hokkaido japan travel blog

How to Plan Your Perfect Hokkaido Itinerary In 2024

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

We visited some of the best parts of Japan in this 12-day Hokkaido itinerary , and want to inspire you to do the same!

Make no mistake about it, Hokkaido is big. Very big. Distances are vast, the landscape wild and untamed and the weather can change at the drop of a hat. That’s what makes planning your Hokkaido itinerary so difficult.

This is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Full of dramatic natural scenery, hot springs, delicious food, national parks, ski resorts, and charming towns, there is so much to see and do here.

It is also very likely that you will share this stunning scenery with very few people.

So if you have time for a Hokkaido road trip, definitely fit it into your Japan trip.

Table of Contents

Getting Around Hokkaido

When to visit hokkaido, day 1 – sapporo, day 2 – sapporo to asahikawa, day 3 – asahikawa to utoro (gateway to the shiretoko national park), day 4 – shiretoko national park, day 5 – shiretoko national park, day 6 – shiretoko national park to akan national park, day 7 – mashu-ko and mashu-dake, day 8 – mount io, kussharo-ko and akan-ko, day 9 – akan national park to new chitose via kushiro wetlands, day 10 – shakotan peninsula, day 11 – noribetsu onsen and lake toya, save this pin for later, hokkaido travel tips.

If you’re trying to design your Hokkaido itinerary there are a few things you need to keep in mind first. These are some of our Hokkaido travel tips.

READ MORE: Check out our other guide on the absolute best  things to do in Japan !

The best way to get around Hokkaido for this 12 day itinerary is by renting a car. You can check out our post on how to rent a car here .

Hokkaido does offer a JR pass, but services to the major national parks are limited and even then you will still need to take a bus or taxi to get into the parks proper.

Some of the most stunning scenery we saw was when we were driving. Having your own set of wheels will make your experience infinitely more enjoyable and convenient.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Hokkaido has 4 very distinct seasons and each of them have their merits.

Spring brings blossoming flower fields, summer brings bright sunny days, autumn gives us the changing of the leaves and winter dumps a few feet of snow all over the island.

We ended up doing our Hokkaido itinerary in autumn, which gave us beautiful colours and very few tourists. That being said it did bring some cold weather and occasional rain.

However depending on what your interests are you may prefer to travel in a different season. A Hokkaido 12 day itinerary can be beautiful at any time of year.

Our 12 Day Hokkaido Itinerary

This is the exact trip we did during our travels in Hokkaido, with a list of the places we visited, what we did and where we stayed. From the Sapporo Beer Museum and Beer Garden, to the national parks and lakes, this Hokkaido 12 Day Itinerary is packed with cool attractions!

We picked up our wheels and headed for Sapporo City at the start of our 12 day itinerary. This is a great opportunity to pick up some cold weather clothes if you haven’t got that many with you.

Outside of summer, it can get really cold, especially in Shiretoko and Akan. We brought some extra warm clothes and it was definitely a worthwhile investment.

Sapporo is a lovely city to wander around. Checking out the Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck, Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, and the botanical gardens is a great way to spend an afternoon.

In the evening we headed to the top of Mount Moiwa for a beautiful nighttime view over the city. The Sapporo TV Tower also has an incredible view from the Observation Deck, if you didn’t get the chance to visit there earlier in the day.

The fresh seafood is amazing, Hokkaido has the best sashimi in Japan according to the Japanese.

• Where To Eat: Ramen Yokocho and any izakaya serving sashimi.
• Where We Stayed:  We stayed in an AirBnB in Sapporo . This place does have parking, it is important to check that the places you stay in Hokkaido, be it hotels, guesthouses or airbnb’s have parking as it is not always a guarantee. Click here to get $35 off your first AirBnB stay .

Check out our brand new and complete guide on the best  things to do in Sapporo !

Next on our 12 day itinerary, this is where our Hokkaido Expressway Pass came into use. You save a few hours taking the highway to Furano. After getting off the highway it’s stunning scenery all the way to Furano.

If you’re visiting in winter, Furano Ski Resort is one of the best places to go skiing and snowboarding.

But you’ll likely be doing a road trip outside of winter when the weather is more favorable.

Be sure to check out Farm Tomita for a mind blowing display of colour. They sell everything lavender, including a rather delicious lavender ice cream. It sounds awful, but like almost everything in Japan it was delicious.

From here you can take route 237 winding through the Japanese countryside to the quaint little town of Biei. From here you can head to the Blue Pond, a place that you will find on many Japanese postcards.

We elected not to do the above. Instead we attempted to get to the Asahidake cable car station for sunset. The weather had been really cloudy all day until around 3:00 so we decided to go for it.

Around 800m we were surprised with a snow storm. Within a few minutes the road was slippery and our windscreen wipers creaking under the weight of snow. Unsurprisingly we abandoned our plans and headed towards Asahikawa for the night.

Where To Eat: Farm Tomita is a good start for a lavender based snack. An advantage of the hotel is the amazing little izakaya over the road from the hotel serving great food for an even better price.

Where We Stayed: Trend Hotel Asahikawa – Nice hotel, but you can probably find something cheaper when you visit Hokkaido, we booked very late in the day.

We had originally planned to spend the day exploring the Daisetsuzan National Park and then drive onto Shiretoko the next day, but the rain put pay to our plans. One advantage of this was it gave us extra time for later in the trip.

We took route E39 from Asahikawa, but be warned the area circling the northern end of the Daisetsuzan National Park will make you forget about the previous day.

This is a long drive, it probably took us between 4 and 5 hours with rest stops included. This and the previous days drive were where Hokkaido Express was invaluable. It saved us so much time by being able to use the highway.

Utoro is a tiny village at the edge of the Shiretoko National Park. As a result most restaurants stay open till around 8pm.

As a side note, the next town down from Utoro is Shari. Accommodation is usually a little cheaper here, but you a now an hour from the park as opposed to 15 minutes in Utoro.

Where To Eat: Options are pretty limited in terms of choice, however there is a great ramen restaurant and a lovely izakaya about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Staff inside recommended these places to us.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast .

We checked out the Shiretoko Go-Ko (5 lakes). The long walk around is pretty amazing and you get to sit through a rather interesting safety video about how to avoid bears. The main thing to take away from the video is that if a bear attacks you there is nothing you can do, so best avoid them.

We then checked out the Fureppe Waterfalls, which offers some pretty incredible views. Later on in the day we enjoyed a free foot bath. The guesthouse staff can mark them on a map for you.

One thing to note about Shiretoko is that the weather can change very quickly. Most of our time there was cloudy, but no rain and a fair few blue skies.

Where We Stayed: Iruka Hotel – Great little guesthouse with friendly staff and a good breakfast.  This guesthouse has a number of WOOFERs working there who can also offer great advice on what to do when you visit Hokkaido.

We spent day 5 of our Hokkaido trip on the eastern side of the peninsula around the port town of Rausu.

To get there follow the road to the Shiretoko pass. The pass is absolutely stunning and is a must if you’re in the area. you get amazing views over the coast, and if you are lucky you will be able to see the summit of Mount Rausu.

When you arrive in Rausu take a left and follow route 87 and check out some of the beach foot spas that run along the coastline. It’s a surreal experience to dangle your feet into a foot spa whilst waves from the sea of Okohtsk crash onto the beach.

The Kamuiwakka Hot Falls back towards Utoro make a great place to stop off on your way back. Do be aware that this is an unsealed 10km road. As soon as dusk hits be on the lookout for deer.

Where To Eat: Sashimi in Rausu. A tiny little restaurant south of the centre right on the coast gave us an incredible meal.

We drove via Abishiri along the Okhotsk road which offers some spectacular coastal views. Abishiri has a really interesting prison museum where you can learn about Hokkaido’s history.

From here we headed on to our onsen hotel close to Teshikaga in the Akan National Park. We entered the park along route 102 which takes you through a pass that gives you incredible views of Lake Kussharo. Try and get there around sunset for the best views.

Lots of accommodation in the area offers breakfast and dinner. We decided not to do dinner to give us the chance to go out and explore the nearby towns. Here it is the same story as Shiretoko, restaurants close early, so try and avoid eating late.

The rooms at the hotel do not have showers or baths in the rooms. You wash in the onsens  in the hotel. A word of warning, it can take a bit of practice to get the temperature right as the taps are extremely sensitive, but its a great way to start and finish your day.

Where To Eat: The nearest town is Teshikaga which has 2 restaurants and a bunch of convenience stores. Your choices are ramen or tempura. On the plus side, both are fantastic.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Parkway . Great little onsen hotel .

One of Hokkaido’s top hikes. Getting to the top of Mashu-Dake takes around 4-6 hours return. Bring plenty of water and warm clothes as the top of the mountain can be very cold.

A few minutes after getting to the top we were treated to our own private snowstorm ! You will need good shoes as the track can be slippery, and although it’s not a particularly challenging walk the last 400m are very narrow and steep so take care.

Also the car packing ticket you get at Mashu-Ko can also be used at Mt Io the next day or vice versa.

The hotel offers a great breakfast that comes complete with raw egg rice. You crack an egg into a little bowl whisk it and add some soy sauce before pouring it onto the warm rice. Delicious.

The scenery around Mount Io is to die for, but the smell is not pleasant, think Rotarua in New Zealand – lots of sulphur.

From here its a short drive to Kussharo where there are plenty of hiking options and a few hot water beaches on the shores of the lake. There is a great hike around the peninsula which gives some beautiful views.

Akan-Ko is approx 50km from Kussharo and is a little more developed for tourism than the other two lakes. The drive from Kussharo-Ko to Akan-Ko is particularly good, probably more interesting than Akan-Ko itself in our opinion.

Akan-ko has a rather cool little foot spa cafe. Perfect after a long day of exploring.

This is a long drive, be under no illusions. We left just before 10 and headed straight for the bihoro pass which is a must. Possibly one of the best views we got in Hokkaido.

From here we drove to the Kushiro wetlands, which is ok but there isn’t a huge amount to do. However it does give you a break from driving and the scenery on the way is excellent.

From here we jumped on the Doto Expressway around 2pm thinking there would be a service station fairly soon after where we could grab some lunch as we were starving. Sadly we were wrong, finally coming across one around 4:30. We ended up staying in New Chitose as there was no affordable accommodation around Shikotsu-Ko.

Where To Eat: The area is dotted with great eats. In particular some amazing izakayas and BBQ (yakinuku) restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Hotel Plus Hostel Sapporo . Has private and shared rooms so you can find something that suits your budget.

Not listed in guidebooks or J apanGuide.com, this peninsula an hour and a half outside of Sapporo is an undiscovered gem. We only found out about it after doing a google search of “what to do in Otaru” and this came up on a TripAdvisor thread.

Probably the most stunning coastland we drove in Japan, with only a few others on the road. Some lovely short walks around the peninsula are well marked by road signs.

From the Shakotan Peninsula back to Chitose you pass through the lovely little town of Otaru. At night the canal and the surrounding buildings are lit up, so its a great place to go for a wander. Also check out the little alleyways close to the canal that around stuffed full of izakayas.

Where To Eat: The alleyways around the Otaru Canal offer a huge variety of great food.

Where We Stayed : Sho Inn Otaru . A small but cosy and affordable hotel in Otaru.

Noribetsu is probably the most famous onsen town in Japan full of hot spring baths and naturally, it is very popular with tourists. In fact, this was probably the busiest place we visited during our time in Hokkaido, but we’d definitely recommend it.

There are plenty of great walks around Hell Valley and the one down to Ooyunuma and the Ooyunuma Foot Spa. A great place to dip your feet after a few steep hills. Very easy to get to from Sapporo or New Chitose.

Checking out Hell Valley itself is also super cool. This volcanic crater is filled with bubbling sulphur hot spring baths and dramatic natural colors. The name “Hell Valley” is fitting because it really looks other worldly.

Driving back from Noribetsu you can choose to check out Lake Toya or Lake Shikotsu in Shikotsu Toya National Park.

Lake Toya is one of the most famous sights to see when you visit Hokkaido. Surrounded by volcanoes and peaks, the gorgeous Lake Toya offers some of the most stunning views in the country.

If you’re visiting between April and October, you may get to witness the Lake Toya Long Run Fireworks Festival. On clear evenings, a 20 minute fireworks display lights up the skies around Lake Toya, which is a super cool event to witness.

Where To Eat: The dining options in Noribetsu is pretty pricey, but just outside the town there are plenty of cheap restaurants.

Where We Stayed: Dai-ichi Takimotokan . There are lots of accommodation options in the heart of Noribetsu but this one has a hot spring, hot tubs, and swimming pools.

Day 12 – Saying bye to our car and flying on to Hiroshima

We chose a great day to leave as southern Hokkaido was hit by a huge blizzard. We had planned to go and see Lake Shikotsu but the weather was awful. In fact the winds were so strong that trees were blown down blocking parts of the road that were already covered with snow and ice.

Sadly we only saw lake Shikotsu under a fair bit of snow, but it certainly seemed very pretty.

We rented with OTS. The car they gave us was a small modern hybrid which really saved on petrol. The service and packages they offer were comfortably the cheapest and they also have the Hokkaido Expressway Pass set up and installed for you.

Some other companies don’t offer this service and will send it to your hotel, which is pretty inconvenient.

Next stop was to head off and check out the best things to do in Hiroshima .

Renting a car for an epic Hokkaido trip is a once in a lifetime experience. This truly is a place of outstanding natural beauty, culture and hospitality and must for any traveller. Our only regret is that our photos cannot truly convey how beautiful it really is.

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Hi, You wrote a great article and it is very informative, thank you very much. May I know when was the above trip: Day 1 ~ Day 12? I will be in Hokkaido from Oct 24 to Nov 3, not sure if it is still worth to travel to Asahikawa?

Hi, do give Richard a message over on his website. He will be able to help you. All the best. https://abearandapig.com/

Hi, I like this report about Hokkaido a lot, am just planing our trip. Been to many other places in Japan before. I only wanted to know, when you have been there, “autumn” is not exact enough to plan 🙂 so can you please be a bit more detailed(like End of Sept. …) ?? Thank you very much!

Hi, I read ur article and need ur advice. Arrive Chitose Airport 27/10/2019, company incentive trip covered Noboribetsu, Jigokudani, Otaru, Sapporo, Mitsui Outlet, Okurayama Ski Jump, Hokkaido Shrine & Tanukikoji St. From 30/10/2019 morning till return flight from Chitose 4/11/2019 09:35 is my free and easy session with another partner Any recommendation program for 30/10 to 3/11?

I will be visiting Hokkaido in November and the group will include elderly and young children. Appreciate if you can recommend itinerary that is suitable

Hope you had a great trip. 🙂

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Hokkaido Itinerary: A 10-Days Travel Blog

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

Planning to visit Hokkaido and would like to have suggestions and recommendations on your Hokkaido itinerary? See how we visit Hokkaido leisurely with public transport.

Hokkaido is beautiful almost every season. The best time to visit Hokkaido can be all year round, from spring, summer, autumn even until winter. Our visit to Hokkaido is during the end of spring or the beginning of summer. It is a great season that we can see the beauty of two seasons at the same time. We have summarized the places to go, what to eat, and things to do when you are getting around in Hokkaido. It depends on your budget. Many top attractions are awaiting you to discover. Most importantly, free entrance!

Hopefully, my Hokkaido travel blog with perfect 10 days itinerary can give you some idea of your coming trip. Learn from my mistakes, and you can save some time and money.

Table of Contents

Planning for Hokkaido Itinerary

It depends on the season and how many days for your Hokkaido trip. There is always no perfect and complete Hokkaido itinerary. Below is the suggested travel route for the 9 to 10 days Hokkaido itinerary. Mostly covered in the south to the central region. It is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.

Here is the summary of My 10 Days Hokkaido Itinerary:

• Day 1 : Arrive in Hokkaido and head to Hakodate.
• Day 2 : Hakodate.
• Day 3 : Lake Toya.
• Day 4 and Day 5 : Noboribetsu and spend time in the onsen hotel.
• Day 6 : Otaru.
• Day 7 : [Seasonal Trip] Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui.
• Day 8 and Day 9 : Sapporo City.
• Day 10 : Goodbye to Hokkaido.

For more detail on what to do and see in Hokkaido, check out our Hokkaido travel guide blog below!

Pre-Trip Essential

Generally, there are two best ways for getting around in Hokkaido; either by self-driving or relying on public transport (bus or railway). If you love to travel at your own pace or travel in a group, especially with kids and the elderly, consider self-driving in Hokkaido. The charming Hokkaido is best for having road adventures and plan for self-driving itinerary. But there are various rental car companies in Japan. Make sure to compare various rental cars to get the best deal from RentalCars.com .

We did not go for the self-driving option as we were traveling with two people only. So we opted to travel to Hokkaido by using public transport. If you are planning for a long travel journey like us, we highly recommended get the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass . Choose from consecutive 3-Days, 5-Days, 7-Days, or flexible 4-Days for traveling around Hokkaido. This pass can be purchased by foreign visitors ( Check out for detail ) and is required to exchange for an actual ticket at JR Station in Hokkaido. Remember to reserve your seat for free by using the JR Hokkaido Pass.

Save with JR Pass if you’re traveling from Tokyo to Hakodate by Shinkansen: 

• JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (Flexible 6 days within 14-Days).
• Whole Japan Rail Pass (7, 14, and 21 days option) for the whole Japan trip.

Day 1: Arrive Hokkaido – Hakodate

Landed at New Chitose Airport; getting to Hakodate.

International flights normally will land at Sapporo New Chitose Airport. Depending on your Hokkaido itinerary, you can choose to stay one night in Sapporo or directly proceed to the city as per plan.

For visitors who landed at Sapporo New Chitose Airport by flight, it is best to pick up your travel essentials at the airport:

• Wifi router or 4G Sim Card at the airport. It is important to stay connected to check on transportation, location, and travel information.
• Kitaca IC Card : Similar to SUICA or other Japan IC cards, Kitaca is the Hokkaido version of electronic cash cards. This card can be used at all railroads, buses, and IC electronics nationwide.

Once everything is ready, let’s kick-start your Hokkaido itinerary.

Day 2: Hakodate

Things To Do in Hakodate: Morning Market, Goryokaku Fort, Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse, Mt. Hakodate

Day trip in Hakodate is full of fun and excitement. Firstly, kick start your day with a bowl of seafood donburi at Hakodate Morning Market. It is the best place to taste the freshly caught seafood in Hokkaido. Next, purchase the one-day tram ticket at ¥600 and we are ready to explore this charming Hakodate city.

