'll be greeted by dynamic views of cliffs and the beautiful Kamuiwakka Falls, known in the Ainu language as the "water of the gods," and other unique views of Shiretoko visible only from the sea.

You might even spot wildlife like brown bears from the boat with some luck. (※The sailing route and duration depend on the tour plan.)

After exploring Shiretoko's seas, visit the observation deck on Yuhi-dai, located on a small hill near Utoro Port. As one of the "Eight Views of Shiretoko," it's renowned for offering the best sunset views in the area.

After enjoying the soothing scenery, head back to your accommodation in Utoro Onsen. As your journey draws to a close the next day, take your time to relax in the hot springs and heal the fatigue from the days of travel.

After checking out of the hotel on the final morning, take a taxi to Memanbetsu Airport. With your heart full of memories, it's time to head back home.

How was it? Through Furano, Niseko, Lake Shikotsu, and the Shiretoko Peninsula, you've experienced firsthand the sustainable coexistence and hospitality that protect and pass down Hokkaido's proud natural landscapes and culture. The fulfillment and insights gained from this journey will undoubtedly enrich your life.