Smart Discovery Launches New Hokkaido Tourism Journey Exploring Architecture, Food and Culture

Smart Discovery Launches New Hokkaido Tourism Journey Exploring Architecture, Food and Culture, introducing travellers to Japan’s northern island through four architect-designed hotels, traditional craftsmanship, regional cuisine and local winemaking. The tailor-made experience connects visitors with creative communities while highlighting Hokkaido’s distinctive heritage, hospitality and growing appeal as a cultural destination.

Smart Discovery Brings Architecture and Local Culture Together in Hokkaido

Japan’s destination management company Smart Discovery has introduced a new cultural tourism journey across Hokkaido, combining contemporary architecture, boutique hospitality, traditional craftsmanship and regional gastronomy.

The experience centres on Japanese architect Makoto Nakayama, whose work provides the foundation for a route connecting four distinctive hotels across the island.

Rather than focusing exclusively on sightseeing, the itinerary introduces travellers to the individuals preserving Hokkaido’s artistic traditions, culinary heritage and regional identity.

Designed for small groups, the programme offers personalised encounters with artists, craftspeople, winemakers and hospitality professionals.

Four Architect-Designed Hotels Anchor the Hokkaido Journey

The itinerary features four properties designed by Makoto Nakayama, whose architectural approach extends beyond buildings to furniture, lighting and interior details.

HOTEL BIACLYN HAKODATE occupies a former Russian consulate transformed into an exclusive six-suite property with additional wellness facilities.

The hotel combines heritage architecture with contemporary accommodation and dining experiences. Guests can enjoy French cuisine at BIACYA and Japanese sushi at FUNAMI.

The property belongs to Relais & Châteaux and holds one MICHELIN Key, recognising its hospitality experience.

In Esashi, Hotel Kuki introduces visitors to a different interpretation of luxury.

The seven-room property reflects the town’s historic connection with Hokkaido’s herring industry.

Owner Kiyoshi Tanada raises Suffolk sheep, cultivates organic vegetables and prepares meals using ingredients sourced within approximately 25 kilometres.

This emphasis on local production connects hospitality with the surrounding agricultural landscape.

Niseko and Otaru Showcase Contemporary Japanese Hospitality

The journey continues to Sansui Niseko, a 53-room hotel overlooking Mount Yotei.

Recognised with a MICHELIN Key, the property demonstrates Nakayama’s attention to architectural details, including individual room layouts and kitchen designs.

In Otaru, OTARU RETREAT KURAMURE, operated by Onko Chishin, provides another interpretation of Japanese luxury accommodation.

All 19 guestrooms feature private hot-spring baths, while the restaurant incorporates traditional fermentation techniques into its cuisine.

Together, the four hotels demonstrate how architecture can influence travellers’ understanding of regional culture and hospitality.

Traditional Pottery and Contemporary Art Enrich the Experience

Beyond accommodation, Smart Discovery introduces visitors to Hokkaido’s creative communities.

One highlight is a meeting with ceramic artist Katsutaro Kikuchi, who established his wood-fired climbing kiln, Niwatazumi-gama, near Lake Toya in 1974.

He subsequently constructed a 10-metre anagama kiln in 1992, continuing traditional Japanese ceramic production methods.

Guests can explore his workshop and learn about the relationship between natural materials, craftsmanship and regional artistic identity.

The programme also introduces Shigeru Tokumaru, a painter whose work captures the landscapes and vegetation of the Shiribeshi region.

His forthcoming gallery, MUSEO KUTCHAN, is scheduled to open in April 2027 beside the Ogawara Shu Memorial Museum of Art.

Yoichi Winemakers Connect Visitors with Hokkaido’s Culinary Landscape

Food and wine provide another important dimension of the journey.

In Yoichi, travellers meet local winemakers, explore vineyards and discover the region’s developing wine industry.

The experience also examines Hokkaido’s historical contribution to Japanese food production.

During earlier trading periods, dried herring from Hokkaido was transported south and used as agricultural fertiliser.

Kombu seaweed similarly travelled to Kyoto and Osaka, where it became an essential ingredient in traditional Japanese dashi.

These connections help explain how Hokkaido influenced culinary practices across Japan.

Guests experience this heritage through locally raised lamb, regional wines and fermented dishes served at participating hotels.

Personalised Cultural Tourism for Small Groups

Smart Discovery developed the programme with Hokkaido-based licensed guide Miki Misumi.

The itinerary operates between May and October for groups of two to six travellers, with private transport and an English-speaking guide.

Accommodation, travel duration and individual experiences are tailored according to guests’ interests.

The journey may conclude with a meeting with architect Makoto Nakayama, either at his studio or over a meal, depending on availability.

Motoi Mori, Founder and CEO of Smart Discovery, said the programme aims to create meaningful exchanges between travellers and local hosts.

The experience is available through travel trade partners, providing specialist operators with a distinctive cultural tourism product.

Smart Discovery’s Hokkaido journey brings architecture, traditional craftsmanship, regional food and personalised hospitality into one cultural travel experience. By connecting visitors with local creators and communities, the programme strengthens Hokkaido’s appeal beyond conventional sightseeing, offering international travellers a deeper understanding of Japan’s northern island and its living traditions.

The post Smart Discovery Launches New Hokkaido Tourism Journey Exploring Architecture, Food and Culture appeared first on Travel and Tour World