Visit the Goryokaku Fort and get to Goryokaku Tower Observatory for the entire perfect star-shaped Goryakaku Park from above. Next, proceed to Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse for a relaxing stroll along the bay. At night, make your way up to Mt Hakodate by the Hakodateyama Ropeway for the best night view in Hokkaido.

Goryokaku Fort is the most popular and best place for sakura viewing in Hokkaido. The star-shaped park will be full of pinky sakura and very beautiful. Normally the blossom peak season is early May.

What to eat in Hakodate : Lucky Pierrot Hamburger, Shio Ramen.

Where to stay in Hakodate : Four Point By Sheraton Hakodate and FAV Hotel Hakodate are strategically located close to JR Station. Many eateries nearby and Hakodate Morning Market is within walking distance.

Day 3: Lake Toya

Getting to Lake Toya from Hakodate. Things To Do in Lake Toya: Mt Usu, fireworks show, onsen bath

Hakodate to Lake Toya is about 2 hours. Get down at TOYA (JR-MURORAN station and take the connecting bus to Onsen town.

Spend your afternoon at Mt. Usu in Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Mt. Usu is a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You get to reach the summit by Usuzan ropeway for a stunning view from above. There is two observatory deck at the summit: Toyako Viewing Platform and Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck. A little hike is required if you want to get to Usu Crater Basin Observation Deck.

At night, the fantastic fireworks show will be alluring the entire Lake Toya at 20:40 for about 20 minutes every night. This summer event will start from the end of April to the end of October.

If you need information, check out our Lake Toya itinerary .

Where to Stay in Lake Toya : We highly recommended Toya Sun Palace Resort And Spa . The onsen was one of the best in Toyoko with an infinity pool that overlooked Lake Toya. An incredible way to enjoy your onsen bath during the evening firework.

Day 4 and Day 5: Noboribetsu

Day#4: Getting from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu; Day#5: from Noboribetsu to Otaru.

Things to do in Noboribetsu: Jigokudani, Oyunumand Okunoyu Pond, Oyunuma Natural Footbath, Demon’s Fireworks (Seasonal Festival).

Next, proceed for 2-Days 1-Night Stay in Noboribetsu , the best therapeutic onsen in Japan. The express train journey took about 40 minutes from Lake Toya to Noboribetsu. The local train will be double the traveling time but at a cheaper fare. Next, take the Donan bus to get to onsen town.

Headed to Jigokudani, aka Hell valley for the geothermal adventure. Have a closer look at Tessen Ike, geyser point at Jigokudani. Next, take a little hike to Oyunuma and Okunoyu Pond, the two crater lake created by volcano activities.

If you have more time, consider proceeding to Oyunuma River Natural Footbath with natural hot spring water in the forest. Lastly, spend the rest of your day at the traditional hot spring bath in your resort.

Don’t forget to join the Demon’s fireworks in Hell Valley at night if you are coming to Noboribetsu on Thursday or Friday. This event will start from early June to the end of July. We enjoyed our hot spring bath in Noboribetsu until check-out time on the second day. Next, we took the hotel shuttle back to Sapporo and then took the local train to Otaru.

Where to Stay in Noboribetsu : Dai-ichi Takimotokan is one of the best onsen resorts in Japan. This family-run resort has a total of 27 indoor and outdoor onsen baths for guests (15 for men and 12 for women) to enjoy the natural hot spring water. Definitely will fall in love when you’re soaking in the hot spring water.

Day 6: Otaru

Things To do in Otaru: Nikka Whisky Distiller, Otaru Canal, Sakaimachi Street, and Mt. Tenguyama.

It’s always good to kick start your day with a marvelous seafood donburi at Sankaku market. Next, have a half-day trip to Nikka Whisky Distiller to know more about Japan’s best whiskey. Nikka Whisky Distiller is located nearby within 25 minutes by local train from Otaru.

Back to Otaru city and continue to explore this charming town. Take the scenic stroll at Otaru Canal and continue to Sakaimachi street. There are many pastry and dessert shops on Sakaimachi street, including the famous LeTao, Kitakaro. Lastly, proceed to Mt. Tenguyama to see the panoramic view of Otaru city, especially the night view.

Where to stay in Otaru : Smile Hotel Otaru is located within a 3-minute walk from Otaru JR station. It is a budget three-star accommodation in Otaru, providing western and Japanese style rooms for selection.

Hokkaido Travel Tips : Otaru is easily accessible from Sapporo within 30 to 45 minutes by train. You can also stay at Sapporo and plan for a day trip to Otaru.

Day 7: Shakotan Peninsula (Seasonal Trip)

Things to do in Shakotan Peninsula: Shimamui Coast, Cape Kamui

Seasonal Trip: Shakotan Peninsula is only open for a visit during summer. Chuo bus is the only way to get to the Shakotan Peninsula by public transport. From Otaru, board the bus to Shimamui Coast and Cape Kamui to get a closer look at Shakotan-Blue seawater

Don’t forget to taste the mouth-watering supreme uni-don when you are visiting Shakotan. Osokujidokoro Misaki and Oshokujidokoro Naramuraya served the best sea urchin in Shakotan. Dropped by the restaurant for freshness sea urchin, freshly caught from the sea.

Need more help on planning a day trip to Cape Kamui? Check out our one day itinerary to Cape Kamui from Otaru .

Day 8 – 9: Sapporo City

Things to do in Sapporo: Shiroi Koibito Park, Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo Beer Museum. Odori Park And Sapporo TV Tower, Tanukikoji Shopping street, Hokkaido Shrine

There are many things to do and see in Sapporo . Spend your day in Shiroi Koibito Park, the famous Shiroi Koibito cookie factory with a beautifully decorated garden. Have a look at the famous bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Next, have a beer tasting of the famous Sapporo beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum.

If you have more time, spend your time visiting Hokkaido Shrine in the city center. Sapporo Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Sapporo TV Tower.

The Sapporo itinerary can be done within 1 fulfilling day. But we advise spacing some time for the delicious local delicacies. Fresh seafood (King crab, snow crab, hairy crab), soup curry, Genghis Khan, miso ramen, and more. Just visit the attraction that you would like to see in Sapporo.

Where and what to eat in Sapporo

• [Sapporo] Nemuro Hanamaru: Best Kaiten Belt Sushi Restaurant
• [Sapporo] Gotsubo Oyster Bar: Best Cheap Eat in Sapporo
• [Sapporo] Kani Honke Sapporo: Hokkaido Must Eat Crab Restaurant
• [Sapporo] The Best Soup Curry Garaku Food Review

Day 10: Goodbye Hokkaido

If you still have some time before leaving Hokkaido, head to Nijo Market for last minutes shopping for souvenirs and dried seafood back to the home country.

How To Plan For 10 Days Hokkaido Trip

Overall this Hokkaido travel blog for 10 days is more focused on the Southern and Central regions. For first-time visitors and limited time, this area is the best place to get a look at the beauty of Hokkaido. Day trip to Cape Kamui in Shakotan Peninsular is one of the seasonal travel trips in Summer. The remaining places can be traveled in Spring, Autumn, and even winter.

Below are some quick Hokkaido travel tips when you are planning on your itinerary.

Hokkaido is best to visit all year round, especially from Spring to Summer. Places visited include Hakodate, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Otaru, Shakotan, and Sapporo.

We recommended spending at least 7 days if you only have a short amount of time to play around in Hokkaido. You will need 5 days traveling around Hokkaido and 2 days covering Sapporo city.

Visitors can freely travel around Hokkaido by public transport and self-driving. Most of the attractions can be accessible by public transport, either by railway or bus. Self-driving is the best way to travel for those who love to travel at their own pace.

The buses go everywhere in Hokkaido (including small cities and towns) and it is also cheaper compare trains. But you need to be cautious about the bus schedule due to being less frequent.

Hopefully, our Hokkaido itinerary can give you some inspiration for your coming visit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we try our best to answer for you. Our advice for your Hokkaido trip? Just slow down your pace and enjoy the natural scene. Enjoy your trip to Hokkaido.

How To Plan Your Hokkaido Trip On Budget: Travel Guide, Itinerary & Money Saving Tips!

More detail Hokkaido travel blog:

• Hakodate, the historical city in Hokkaido
• Lake Toya Itinerary: Mt Usu, Onsen, Firework And More
• Noboribetsu itinerary: The Best Therapeutic Onsen in Japan
• Day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery
• [Summer] Day trip to Shakotan Peninsula: Cape Kamui
• Things to do in Sapporo by 2-Days

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Hokkaido Road Trip: The Perfect 10 Day Hokkaido Itinerary

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 10, 2023

Categories Japan

One of the most beautiful and coolest places in Japan , quite literally, is Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island.

Hokkaido is a wild and untamed destination in Japan with stunning scenery. It's an island of volcanoes, natural hot springs, endless forests, stunning National Parks with plenty of wildlife, and walls of snow that line the roads.

In this Hokkaido self-drive itinerary, you can find all the nitty-gritty details about our Hokkaido road trip.

Hokkaido itinerary: a 10 day Hokkaido road trip

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Road trip Hokkaido

When I was researching Hokkaido and our Hokkaido tour itinerary, I discovered not much has been written about driving in Hokkaido.

That's why I wrote an extensive post including everything you need to know more about renting a car and driving on Hokkaido (the speed limit, the Hokkaido Expressway, how to get and use an ETC card, etc.).

You can read all about it in my Guide to driving on Hokkaido.

In this post, you'll find all the best things to do on Hokkaido, as well as practical tips and where to stay on Hokkaido. I hope this Hokkaido backpacking itinerary will help you plan your Hokkaido driving trip!

Our Hokkaido road trip itinerary: map

You can find our itinerary including all the highlights we visited and our Hokkaido accommodation on the Hokkaido travel map below.

Click here for the interactive Hokkaido road map

Hokkaido trip itinerary

• Day 1: Lake Shikotsu
• Day 2: Noboribetsu and Lake Tōya
• Day 3: driving South (to Hakodate)
• Day 4: Hakodate and around
• Day 5: Matsumae Castle and Onuma Park
• Day 6: driving North (to Furano)
• Day 7: Furano and around
• Day 8: Asahidake Onsen
• Day 9:  Daisetzusan Park
• Day 10: Lake Akan

Plan your Japan trip like a pro with these tools: ✅ Get a Japan Railpass to save lots of time and money. ✅ Rent a car for your Japan road trip via Rentalcars.com . ✅ Stay connected with Airalo Japan offer . ✅ Plan your journey with the Japan Lonely Planet . ✅ Find the best hotel deals on Booking.com . ✅ Join the best tours in Japan via Klook . ✅ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Our Hokkaido travel plan: facts and figures

• I traveled to Hokkaido with my husband; we started and ended our road trip at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo.
• Our Hokkaido driving itinerary was 10 days in total, we drove approximately 2000 kilometers (so ~200 km per day).
• For our road trip we decided to follow the sun, or at least go where the weather forecast said it would be the least rainy and/or cold. I have to say, the Japan weather forecast is extremely good! It was very accurate during our Hokkaido trip, something we definitely used to our advantage while traveling around this amazing island.
• With temperatures below 0°C at some point, we decided to change our plans and head south instead of north to Wakkanai and the islands of Rebun and Reshiri. Our entire Hokkaido travel itinerary was based on the weather and turned out very different from the one I created before our trip. After all, travel is all about being flexible !

Things to know about a Hokkaido road trip

Is it safe to drive in hokkaido.

In general, yes, it's very safe to drive on Hokkaido. Roads are well maintained and people generally obey the traffic rules (except for the speed limit, which can be frustratingly low).

In this post, you can read more about driving in Hokkaido .

Can I use the JR Pass to get around Hokkaido?

If you don't want to rent a car in Hokkaido and use public transportation to get around instead, that's a good option as well.

Note that it will be more challenging to get to remote places, while there is an extensive rail network, trains are only available in the major cities.

That being said, there's a network of buses as well, just keep in mind that getting from place to place will take more time than by car.

You can purchase the regular Japan Rail Pass for your time on Hokkaido but it's also worth looking into the regional Hokkaido Rail Pass .

The regional pass is cheaper than the Japan rail pass, but it depends on your Japan itinerary which one is the best option.

Click here to compare the JR rail pass (valid everywhere in Japan) with the Hokkaido rail pass (only valid in Hokkaido).

What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is a year-round destination and each time of the year has its own pros and cons.

A Hokkaido road trip in spring

We traveled to Hokkaido at the end of April and the start of May, my favorite things about traveling to Hokkaido in spring were:

• We got to experience four different seasons in just 10 days. From snow and freezing nights to walking around in a t-shirt and relaxing in an onsen after a very rainy day.
• We got to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms (in full bloom!) at Goryōkaku and Matsumae Castle (read more below).
• I loved that we had the campsites entirely to ourselves as there weren't any other campers yet this early in the season.

However, be sure to pack appropriately and bring plenty of (warm) layers. It's still pretty cold in Hokkaido during this time of year!

A Hokkaido road trip in the summer

During the summer months, you can admire the famous flower and lavender fields on Hokkaido. Plus, you can hike the Shiretoko Traverse and lots of other trails.

Note that many hiking trails on Hokkaido are still closed in Spring (and sometimes even in June) because of the large amounts of snow that fall during winter.

While this isn't a specific Hokkaido summer itinerary, all of the spots included in the post can be visited in summer.

A Hokkaido road trip in autumn

Hokkaido is a very popular spot during autumn because of the brightly colored forests with leaves in vivid autumn colors.

Check the Autumn Color Report  on  Japan Guide  to plan the best time for your visit.

A Hokkaido road trip in winter

If you plan to visit Hokkaido in winter, make sure you're very well prepared. It's not easy to drive on Hokkaido in winter, it can even be dangerous unless you know what you are doing!

That being said, Hokkaido can be a wonderful winter destination! You can visit the Sapporo Snow Festival (read more below), go skiing in one of the ski resorts, and admire the frozen lakes and snowy views.

Where to stay on Hokkaido

Here is a list of all the places we stayed during our road trip around Hokkaido.

Note:  Prices for the hotels, campgrounds, and guesthouses depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Click ‘book here’ to see the latest prices on  Booking  and book ahead to get the best deal.

* Unfortunately the accommodation we stayed at during our Hokkaido trip is no longer available. While we didn't personally stay at the Shin Furano Prince hotel we did visit their spa twice during our time in Furano.

How to find accommodation during Golden Week

Golden Week is the period from the 29th of April to early May and includes a number of Japanese holidays. Check the exact Golden Week dates here

During this week many Japanese people go on holiday and accommodation can be extremely difficult to find.

In fact, when I was looking for some last-minute accommodation on Agoda and Booking , there were only 2 hotels available in the entire city, the cheapest one was €400 a night…

I was very happy to we had our tent and car as a backup option!

If you are traveling in peak season and Golden Week in particular: book your accommodation in advance!

Hokkaido itinerary day 1: Lake Shikotsu

Itinerary: New Chitose Airport – Nissan rental car outlet – Nature trail Lake Shikotsu – Shikotsukomorappu Camping Ground

Pick up your rental car

Pick up your rental car at New Chitose Airport so you can start your Hokkaido road trip immediately after landing on the island. Click here to compare car rental prices on Rentalcars.com.

Important: be sure to stock up on enough drinks, snacks, and some instant ramen at a nearby 7-11 before setting out on your road trip.

If you are traveling early in the season or during winter, many restaurants are (still) closed.

You really don't want to arrive at a beautiful camp spot with an empty stomach and nothing to eat. We did on our first day in Hokkaido and had to drive back to Chitose for supplies.

Go hiking along the shores of Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu is a caldera lake in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Around the lake, there are several mountains and (some still active) volcanoes, such as Mount Eniwa and Mount Tarumae.

There is a short but steep trail going up Mount Tarumae with excellent views from the top.

Unfortunately, the trail was still closed when we visited (too much snow) supposedly the views from the summit are really beautiful and worth the climb.

Where to stay at Lake Shikotsu ⇒ Campsite Morappu (1 night)

The view alone makes this campsite worth a visit! However, the fierce wind blowing over the lake was very cold and I didn't get much sleep that night…

We purchased a set of thermal underwear and extra blankets the next day which solved the problem.

Please note that while there are (clean) toilets, there are no showers. I later found out this is actually quite normal for Japanese campsites because there usually is an onsen (either onsite or nearby) instead.

Price per night: €12,80/$14.

Places to stay near Lake Shikotsu

If you don't want to go camping there are other accommodation options available. However, there are only a handful of hotels to be found around Lake Shikotsu and most are quite expensive.

There is the friendly 3-star Marukoma Onsen Ryokan and the superb 5-star Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta .

Alternatively, you can explore Lake Shikotsu during the day and drive back to Chitose or Sapporo where there are more affordable options to stay.

Hokkaido itinerary day 2: Noboribetsu Onsen and Lake Tōya

Itinerary: Shikotsukomorappu campground – Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – Oyunuma Pond – Lake Kuttara – Lake Tōya – Nakatoya Camping Ground

Noboribetsu Onsen

Noboribetsu is Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort and a great place to visit in Hokkaido.

While the town itself it small, it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, from its beautiful hot springs to its picturesque lakes and mountains.

Visit Jigokudani (also known as Hell Valley)

Volcanic activity is something that has fascinated me since I was a little girl. In fact, my first school project was about volcanos and even got me an A!

The smell of sulfur, the crazy colors of the rocks, and the steaming vents make Jigokudani one of the best places to visit on Hokkaido.

Take your time enjoying the scenic landscape of the area, Jigokudani is one of those places where you truly feel (and smell) the incredible force of nature.

Oyunuma Pond

This was quite possibly my favorite place in Hokkaido! I had never seen a steaming lake before, it was mesmerizing, and couldn’t take my eyes off Oyunuma Pond for a long long time…

Lake Kuttara

This perfectly circular crater lake inside the volcano Kuttara contains the best quality water in Japan. You can drive along its shores and admire the views.

There are hiking trails as well ( such as this one ), but we didn't cover any during our trip.

Lake Toya is another spectacular lake, with an even more spectacular backdrop. It's part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park and a popular location for hiking and camping.

Where to stay at Lake Toya ⇒ Nakatoya Camping Ground (1 night)

During our stay, we were the only ones at the campsite. It was so quiet and the starry night was magical.

Also, with our newly purchased thermal underwear and extra blankets, we were well prepared for the cold, and sleeping in our tent was very comfortable!

Unfortunately, the onsen was closed. Maybe it was too early in the season or the campground manager didn't turn it on because we were the only ones there.

Price per night: €7,20/$8.

