Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Chitose via Haneda/Narita. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel in Sapporo for a good night’s rest

Enjoy a morning photo stop at picturesque Lake Toya and Mt Showa, the volcanic lava dome. The phrase “grin and bear it” takes on a more literal and positive spin at Shouwa Sinzan Bear Ranch, with your introduction to the facility’s bevy of adorable bears. These bears are trained by professionals to delight visitors just the “bear” necessities: to wave and greet visitors upon their arrival. You may photograph and feed these fuzzy animals at your own expense. You may also pick up skincare products derived from horse oil at the local souvenir shop. Thereafter, take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of fabled samurai, townspeople and the occasional courtesan at Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, a theme park lined with Edo era style architecture. Your day will reach a boiling point as you traipse through the sulphurous valley to experience boiling ponds and steaming streams at the famous Jigokudani, also known as Hell Valley. End your day with an invigorating sulphuric hot spring bath at an onsen resort in Noboribetsu.

After breakfast, experience the serene blue and wild bird sanctuary of Lake Shikotsu before observing the manufacturing process of cheese at a Cheese Factory. You may wish to purchase some local cheese and milk at your own expense. This evening, take a breezy stroll through the zigzag line of wooden cabin shops nestled in the green forest of Furano at Ningle Terrace. Here, you can pick up some exquisite handmade souvenirs and be treated with a cup of baked milk, a local famous drink. Thereafter, indulge in a hot spring bath at an onsen resort in Furano. With its natural geothermal properties, the hot spring water will leave your skin feeling silky smooth for a good night’s rest.

This morning, explore Shirahige Falls. The water flowing down the gaps between the rocks resembles a white beard, hence its name. Furthermore, the water springs from beneath the rocks and falls with force to the rocks below, creating a beautiful splash of cobalt blue. See a fascinating colour change at different angles, from shimmering blue hues to lovely shades of green, at Shirogane Blue Pond. After that, head to Otokoyama Sake Brewery and Museum, where you will learn about the production process of one of Japan’s finest sakes and sample some sake. Thereafter, make your way to Sounkyo Gorge, where you can enjoy the splendour of its natural beauty while relaxing in a mineral hot spring bath at an onsen resort in Sounkyo.

Sounkyo is situated at the valley of the imposing Mt Daisetsu-zan. The mountain is accented by rugged, jagged cliffs that are criss-crossed with two famous waterfalls, Shooting Star Falls and Milky Way Falls. Bask in the sight of it all, for there is nothing quite like the majesty of Mother Nature to lend life’s perspectives. After days of walking, rest your tired feet and enjoy a relaxing foot spa at the enchanting Lake Kussharo. Next, enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, the smoking Io-yama mountain, and the distant peaks of the Shiretoko mountain range and Taisetsu at Bihoro Touge Observatory.

This morning, bid farewell to peaceful Lake Akan and make your way to buzzing Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido prefecture. Go all out and embark on a quick shopping spree at Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima, an outlet mall that boasts a plethora of domestic and imported brands under one roof. Next, proceed to Odori Park, located in the heart of Sapporo. This beautifully manicured green space is a charming assembly of monumental fountains, sculptures and flowerbeds. Each winter, its verdant grounds play host to the famed Sapporo Ice Festival. End the day with a stroll along famed Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido.

After breakfast, your first stop will be the evocative Otaru Canal, where charming century-old stone warehouses line both sides of the canal. The genteel theme continues at Otaru Music Box Museum, where whimsical displays of beautifully crafted music boxes will delight even the grumpiest of cynics. After that, create pause – you are on holiday after all – and enjoy a quintessential afternoon tea in an exquisite porcelain teacup. If all that travelling has you thirsting for some boozy education, you are in luck! Make a stop at a local beer factory where you will learn more about the production process of one of Japan’s finest beers. Wrap up your day with some retail therapy at the famed Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, the longest shopping street in Hokkaido, before spending the night in Sapporo as your survey of fabulous Hokkaido draws to a close.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home.