• AINU Cultural Center (Sapporo Pirka Kotan) - The tour commences at Sapporo Station, right in front of “Myomu” (The Circular Stone Structure) near the South Exit doors. Please gather here promptly at 9 a.m. The guide will be present to welcome you. Following brief introductions and smiles, the delightful tour will begin at The Ainu Cultural Center.

The journey starts at The Ainu Cultural Center, where the guide will lead a 1-hour tour of the Ainu Center Museum (exhibition room). Here, participants will discover the lifestyle, history, and art of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants who first settled in Hokkaido and developed a distinct culture. This facility is the first in Japan to focus on the original inhabitants, allowing visitors to feel, touch, and experience traditional Ainu crafts firsthand, with over 300 items crafted by Ainu artisans.

• Jozankei Onsen - After departing The Ainu Cultural Center, the tour continues by bus to the charming hot spring village of Jozankei, located within the lush Shikotsu-Toya National Park. This area is defined by its topography and phenomena shaped by centuries of volcanic activity, resulting in numerous natural hot springs throughout Jozankei Village.

Upon arrival, the guide will showcase the area’s popular attractions, including the Jozankei Shrine and Temple, Gesen Park and footbath, Futami Park, and the Futami Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge. This guided walking tour of Jozankei is stunning in any season.

• Jozankei Onsen - The tour concludes on a relaxing note as the guide escorts participants to the Hotel Shika no Yu hot spring. Here, guests will enjoy a popular 2-hour day-bath experience.

Hot springs (“onsen” in Japanese) are a vital part of Japanese culture, cherished for centuries for their therapeutic and relaxing benefits. Visitors to Japan should not miss the opportunity to experience an onsen bath, and this tour provides that chance!

After a rejuvenating soak in one of the many hot springs, the group will leisurely return to Sapporo Station.

• All entry/admission tickets to each attraction/sightseeing spot
• English speaking tour guide
• Transportation fee from Sapporo Station to all listed destinations and activities

• Lunch
• Transportation prior and after the tour

The Ainu Cultural Center is a true hidden treasure. Nestled in lush natural surroundings about an hour from Sapporo, this center and museum is sure to delight. It offers a wealth of information with numerous Ainu artifacts. The center is expertly curated, and visitors are encouraged to handle and touch the many authentic Ainu crafts. The outdoor village, featuring traditional handcrafted Ainu houses and canoes, is also a fascinating experience. This is a “must-visit” destination for those interested in indigenous cultures.

The tour will then proceed to the nearby Jozankei Hot Spring (Onsen) Village. Jozankei boasts 56 hot spring sources, primarily located around the Tsukimibashi and Takayamabashi bridges, along with the Toyohira River that flows through the village. The waters of most of these hot spring baths maintain temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Celsius. As part of this tour, participants will enjoy a two-hour hot spring bath at one of Jozankei’s most esteemed hot spring hotels.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.