Hokkaido itinerary day 3: driving South (to Hakodate)

Itinerary: Nakatoya Camping Ground – Hotel WBF Hakodate

The kindness of Japanese people

While driving south to Hakodate I experienced firsthand that Japanese people are among the kindest and most helpful people in the world.

I had accidentally booked the wrong flight and needed to call customer service. There was just one problem, I didn't have a local SIM card and my own SIM didn't work for some reason.

A very friendly Japanese man generously loaned me his phone. And not only that, he bought us coffee and locally produced food as gifts as well!

I was speechless… And very grateful .

That being said I highly recommend getting a local SIM, click here to buy a SIM card with unlimited data online .

Relax in an onsen

Our first onsen experience was amazing but we also desperately needed it. It had been raining heavily the entire day.

And we had ‘slightly' underestimated how cold Hokkaido would be at the end of April. Therefore, the rain felt like wet snow and we didn’t feel like pitching our tent that night.

I was extremely happy I managed to book one of the last available hotel rooms in Hakodate (it was Golden Week, read more below), which happened to have an onsen.

Onsen = Japanese spa with a VERY hot bath… Utter bliss! Read more about how to visit an onsen in Japan.

I know I've said it before, but I can't stress this enough: Golden Week is the busiest travel period of the year in Japan (because it's a public holiday). Booking accommodation as early as possible is crucial when traveling during this period. My favorite sites to find accommodation are Agoda and  Booking . I usually also check reviews on Tripadvisor if I'm having trouble choosing between 2 hotels.

Where to stay in Hakodate ⇒ Hotel WBF Hakodate (1 night)

WBF Hakodate is a lovely hotel: comfortable and clean. Rooms have an ensuite bathroom and a kettle. The onsen was pure bliss…

The walls are pretty thin and the room is quite small (though that's pretty common in Japan).

Click here to book hotel WBF Hakodate

Hokkaido itinerary day 4: Hakodate and around

Itinerary: Hotel WBF Hakodate – Goryōkaku Castle – Hakodate Mountain walking trail – Hakodate Village – Roadside Rest Area Fukushima

Goryōkaku Castle

We didn’t time our visit to coincide with the cherry blossom season or sakura as it’s called in Japan.

But it was the icing on an already delicious cake (the cake being Japan;-). Walking below thousands of cherry trees dressed in pretty pinks and whites was like stepping into a fairy tale…

Click here to buy a ticket for the Goryokaku Tower online.

Hakodate Mountain walking trails

On Hokkaido nature is never far away. And so it didn’t take us long to find a nice hiking trail leading to the top of Mount Hakodate.

Hakodate historic village

With old brick houses and colonial villas, I almost felt like we were back in Europe. I would have loved to learn more about Hakodate and its interesting history but unfortunately, we didn't have enough time.

If you want to see the most important highlights of Hakodate (such as the Kanemori red brick warehouse) while gaining fascinating insights into Japan’s history and culture, check out this private walking tour with a licensed local guide.

Where to stay in Fukushima ⇒ Roadside Rest Area Fukushima (1 night)

I didn't know this, but sleeping in your car is actually rather common in Japan!

When we arrived at the Michi-no-Eki (road station) in Fukushima we were a bit apprehensive as we weren't sure if it was allowed to stay the night.

We decided to risk it and were very surprised to wake up in a packed parking lot the next morning! There were fully equipped campervans and next to us was a Japanese man in a suit who slept in his sports car.

This road station is a convenient place to spend the night. There was a supermarket across the parking lot where we bought a cup of coffee and some sandwiches for breakfast.

We even brushed our teeth in the shop's little bathroom! However, keep in mind that you're staying at a parking lot and there aren't many facilities.

Price per night: free!

Hokkaido itinerary day 5: Matsumae Castle and Onuma Park

Itinerary: Roadside Rest Area Fukushima – Matsumae Castle – Onuma Quasi National Park – Lake Toya Fireworks – Toyako Parking Lot

Visit Matsumae Castle

Visiting a Japanese castle during cherry blossom season with a perfect blue sky: it doesn’t get better than that!

Explore Onuma Quasi-National Park

We strolled around this nice little park with lovely bridges and stunning Mt. Komagatake in the backdrop. A perfect afternoon activity.

Admire the Lake Toya Fireworks

From the start of Golden Week until October there is a firework show every evening. You don't need a ticket and can enjoy the show from the boulevard.

During our first stop at Lake Toya (on day 2 of this itinerary), we were too early for the fireworks shows (it wasn't Golden Week yet).

We were very lucky to catch the show on our way back north.

Where to stay in Toyako Onsen ⇒ Toyako Parking Lot (1 night)

The parking lot was in the center of the village Toyako, but still very quiet (we were there very early in the season).

There was even a (clean) toilet and a tap with warm water. No showers, but what can you expect from a free parking lot?

Hokkaido itinerary day 6: driving North

Itinerary: Toyako Parking Lot – Shin Furano Prince hotel

Admire the view

With the risk of repeating myself too often: road trips are the best! I love driving around an unknown country, looking out the window of our car, and admiring all there is to see…

Eat the best Maze Soba Tempura in Furano

Until this day, the Maze Soba we had in Furano is the best food I've ever eaten. Food in Japan is pretty much always really tasty, but this dish is my #1 favorite plate of food in the world.

Relax in a spa (onsen)

Hokkaido can be very cold, even in Spring. As such, I had been wearing my thermal underwear for 3 days straight when we arrived in Furano and both my clothes as well as myself were in dire need of cleaning…

The spa at the Shin Furano Prince Hotel was the perfect place to do so. For obvious reasons, taking pictures in the spa isn't allowed, but you can find pictures of the spa on Booking.com .

Where to stay in Furano ⇒ Shin Furano Prince Hotel (2 nights)

This hotel offers clean and spacious rooms in a beautiful location. However, the best feature of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel is the aforementioned spa.

The view from the spa is beautiful and there is no better way to end your day of sightseeing in Furano than by soaking up the heat in the onsen.

Click here to book the Shin Furano Prince hotel

Hokkaido itinerary day 7: Furano and around

Itinerary: Cheese factory – Wine factory – Walk around wine factory – Rollercoaster road – Blue Pools – Glass Forest – Spa at Shin Furano Prince Hotel  

Visit the Furano cheese factory

The first stop of the day was the cheese factory where we watched an informative movie (even though it was in Japanese and so were the subtitles).

We ate wine-infused cheese and black brie, very interesting tastes. And of course, we had to look up Dutch ‘Goudse Kaas' on the World Of Cheese.

Do a tasting at Furano wine factory

Next up was the wine factory (I had no idea they produce wine in Japan). It was fun to take a look in the wine cellar and search for the wine bottles produced in the year we were born.

The weather was amazing during our time in Furano, it was even warm enough to walk around in a t-shirt! We went for an easy 5-km walk near the wine factory and spotted a fox in the fields!

Visit Farm Tomita in Furano

the most famous lavender farm in Japan. I didn’t know this before coming to Japan, but lavender is kind of a thing here. Apparently, there is a special train station that is only in use during the lavender season.

Seeing the already beautiful views from Farm Tomita, I can understand why this place is such a tourist hotspot (for Japanese people).

We bought a lavender ice cream which tasted strangely good albeit a bit weird.

Drive the Rollercoaster Road

This is a fun 4km long road that really fun to drive because of the rolling hills. Thought it would have been even more fun if one were allowed to go faster than 50km an hour…

The Blue Pond

This is a beautiful but odd place with vividly blue glacier water and a lot of dead trees. Pretty but strange.

Drive around Furano valley

The views of the mountains on both sides of the valley were beautiful and we were extremely lucky with the weather!

Visit the Glass Forest

The last stop on our self-drive customized sightseeing tour around Furano was the Glass Forest.

This glass is unique and made using a very special technique that creates tiny cracks in the glass that take 3-5 years to mature! It’s very beautiful but also very expensive!

Enjoy the good life

We ate maze soba again because it was so delicious. And then we hung out in the spa of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel , again…

Hokkaido itinerary day 8: Asahidake Onsen

Itinerary: Shin Furano Prince hotel – Asahidake Onsen – Sōunkyō 7-11 parking lot

Hiking in the snow at Asahidake Onsen

The drive to Asahidake Onsen alone is reason enough to go there. The higher up the mountain we got, the higher the walls of snow lining the road became…

We, therefore, assumed hiking would be out of the question, but when we paid a visit to the tourist information center the friendly guy manning the station told us about a cross-country trail that was accessible for hiking.

Well, that sounded pretty awesome. Turns out it was!

The temperature was around 16 degrees Celsius and was a bit surreal to hike in a t-shirt through a very snowy landscape.

An unusual experience for sure, with gorgeous views along the way.

Where to stay at Sōunkyō ⇒ parking lot next to the 7-11 (1 night)

We asked the staff of the 7-11 if we could park for the night and they so kindly made an exception for us.

Parking next to the 7-11 meant we could literally crawl out of bed to get our morning coffee. Also, as apparently, all supermarkets in Japan do, there was a toilet in the store and a little sink to brush our teeth.

Hokkaido itinerary day 9: the road trip continues through Daisetzusan Park

Itinerary: Sōunkyō 7-11 parking lot – Ryusei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki waterfalls – Taisetsu Dam in Daisetzusan Park – Lake Akan parking lot

Ryusei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki waterfalls

I love waterfalls, they are mesmerizing, how can there be such an endless amount of water coming down from those steep cliffs…

To get the best view we hiked to the top of the trail across the waterfalls, from this spot you can take a picture of both waterfalls in one shot.

Be sure to bring bear spray and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. We didn’t see a bear but we did spot a couple of deer strolling through the forest.

Road through Daisetzusan National Park

Even with the dreary weather, it was a delight to drive this road through Daisetsuzan National Park.

We continued driving because with rain pouring down there wasn’t much else we could do and ended up at Lake Akan.

In Akan town, we chilled out in a little café, Pan de Pan, until the rain cleared up. With an almost completely clear sky, we went for a short walk by the beautiful lake and strolled through the Ainu village.

In the shopping street of Akan village, all sorts of arts and crafts products and countless marimo items are being sold in the souvenir shops. Marimo is what Lake Akan is all about after all!

You may wonder what the #$%^ is a marimo?

Marimo are green spheres of algae and very kawaii (because fluffy). How much of a thing is Kawaii in Japan? Let me quote the Lonely Planet : Marimo became endangered after being designated a national treasure. Suddenly everyone in Japan needed to have one. Anyway, these green spheres of algae grow in lake Akan and the people living in the village sure know how to use that fact to their advantage, there are marimo-themed items everywhere you look.

Where to stay at Akanko Onsen ⇒ Lake Akan parking lot (1 night)

The lady selling the parking tickets didn't mind if we stayed the night.

The parking lot happened to be across from 7-11, so getting coffee and breakfast was easy again, as was cleaning up (slightly) in the morning.

I'm nit-picking here, but the ground wasn't entirely level. Not ideal when you sleep in your car.

Price per night: €3,20/$4 (for a parking ticket)

Hokkaido itinerary day 10: Lake Akan and around

Itinerary: Lake Akan parking lot – Lake Akan nature walk – Eco Museum – Lake Onetto – car drop-off point – Hotel Areaone Chitose

Lake Akan nature walk

On our last day in Hokkaido, we were definitely in luck (again): the sun was shining! We went for a short hike over the nature trail next to the Eco Visitor Center.

It was a brief hike but offered great views of the lake. And of course, we passed some mud pools, signs of volcanic activity are never far away on Hokkaido.

Visit the Akan Eco Museum

In the Akan Eco museum, we checked out some particularly fluffy marimo (see the picture above) and learned more about the formation of these strange phenomena.

Hike around Lake Onetto

Lake Onetto is a gorgeous lake with bright blue color and two imposing volcanoes looming over the lake.

We went for a hike around the lake, but the trail was still partially snowed under!

I imagine in summer it’s a nice and easy stroll, but in Spring it was quite a challenging hike as we tried not to sink too deep into the snow!

Where to stay in Sapporo ⇒ Hotel Areaone Chitose (1 night)

We had an early flight to Hiroshima from New Chitose Airport. Hotel Areaone Chitose was close to the airport and offered a free shuttle service.

It was a good place to stay, the room was small but after sleeping in our car for a couple of nights it actually felt big to us;-).

We spent our afternoon soaking in the steaming onsen but unfortunately, the sauna was out of service during our stay.

More things to do on Hokkaido

If you've got more time to spend in Hokkaido (lucky you!), here are some popular places I wish we could have added to our Hokkaido itinerary.

Sapporo Snow Festival

If you happen to visit Hokkaido in winter, you can visit the famous Sapporo Snow Festival! This annual winter event is held in Sapporo and takes place every February in Odori Park (you'll also find the Sapporo tv tower in this park).

One of the highlights of the festival is the Snow Sculpture Contest. Teams from countries around the world compete to create the most amazing snow sculptures and the cool thing is: you can actually see the snow sculptures being made during the festival.

There are lots of other attractions such as snow slides, skiing, live performances, and much more. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a great way to experience the beauty of winter in Sapporo.

Check the official site for more information.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a stunning natural area located in the northernmost part of Hokkaido. With its unique combination of mountains, volcanoes, forests, and seashore, it is a popular destination for hikers, bird watchers, and nature enthusiasts.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Steller's sea eagle, brown bears, and the Asiatic black bear.

If you plan to visit this stunning part of Hokkaido, be sure to read up on bear safety and bring a can of bear spray and a bear bell .

Otaru is a charming port city, known for its picturesque canals lined with old-fashioned warehouses and charming, historical buildings.

The city has a rich history of fishing and trading, and you can still see many of the old fishing boats in the harbor.

Besides the famous Otaru Canal, there are a variety of attractions, such as the Otaru Aquarium, Otaru Music Box Museum, and the Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway.

All in all, Otaru is a great place to visit in Hokkaido, as it is a peaceful and relaxing city with many great restaurants, shops, and attractions to explore.

Road trip in Hokkaido: conclusion

Our road trip around Hokkaido was an amazing experience, despite the cold.

Hokkaido truly is a wonderful island: wild, mountainous, active volcanoes, lots of wildlife, pretty lakes, friendly people, and delicious food. 

I will add that 10 days in Hokkaido is not nearly enough to see everything this beautiful place has to offer. I really hope that we'll be able to come back to Hokkaido and visit more Hokkaido highlights.

Not many people include a trip to Hokkaido in their Japan itinerary , but I hope that this Hokkaido travel blog has convinced you Hokkaido is highly worth a visit!

If you want to read more about traveling in Japan , check out my other posts:

• Japan on a budget
• Japan off the beaten path
• Funny things in Japan
• Tokyo itinerary
• Kyoto itinerary
• Osaka itinerary
• Miyajima itinerary
• Japanese Alps itinerary
• 3 days in Kamikochi
• Hiking to Koyasan

Download our Hokkaido free and easy itinerary below and plan your trip in no time! Feel free to ask any questions you may have about planning a trip to Hokkaido, I'm happy to help!

This post was updated in January 2023 .

Sunday 15th of September 2019

Will you recommend Hokkaido in mid October? And if so, what changes from your itinerary do you suggest?

Friday 20th of September 2019

While I think you can visit Hokkaido in October, please keep in mind it will already be quite cold. Also, the leaves will probably have fallen (most of them at least) so you will miss the splendid fall colors. Nevertheless, the scenery will still be stunning and the crowds will have left so you'll have them all to yourself.

I wouldn't necessarily change the itinerary but my most important tip would be to follow the weather. If the weather forecast says sun in the north, go north. If rain is expected in the east, go west. And pack enough layers, gloves and a beanie:-)

Have a great trip! Lotte

Friday 12th of July 2019

Hi Lotte, Your mission has been accomplished as I was truly inspired by your 10day trip to Hokkaido. I live in Malaysia. I am hoping to take my 17 yr old daughter on road trip. I am hoping to rent a MPV (with sleeping and simple cooking set up but no toilet facilities). You are right in that there are not many articles about driving /camping routes around Japan or maybe I don't know what to look for. So thank you very much for sharing your trip. I've never done a driving holiday before and I feel even more responsible bringing my teen daughter so I don't really know where to begin. I chose Japan as I think it is a safe country to begin such a journey and also because I LOVE Japan and have only seen small parts of it. I wonder if you could give me some advise as to how I could go about researching and planning my own trip. (1) I would like to travel mid August 2020 as that is school break for my daughter - would it be meaningful to use your travel route as a guide (keeping in mind I won't see seasonal wonders like cherry blossoms blooming) (2) We plan to sleep in our van (so no hotels) (3) We are not sure how long should we plan ( we think maybe 7-10 days) - also I am concerned about how to plan so I can return the hired van in time. Also, I chose a Van instead of RV ( my teen is hoping I'd get an RV) because I wanted to have freedom of more parking options. (4) We would love to do the following: - Hot springs & light hiking ( a couple of hours) - visit quaint little shops or markets - local interesting places e.g. temples, museums or architecture (we both enjoy craft and art) (5) I am REALLY hoping to end our day with a warm Japanese meal and a bath in an Onsen before we retire for the evening in our van. But we are also prepared to park at a rest stop sometimes and hopefully able to get a shower at least. I need to own up on the fact that I have always been a book and plan in advance person. So this is a huge leap for me. I want to do this before my teen outgrows bunking and holidaying with mom. (6) I looked at the car rental which you mentioned but I don't see that they offer the van which I'm after. I have done some research but if you do have any recommendations, I'd be happy to compare with my own findings.

Thank you for your time. May you have many more lovely trips and wonderful memories. Vivien

Saturday 20th of July 2019

It’s so wonderful to read about your upcoming adventure to Hokkaido with your daughter! Japan is a very safe country indeed and a great place for a first driving trip.

Regarding your questions, I think a van is a good choice as it gives you lots of flexibility. Keep in mind you’ll need/want something (like towels) to cover your windows so you don’t wake up at first light.

In 7-10 days you can see lots of things, but it really depends on the distance you want to cover in one day. You could easily spend a couple of days in the area around Furano, especially since you mention you like quaint little shops and arts&crafts.

Some campsites have an onsen but not all, I’d just ask the camp manager about the facilities when you arrive at a site. We also parked at random parking lots and there are no facilities (like a shower) available at such locations?. Regarding the rental company, if you are after a particular car I’d just go with the company that offers the best deal. As I went with ToCoo I have no experience with other rental companies in Japan.

I wish you a wonderful trip with your daughter! Let me know if you have any further questions:-) Lotte

Oodledoodles

Monday 18th of February 2019

Great post! Thank you for sharing your trip and information with fellow travellers!

