Hokkaido is a food lover’s paradise, thanks to its abundant seafood, fresh ingredients, and unique seasonal offerings. What makes this Japanese island stand out isn’t just its scenery but its rich culinary traditions that tie closely to the land and sea. Whether you’re into cooking, fishing, or experiencing natural phenomena like drifting ice, Hokkaido offers memorable bites and activities that go beyond typical restaurant meals. One tour that particularly captures this spirit is the Ice Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri, where you get to fish for Japanese smelt through the ice and enjoy your catch crispy and hot. It’s a simple, authentic, and fun way to connect directly with local food sources.
If you’re after something more culinary-focused, the Cook a Trail Food in a Harbor Town at the Foot of the Hidaka offers a chance to prepare your own regional specialty, Yamameshi, with ingredients sourced from nearby waters. For those looking to combine winter scenery and spectacular natural sights with food, the Premium Drift Ice Tour in Hokkaido Abashiri with Food & Activity provides a full day of adventure—think riding an icebreaker, enjoying local seafood, and witnessing the stunning white sea.
1. Cook a Trail Food in a Harbor Town at the Foot of the Hidaka
In this experience, you get to make your own original trail food, Yamameshi, using seafood caught locally in Samani Town. This isn’t just about cooking; it’s about learning from the “Manma Association,” lively local women dedicated to preserving their regional flavors. They teach you how to prepare dishes with Kajika, an underutilized fish, and dashi made from kombu, a seaweed specialty of the area. The focus on local ingredients makes this tour stand out, offering genuine insights into Hokkaido’s coastal cuisine.
This hands-on experience is perfect for adventurous foodies who want to see how regional flavors are rooted in tradition. While the tour lasts about 3 hours and costs around $99.59, it provides an engaging way to connect with local culture through food. The lively guides and the chance to create a one-of-a-kind dish make this a memorable choice. Keep in mind, with no reviews yet, it’s a newer option, but its emphasis on local ingredients and community makes it worth considering.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you want to learn regional cooking techniques and enjoy seafood from the local waters. It’s a good value for those interested in hands-on culinary experiences rooted in Hokkaido’s coastal traditions.
$99.59 per person
2. Ice Fishing Experience Eat Fresh Fish Tempura at Lake Abashiri
For about $51.22, the Ice Fishing Experience at Lake Abashiri is a straightforward, fun outing that combines winter outdoor activities with eating fresh fish. You’ll spend roughly two hours on the frozen lake, where a guide helps you fish through holes drilled in the ice for Japanese smelt (Wakasagi)—a favorite winter catch in Hokkaido. The experience includes a private tent for each group, making it comfortable even in sub-zero temperatures or wind.
What makes this tour unique is the hands-on fishing and the chance to enjoy your fresh catch as tempura—crispy, hot, and delicious. No fishing experience is required, and the guides are friendly and helpful. It’s suitable for families, friends, or couples looking for a memorable winter activity. While there are no reviews posted yet, the focus on local fishing traditions and the chance to eat freshly caught fish make it a compelling option if you’re into outdoor adventures.
Bottom line: This tour offers excellent value for a quick, authentic winter experience that ends with a tasty tempura treat, perfect for active travelers or families looking for something different.
$51.22 per person
3. Premium Drift Ice Tour in Hokkaido Abashiri with Food & Activity
If you want the full winter spectacle, the Premium Drift Ice Tour in Hokkaido Abashiri is the biggest ticket. This 10.5-hour tour, costing about $460, is designed for those eager to experience Hokkaido’s iconic drift ice along with a day packed with activities and regional foods. Starting with a cruise on an Aurora icebreaker, you’ll carve a path through the floating ice, with chances to see seals and seabirds along the way.
The tour includes local seafood meals and an in-depth exploration of the natural landscape, making it ideal for nature lovers who want a comprehensive winter adventure. The scenery is stunning, with sweeping views of the Sea of Okhotsk, and the experience is enhanced by the chance to witness huge sheets of white ice in motion. Keep in mind, it’s a long day, but the combination of spectacular natural sights and authentic regional cuisine** makes it worth the investment.
While it doesn’t have reviews yet, its combination of natural beauty, cultural experience, and food appeals to travelers who want a full-day, immersive Hokkaido winter adventure.
Bottom line: This is the best choice for travelers seeking a premium winter experience that combines scenic cruising, local food, and natural phenomena—a splurge but a memorable one.
$460
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Hokkaido
When selecting a tour, consider your priorities: want to cook with local ingredients? Go for the Harbor Town trail food experience. Interested in outdoor winter activities? The Ice Fishing offers fun and fresh seafood. Craving a full-day adventure with spectacular scenery? The Drift Ice Tour is your best bet.
Think about your budget and physical comfort—these tours range from under $100 for fishing to over $400 for the full-day icebreaker cruise. The best time for these tours is during winter months when ice and snow are at their peak. Book early, especially for premium experiences, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Hokkaido’s food tours offer a wide spectrum of flavors and adventures, from hands-on cooking to outdoor fishing and spectacular ice scenery. If you’re interested in local seafood, the trail food and ice fishing tours are fantastic options. If you’re after a wow factor and natural beauty, the drift ice cruise tops the list. No matter your choice, booking in advance ensures a spot for these memorable experiences.