FMJ Hokkaido Fly & Drive 20th Anniversary Tour
It is hard to believe that 20 years have passed since Follow Me Japan (FMJ) introduced our Japan Fly & Drive tours. What began in 2005 as an effort to promote tourism in Hokkaido has since grown into a defining travel style, establishing the Fly & Drive concept as one of our signature Japan tour experiences.
To celebrate this milestone, we embarked on a 25-day Hokkaido Fly & Drive journey in autumn 2025, an immersive drive tour covering the length and breadth of the prefecture.
Divided into segments, the tour had 18 cars at its peak, comprising loyal customers and avid drivers, some of whom had even joined our inaugural Hokkaido tour two decades ago!
Setting off in early October, the group began a memorable journey through Hokkaido’s vast landscapes, seasonal beauty, and heartfelt experiences.
Part 1: North Hokkaido – The Fly & Drive Adventure Begins
Arriving in Chitose, the journey began with the collection of our rental cars.
Heading to Toyota Rent a Car New Chitose Airport Poplar shop, our partner outlet since the beginning, we found everything prepared seamlessly. Our blue FMJ stickers had even been pasted on the cars, a job usually done by the tour leaders, allowing for a smooth and efficient start.
Given that most of us had taken overnight flights, we took the first day easy sightseeing around Chitose and having an early night.
The drive truly began the next day as we made our way towards Biei and Asahikawa. Autumn flowers and vibrant kochia were blooming in places like Shikisai no Oka and Farm Tomita, and we enjoyed beautiful sceneries against blue skies.
The Wild North
Driving up towards Wakkanai, Hokkaido’s northernmost city, we were treated to dramatic coastal scenery, with waves crashing against rugged shorelines as we drove by. The strong winds and cold air added to the raw beauty of the region, making sceneries more dynamic and impactful.
Over three nights, we enjoyed the quiet charm of Wakkanai, from its leisurely pace of life and coastal atmosphere to its free-roaming deer.
One of the afternoons was spent in a light-hearted game of park golf, a popular pastime among locals. Easier and faster than regular golf, the activity brought tour members together, sparking laughter and camaraderie, and some amusement by wild deer which often roamed onto the course.
A highlight was a day trip to Rishiri Island off the coast of Wakkanai. Leaving our cars behind, most of the group opted for a guided bus tour around the island.
The weather on Rishiri in October was erratic, with strong winds, brief bursts of sunshine, sudden squalls, and even hail! Amid the shifting skies, we caught views of Mt Rishiri sporting its first snow cap of the season, explored natural sights and picked up some of Rishiri’s famous konbu seaweed.
After leaving Wakkanai, we continued south along scenic routes such as the Esanuka Line and the journey gradually transitioned to autumn with the first glimpses of foliage appearing at Sounkyo.
Bear safety
One of the key considerations during this Hokkaido Fly & Drive tour was wildlife safety, particularly bear activity. With bear sightings reported across the region and news reports daily, our tour leaders were on special alert, closely monitoring conditions and making necessary adjustments to the itinerary where required.
While this meant we had to forgo some sightseeing locations, safety remained the priority, and the journey thankfully proceeded smoothly without incident.
Part 2: East Hokkaido – A Nature Wonderland
The following days were spent traversing the grand nature of East Hokkaido, first to Abashiri, stopping to see cute foxes and flowers, before heading further to the expansive wilderness of Shiretoko.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shiretoko offered pristine landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and encounters with wildlife, from migrating salmon to foxes and deer by the side of the road. The journey continued through Akan, Kushiro, and Tokachi, where lakes, marshlands, and farmlands unfolded in vast, ever-changing scenery.
Special Activities
The natural surrounds of East Hokkaido provided the perfect opportunity for immersive nature activities.
In Shiretoko, we spent an evening on a guided Night Safari, riding vans through the nature reserve. With torchlights in hand and eyes wide open, we hunted for elusive wildlife hidden in the forests. The search was a fruitful one and we saw deer, foxes, owls, and even bears catching salmon at the river!