I have a question... You mentioned "With temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius at some point, we decided to change our plans and head south instead of north to Wakkanai and the islands of Rebun and Reshiri..." Was weather and freezing temperatures the only reason why you changed your course of travels or was it because of the sights as well (with North having less sights over longer distance and South having more sights over shorter distance travelled?

I am planning to include some south Hokkaido (giving NOBORIBETSU and HAKODATE a miss... the former i've seen plenty in Rotorua and the latter, is just a city) and some of north Hokkaido (including Cape Kamui, Wakkanai and Cape Soya). Will include Biei and Furano as well.

Do you think is workable? I want to follow the tourist route but at the same time i'd like to able to see a little of the north side of Hokkaido as well. Just iffy about the travel distance and time between the cities thats all. We want to be able to take a relaxing journey and take our time, instead of being on the road all the time and rushing from one place to another, not taking time to enjoy the experience.

Sunday 3rd of March 2019

Hi! Thanks, I'm happy to hear that:-) For us the weather was the only reason we traveled South a couple of days sooner than planned. I'd love to revisit Hokkaido as there is so much more to see...

Regarding your itinerary, it really depends how much time you have available. As I mentioned in the post, covering the distances on Hokkaido takes time. However, the views are beautiful though and the roads are in great condition! I always like the journey as well, but I agree you don't want to feel rushed. I'd calculate the distances with google and multiply the time mentioned there by factor 1,3. If that seems alright to you I'd go for it! Have a wonderful trip:-)

Wednesday 30th of January 2019

Hello Lotte!

Thank you so much for this!

Did you go to Hokkaido around late April? I'm planning to go there on this late April and would love to go to Farm Tomita Furano, I saw your picture there, and seems that the lavender is not bloomed yet, But how about other flowers? I'm afraid that late April (30 april) wont be a good time to go to the farm if others flowers are also not bloomed yet.

Thank you Yessi

Friday 1st of February 2019

You are most welcome:-) Regarding your question, yes we traveled to Hokkaido at the end of April. No flowers were in bloom at all, in fact, there was still a lot of snow! Visiting Farm Tomita (and the other places on Hokkaido) was still great but if you are specifically looking for flowers blooming the end of April of probably not a good time. Enjoy your trip!

Friday 7th of September 2018

Hi Lotte - what a great read!

As a non-driver (yeah, shocking I know!) I'm always interested in how folks explore Japan by hire car.

I have a lot of affection for Hokkaido and reading this reminds me not to leave it too long before I'm next there.

The Log Yukari Guesthouse really looks like my kinda place - so that's a good find - thanks for the tip!

If anyone is visiting Hokkaido in Winter (especially between Jan-Mar) then I can thoroughly recommend taking a cruise out into the winter ice floes in an icebreaker ship - it really is an unforgettable experience:

https://www.therealjapan.com/how-to-cruise-an-icebreaker-ship-in-hokkaido/

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

Thanks for reading! I loved exploring Hokkaido by car but of course the trains in Japan are excellent as well;-) I would love to visit in winter, the icebreaker cruise sounds amazing...

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A Massive 10-Day Hokkaido Summer Itinerary

Created On: August 23, 2022   |   Updated: September 18, 2023   |   Leave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links from which we may make commission from. As always, we only recommend places and products we love! In addition, we try our best to keep our articles up-to-date with current prices, locations, and hours of operation however we always recommend double-checking when planning a trip as these items can change frequently.

10-Day Hokkaido Summer Itinerary

Welcome to our massive Hokkaido summer itinerary! When most people travel to Japan and think of Hokkaido they immediately turn to thoughts of skiing, snowdrifts, and steamy hot springs. While these are some of the best things to do in Hokkaido, there is also a different side of Japan’s most northern region that is often overlooked.

Hokkaido in the summer is drastically different from winter. There are rocky coastal beaches, waterfalls, national parks perfect for hiking, flower fields galore, and some of the best seafood and dairy products you will EVER HAVE. You can quote me on that. 

While Hokkaido is only one area of Japan, it’s a massive one, so in this 10-day Hokkaido summer itinerary, we only were able to visit a small fraction of the beautiful places in this region. But they hold such a special place for us – especially Logan, whose grandmother is from Hokkaido. 

In this 10-day Hokkaido summer itinerary, we visited Asahikawa, Nakafurano, Biei, Hokuryu, Daisetsuzan National Park, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Jigokudani, Otaru, the Shakotan Peninsula, Sapporo, and Hakodate.

It might seem like a lot, and well, you’d be right! But many of the places mentioned above are small towns that offer few attractions. But you’ll still want to keep a tight schedule so you can enjoy everything there is to offer in the time frame you have! Ever since we first visited Hokkaido we’ve been aching to return so we’re jealous if you’re currently planning your trip!

Where is Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is a large island in the most northern part of Japan close to Russia. Because it is an island, it has a number of different beautiful coastlines including the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean, and the Sea of Okhotsk. Besides the main island, there are also a number of smaller islands that are considered to be a part of the Hokkaido Region including Rishiri Island, one of the better known.

The Best Time To Visit Hokkaido

Despite it being located so much further north than most other areas of Japan, Hokkaido still has four seasons. Depending on what activities you would like to do will determine when to visit Hokkaido. In this post, we will be sharing our experience traveling to Hokkaido in the summer. But, here is what you can expect from each season in Hokkaido.

Spring in Hokkaido (March-May)

Spring is the most popular time to visit Japan due to… yep you might have guessed it! THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS. Sakura trees are lit up with delicate pink blossoms that are like a fairytale dream come true. So it only makes sense that this is a popular time to visit Hokkaido as well. The only thing to keep in mind is that because of the location of Hokkaido, sakura season typically comes in mid-May which is much later than the rest of Japan.

Summer in Hokkaido (June-August)

I highly believe that Hokkaido is the place to be during the summer in Japan. The weather is exceptionally cooler and less humid than on the main island and if you missed out on cherry blossom season, there are a TON of flower fields you can enjoy. Another thing you can enjoy during a summer road trip in Hokkaido is the beaches! The water is a stunning shade of blue and you’ll find many people going surfing or swimming on the beaches in Hokkaido.

Fall in Hokkaido (September-November)

During the autumn months, you can start to feel the chill of winter’s arrival around mid-September. You might also begin to see snow in some areas in November. With these cooler temperatures, you can enjoy the fall foliage, soak in hot springs, try a Japanese hot pot dish, or take a brisk hike through a glorious National Park. Just make sure you bring a lot of layers for autumn in Hokkaido. 

Winter in Hokkaido (December-February)

Thinking about visiting Hokkaido in the winter? Great! Just be prepared for A LOT of snow and more crowds too. Many domestic and international travelers visit Hokkaido for the amazing ski slopes and snowboarding. There are a number of ski resort towns to visit too! Like fall, this is also the perfect time to enjoy soaking in an onsen, especially to soothe those aching muscles from skiing.

How to Get to Hokkaido

Traveling to Hokkaido by Plane

If you are traveling to Hokkaido by plane there are a number of different airports that have direct flights into Hokkaido but the fastest, easiest, and most cost-effective route is to fly from Tokyo Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) to Sapporo (CTS) which only takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. 

Traveling to Hokkaido by Train

Another option for traveling to Hokkaido is by taking the shinkansen (bullet train) and other trains. Because we were in the Tohoku Region of Japan (also further north) before visiting Hokkaido this is what we did. We used our Japan Rail (JR) Pass to travel from Aomori City to Sapporo which took around 6 hours. As you can tell by the time, flying to Hokkaido is much more time-efficient – it would take you almost 12 hours to get to Sapporo from Tokyo! But if you have an active JR Pass and are already in northern Japan, this is an option too. As far as routes go, we used Google Maps to find the best route to get to Sapporo and booked our shinkansen tickets at the train station in Aomori City.

Transportation in Hokkaido

The best way to get around Hokkaido is by car, really there isn’t a way around it unless you are only planning to visit Hakodate, Sapporo, or other larger cities. Even then, some activities don’t have train service. However, if you don’t feel comfortable driving in Japan that’s okay. You can take trains as needed, hire a taxi, or take a tour bus for popular attractions.

Renting A Car in Hokkaido

Like I said, renting a car is truly the best way to travel in Hokkaido, hence why this Hokkaido summer itinerary is mainly focused on a Hokkaido road trip! After we took the trains from Aomori to Sapporo we walked from Sapporo Station to a nearby Budget store on the north exit of Sapporo Station, where we had rented our car from. We only rented a car for seven days of the trip because the last three days we were in areas with ample public transportation and didn’t find it necessary to keep the car. For our 7-day rental, it cost us $258.26 USD (around 35,000 JPY) not including gas. We won’t cover all the details about driving in this post, but we do have this guide for driving in Japan which will give you more insight! 

What to Eat in Hokkaido

While we’ll give you some restaurant recommendations for each place we visited, I wanted to point out a few things that Hokkaido is well-known for when it comes to dining. Hokkaido is known as the “breadbasket of Japan” meaning they provide the most dairy, meat, vegetables, and seafood for Japan and other countries. Basically, they’re out there feeding everyone! Thus, there are a number of signature dishes to try in Hokkaido.

Ramen in Hokkaido

Japanese ramen varies greatly based on the region and city you’re visiting, Hokkaido is no exception. There are three main types of ramen that the Hokkaido region has to offer – Asahikawa Ramen, Sapporo Ramen, and Hakodate Ramen, each named after the city they respectively originated from.

Asahikawa Ramen

As the name suggests, Asahikawa Ramen is the local ramen in Asahikawa City. This style of ramen has a shoyu (soy sauce) flavored broth that uses pork and chicken bones in addition to fish broth making it a hearty bowl of ramen, complex in flavor. The noodles used are typically thicker and wavier.

Sapporo Ramen

Sapporo-style ramen is typically made with chicken, fish, or pork broth (sometimes combined) and flavored with aka miso (red miso paste). Miso ramen is very popular in Hokkaido because it adds an extra element of richness to the broth perfect for cold, winter days. Sapporo Ramen is typically topped with ground pork or chashu pork and a variety of vegetables including bean sprouts, cabbage, and sweet corn.

Hakodate Ramen

Though Hakodate Ramen broth starts similarly to the others with the broth being made from chicken and pork bones, the shio (salt) base added to the broth makes it much lighter than Sapporo or Asahikawa-style ramen. Toppings for Hakodate Ramen usually include chashu pork, spinach, naruto (fish cake), green onion, nori (seaweed), and bamboo shoots.

Although these are the most common types of ramen in each of these cities, this list is obviously not exclusive. There are many other types of ramen that you can find all over Hokkaido. In fact, I had one of the best ramen bowls I’ve ever had was at a restaurant in Asahikawa and it was vegetarian. To be honest, I still think about it ALL the time.

Donburi is a rice bowl dish that is topped with a variety of ingredients that is popular for breakfast or lunch. Like ramen, you can find many different styles around Japan. In Hokkaido, the most popular toppings are uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe) because they are widely found in Hokkaido. But, you can also get shrimp, crab, or other types of seafood as well.

Another popular style of donburi you can find in Hokkaido is butadon (pork rice bowl). This dish is quite well-known in Obihiro and has layers of thinly sliced pork coated in a sweet and spicy sauce and occasionally has some eel as well.

Hokkaido is known for having some of the best seafood, dare I say it, in the world. You can challenge me if you want to but I won’t back down. So if you’re a seafood lover, Hokkaido will be a foodie paradise for you. While you can find almost any kind of seafood in Hokkaido, crab is one of the most popular.

Hokkaido has a large variety of crabs to try and all-you-can-eat restaurants are found all over, especially in Sapporo. Hokkaido loves crab so much that they even have a crab festival every year in Nemuro City in early September! 

A few varieties they serve commonly in Hokkaido are tarabagani (red king crab), kegani (horsehair crab), zuwaigani (snow crab), hanasaki crab , and aoi tarabagani (blue king crab).

Since Hokkaido has some of the freshest and best seafood, it only makes sense that sushi is also incredible in Hokkaido. Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are typically high-quality and offer a variety of different options. The most popular are fatty tuna, salmon roe, salmon, squid, crab, and sea urchin.

Japanese curry is one of our favorite comfort foods, but in Hokkaido, it’s done a little differently. This curry is definitely more “brothy” but still served alongside a bowl of rice. It typically contains chicken legs and a large portion of flash-fried vegetables including okra, eggplant, potato, carrots, bell peppers, and squash. To make it extra flavorful, a heaping amount of spices are added.

Ishikari Nabe

Ishikari Nabe is a light, yet hearty hot pot dish composed of a white miso-based broth, salmon or trout (depending on the season), and loads of vegetables including cabbage, onions, green onion, and ginger. 

Jingisukan (Genghis Khan)

Jingisukan is one of the most popular dishes to try in Hokkaido. It is seasoned mutton that is grilled and then dipped in a sauce (other parts of Japan marinate in sauce first then grill). Bean sprouts and other vegetables are placed around the edges of the grilling pan and the mutton is placed directly in the center which allows the fat to flow to the vegetables providing them with more flavor. After grilling, the meat is dipped in a spicy sauce.

Zangi is commonly referred to as Hokkaido’s soul food but to be honest, I hadn’t heard of it until we visited Hokkaido. Zangi is a chicken dish that is made with chicken thighs and wings that are fried extra crispy and served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar.

Soft-Serve Ice Cream

Hokkaido is well-known for its dairy and milk products which are often not easy to find in Japan other than in Hokkaido. I mean, they’re so regarded that when I got ice cream in Beppu (southern Japan) they made sure to tell me it was made with Hokkaido milk. Let me just say, they really do have a reason to brag because Hokkaido dairy products are sublime .

I LOVE ice cream. I love ice cream so much that I wrote an entire post about Japanese ice cream flavors . Yep, I really did. But here’s the thing, too much dairy tends to hurt my stomach so I hold back if I’ve eaten a lot of milk-based products. However, for whatever reason, Hokkaido’s dairy products didn’t do anything to me except make me cry tears of joy because they were that good.

I’m not saying that Hokkaido dairy is magic per se, you might not have the same experience, but I think their cows must be happier than the ones we have in the U.S. Anyways, I regress. When in Hokkaido you must try soft-serve ice cream. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s delicious. I recommend getting a plain ‘ol vanilla ice cream to start just to compare to others. Then go for the gold and get flavors like lavender while in Furano and Hokkaido melon.

Yubari King Melon

Speaking of melons, did you know Hokkaido is also known for its Yubari King Melon ? You know those cantaloupes you get at the grocery store or as a fruit side at restaurants that are hard, tasteless, and utterly disappointing? Yeah, this melon is NOT THAT. Hokkaido melon is soft, sweet, and bursting with flavor. I also purchased a melon soft serve ice cream which was one of my favorite flavors out of the hundreds I’ve tried.

Hokkaido Summer Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics of Hokkaido let’s move on to the Hokkaido summer itinerary. But before I start, I do want to point out that this itinerary is best suited for summer. You can visit many of these places during other seasons as well. It might just look a bit different. In addition, all of the mentioned activities, restaurants, and hotels in this itinerary are our suggestions. You are welcome to only choose places that are of interest to you when creating your own itinerary. Last, although we do our best to update information as we see the need arise, always remember to check opening hours and costs as they are subject to change quickly. Now let’s get started! 

Here’s how this Hokkaido itinerary is broken down.

• Total travel time: 2 hours
• Stay in Asahikawa
• Total travel time: 3 hours
• Stay in Otaru
• Total travel time: 3.5 hours
• Stay in Kutchan
• Total travel time: 2-2.5 hours (if staying near Jigokudani) 3.5 hours (if heading to Sapporo)
• Stay in Sapporo
• Total travel time: 3 hours 45 minutes (train)
• Stay in Hakodate

WITH FEWER DAYS: You could take out Hokuryu Sunflower Field or some of the flower fields near Biei and spend more time in Asahikawa.

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY: DAY 1-3 Asahikawa + Day Trips

Where to stay in asahikawa.

When we got off the train in Sapporo we picked up our rental car and immediately drove to Asahikawa. We stayed here three nights so we could explore Asahikawa and neighboring small towns too. 

During our time in Asahikawa, we stayed at the Premier Hotel Cabin Asahikawa . It was definitely small yet budget-friendly and comfortable for our stay. The only downfall is that parking isn’t free, although the fee is minimal.

Things to Do in Asahikawa

Tambo rice art.

Rice art is a unique form of art that you can see in various parts of Japan so we were excited to find out that there was a location nearby. Tambo Rice Art is a small location, with just one tapestry of rice art, but it’s still a sight to behold! It all starts with a well-thought-out design that usually depicts a story from Japanese folklore. Then a number of different rice species are meticulously planted to form a giant canvas on a vast field as they grow throughout the summer.

When you arrive you’ll first notice a platform that allows you to view the rice art from a bird’s eye view. However, before you make your way up the stairs, I highly recommend taking a long glance at it from the bottom first. Why? Well from the bottom you’ll be able to make out the tapestry, but as you climb the stairs the picture becomes all the more clear.

LOCATION : Higashitakasu 7 Sen, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 071-8157, Japan // MAP COST: Free to visit

Asahiyama Zoo

The Asahiyama Zoo is one of the most popular places to visit in Asahikawa year-round. In fact, it’s so popular that it is also one of the most visited zoos in Japan. The unique construction of this zoo allows you to get close to the animals in a safe way making it exciting and different from other zoos. One highlight of the Asahiyama Zoo is the glass tunnel through the penguin pool where you can watch the penguins glide through the water. They also host a penguin parade daily! 

TIP: Since this zoo is a half-day activity you might not have time to visit some of the other attractions in Asahikawa so consider picking which of the things you’d like to do most this day. There is a chance you’ll have some evenings free for other activities on other days in this Hokkaido summer itinerary.

LOCATION: Kuranuma Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan // MAP HOURS: 10:30am-3:30pm daily COST: 1,000 yen

Asahikawa Ramen Village

Remember that ramen I told you about? Well, Asahikawa Ramen Village has it all! Asahikawa Ramen Village is located on the outskirts of the city, but it’s definitely worth the trip. Inside you’ll find eight famous ramen restaurants to choose from, gift shops where you can purchase a unique souvenir or gift for someone, and there is also a ramen shrine nearby that is interesting to visit.

