Ready to experience Hokkaido’s autumn magic? You can check availability and book your spot for this tour right here on Klook.

Sometimes you just need a real escape, a day with zero city noise, where the air is crisp, the food is honest, and the only thing on your to-do list is to just be. That’s what this one-day adventure from Sapporo to Jozankei and beyond is all about. It’s not just a “tour,” despite the name. It’s a window into Hokkaido’s gentler side: autumn hills blazing red, hidden onsens, and a Buddha statue you’ll never forget.

Please note: This tour is primarily conducted in Mandarin Chinese. English-speaking guides are limited. If you require English service, please indicate this in the remarks column when placing your order, and the team will do their best to assist you. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Morning: Out of Sapporo and Into the Hills

The day starts early, slipping out of Sapporo as the city yawns awake. The road heads southwest, winding along the Toyohira River. There’s a moment, maybe half an hour in, where the buildings disappear and the forest takes over. Even if you’re half-asleep, you’ll notice: the light changes, the air gets sharper, and by autumn, maples and pines paint the hills in impossible shades of red and green (seriously, bring your camera).

First up: the Hoheikyo Dam. It’s not your usual dam stop. This one is famous for fall foliage, and the lake it creates has been picked as one of Japan’s “100 Best Dam Lakes.” On a good day, the water mirrors the mountains, and the air smells of moss and river rock.

Late Morning: The Great Buddha Hall

Next is something a little surreal. Tadao Ando, the architect, designed the Hill of the Buddha so you can only see the giant Buddha’s head poking above a sea of lavender or snow, depending on the season. You walk through a tunnel, and suddenly the statue’s full presence hits you, massive, serene, with the sky perfectly framed behind. Even for non-architecture buffs, it’s a moment. If you’re lucky, you might catch the light just right and get that classic blue-sky-and-Buddha photo.

Want to make sure you don’t miss out? Book your spot for this experience here while planning your trip.

Lunchtime: Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI NO UTA

By now, you’ll be hungry, and the Jozankei Tsuruga Resort Spa MORI NO UTA delivers. Lunch is a buffet, but not the sad, soggy kind. This is Hokkaido, land of fresh everything. The spread includes local specialties, seasonal veggies, and more seafood than you could ever eat. Take your time, try something you can’t pronounce, and maybe sneak an extra dessert.

Then, the onsen. Even if you’ve never tried a hot spring before, this is the place. The baths, both indoor and open-air, look straight onto the forest, and there’s always a hush, like the mountain itself is keeping secrets. The minerals in the water work their magic, and for a half hour, you remember what it’s like to have no aches, no deadlines, no phone buzzing in your pocket.

Afternoon: Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Next stop: Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, the only national government park in Hokkaido. In autumn, burning bush plants (Kochia scoparia) turn the hills into a rolling red carpet, and there are tulip beds in spring. The park is dotted with walking paths and photo spots. Locals come here to picnic, birdwatch, or just breathe. If you’re feeling energetic, wander a bit; there are waterfalls and wooded corners where you can actually hear birds instead of cars.

Shopping Detour: Mitsui Outlet Park

Before heading back, there’s a bonus: Mitsui Outlet Park. It’s a modern shopping stop, and while it might feel like a curveball after all that nature, it’s a good place to pick up souvenirs or just people-watch with a coffee.

What Makes This Tour Different

• Seasonal magic: Come in autumn for the colors, spring for the tulips, or winter for snow. The route adjusts if weather or foliage isn’t ideal (sometimes swapping in the Hiraoka Arboriculture Center).
• Architecture and art: The Great Buddha Hall by Tadao Ando isn’t just another temple. It’s a real blend of landscape, minimalism, and spiritual calm.
• No-stress logistics: Transport, meal, entry fees, all handled. You just bring yourself and a sense of curiosity.

What To Know Before You Go

• Getting there: The tour runs round-trip from Sapporo, so you don’t have to figure out trains or buses.
• Bring: A camera, comfortable shoes, and a small towel for the onsen.
• Flexibility: The itinerary can shift depending on weather or season, so keep an open mind.

The Bottom Line

This isn’t just a day trip. It’s a reset button, nature, food, quiet, and a little bit of wonder, all wrapped up in one easy package. If you need a break from the city, or just want to see why Hokkaido is beloved in every season, you could do a lot worse than a day spent like this.

Curious? You can check out the full details and book your spot here on Klook. Your out-of-town adventure is just a click away.

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