Hokkaido is a seasonal wonder, with its crisp autumn air, snowy winter landscapes, and lush summer greenery. For travelers eager to experience its diverse scenery and unique activities, 2-day tours are a fantastic way to pack in memorable adventures without rushing. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquility of Lake Toya with exclusive dinners and fireworks or the thrill of drift ice cruises in winter, Hokkaido offers options that cater to different tastes. We especially love the Lake Toya Premium Tour for its luxurious experience and private fireworks, and the Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo Tour for its action-packed winter itinerary. Both give a taste of Hokkaido’s natural beauty and cultural highlights in just a couple of days.
If you’re considering a short trip, these tours balance comfort, adventure, and local flavor. Plus, many include special experiences like hot springs, wildlife encounters, and exquisite local cuisine—making each trip a well-rounded adventure. For those wanting a more eco-focused outing, the Birdwatching Canoe Tour offers a peaceful connection with nature, perfect for quiet mornings and starry nights.
1. Departing from/ Returning to Sapporo: Lake Toya Premium Tour 2days
Starting with a trip that blends luxury and nature, the Lake Toya Premium Tour is a standout. It’s designed for those who appreciate fine dining and exclusive experiences. After about 2.5 hours from Sapporo, you’ll arrive at Shikotsu-Toya National Park, where you’ll stay in a Premium Room at Toya Sun Palace Lakeside Terrace. The real highlight is an evening premium dinner on Nakajima, an uninhabited island reserved just for your group. The chef and service team from LUX TOYA will serve a creative full-course meal combining French and Japanese influences, crafted from local ingredients.
But the experience doesn’t end there. A private motorboat whisks you to Nakajima for your dinner, and afterward, you’ll enjoy a private fireworks display launched just for your group. The tour’s exclusive nature and the chance for a luxurious, intimate evening make it ideal for travelers seeking a memorable, high-end experience. You also get to unwind in a premium lakeside room, soaking in the serene views of Lake Toya.
This tour has received a perfect 5.0/5 rating from travelers who loved the combination of unique dining, private boat rides, and stunning fireworks. The roughly 1.5-day stay offers excellent value for the luxury and exclusivity involved.
Bottom Line: For lovers of luxury, scenic serenity, and exceptional dining, this tour delivers a true taste of special Hokkaido moments in a single short trip.
$2,357.21 per person
2. Hokkaido-2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo
For those craving winter adventure, the Hokkaido-2 Day Tour to Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo is hard to beat. Starting from Sapporo, this tour takes you around the region’s top winter sights, including the chance to break drift ice aboard Garinko III. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to glide through floating ice sheets in the Sea of Okhotsk. The tour then heads to Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its penguin walk—a delightful spectacle that epitomizes winter fun—plus encounters with adorable seals and other Arctic animals.
After a visit to the Otokoyama Sakezukuri Museum, where you can learn about sake brewing, you’ll relax at a Sounkyo hot spring hotel. The tour includes stops at Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls, offering a mix of scenic nature and cultural insights. The highlight, of course, is the drift ice cruise, which embodies the rugged charm of Hokkaido’s winter.
This tour is priced at $350 per person, making it a reasonably priced option for a packed two days. While it doesn’t have reviews listed, the combination of icebreaking, wildlife, and hot springs provides a comprehensive winter experience. The tour is great for active travelers who enjoy outdoor winter activities and wildlife.
Bottom Line: This tour suits winter enthusiasts and families eager for a mix of cold weather thrill, wildlife, and relaxation.
$350 per person
3. 2-Days 1-Night Birdwatching Canoe in Akan–Mashu National Park
For those seeking a quieter, nature-focused getaway, the Birdwatching Canoe Tour offers a gentle immersion into Eastern Hokkaido’s wilderness. The tour begins in Teshikaga-cho, where you’ll gear up for a guided canoe trip at the headwaters of the Kushiro River inside Akan–Mashu National Park. This river is normally closed off to the public, making it a rare chance to explore pristine waters.
During the trip, you’ll encounter a variety of wild birds and learn about the area’s ecology from professional guides. After paddling, you’ll settle into a cozy accommodation for the night, and in the evening, enjoy stargazing at Lake Mashu, famed for its crystal-clear skies. The next morning includes birdwatching at dawn by Lake Kussharo, enhancing your connection with nature.
Priced at $522.70 per person, this tour provides a peaceful alternative to more active excursions. It’s perfect for travelers interested in environmental conservation, birding, and photography, but it’s not suited for those looking for intense physical activity or sightseeing.
Bottom Line: If you prefer tranquil mornings, starry nights, and a chance to spot rare birds, this eco-tour offers a calm yet enriching experience.
$522.70 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hokkaido 2-Day Tour
When picking a tour, consider what kind of experience excites you most. For luxury and romance, the Lake Toya Premium Tour offers exclusivity and fine dining. If winter’s icy charm calls, the Icebreaker Mombetsu and Asahiyama Zoo Tour delivers adventure and wildlife encounters. Want a peaceful, nature-centric escape? The Birdwatching Canoe excursion provides tranquility and spectacular star-gazing.
Budget is also a factor. The luxury tour is priced at over $2,300, suitable for special occasions, while the winter cruise and birdwatching tour are more affordable at around $350 and $522, respectively. Think about your fitness and activity level too—if you’d rather stay warm and cozy, the luxury or zoo tour suits best. For outdoor lovers, the canoeing and icebreaker adventures are perfect but require some physical stamina.
Booking early is advisable, especially for the luxury Lake Toya Premium Tour, which is limited in availability. Also, consider the best time to go—autumn for the luxury experience, winter for ice-breaking and snow sports, and spring or summer for birdwatching and lush scenery.
Final Thoughts
Hokkaido’s diverse landscapes and activities make it an ideal destination for quick, memorable getaways. The Lake Toya Premium Tour stands out for those seeking luxury and exclusivity, while the icebreaker cruise offers a thrilling winter adventure. Meanwhile, the birdwatching canoe provides a peaceful, nature-filled retreat.
For travelers prioritizing comfort and unique dining, booking the Lake Toya Premium Tour early ensures a smooth, luxurious experience. If your heart beats for winter wildlife and icy waters, the icebreaker cruise is an essential. And for nature lovers with a more relaxed pace, the canoe tour offers a tranquil escape into Japan’s wild side.
No matter which you choose, these tours showcase Hokkaido’s best in just two days—so plan ahead, book early, and get ready for a memorable adventure.