Ramen Shops + Specialities Located in Asahikawa Ramen Village

• Aoba Aoba is a long-established ramen shop that started in 1947. It has a mix of pork and seafood in its specialty ramen.
• Ittetsu-an’s main dish is pork broth ramen with large portions of slow-roasted chashu pork.
• Ishida has a hearty pork broth ramen that has many pork dumplings in the soup.
• Tenkin Tenkin offers a savory and spicy ramen that has thicker ramen noodles.
• Santouka has a rich bowl of ramen with a hearty broth, thick slices of pork, and thin ramen noodles.
• Saijo Saijo serves up a light, health-conscious Chicken ramen with medium curly ramen noodles. 
• Heiwa Heiwa has ramen that uses a blend of three kinds of miso to make the broth adding extra umami flavors. Flat ramen noodles are used as well as bite-sized pieces of pork. They also have curry ramen flavors too.
• Umekoken Baikoken offers traditional ramen with a blend of pork, chicken, and fish stock with thin slices of pork.

In addition to the specialty ramen dishes named above, each shop offers other menu items including some vegetarian and vegan choices too!

LOCATION: 4 Chome-119-48 Nagayama 11 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421, Japan // MAP HOURS: 11am-8pm daily COST: Free admission, ramen typically costs around 800 yen/bowl

Otokayama Sake Brewing Museum 

If you are interested in learning more about Japanese sake, don’t miss a visit to the Otokayama Sake Brewing Museum . This former brewery is now a museum where you can learn more about Japan’s Edo period, the history of sake, sake brewing methods, and at the end of your tour, enjoy a tasting of Otokayama sake. If you enjoy it be sure to buy your bottle at their store because this is the only place they sell it!

LOCATION: 7 Chome-1 Nagayama 2 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8412, Japan // MAP HOURS : 9am-5pm daily COST : Free admission

Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum

In many cities in Hokkaido, you will find memorial museums dedicated to Hokkaido’s indigenous people, the Ainu. The mission of the Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum is to maintain Ainu culture and language in urban areas and is the oldest Ainu museum in Hokkaido. It is a great living museum to visit to learn more about the Ainu people and their history.

LOCATION : 11 Chome Hokumoncho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0825, Japan // MAP HOURS : 9am-4pm daily COST: 500 yen/adults, 300 yen/children

Asahikawa Museum of Art

The Asahikawa Museum of Art is a small, prefectural art museum located in Tokiwa Park with regional works as well as art from other parts of Japan and the world. One of the unique exhibits at the Asahikawa Museum of Art is its collection of wooden art such as carvings, furniture, and other woodcraft.

LOCATION : Tokiwakoen, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0044, Japan // MAP HOURS : 9:30am-5pm daily, closed Mondays COST: Gallery 1: Fees vary by exhibition, Gallery 2: 260 yen/adults, 150 yen/students

Arashiyama Observation Deck 

The Arashiyama Observation Deck   might not seem like much at first glance, but don’t let that stop you from climbing the steps to see the view from the top. This wooden deck is located within a protected watershed forest and a public park for all who desire to visit. From the top, you can see a stunning view of Asahikawa and the ocean or for visiting at night to see the city lights from above. At certain times of the year, it is also a prime location for viewing fireworks!

LOCATION : 9 Sen, Takasu, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1249, Japan // MAP HOURS : Open 24 hours

Where to Eat in Asahikawa

Other than the Asahikawa Ramen Village (listed above), there are a number of great places to eat in Asahikawa. Sadly a cute bakery we went to and another restaurant has since closed (I’m guessing due to 2020 events) but we still have you covered!

Robata no Yūkara (炉端のユーカラ)

Robata no Yūkara is an izakaya restaurant had a large variety of items to eat plus Japanese beer! We got a flight to share and a few small plates. If you aren’t familiar with izakayas, it’s basically a Japanese bar that serves small plates and comfort food dishes. The food is usually always terrific and the beer is on point too. This izakaya was no different. We enjoyed a number of small plates.

LOCATION: 7 Chome 4 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0034, Japan // MAP HOURS: 3pm-12am daily

Kushidori (串鳥 旭川本店)

On our first night in Asahikawa, we wanted to grab something to eat in a casual place where we could chat and relax. Kushidori was a great option for yakitori! The wait times can be a little long but it tends to move quickly once your name is on the list. We were seated at the bar area and given an iPad to order from which made it easy to order a few dishes at a time until we were full. 

Although chicken yakitori is most common in Japan, Kushidori also has pork, beef, vegetables, and mochi as well. Each piece is ordered al la carte with 1-2 skewers. In addition to yakitori, they also have a few side dishes to munch on such as onigiri (Japanese rice balls), donburi (rice bowls), salads, tofu, and edamame.

We personally enjoyed the potato with butter, maitake mushrooms with ponzu, mochi bacon, pork shiso, chicken and onion, and chicken wings.

LOCATION: Japan, 〒070-0032 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, 2 Jodori, 7 Chome−左 1 号 プラネット 2・7 1F // MAP HOURS: 4:30pm-12:30am daily

Ganso Asahikawa Ramen Ichikura

Of course, I highly recommend visiting the Asahikawa Ramen Village (listed above) for the experience and the food, but one other place I recommend visiting, especially if you’re searching for halal or vegetarian ramen is Ganso Asahikawa Ramen Ichikura . It had the best vegetarian ramen I had while in Japan. The broth was creamy miso with toppings of sweet corn and other seasonal vegetables. If you aren’t looking for vegetarian or halal-friendly ramen then they also have traditional ramen dishes too. Logan ordered the shoyu ramen which he said was a great, classic bowl of ramen.

LOCATION: Japan, 〒070-0033 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, 3 Jodori, 7 Chome−329-1 山田ビル // MAP HOURS: 11am-4am daily

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 2 Nakafurano and Biei (Stay in Asahikawa)

Tomita farm.

Tomita Farm (ファーム富田)  has been operating as the largest lavender field in Hokkaido since 1903. Which, as you might have guessed, has made it the most popular lavender farm to visit in Hokkaido! In addition to lavender fields, Tomita Farm also has a few other fields with colorful varieties of flowers and even a birch forest you can explore. There are also a number of places to shop or eat on-site.

One thing we recommend is getting lavender ice cream from one of the shops. Hokkaido is known for having terrific dairy products so the ice cream is incredibly creamy and the lavender flavor is perfectly balanced instead of being overpowering like some lavender-flavored desserts.

LOCATION : １５号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9AM-6PM daily COST: Free

Choei Lavender Farm

The Choei Lavender Farm is one of the most popular Hokkaido lavender fields to visit but not as popular as Tomita Farm making Choei Lavender Farm less crowded on a typical day. There are two sections to this park one being the lavender fields and the other being a field of a mixed variety of flowers. 

One experience that is not to be missed at Choei Lavender Farm is the ski lift that allows you to have a bird’s eye view of the stunning flower fields from above for 400 yen. At the top of the ski lift is an observation deck where you can rest on one of the benches while enjoying the view.

LOCATION 1-41 Miyamachi, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0714, Japan // MAP HOURS : 9AM-6PM daily COST: Free, 400 yen for the ski lift (round-trip)

Saika no Sato

Saika no Sato is a flower field in Hokkaido that is set 6 hectares high on a hilltop with a beautiful panoramic view. Like many of the other lavender farms in Nakafurano, you will also see fields of lavender as well as a variety of other seasonal flowers such as marigolds, sunflowers, and salvia. 

Saika no Sato has an onsite cafe restaurant that focuses on dishes with seasonal vegetables and seafood but in the summer they have juicy, ripe melons to enjoy too! During the prime lavender season, you can even pick your own lavender to take with you for 1,000 yen a bag. Since many others are also there to pick lavender, the aromatic scent fills the air all around you so even if you don’t get to take some with you, you can still enjoy the beautiful fragrance! 

LOCATION : Japan, 〒071-0762 Hokkaido, Sorachi District, Nakafurano, 西一線北１２号 // MAP HOURS: 8AM-5PM daily COST: Free

Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond is a man-made pond located in Biei, but before you write it off because it isn’t a naturally made pond, the pastel blue water is anything but artificial. Its creamy blue color is all thanks to the natural minerals combined from the Biei River and the volcanic eruption of Mount Tokachi in 1988. Along the viewing path of the pond are a number of white birch trees which makes the scenery even more beautiful to view.

LOCATION: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8am-9:30pm COST: Free to visit

Rollercoaster Road

When I was researching things to do in Hokkaido near Asahikawa, Rollercoaster Road was one place that kept popping up on Instagram and Google. But, if I’m being completely honest, I found it to be a touch underwhelming. However, we did drive by here so we decided to stop.

LOCATION: Nishi 11 Sen Kita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0511, Japan // MAP

Trick Art Museum

The Trick Art Museum is a great place to visit if you want to step away from the outside humidity and enjoy an indoor attraction. Although the museum is small, there are about 30 exhibits to discover that have optical illusions, appearing different from every angle, kind of like those wacky fun house mirrors at theme parks! Though most of the museum is set indoors, there are also a few exhibits outside and also a Ferris wheel you can add to your admission. 

LOCATION: 33 Go Nishi 8 Senkita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0508, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-5pm (April & May, September-November), 9am-6pm (June-August) COST: 1,300 yen/adult, 1,000 yen/junior high and high school students, 700 yen/5th grade and above, 4th grade and under is free

Shikisai no Oka

Shikisai no Oka (四季彩の丘) also known as Shikisai Hill is one of the larger flower fields in Hokkaido. It’s so big it even has a tractor ride to take visitors from one area of the farm to the other or you can rent a golf cart to drive! Because of its size, it’s also pretty busy, so I would try to visit when they first open or towards the end of the day when they close.

Another unique thing that Shikisai no Oka has on-site is the small alpaca farm located towards the entrance where you can view, pet, and feed the alpacas – this is something we didn’t do while we were there, but it could be a fun activity for kids.

On-site you’ll find a few small restaurants as well as an area with fresh produce that you can purchase. Like the other flower fields, they carry lavender and melon soft serve but another snack you can purchase here is a potato croquette which is made from the potatoes in their fields.

LOCATION Japan, 〒071-0473 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei, Shinsei, 第３// MAP HOURS: 9AM-5PM daily COST: Free but they ask for a 200 yen donation for the maintenance of the flower fields.

You might also like: The Best Hokkaido Flower Fields

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 3 Daisetsuzan National Park (Stay in Asahikawa) 

Daisetsuzan is Hokkaido’s biggest national park that features a number of gorgeous outdoor hikes, waterfalls, and scenic views, especially during the autumn months. One spot you can’t miss is Mt. Asahidake, which is the largest peak in Hokkaido. Because of our limited time taking a day trip to Daisetsuzan National Park, we mainly spent time on the north side of the park so that is what we will be covering here. But there are a number of attractions that are on the central and south sides of the park as well! 

A few suggestions I have for a day trip to Daisetsuzan National Park is to wake up extra early to account for travel time and because your schedule will be busy. Second, pack some snacks and drinks since there aren’t many places to get refreshments along the way. But at most attractions, you’ll find a public restroom. 

Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway & Mt. Kurodake

On the opposite side of Mt. Asahi, you’ll find Mt. Kurodake , another mountain that also offers astonishing views and hiking. The hiking path to Mt. Kurodake is easily accessed by Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ropeway which is a mile-long cable car lift that has scenic views of the mountain and trails from the sky. The scenery is especially beautiful during the autumn months when the foliage is in full swing. 

During the winter months, the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake ski area starts at the northeast slope of the mountain. It is one of the most popular ski attractions in Hokkaido because of its high altitude and quality powdery snow. At the base of the mountain, you’ll also find Sounkyo Onsen, a hot spring town that is the largest in the area. Here you can soak your muscles and warm up after a day of skiing.

In the summer, the area drastically changes and you can observe a number of alpine plants and animals and enjoy hiking on the mountain. Just be sure you dress in layers because the altitude does add a chill to the thin air!

LOCATION: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8am-4pm (January-March), 8am-4:30pm (April-May), 6am-6pm (June-September) COST: 2,400 yen (adult/round-trip), 1,400 yen (adult/one-way), 1,200 yen (child/round-trip), 700 yen (child/one-way)

Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls

Ginga & Ryusei Waterfalls was one of the most impressive twin waterfalls we saw in Japan. Actually, it might be one of the most impressive we’ve seen in the world alongside Powerscourt Falls in Ireland . Although the actual names for these waterfalls are Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Waterfall) and Ryusei no Taki (Shooting Star Waterfall), they are often referred to as the “married waterfalls” since they are made up of two different streams combined into one. 

Both waterfalls are massive in height at 295 feet (90 meters). But they also stand out because they flow down the face of a large beautiful rock bluff. After gazing from a distance, you can then take the approximately 0.65-mile RT walk (1 km) to view the streams and waterfalls from another area.

LOCATION: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan // MAP 1 & MAP 2

Ōbako is a beautiful scenic spot where the merging of two rivers takes place. It has many stunning water features and bluffs that form a sweeping ravine. We actually swung by here by accident when driving around Daisetsuzan National Park. Nearby is another scenic spot, Kobako but we, unfortunately, didn’t get to enter because it is currently closed off to the public for fear of collapsing. I’d say that if you happen to be nearby, which you will if you visit the other places on this Hokkaido summer itinerary, then stop by, but it wouldn’t be something I’d make a special trip for otherwise.

LOCATION: Sounkyo, Kamikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 078-1701, Japan // MAP HOURS: 24/7 COST: Free to visit and free public parking nearby

Mikuni Pass Observation Deck

Mikuni Pass Observation Deck is one of the most popular viewing decks in Hokkaido and for a good reason. It has the most incredible view of the stunning Hokkaido landscape including trees, mountains, diverse foliage, and the impressive Matsumio Bridge . Attached to the observation deck is the Mikuni Pass Cafe which is a great spot to stop and get something to eat or enjoy a latte. They mainly offer comfort foods like curry and soba, but they also have ice cream and coffee. 

LOCATION: Mitsumata, Kamishihoro, Kato District, Hokkaido 080-1401, Japan // MAP HOURS: Open 24 hours, Cafe Hours: 9am-5pm COST: Free to visit

At this point, you’ll be heading back around towards Asahikawa so you can decide whether to continue the journey to Mt. Asahi and Hagoromo Falls or head back to your hotel! 

Mt. Asahi & Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

The Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway is a popular attraction year-round in Daisetsuzan National Park that takes you towards the top of Mt. Asahi . In the winter, you can experience powdery white snow. In autumn, the leaves are vibrant colors in contrast to the birch bark on trees. In the spring, fresh blooms grow as the snow melts. But in the summer, you’ll be able to get off the ropeway to a trail for wildflowers that takes you to the mountaintop. The trail only takes about an hour but the views are SO worth it and I’d allow for at least two hours so you can really enjoy the panoramic views of Daisetsuzan National Park.

LOCATION: Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1472, Japan // MAP COST: 10/21-5/31 : 2,200 yen/adult (round-trip), 1,300 yen/adult (one-way), 6/1-10/20: 3,200 yen/adult (round-trip), 2,000 yen/adult (one-way) – view more prices

Hagoromo Falls

Near the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway is Hagoromo Falls which is accessed by an easy walk. Hagoromo Falls has such beautiful scenery and bright blue water, you’ll immediately feel as though you’ve stepped into a painting. Although you can see a terrific view of Hagoromo Falls along the trail, there is a viewing platform that allows a different perspective of the falls too! Considering it’s such an easy walk to view the waterfall, this is a must-visit for anyone visiting Daisetsuzan National Park.

LOCATION: Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-1473, Japan // MAP COST: Free to visit

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 4 Hokuryu or Otaru (Stay in Otaru)

For this day, you’ll be staying in Otaru but making a drive over to Hokuryu to visit the Hokuryu Sunflower Park first. If the sunflowers aren’t in season then you can skip this park and head directly to Otaru where there are plenty of things to do for at least two days in Otaru.

Hokuryu Sunflower Farm (Himawari No Sato)

Located about an hour away from Asahikawa, Hokuryu Sunflower Farm , as the name suggests is a field where you can see over 1.5 million sunflowers! The golden hue of the sunflower petals glimmers in the sunlight. The park is perfectly laid out so you can walk down rows of sunflowers on tarps so you can take photos with ease! During the sunflower festival (early August) you can also have a complimentary photo taken and printed off as a memento.

While you’re there, be sure to stop in the nearby gift shop where you can find souvenirs and food stalls. A must-try is the sunflower ice cream which is made with crushed sunflower seeds – It has a rich nutty flavor similar to kinako mochi or peanut butter ice cream.

LOCATION : Japan, 〒078-2511 Hokkaido, Uryu District, Hokuryu, 板谷 // Map HOURS: 24 hours COST: Free

Once you’ve had your fill of the sunflower village, you’ll head on to Otaru which is a 2-hour drive from Hokuryu Sunflower Farm or a 2-hour 15-minute drive from Asahikawa. We arrived in Otaru in the late afternoon so we didn’t get to do too much the first day other than check in to our Airbnb , go on a walk around the city, and grab some dinner. 

After we ate dinner we attended some Bon festival events because we happened to be in Otaru during that time. However, since you may not be there for that festival, I’ve added a few extra things to do in Otaru to day five of this itinerary. 

Some good options if you are arriving in Otaru in the late afternoon or early evening are: taking a riverboat cruise on the Otaru Canal or walking by the canal or taking a tour of the Tanaka Sake Brewery and grabbing dinner afterward.

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 5 Otaru (Stay in Otaru)

Before I begin this part of the Hokkaido summer itinerary, I want to tell you a little about why Otaru is so special to us, especially Logan. Logan’s grandmother was born in Otaru and although we’ve visited Japan on other occasions, this was the first time we’ve ever made it to her hometown. 

Prior to visiting Otaru, we were able to sit down with his grandmother and hear some stories from her childhood there. Being able to walk the same paths as his grandmother was truly a touching moment for Logan. Because of this Otaru will always be a special place for Logan and me. 

I feel like two days in Otaru didn’t give us enough time to see and do everything we wanted to do. Especially because we arrived in the afternoon on the first day and attended the local Bon festival. So we definitely plan to visit again in the future! 

Where to Stay in Otaru

During our time in Otaru, we actually stayed in an Airbnb outside of the city. We both really enjoyed the space this Airbnb offered and would highly recommend it, especially for the price point. But sadly, it is no longer available! When we visited, Japan was changing a lot of laws for short-term rental properties such as Airbnb. If you want to know more about Airbnb in Japan you can read more in our Japan trip planner.

If you don’t want to book an Airbnb that’s okay! We have some hotel recommendations too. These are widely based on reviews and suggestions from others who have visited Otaru.

