Half-day hikes in Sapporo with onsen: Hokkaido backcountry

Mountain trails here shift from emerald summer to brilliant fall colors inside a single season.

A half-day guided hike in Hokkaido's backcountry near Sapporo takes you through well-maintained forest trails with an English-speaking guide and private transportation included. You choose your route (options range from Toyomi Yama to Sapporo Dake Short Course), and finish with a leisurely soak in an onsen to recover. Trekking poles are available on request, and the tour ends back at Makomanai Subway Station.

The experience

The hike runs six hours total, split between the trail itself and the onsen visit afterward. You'll walk through forests and open terrain where wildlife sightings are common, with ocean views and mountain landscapes depending on which route you pick. The green season runs from early April through early November, which means uncrowded trails and either lush summer growth or the transition into fall colors. An English-speaking guide leads the way and handles the logistics. You just show up at Makomanai Subway Station where pickup begins.

Private transportation is included, so you don't coordinate separate rides to the trailhead. Trekking poles come on request if you want them. After the hike, you head to the onsen: a volcanic hot spring where you can soak and let your muscles recover. Towels for the onsen visit can be arranged, and lunch is available as an add-on for ¥1,000 if you want to eat before or after the hike rather than pack your own.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Makomanai Subway Station.
• English-speaking guide for the full six hours.
• trekking poles on request.
• entry to the onsen at the end of the hike.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Half-day hiking tours in Hokkaido during the green season.Guide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 07:00 and 08:00Pickup is included.

LunchGuide in English · Available from 21 Nov · 07:00 and 08:00Lunch is available for an extra charge. Includes pickup.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 08:00

AgesAdult (16 to 75 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Trekmate Hokkaido

Is this one for you?The half-day format fits a morning or afternoon slot in your Sapporo itinerary without eating a full day. The onsen finish means you recover on-site rather than heading straight back into the city, and the uncrowded green-season routes mean you'll see wildlife and forest without the crowds that peak-season hikes draw.

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Top questions

Which trails are available on this half-day hike from Sapporo?

Routes include Toyomi Yama, Kabuto Iwa, Sapporo Dake Short Course, Hakkenzan, Yaki Yama, and Zenibako Tengu-dake, among others. Your guide can help you pick based on fitness level and what you want to see: ocean views, mountain vistas, or forest terrain.

What's included in the six-hour tour?

Private transportation from Makomanai Subway Station, an English-speaking guide, trekking poles on request, and entry to the onsen at the end are all included. Lunch can be added for ¥1,000 extra if you prefer not to bring your own.

When is the best time to hike in Hokkaido's backcountry?

The green season runs from early April through early November. Summer brings lush forest growth and uncrowded trails. Fall offers brilliant colors as the landscape transitions. Both seasons have abundant native wildlife and clear views.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the trailhead?

No. Private transportation is included and picks you up at Makomanai Subway Station, then returns you there when the tour ends. You don't need a car or a separate transit plan.

What happens after the hike?

You finish with a leisurely soak in a volcanic hot spring onsen to relax and recover. Towels for the onsen can be arranged, and then you're transported back to Makomanai Subway Station where the tour concludes.