In Akan, we took guided morning walks in the forest, basking in crisp autumn air and colourful foliage. Learning about native flora and fauna, we experienced the forest with all our senses, and had a grounding yet refreshing start to the day.
FMJ Local Activity in Tokachi
One of the days in Tokachi was spent in a meaningful FMJ Local Activity, a curated local experience exclusive to FMJ’s tours.
In our Tokachi Activity, we visited Bito Farm for a rare glimpse into Hokkaido’s agricultural heartland. Taking a tractor ride through expansive fields, we were introduced to the nuances of farming in Japan’s top food producing region. We also tasted perfectly aged potatoes, which sweetness was concentrated by cold storage, reaffirming the region’s reputation for exceptional produce.
Celebrating Special Occasions
During the tour, we had the opportunity to celebrate the birthdays of a few customers. While these were simple affairs, the friendly group dynamic which had evolved over the journey made each celebration truly joyful and memorable occasions.
Part 3: South Hokkaido – Autumn at Its Peak
As we moved south into the final phase of our Hokkaido Fly & Drive journey, the autumn colours reached their peak in Jozankei and Niseko. Fiery reds, deep oranges, and golden hues transformed the landscapes, creating some of the most stunning scenery this trip.
From Hoheikyo Dam and Fukidashi Park to Hokkaido’s Fuji, Mt Yotei, we captured the autumn colours in full glory before heading down to the southernmost city of Hakodate. The final days of the tour then saw us travelling to Lake Toya where fireworks lit up the skies and we had our last dinner together before completing our drive journey in Sapporo.
Celebratory Stay at Chalet Ivy Weiss
A highlight amongst our accommodations was a stay at Chalet Ivy Weiss in Hanazono. The brand new sister hotel of Chalet Ivy Jozankei, which we regularly use, our group had the rare privilege of experiencing the property before its official opening. Combined with exceptional hospitality and a specially curated dining experience, it was a fitting celebration of FMJ’s 20th anniversary of Fly & Drive tours.
Special Activities
While the east was replete with nature, we took a more cultural turn in South Hokkaido.
In Niseko, we had a hands-on cooking class preparing simple Japanese homestyle recipes for a healthy and fulfilling lunch. This was followed by a dynamic kendo demonstration which a few sporting members tried their hands at too.
Toward the end of our drive journey, we had a lively scallop fishing competition in Toyoura, a scallop farming town and home of the World Scallop Fishing Championship. Crowning our FMJ scallop fishing champion, we also discovered the intricacies of scallop farming and tasted fresh, plump and juicy scallops.
FMJ Local Activity in Hakodate
Another FMJ Local Activity in Hakodate gave the group creative expression in a candle-making workshop held in the historic Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Organised by our long-time partners from the Hokkaido Scenic Byway, everyone made their own original souvenir before adjourning for a special lunch at the Hakodate Beer Hall.
A Glimpse of Winter
Early snowfall offered a rare transition from autumn to winter, making the drive back to Sapporo especially harrowing through snow-covered mountain passes. Thankfully, with vehicles properly equipped with snow tyres, the group navigated the conditions safely, adding yet another layer of experience to this Hokkaido drive tour.
Part 4: Heading Home
After covering over 3,000 kilometres across 25 days, our Hokkaido Fly & Drive journey came to a close in Sapporo.
With seamless travel arrangements in place all the way to till the end, the group made a smooth return to Singapore at the end of October.
A Memorable Milestone
More than just a Japan tour, this 20th anniversary Hokkaido Fly & Drive was a celebration of shared experiences, enduring partnerships, and the spirit of exploration.
A milestone reached only with the support of our customers, partners, and friends over the last 20 years, we remain committed to creating more meaningful journeys that go beyond the ordinary.
We look forward to our next regional 20th Anniversary Fly & Drive tours in Kyushu, Chubu and Tohoku, and many more Fly & Drive tours to come!
Join us on one of our upcoming Fly & Drive tours, or get in touch to plan your own personalised Japan drive tour. You can also learn more about our drive tours here.