Dormy Inn Premium Otaru : We have stayed in a number of Dormy Inn Premium Hotels and have always been satisfied with our stay. The rooms are affordable but have a small touch of modern luxury with rooms that are decently spacious, comfortable, and clean. Each night the hotel offers free ramen to all of their guests and there is a large public onsen that is perfect for soaking in to wind down in the evenings.

Grand Park Otaru : If you’re wanting to stay in a slightly more upscale hotel then Grand Park Otaru is a resort option perfect for family travel or couples travel. Many of the rooms offer a fabulous view of either the mountains, city, or ocean and are incredibly spacious. 

Ginrinso : For a romantic, luxury accommodation consider staying at Ginrinso, a traditional Japanese ryokan. Guests of Ginrinso have access to a wide variety of accommodations including on-site restaurants, a gift shop, free parking, a shuttle bus service, and hot springs. In addition, Ginrinso is located close to many Otaru attractions making it convenient for your stay. 

Things to Do in Otaru

Walk by the otaru canal.

The Otaru Canal is one of the most popular attractions in Otaru because it is lined with many popular restaurants and shops. However, it is also incredibly romantic and historic too. Prior to the canal being built, large ships docked offshores and unloaded cargo to transport goods from land. But it became tiresome and thus, in 1918 the Otaru Canal was completed in order to help manage the cargo by smaller barges. 

Today it is no longer used for cargo, but you can take a leisurely boat ride along the canal . You’ll probably walk by here a few times while you’re in Otaru, but make sure that one of your stops is at sunset or early evening when the 63 gas lanterns are glowing along the sidewalk and stone warehouses. In the winter, the canal is also the site of the Otaru Snow Light Path where the lights and snow reflect next to the water. 

LOCATION: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan // MAP HOURS: Open 24 hours

Shop for Otaru Confections

I’ve already talked up desserts in Hokkaido so much you’re probably sick of hearing about them and wanting to try them for yourself! Lucky for you, Otaru has a number of pastry and confectionery shops that are good for getting a sweet treat or buying something to take home.

• LeTAO has a few locations around Japan but most are located in Hokkaido, specifically Otaru. This is a great place to stop and relax while enjoying a slice of cake. Afterward, be sure to head up to the tower for a nice view of Otaru! // MAP
• Kitakaro is pretty well known for its cream puffs but if you want something a little less sweet try the sweet potato bake! They also have delicious soft-serve ice cream flavors perfect for a hot summer day in Japan. // MAP

Otaru Museum 

The Otaru Museum is a local museum that highlights the history of the city and the train system. The exhibits go into detail about the history of Japan’s railways starting in 1880, train types, and engines, with many full-sized trains. Overall it’s a very interesting and informational museum where you can learn a lot about how Otaru became such an important city in Hokkaido.

LOCATION: 1 Chome-3-6 Temiya, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0041, Japan / / MAP HOURS: 9:30am-5pm daily, closed Tuesdays

Otaru Art Base: Stained Glass Museum

The Stained Glass Museum is located inside the Otaru Art Base and features, as you probably guessed, beautiful stained glass works! All of the stained glass pieces were crafted in England between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as windows in churches. Some of the stained glass pieces tell the story of Queen Victoria through World War I. There are many different galleries in this art base, one even featuring the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany (yes, the Tiffany and Co, Tiffany).

LOCATION: 1 Chome-2-16 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan // MAP HOURS: 11am-3pm daily COST: 700 yen

Otaru Kihinkan

Built in 1917, Otaru Kihinkan , formerly known as Aoyama Bettei is one of the best art mansions in Hokkaido. The history of Aoyama Bettei dates back to the Meiji and Taisho eras when the Aoyama family made a fortune herring fishing. 

At the time of its construction, it cost 310,000 yen to build this luxury mansion which used the skills of over 50 craftsmen, carpenters, artists, and architects. In addition, a variety of luxury woods, art pieces, and other additional touches were added such as nightingale floors.

Otaru Kihinkan is a fascinating and beautiful piece of history that is definitely a must-visit while in Otaru.

LOCATION: 3 Chome-63 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-4pm daily COST: 1,100 yen/adult, 550 yen/children

Tanaka Sake Brewery

Again, if you enjoy sake then you must visit Tanaka Sake Brewery while in Otaru. Tanaka Sake Brewery is located inside an old stone masonry warehouse that was built in 1905 adding to the historic element of their tours and tastings. But the real history of this sake brewery started back in 1899. All of their sake is brewed with 100% Hokkaido-produced rice and milled in their warehouse to begin the brewing process. 

The factory tour is only in Japanese but you’ll be able to learn more about the history of Tanaka Sake Brewery, see the tedious brewing process, and taste a few varieties of sake after the tour. Since they only brew their sake in Otaru, buying a bottle as a gift to take home is an excellent idea and if we hadn’t been traveling all over Japan, we definitely would have done that! 

LOCATION: 2-2 Nobukacho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0016, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-6pm  COST: Tours are free, reservations required

The next two activities would require more time but if you arrived in Otaru early on day four of this Hokkaido itinerary you could do one or both of these activities in the morning of this day and do the above itinerary on day four.

Mt. Tengu & Tengu Ropeway

Mt. Tengu is most popular to visit in the winter because of snowshoe hiking, but the summer offers beautiful scenery as well. If you’re wanting to visit Mt. Tengu you’ll definitely want to plan ahead. The hike to the top can be a bit slippery if it has rained or had recent snowmelt, although it is worth mentioning that the trail is well-maintained and takes about an hour to 1.5 hours. 

But despite the minor setbacks in getting there, the view from the top is phenomenal and if you aren’t interested in hiking you can take the ropeway towards the top. It is believed that those that reach the summit and rub the nose of the Tengu Goblin statue will have good health, a prosperous business, and travel safety.

LOCATION: 2 Chome Asarigawaonsen, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0154, Japan // MAP HOURS : 9:30am-9pm daily

Blue Cave 

Visiting the Blue Cave is one activity that we didn’t get the chance to enjoy because we ran out of time! To be honest, I think I’ll honestly regret not making the time for it until I’m able to go back again. The Blue Cave is the perfect summer activity in Hokkaido because there are boat tours that take you out on the water and into the nearby caves. While on the journey you might even spot dolphins or whales out on the sapphire blue water. Once you arrive you can kayak, snorkel, or enjoy the views from your boat. There are very few places to see blue caves in Japan so this rarity is something to be enjoyed during your Hokkaido summer itinerary. 

LOCATION: 4-5 Minatomachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 047-0007 // MAP HOURS: Tours start at 9am and end around 4:20pm or 6:20pm in July and August. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. COST: 5,500 yen/adult, 3,000 yen/child

Book A Blue Cave Boat Tour

Where to Eat in Otaru

Sankaku market.

The most popular morning market in Otaru is Sankaku Market . It was established in 1957 with over 40 different food stalls to choose from ranging from fresh seafood, hot pot entrees, and rice bowls. Because it is right next to the train station, this market has gotten a bit touristy and the prices reflect that as well. Although I must say, the quality of the seafood is still there.  I recommend ordering some crab as well as sashimi from any of the stalls that catch your eyes!

LOCATION: 3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8am-5pm daily

Rinyu Morning Market

Similar to Sankaku Market, Rinyu Morning Market is a smaller market with only around 20 stalls and typically less tourists. Here you can get a delicious bowl of fresh seafood to eat for breakfast prepared by friendly locals.

LOCATION: 3 Chome-10-15 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan // MAP HOURS: 4am-2pm daily, Closed Sundays

Tempura Wakisaka (てんぷら脇坂本店)

When we were researching restaurants in Otaru we came across a small tempura restaurant called Tempura Wakisaka (てんぷら脇坂本店) that had limited reviews but those that were there were highly regarded. So we made a plan to eat there for dinner in Otaru. However, upon searching for it, we discovered an empty building with a sign saying that the restaurant had moved, thus we kept walking a few more blocks. I mention this so you can click on the map below. Otherwise, if you just search for the restaurant, you might visit the incorrect location too! 

When we arrived the host asked if we had a reservation (we did not) but because it was a somewhat slow evening, we were able to get our name on the list and wait about 15 minutes before being seated. If you want to dine here I’d recommend asking your hotel to make a reservation for you. The ambiance of Tempura Wakisaka was upscale, so I wouldn’t go in hiking clothes but there is no need to dress to the nines either.

The menu is small with only four main dishes, but what they do have, they do it VERY well. I have to say, I was incredibly floored by this meal and although I’ve eaten a decent amount of tempura in and outside of Japan, this is, without a doubt, the best tempura meal I’ve had thus far. Logan and I both ordered the Hokkaido Tempura Rice Bowl which had prawns, fish, a large crab claw, and a variety of seasonal vegetables.

LOCATION: 1-22 Yamadamachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0025, Japan // MAP HOURS: 12pm-2:30pm, 4:30pm-8pm, Closed Thursdays

Otaru Beer Zenibako Brewery

Once you step inside Otaru Zenibako Brewery you’ll immediately think you’ve been transported to a Bavarian Biergarten in Germany. But this decor is no mistake. Otaru Beer Warehouse has been designed in this way because they mimic their brewing process after Germany. 

They even have a number of German foods on their menu to have alongside a pint or two. Although we didn’t end up eating at the restaurant we did buy a few beers to-go and enjoyed them at our Airbnb along with some snacks we picked up before going home. We enjoyed the pilsner and Weiss the most but they also have some seasonal beers that are good too. 

LOCATION: Japan, 〒047-0007 Hokkaido, Otaru, 港町5−4 小樽運河倉庫群 // MAP HOURS: 11am-11pm daily

Yamanaka Dairy Farm Otaru Shop

If you read my list of foods to try in Hokkaido then you saw the part about dairy products in Hokkaido and Yamanaka Dairy Farm is well-known all over Hokkaido. Since the farm is located near Otaru, they have a small storefront in the city featuring soft-serve ice cream with a variety of toppings. 

I got a chocolate and vanilla swirl which I know sounds pretty basic, but I decided to get that because I had yet to try that in Hokkaido. But I also recommend getting vanilla with caramel because that is a Hokkaido specialty. 

Logan and I shared a cone because we had a short wait before dinner and I instantly regretted sharing because their ice cream is way more elevated than any other regular cone I’ve had. It’s super-rich, creamy, and delicious.

LOCATION: 1 Chome-6-18 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan // MAP HOURS: 11am-6pm daily, Closed Mondays

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 6 Shakotan Peninsula (Stay in Niseko)

After spending some time in Otaru, you’ll then pack up and head to the Shakotan Peninsula for the day. This area was one of our favorite spots we visited in Japan, and we’ve been to many! I personally think the best time to visit the Shakotan Peninsula is during the summer months when the weather is warm, the water is a shimmering deep blue, and the beaches can be enjoyed. 

Since there isn’t much out here besides hiking and swimming areas you’ll definitely want to pack a lunch, some snacks, and water. You’ll occasionally find some small food stands or vending machines on the peninsula, but it’s never guaranteed they’ll be open or well-stocked with your preferences.

Before we left Otaru we stopped at a konbini (convenience store) and picked up some chips, water, onigiri (rice balls), and other items that would hold us over until dinner.

Things to Do on the Shakotan Peninsula

Enjoy the scenic drive on the shakotan peninsula.

Although it might be tempting to look at your phone if you’re a passenger in the car, I HIGHLY recommend taking in the sights as you drive along the coast from Otaru. You’ll see many beaches with campgrounds and crystal clear water. The drive is absolutely gorgeous so roll the windows down and enjoy.

Shimamu Coast

Most people probably don’t think of Hokkaido when they consider beautiful beaches in Japan but you most definitely should! On the Shakotan Peninsula , there are a number of scenic beaches with bright blue, yet clear water where you can see rocks and fish as you’re swimming. 

The first stop is the Shakotan Observation Deck which will take you down a pathway to the Shimamu Coast , a rocky beach that is great for swimming or just dipping your toes into the cool water after the long walk down. Keep in mind that this path is very steep, narrow, and rocky so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. I wore some of my Merrell sandals but tennis shoes or hiking shoes would be good too. 

While you can stay here as long as you like we stayed for a few hours exploring some of the nearby rocky cave areas (be careful and check tide times beforehand) and enjoying the cool water because we needed a break after the hot hike down. This is also a great time to enjoy your lunch if you’re hungry because you’re going on another short hike next!

LOCATION: 209 Irikacho, Shakotan, Shakotan District, Hokkaido 046-0327, Japan // MAP HOURS: 24 hours

After visiting the Shimamu Coast, you’ll then head to Cape Kamui which you’ll immediately notice is a bit more touristy than the Shimamu Coast and far windier too! Cape Kamui is located in Kamuimisaki Natural Park and is one of Hokkaido’s best viewpoints and hiking trails. The hike only takes around 20 minutes to get to the end but is steep in some spots and rocky. There are also some guardrails and stairs that have been added to ensure safety for guests on this hike too.

While I enjoyed the hike out to the end of Cape Kamui, I personally thought the view of the point was better from the back so be sure to snap some pictures on your way in or out, and don’t forget to take a look at the gorgeous bright blue water again. 

LOCATION: Japan, 〒046-0321 Hokkaido, Shakotan District, Shakotan, 積丹町Kozakicho, 草内 // MAP HOURS: 8am-4:30pm daily

After spending the day in the Shakotan Peninsula you’ll then drive to Niseko. Niseko is a popular place to visit in Hokkaido during the winter so there isn’t too much to do here during the off-season. But it’s a great spot to stop for the night because the drive isn’t too far from the Shakotan Peninsula and it’s also not too far from the next activities in this Hokkaido itinerary.

Where to Stay in Kutchan/Niseko

My ecolodge.

We decided to stay at My Ecolodge in Kutchan because it was a good stopping point on our Hokkaido road trip. While this area is normally bustling with tourists in the winter months, in the summer the town is practically empty making it far more affordable too! My Ecolodge is what I would describe as a hostel combined with a hotel. Since it primarily acts as a budget-friendly ski resort it has accommodations for winter sports equipment, ample free parking, and a large lobby area for guests to mingle. 

LOCATION: 70-15 Yamada, 虻田郡倶知安町 Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan // MAP

Where to Eat in Niseko

Rin japanese restaurant.

After checking in, we went to a small izakaya restaurant called Rin Japanese Restaurant (飲み喰い処 りん) for dinner and drinks. We sat at the bar and were able to converse with the two women that run the restaurant. They are so kind and entertaining! I highly recommend this restaurant because it has a great variety of food options that are all delicious. We ordered squid tempura, grilled squid, a few different types of chicken yakitori, and sashimi.

LOCATION: 163-88 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan // MAP HOURS: 6pm-10pm

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 7 Lake Toya & Noboribetsu (Stay in Sapporo)

After a night of rest in Niseko, we set out to visit Lake Toya and the Noboribetsu area before heading to Sapporo. Since this day includes a lot of driving I’d suggest stocking up on some items from a konbini (convenience store) before you go because you won’t have a lot of time and there aren’t many places to eat along the way.

Things to Do in Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake in Shikotsu-Toya National Park. It is the northernmost lake in Japan that never ices.  This is an area that could be explored for a day but since we only had a few hours here we decided to check out a few hotspots. All around the lake you’ll find many parks, walking trails, onsen, and footbaths. Since we were heading to Noboribetsu after Lake Toya we visited a few locations on the southeast side of the lake.

Sobetsu Park & Sobetsu Waterfall

One of our favorite parks is Sobetsu Park which offers one of the best views around Lake Toya where you can see around the Niseko mountain ranges. But there are also beautiful views in the park, especially starting in mid-May with plum blossoms blooming everywhere. 

Nearby Sobetsu Park is a short 10-minute hike to Sobetsu Waterfall . The best times to visit the waterfall are in the spring when cherry blossoms are in bloom or the summer when the greenery is gorgeous so this is the perfect activity to add to your Hokkaido summer itinerary. 

LOCATION: Higashikohan, Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0104, Japan // MAP

Usu Volcano Observatory & Usuzan Ropeway

Another viewing spot is Usuzan Ropeway which will take you to the observation deck for Mt. Usu’s volcanic area and surroundings. The views are honestly incredible and well worth the stop after visiting Sobetsu Waterfall. 

LOCATION: Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0102, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8am-6pm daily COST: 1,800 yen/adult (round-trip), 900 yen/child (round-trip)

Things to Do in Noboribetsu

After some time at Lake Toya, we jumped back in the car and made our way to northern Noboribetsu to visit some of the most popular attractions in Hokkaido which includes a lot of beautiful trails. During the winter months, some of the trails in the park aren’t passable making this a great spot to add to your Hokkaido summer itinerary. P.S. It’s also a great place to visit in the fall when the leaves are changing. 

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

I’m excited to finally tell you about Jigokudani , one of my favorite places we visited in Hokkaido and in Japan. Jigokundani, also known as Hell Valley because of its steaming geysers, is a 24-acre geothermal crater that was created due to a volcanic eruption from Mt. Kuttara around 20,000 years ago. 

There are a number of different trails at Jigokudani, each one taking you to an exciting attraction different from the last. The main trail is on a wooden walkway that will take you around the white, sulphuric smoking rocks and it’s truly a sight to behold. Words can’t even describe how truly fascinating this experience was so you’ll just have to see for yourself! After walking on the main trail next to the rocks, be sure to take one of the trails to the observation decks to get a bird’s eye view of the crater. 

LOCATION: 無番地 Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8am-6pm daily

Oyunuma Brook Natural Footbath

Next in the park is Oyunumagawa , a river that combines Oyunama Pond, a naturally flowing hot spring, making it the perfect temperature to enjoy ashiyu , a natural foot bath. There is a trail down to a boardwalk where you can sit and rest your feet in the water or you can walk along the river a short way while soaking your tired feet. 

LOCATION: Noboribetsuonsencho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0551, Japan // MAP

After a full day at Lake Toya and Noboribetsu, you can decide to stay in Noboribetsu at one of the many nice resorts or make your way to Sapporo. Because we had a lot planned for Sapporo we decided to continue our Hokkaido road trip and make our way there. 

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAYS 8 & 9 Sapporo (Stay in Sapporo)

If you didn’t return your rental car upon arriving in Sapporo, return your car today! You will be fine without it for the rest of the itinerary.

Where to Stay in Sapporo

HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park is where we stayed in Sapporo. It is a budget-friendly business hotel that is close to the train station making it easy to access all of these things to do in Sapporo. We have stayed at many MyStays properties in Japan and they’ve always been reliable, clean, and comfortable. This one was no different! They also have rooms with multiple beds which is nice for those traveling in a group or as a family! // MAP

Things to Do in Sapporo

Historical village of hokkaido.

The Historical Village of Hokkaido is a fascinating open-air museum of history that contains buildings from 1868 to the 1920s. All of the buildings are original to different places in Hokkaido and teach guests about past history and cultural experiences from the Meiji and Taisho periods. In all, there are 52 buildings you can visit, making it a lengthier experience which is why I recommend getting there as soon as it opens. 

Although some of the buildings are for viewing only, others are open and operating for educational purposes. One of our favorites was the newspaper/printing press building. In fact, one really neat (and free) souvenir that you can get there is your own postcard with a wood block printed image of the shop.

LOCATION: 50-1 Atsubetsucho, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-5pm daily (closed Mondays) COST: 210¥ adults, 110¥ children

Sapporo Beer Museum

Although there are a number of brewery and sake tours throughout Japan, the Sapporo Beer Museum is the only museum in Japan that is dedicated to beer. Specifically, Sapporo Beer, which was established in 1876. 

The museum starts by introducing the history of beer in Japan and then takes you through the process of how they brew Sapporo beer. Although tours are available in Japanese, many of the exhibits have English descriptions so it’s easy to take yourself on a self-guided tour of the museum.

After visiting the museum you’ll then go to the tasting area where you can purchase a flight of Sapporo beers for 500 yen and some small snacks. 

LOCATION: 9 Chome-1-1 Kita 7 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Hokkaido 065-8633, Japan // MAP HOURS: 11am-6pm daily, closed Mondays COST: Free to visit, 500¥ for beer flight

Shiroi Koibito Park

When I was looking for things to do in Sapporo and playing my usual game of “clicking on locations on Google Maps until I found something interesting” I came across Shiroi Koibito Park . Now let me first say, this spot isn’t a Sapporo secret or anything, I just had never heard of it before finding it on Google Maps. After doing a few minutes of research I thought it looked like a neat place to check out so I added it to our Sapporo itinerary.

Then the day we visited Logan was asking me about Shiroi Koibito Park and what to expect and we both realized, we really didn’t know! From what I saw online it looked like a theme park, museum, a factory, and a restaurant all in one, and to be honest, it kind of is!

Shiroi Koibito Park is described on their website as a “chocolate entertainment park where you can see, know, taste and experience.” It is operated by the Japanese confectionery manufacturer that produces the Shiroi Koibito chocolate cookies, one of the most famous treats in Japan. 

When we arrived I immediately noticed that the architecture and design of the buildings and interior were heavily influenced by the beauty of England which we would come to know was cherished by the founder of the park, Isao Ishimizu. From a Tudor House, art, and a plethora of tea cups and saucers, you can find British influence throughout the entire complex. 

There are many things to do once inside the complex but the first thing I recommend doing is taking a self-guided tour through the complex and the ISHIYA Museum to learn about the history of Shiroi Koibito confections and how one of Japan’s most famous cookies are made.

After, there are multiple experiences that you can enjoy including:

• Check with reception about times that this is offered on the day you visit.
• Reservations are required, web reservations are available from 2 months before to 2 days before.

Before leaving, make your way to Chocolate Lounge OXFORD where you can FINALLY try Shiroi Koibito sweets such as ice cream, Baumkuchen, and of course, cookies. We each got a parfait here and it was delicious and the cookies definitely lived up to the hype. Think a Milano cookie but 5x more buttery and with smoother chocolate.

TIP: Shiroi Koibito Park is located a little outside of the city so I recommend starting here first and working your way back in on one of the days you are in Sapporo.

LOCATION: 2 Chome-11-36 Miyanosawa 2 Jo, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052, Japan // MAP HOURS: 10am-5pm daily COST: 800 yen/adults, 400 yen/children

Sapporo Clock Tower

While the Sapporo Clock Tower is a bit unimpressive compared to some of the other places in this Hokkaido itinerary it is an important cultural and historical symbol to Sapporo so I had to add it to the list. Inside you can learn more about what makes this clock tower so important to the city as well as the early history of Sapporo.

LOCATION: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan // MAP HOURS: 8:45am-5:10pm daily COST: 200 yen/adults, free for children

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only national government park in Hokkaido and an expansive one at that! There are around 400 hectares to explore with stunning flower gardens, multiple impressive waterfalls, densely wooded forests with trails, and a number of playgrounds for kids to enjoy. 

Because the park is so large there are a number of bus stops around the park taking you to different attractions. I recommend getting off at the Masumi Guchi bus stop where you can rent a bike from the park station and ride around the park. My favorite attraction in Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is Ashiribetsu Falls , which has been named one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan on a few occasions.

Bus Stops at Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

• Suzuran Kouen Chuo Guchi: Close to the gardens which are great for visiting in the spring, summer, and autumn. It is also where the larger, interactive playground equipment is located.
• Suzuran Kouen Higashi Guchi: This is where the forest playground for smaller children is located.
• Masumi Guchi: This is where the Keiryu Zone is located which contains a number of walking and hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls and the Atsubetsu River.

TIP: If you have extra time with your car before dropping it off, this is a great place to visit with a car because the drive is only 30 minutes from Sapporo instead of an hour train/bus ride.

LOCATION: 247 Takino, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-4pm, more information

Mt. Moiwa is a small mountain located just outside the city center of Sapporo. It is an extremely popular spot for tourists because it offers stunning panoramic views of Sapporo from above and it’s easy to get to! 

There are two ways to get to the top of Mt. Moiwa the first is taking the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway . The second is driving up Mt. Moiwa Scenic Sightseeing Road. Regardless of which way you view Mt. Moiwa both have spectacular sights. At the top, you’ll find a Planetarium and Moimoi’s Souvenir Shop which has a selection of specialty products available for purchase from around Hokkaido.

The main attraction though is Mt. Moiwa Observation Deck which is where you can see the city of Sapporo in all its glory from above! Depending on the time of day you visit the view will change, but my personal pick would be on a clear evening right before sunset! You can watch as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle in the distance.

If you want to splurge a bit more there is also a restaurant at the top called The Jewels which we did not dine at during our time in Sapporo but it is a French restaurant that overlooks the observation area making it a stunning and romantic spot for dinner.

LOCATION: 5 Chome-3-7 Fushimi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0942, Japan // MAP HOURS: Summer (April-November): 10:30am-10pm, Winter (December-March): 11am-10pm COST: 1,800¥ adults, 900¥ children (ropeway round-trip), 1,200 yen for car toll on the scenic road

Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

Another beautiful outdoor attraction in Sapporo is the Botanical Gardens at Hokkaido University which has over 4,000 different plants and trees. Other things to see are the rock gardens, water features, and in the spring there are a ton of flowers. Close to the entrance you’ll find the Northern People’s Museum which is a small museum dedicated to sharing the history of Hokkaido’s Native Ainu people. This botanical garden is a great place to visit for some rest and relaxation before venturing on to your next activity. 

LOCATION: Japan, 〒060-0003 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 北３条西８丁目 // MAP HOURS:   April-September 9am-4:30pm, October-November 9am-4pm, closed Mondays COST: 420 yen/adults, 300 yen/children

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

If you are someone who is interested in different types of art or specifically modern art like me then you won’t want to miss the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art . There are currently five different galleries in the museum each with its own emphasis including Japanese modern art, contemporary art, glass works, and art in Hokkaido which is my favorite gallery. 

Art in Hokkaido features a variety of works from artists that were born in the Meiji period today. While the majority of the collections you’ll find at the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art are from Japanese artists, there are also a number of pieces from famous European artists as well. 

LOCATION: 17 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9:30am-5pm daily, closed Mondays COST: 510 yen/adults, 250 yen/students

Ainu Cultural Center of Hokkaido

Similar to the museum in Asahikawa, the Ainu Cultural Center of Hokkaido is a museum dedicated to sharing the history, art, and culture of the Ainu people who were native to Hokkaido before it became part of Japan. One unique thing about this museum is that it is currently run by Ainu people who take the time to share this history as well as handicrafts. This is one place that Logan and I were unable to visit during our last trip to Hokkaido because we could never make it work with our schedule. But we have it on our list to visit next time!

LOCATION: 27 Koganeyu, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2274, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-5pm daily, closed Mondays COST: 200 yen/adults, 100 yen/students

Asahiyama Memorial Park

I said previously that there are two ways to get to Mt. Moiwa but actually, there are three! Close to Mt. Moiwa is the Asahiyama Memorial Park which has a number of walking trails, one even leading up to the observation deck of Mt. Moiwa. Since this is a local park, admission is free and although the view isn’t as panoramic as the top of Mt. Moiwa, it still offers a great view of downtown Sapporo. While the park itself is beautiful, the best time to visit here is in the spring for cherry blossom season in Hokkaido or in the fall when autumn leaves are in full swing. 

TIP: If you are taking the ropeway or driving up Mt. Moiwa, you can easily skip a visit to Asahiyama Memorial Park.

LOCATION: 4 Chome-1-3 Sakaigawa, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0943, Japan // MAP HOURS: 6am-10pm daily COST: Free

Sapporo TV Tower

Located at the end of Odori Park is the Sapporo TV Tower , a landmark in Sapporo. While not as massive as Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree, it is still a neat sight to see from below. However, the best way to experience Sapporo TV Tower is by purchasing a ticket for the observation deck. 

Yes, I know there have been many observation areas in this Sapporo itinerary, however, this one offers a different view from the rest! The view from the top encompasses Odori Park and downtown Sapporo while stretching out to the mountains in Ishikari. 

TIP: If you want to experience Sapporo TV Tower in both daylight and at night you can go there earlier in the day and purchase a combined ticket which will allow you to revisit on the same day in the evening. 

LOCATION: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9am-10pm daily COST: 1,000￥/ adults, 500￥/children

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Shopping streets are incredibly popular in Japan and you’ll usually find many of them in most cities in Japan. Tanukikoji Shopping Street , which dates back to 1868, is one of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido and probably the most visited in Sapporo. 

At 7 blocks long it’s also one of the largest shopping streets! Of the 200+ stores on Tanukikoji, you’ll find something for everyone from kitchenware, jewelry, souvenirs, clothing, shoes, restaurants, arcades, and karaoke! I personally think this is the perfect place to have a relaxing evening, grab something to eat, and shop!

LOCATION: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 南2・3条西1～7丁目 // MAP HOURS: Store hours vary but most are open until at least 8pm COST: Free to visit

Norbesa Ferris Wheel

Close to Tanukikoji Shopping Street is another fun nighttime activity, the Norbesa Ferris Wheel . If you’ve visited a few cities in Japan you’ll also know that many shopping areas often have a Ferris wheel and they often offer an inexpensive way to view part of a city, Norbesa is no different! If you are looking for another way to enjoy spectacular sights stop here after doing some shopping.

LOCATION: 5 Chome-1-1 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0063, Japan // MAP HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Friday & Saturday 11am-3am COST: 600¥

BONUS: Sapporo Summer Festival

If you are visiting Hokkaido in the summer you might luck out and be in town for the Sapporo Summer Festival ! The month-long festival takes place every year from mid-July to mid-August and attracts more than a million visitors annually. The festival spans Sapporo from Odori Park to Tanukikoji Shopping Street and beyond. Some of the popular attractions of the festival include the large beer garden, Bon Odori events, and a few special festivals such as the Tanuki Festival and Susukino Festival. 

The biggest draw for the Sapporo Summer Festival is the beer garden which is divided into six different sections in the Odori Park area. It has over 13,000 seats making it the largest beer garden in Japan! But what is even more impressive is that much of the proceeds from the beer garden and festival go to support local charities. 

Of course, you’ll find big breweries in Japan like Sapporo, Kirin, Suntory, and Asahi within the beer garden which offer their regular beers but also some choices that are limited-edition for the festival. However, this is also an excellent way to introduce yourself to the microbreweries and craft beer scene in Japan because many attend this event to expose visitors to their products!

Like any Japanese summer festival, there are food stalls and while some offer traditional summer festival foods, there are others that you’ll probably find more familiar to pair with your beer including pizza, sausages, and soft pretzels.

• MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

Where to Eat in Sapporo

Nijo market.

Nijo Market is equally a tourist attraction and a unique place to eat! By now you’ve probably heard of Toyosu Market (formerly known as Tsukiji Market) in Tokyo. If not, Toyosu Market is a famous fish market where you can witness live tuna auctions and enjoy the fresh seafood from a number of different small food stalls and restaurants. 

Nijo Market is a fish market similar to Toyosu but is located in Sapporo and is far less packed. My recommendation is to head to Nijo Market in the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast of sushi or donburi , a rice bowl with fresh seafood on top. 

LOCATION: 1 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0052, Japan // MAP HOURS: 7am-6pm daily

After living in Japan for a while you’d think we would have visited Ichiran before but this was our first time! Ichiran is a ramen chain in Japan that specializes in tonkatsu ramen. We stopped here late one night while we were in Sapporo because we lost track of time and were hungry! I wouldn’t say it was my favorite place for ramen, but if you want to try some basic ramen, this is a great spot to do so.

LOCATION: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 5 Chome−1-1 ノルベサ 1F // MAP HOURS: Sunday 10am-8pm, Monday-Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-7pm

Milk Mura might be the only ice cream stop in Japan that literally brought tears to my eyes. To be honest, I’m not sure what really overcame me with so much emotion. Maybe it was the ice cream, the alcohol, the light, and airy music, or the colorful Christmas decorations that covered the place, regardless as I continued to eat my ice cream at Milk Mura tears came to my eyes. That being said, Milk Mura is more of an ice cream experience than your usual cone. 

Once you find this loudly decorated cafe in an unassuming building, you’ll be transported to what feels like a Hallmark Christmas movie village. There is a variety of ice cream sets that you can order that uniquely come with 2-3 tiny glasses of alcohol of your choice on the side. Logan and I each ordered a set that came with three glasses of alcohol so we could try six different ones total. 

Despite there only being one flavor of soft serve, the alcohol choices are plentiful. From whiskey to cognac to vodka and regular and flavored alcohols there are a lot of different ones to try. P.S. If you don’t drink you can order a cup of the soft serve by itself! 

When you receive your set you’ll also receive instructions on how to best enjoy your ice cream at Milk Mura. They first tell you to enjoy a bite of the ice cream as is, which is what we did. At first, I noticed the soft serve being pretty basic like a creamy vanilla ice cream, however, as it sat I was hit with a hint of orange that immediately made me want to take 20 more bites immediately. Which isn’t a bad thing because did I mention you can get one refill of your ice cream for free?

Next, they told us to try a bite of the ice cream with a small spoonful of each of the liquor options that we chose which added complexity and richness to the flavor! 

Overall if you are an ice cream lover like me, you should definitely check out this experience. The cafe itself feels like home and offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s favorite treats. 

LOCATION: Japan, 〒064-0804 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 4 Jonishi, 3 Chome−７−1 // MAP HOURS: Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday: 1pm-11pm, Wednesday 5pm-11pm, closed Mondays

HOKKAIDO ITINERARY DAY 10 Hakodate (Stay in Hakodate)

In the morning take the train from Sapporo Station to Hakodate Station. I recommend taking the earliest train out that you can so you can drop off your luggage at a train station locker or your hotel if you have previously coordinated with them. From there you’ll head straight to the first stop in Hakodate, the morning market.

Where to Stay in Hakodate

A great place to stay in Hakodate on a budget is Toyoko Inn Hakodate-ekimae Asaichi which is close to Hakodate Station (3-minute walk) and a number of things to do in Hakodate. Being a business hotel, the rooms are small and basic but we’ve stayed in a few Toyoko Inn properties and always found them to be clean and comfortable for short stays.

If you are looking for something a bit more comfortable in Hakodate I suggest the Hakodate Danshaku Club Hotel which has spacious room options and is only around a five-minute walk from Hakodate Station making it convenient for sightseeing in Hakodate.

Things to Do in Hakodate

Goryokaku park.

Goryokaku Park is one of the most famous spots in Hakodate. Although it is now a public park, it was once a military fort from the Edo Period that was built in a unique star shape. It was created in this way so there were no blind spots should an enemy invasion take place. 

Today where artillery units once stood you’ll find a plethora of sakura trees making this a beautiful place to visit in the spring and fall. However, it’s still a great park to visit in the summer and winter too! The best way to get a view of the star-shaped pattern is to go to the top of Goryokaku Tower which stands at 107 meters right next to the park.

LOCATION: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001, Japan // MAP HOURS: PARK HOURS: 5am-6pm daily

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

The Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is a popular place to visit in Hakodate year-round because of the temperature-controlled greenhouse with over 300 plant species to view and over 3,000 tropical plants. Outside of the greenhouse is an area where you can observe Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs outside the garden. They are usually there from December-May so keep this in mind if visiting in the summer. 

LOCATION: 3 Chome-1-15 Yunokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 042-0932, Japan // MAP HOURS: April-October: 9:30am-6pm, November-March: 9:30am-4:30pm COST: 300 yen/adults, 100 yen/children

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse was built in 1869 for the purpose of being a storehouse but it has since been transformed into a large shopping and dining complex where you can find Hokkaido souvenirs, clothes, housewares, and more. If you’ve been to Yokohama , it is similar to the Red Brick Warehouse there!

LOCATION: 14-12 Suehirocho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0053, Japan // MAP HOURS: 9:30am-6pm daily COST: Free to visit

Hakodate Meijikan

Another great place to shop for Hokkaido souvenirs is Hakodate Meijikan located right next to Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The stores here are different from Kanemori and you can purchase different handicrafts, glassware, and other unique art pieces or merchandise. This is also a great place to sample different snacks and sweets and purchase some to take home. 

LOCATION: 11-17 Toyokawacho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0065, Japan // MAP HOURS: 10am-5pm daily, closed Wednesdays COST: Free to visit

Hachimanzaka Slope

Remember the Roller Coaster Road I mentioned way back when in this Hokkaido itinerary? Well, Hachimanzaka Slope is similar to that. It’s just a regular road but has an interesting viewpoint because of its steep slope. If you are visiting Hokkaido in the summer I wouldn’t make a special trip to see this. However, if you are visiting in the winter, the trees are illuminated which makes for a pretty view, especially in the snow!

LOCATION: Japan, 〒040-0054 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Motomachi, 14, 15八幡通り14 // MAP HOURS: Open 24 hours COST: Free to visit

Hakodate Park

Hakodate Park has been a staple in Hakodate since the late-1800s and is considered to be one of Japan’s 100 Historical Parks. It is most popular to visit Hakodate Park in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom because the park features over 400 sakura trees! Another thing that makes this park unique is the Western architecture which you’ll see represented in the buildings and other park landmarks.

LOCATION: 17-番地 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0044, Japan // MAP HOURS: Open 24 hours COST: Free to visit

Hakodate Hachimangu

Although Hokkaido doesn’t have as many shrines and temples as other parts of Japan, Hakodate Hachimangu , established in 1445, is a striking shrine just outside of the city center. It is a quiet area surrounded by beautiful trees and the perfect place to visit after Hakodate Park. In the summer, there is a festival at the shrine usually held around August 15th so be sure to plan for that if you want to attend!

LOCATION: Japan, 〒040-0046 Hokkaido, Hakodate, Yachigashiracho, 2−5 函館八幡宮 // MAP HOURS: April-September: 9am-5pm, October-March: 9am-4:30pm COST: Free to visit

Mt. Hakodate

At the end of the evening make your way to yet another fabulous mountain, Mt. Hakodate , and take the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway to get to the top! Once you reach the top you’ll find a restaurant and tea lounge with incredible views of the city, a gift store, and a convenience store. But the best part of all is of course, the view. In fact, this viewpoint is so spectacular it has been awarded three Michelin stars. I recommend visiting at night because there’s something even more spectacular about seeing the city from this high up when it’s dark out. 

For those interested, there is also a hiking trail that you can utilize instead of the ropeway which will allow you to visit the top for free. You can also buy a one-way ticket to take the ropeway down after hiking up. 

LOCATION: 19-7 Motomachi, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0054, Japan // MAP HOURS: April 25th-October 15th: 10am-10pm, October 16th-April 24th: 10am-9pm COST: 1,500 yen/adult round-trip, 700 yen/children round-trip

BONUS: Mizunashi Kaihin Hot Spring

Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen is a hot spring located about an hour and a half outside of Hakodate by car. This onsen is quite unique because it is a hot spring that is within the ocean! Therefore you can only swim in it during low tide. Nearby there are locker storage rooms where you can change and put your belongings. 

Although not impossible, Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen is more difficult to get to without a car. In order to get there by public transportation, you’ll need to take the Hakodate-Todohokke bus via Kakkumi from Hakodate Station. It is a two-hour bus ride. Then walk an additional 30-40 minutes to get to the hot spring. 

LOCATION: Esanmisakicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 041-0605, Japan // MAP HOURS: Check website for tide information COST: Free to use.

Where to Eat in Hakodate

Hakodate morning market.

Similar to Nijo Market in Sapporo, Hakodate Morning Market is an experience and a place to eat in Hakodate. Hakodate Morning Market is a popular seafood market where you can purchase and enjoy fresh seafood. As usual, I have to recommend getting some sashimi in a bowl of rice. The seafood you’ll typically find in this dish here is a combination of salmon, shrimp, fatty tuna, ikura (salmon roe, abalone, uni (sea urchin), and if you are lucky, some delicious crab! This is also a great place to try local, seasonal fruits and shop for souvenirs from some of the small shops.

LOCATION: 9-19 Wakamatsucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0063, Japan // MAP HOURS: 5am-2pm daily

Daimon Yokocho

Located just outside of Hakodate Station is Daimon Yokocho , Hakodate’s only yatai , also known as a food stall village. We first visited yatai in Fukuoka, Japan , and immediately loved the casual environment where you can get to know other patrons and stall owners. Currently, there are 26 different food stalls to eat at with a variety of options. You’ll find Japanese izakaya fare, sushi restaurants, jingisukan (grilled mutton, a specialty in Hokkaido), yakitori, ramen stalls, and oden stalls to name a few. This is a great place to try a variety of dishes at reasonable prices. 

LOCATION: 7-5 Matsukazecho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0035, Japan // MAP HOURS: Hours for each stall varies, check here for more information

And just like that, that’s a wrap on this Hokkaido summer itinerary! I hope you’ve found many wonderful things to do in Hokkaido and I can’t wait to revisit Hokkaido so I can add even more to this Hokkaido itinerary.

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Your Trip to Hokkaido: The Complete Guide

There is nowhere in the world like Hokkaido, let alone just in Japan. The nation’s north most island is an expansive landscape of snow-capped mountains, crystal blue lakes, and endless fields of lavender come summertime. Its capital city of Sapporo is often dubbed the “Tokyo of the north,” and is the birthplace of many of Japan’s best dishes. Home to its native Ainu people, Hokkaido is brimming with its own unique cultural history. All of this without mentioning the seasonal festivals, the skiing, and the three feet of snow in the depths of winter. Hokkaido is like nowhere else, and this is your complete guide to a trip around the island.

Planning Your Trip

Best time to visit : Hokkaido tends to be associated with its winter events and skiing but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do the rest of the year as the island is dry with low humidity  . Arriving in the winter does mean you get to enjoy the spectacular Sapporo Snow Festival in February and the carpet of snow that stays for the seasons whether you’re taking to the slopes or wandering the cities.

The summer is also a great time to visit Hokkaido as it doesn’t see the sweltering temperatures and typhoons that the rest of Japan does. You’ll also be able to enjoy the blooming flower fields and national parks, the many summer festivals, and take part in any number of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and climbing. The colorful spring and fall seasons bring the cherry blossom and maple leaves so there really is no bad time to visit Hokkaido.

Language : The Japanese language is spoken on Hokkaido. Hokkaido Ainu is still spoken by the indigenous Ainu people  , mostly on the north side of the island, though very few speak it in their day to day life.

Getting Around : Much like the rest of Japan, the train rules supreme for getting around whether that’s the Sapporo subway or the trains that take you between the cities and towns. Your JR rail pass will work on the bullet trains and JR local trains here, and an IC card like Pasmo or Suica card is helpful for using the subway or city buses. You can also pay for goods in some stores with your IC card which can be easily purchased and topped up at subway stations. 

Intercity buses are also helpful if you want to save money or access areas that you can’t reach by train. Buses can be accessed from the main bus stations in major cities. 

Renting a car is also a very popular option in Hokkaido, the roads are open and the views are incredible and as much of Hokkaido’s beauty is nature-based, it makes seeing these natural sites much easier. It’s also worth remembering they drive on the left in Japan. 

Taxis are available in cities and can be flagged down by putting your arm out or can typically be found outside subway stations and tourist attractions. This is one of the most expensive ways to get around in Japan but can be useful.

Things to Do

Hokkaido is brimming with things to do with its wide stretches of untouched nature and its bustling cities, here are a few to start with.

• Wander Daisetsuzan National Park: A colossal national park in the heart of Hokkaido. Daisetsuzan is a pristine paradise of fields, forests, ponds, and mountains that can be comfortably explored for days.
• Jozankei Onsen: One of the most famous and celebrated onsen in Hokkaido, this hot spring offers picturesque valley views that radically change from season to season.
• Hokkaido Shrine: Found in Sapporo, thousands of visitors each year flock to this Shinto shrine. It’s also one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots on the island.
• Go Skiing at Niseko: South of Sapporo is the small village of Niseko, nestled at the foot of the jaw-dropping Mount Yotei, one of Hokkaido’s prime skiing locations.
• Visit the Ainu Museum : The only museum of its kind in Japan, this was created as a symbol of the Japanese government's commitment to treating the Ainu with respect  . Here you can get to know the culture of the indigenous people of Hokkaido which includes an open-air Ainu village to explore and music and craft classes.

What to Eat and Drink

Hokkaido has a lot to offer for food lovers and taking time to try the local delicacies is very worth your time. Since the climate is generally cooler, most of the dishes will leave you feeling warm and satisfied but this is also an island well known for its soft-serve ice cream, sweet treats, and above all, its seafood.

Try Lavender Ice-Cream and Wine in Furano: Furano is known for its amazing flower and lavender fields and this means it’s a great place to try Lavender ice cream and other desserts. If you’re a fan of vineyards then make sure to enjoy a wine tour of Furano.

Eat Seafood at a Seafood Market: Hokkaido is famous for its seafood and some of the best places to try the freshest seafood prepared in front of you is a seafood market. Some of the biggest on Hokkaido are Nijo Market, Otaru Seaport Market, and Kushiro Washo Market.

Try a Bowl of Ramen on Sapporo Ramen Street: Hokkaido is most famous for its miso ramen, but almost every type of Japanese ramen has a spot on Ramen Yokocho just waiting to be visited.

Try a Genghis Kahn Lamb Barbecue: Perfect if you’re traveling as a group, get together and enjoy a lamb barbecue (Jingisukan), a Hokkaido specialty named after the Mongolian soldiers' concave helmets and their preference for lamb.

Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum: Sapporo beer is one of the most beloved beers across Japan and the world, only rivaled by Asahi in terms of global fame. Head to the museum to tour the brewery and do tastings; plus you can visit the large restaurant attached where you can try a number of local dishes.

Where to Stay

Deciding where to base yourself in Hokkaido can be a challenge and many people opt to spend a few days in different areas so they can see the varied beauty of the island. Here are some of the main areas you can stay and what to do nearby. 

Sapporo: The major city of Hokkaido, basing yourself in Sapporo is a great idea if you want to see the city and enjoy some day trips like the nearby retro town of Otaru and Asahikawa. You can also reach some fantastic hot springs nearby such as Jozankei Onsen and Noboribetsu Onsen .

Lake Toya: A perfect place if you’re looking to relax and enjoy scenic views. The area is just over two hours from New Chitose Airport and surrounds the unique caldera Lake Toya and the active volcanoes of Usuzan and Showa Shinzan. Relax in the hot springs, visit Silo Observatory, take a cruise on the lake or hike around it!

Furano: Furano is a lovely base at any time of year but it’s blooming in color throughout the summer months. With local vineyards, independent artists to shop from at Ningle Terrace, and spectacular views of the Daisetsuzan mountains, Furano is a truly special part of Japan.

Ski Resorts: If you’re skiing, then there are plenty of resorts to choose from such as Niseko, Rusustu, or Kiroro which are all under two hours from Sapporo and accessible from the airport.

Getting There

Most international flights arrive at New Chitose Airport but if you’re flying domestically, there are 12 airports across the island which may prove more convenient. You can get the train into Sapporo from the airport which takes around half an hour.

If you're arriving into Sapporo on the bullet train, you'll be arriving into Sapporo Station and will be able to catch the subway from there. You can also change to other trains which will take you to other parts of the island.

Culture and Customs

• There's no need to tip in Hokkaido—same goes for Japan as a whole. In some cases, it can even be considered offensive.
• If you're shopping and paying in cash, make sure to place your money in the dish on the counter. Your change will also be placed thereafter. 
• Remember to carry some cash as some places don't take cards. You'll find plenty of ATMs around the city or in convenience stores like 7/11 or FamilyMart.
• The bow is the standard form of greeting in Japan, but a nod will usually suffice.
• When on the subway, make sure not to use the seats reserved for the elderly.

Money Saving Tips

Luckily, Hokkaido’s nature and outdoor pursuits provide a lot of opportunities for free and budget activities. If you enjoy nature trails or hiking, then you’ll find endless free activities in Hokkaido.

• Many of the festivals that are held in Odori Park are free so make sure to keep up with what’s going on in the city. 
• Make sure to try some convenience store food and coffee to save money. Stores like 7/11, Lawson, and Family Mart have excellent quality bento boxes and hot snacks.
• Take advantage of tax refunds while you’re shopping. Purchases of more than 5,000 yen (around $46) are exempt from the 10 percent consumption tax. Wherever you see the tax refund sign just show your passport and they’ll sort it out.

Hokkaido Tourism Organization. " About Hokkaido ."

United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. "The Saga of the Ainu Language." October 2009

Japan National Tourism Organization. "The National Ainu Museum and Park Promotes the Life and Culture of Ainu people, an Ethnic Group Indigenous to Northern Japan."

The Top 15 Things to Do in Hokkaido

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How to Spend a Week in Hokkaido

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Skiing in Japan: A Complete Guide

Guide to Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan

The Top 9 Day Trips From Sapporo

18 Best Things to Do in Japan in Summer

Weather in Hokkaido: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

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6D Hokkaido Itinerary for Under S$1k — Must-Eat, See and Dos in Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa and Biei

Explore familiar favourites and uncover hidden gems — all in this Hokkaido itinerary. Read till the end for year-end travel deals on flights, hotels and activities! Warning: lots of drool-worthy food recommendations coming up!

We visited Hokkaido previously on an eight-day road trip covering 10 different areas. This time, we wanted to slow down and enjoy each place a little better.

We got to revisit familiar favourites like the Otaru Canal, but also discover new hidden gems and (many) food spots we didn’t see the last time.

With slightly under a week, here’s our 2022 Hokkaido itinerary covering non-seasonal experiences you can enjoy any time of the year in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido Itinerary and Budget Breakdown

Click on each city to jump to the relevant section :

Day 1-2: Sapporo Day 3: Day trip to Otaru Day 4: Asahikawa Day 5: Day trip to Biei Day 6: Sapporo

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation:  S$263.67 Transport:  S$285.21 (does not incl. flights) Activities:  S$23.68 Food:  S$330 Misc: S$71.49 Total:  S$974.04

Detailed breakdown for one pax here (prices are accurate at the time of writing). Flights aren’t included as prices fluctuate.

* Pro-tip: Save more on trip expenses with Citi Credit Card travel deals , including up to S$100 off hotels, flights or experiences on Traveloka, or 25% off Agoda hotel bookings with Citi Mastercard® Credit Cards.

Day 1-2: Sapporo 

Sapporo is Hokkaido’s vibrant capital city known for good food and beautiful cityscapes.

Soup Curry Garaku

Originating from Sapporo, soup curry is a must-try when in Hokkaido. There’s no flour in it, so it’s a lot lighter than tonkatsu  (pork cutlet) curry. We visited the popular Soup Curry Garaku which was walking distance from our hotel.

Their best seller is pork soup curry, but it was sold out by 2PM so we got chicken (¥1,250) and pork shabu (¥1,390) instead. The soup is light, with lots of veggies like broccoli, mushrooms and lotus root — the perfect dish to enjoy after a long day.

There’s three rice portion sizes; we opted for the small but would recommend medium if you want a full meal. For spice, there’s level one to 40! Regular is a level three, which is what I got.

*Pro-tip: Get a queue number from the machine when you arrive. If you have LINE, you can check the queue status on your phone and walk around while you wait!

Cost: From ¥1,250/main (~S$12.20) Opening hours: 11:30AM – 3PM, 5PM – 8:30PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 2 Jonishi, 2 Chome−６−1

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

For retail therapy, head to Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade , a 1km-long stretch of shops and restaurants in the heart of Sapporo. There’s all the Japanese favourites (like ABC Mart and Matsumoto Kiyoshi), plus a few cool thrift shops.

There’s also a massive underground shopping complex that connects most of the malls and train stations along the main street. If you’re visiting Sapporo during winter months, take the underpass to avoid the cold.

Opening hours: 24 hours — shops generally close at 8PM Address: Japan, 〒060-0062 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, 南2・3条西1～7丁目

*Pro-tip: Spend on your Citi PremierMiles Card to earn 2 miles with every S$1 overseas spend — if you don’t have one yet, apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles .

Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park

We weren’t intending to head up to the Sapporo TV Tower but the weather that day was so good that we got tickets on the spot via Klook to catch the sunset from the observation deck.

*Pro-tip: Get 20% off experiences on Klook by booking with Citi Credit Cards

From 90m high, you’ve got great views of the cityscape and Odori Park! Each night, the tower lights up.

Entrance fee: ~S$7.89 via Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 9:50PM Address: 1 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan

Gotsubo Oyster Bar

We found several reviews online raving about the oysters at Gotsubo Oyster Bar . As seafood lovers, we had to try it for ourselves.

Located in a quiet side alley in the nightlife district of Susukino, it wasn’t crowded when we visited at around 6PM on a weekend.

It costs just ~¥150/oyster (minimum of five). We ordered six and the chef threw in two more for free~!

We also had baked scallops (¥490 for one) and soy sauce baked giant surf clams (¥690), which were palm-sized and juicy. The highlight of the meal was definitely the oysters — they were huge and fresh, and had us returning once more before leaving Hokkaido.

This place is small and only seats about 15 at a time, so come early.

Cost: ~S$18/pax (Cash only) Opening hours: 5PM – 2AM Address: Japan, 〒064-0806 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 6 Jonishi, 3 Chome−6-8 ＢＡＳＥ－０１

BONUS If you have extra cash to spare and will like to experience authentic izakayas that you’re unlikely to find without a native Japanese speaker, consider going on a Sapporo bar hopping food tour by MagicalTrip around Susukino!

Ramen Yokocho

Ramen is a huge part of Hokkaido’s culinary scene, and each city has its own specialty. Sapporo’s ramen is miso-based, and a great place to try it is Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho . This ramen alley in the Susukino district features 17 ramen shops!

We had miso noodles (¥800) and fried gyoza (¥500), which made for a very hearty meal.

Cost: From ¥800/bowl (~S$7.90) Opening hours: Varies Address: N Grande Building 1F, Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Read also: Hokkaido Food Guide — 9 Must-Eats on Your Next Japan Itinerary

Shiroi Koibito Park

The name Shiroi Koibito might not immediately ring a bell. But you’ve probably seen their white chocolate biscuits — it’s one of Japan’s most famous snacks! Shiroi Koibito Park is a chocolate theme park built in 1976 dedicated to these treats.

The outdoor garden is my favourite part of the park, which takes inspiration from British architecture. There are mini houses scattered all over and gives the feel of a fairytale village. Each hour, the Mechanical Clock Tower opens up to reveal automated animals!

Enjoy a soft serve ice cream (¥550) while you’re there — there’s a small snack stand outdoors.

Inside, visitors can sign up for cookie decorating classes at Sweets Workshop Dream Kitchen or learn about the history of the Shiroi Koibito biscuits — and even watch them being made!

Before leaving, have lunch at one of the on-site restaurants , or stock up on snacks at the Piccadilly shop.

Entrance fee: ¥800 (~S$7.90) — the outdoor garden, restaurants and Piccadilly shop is free entry Opening hours: 10AM – 5PM Address: Miyanosawa 2-2-11-36, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0052

Crab is something Hokkaido is known for. So we couldn’t exclude Sapporo’s most famous crab restaurant, Kani Honke, in our Hokkaido itinerary! The restaurant isn’t hard to find — it occupies an entire seven-storey building that’s noticeable the moment you step out of Sapporo station.

There’s an extensive menu , from course meals and hot pot sets to a la carte dishes.

We ordered a kanisuki (hotpot style) course for ¥9,637 (~S$94) which includes eight dishes to share. The main course was the snow crab hot pot and sashimi ! It was my first time trying raw crab, and the meat was really creamy and smooth.

One set wasn’t filling enough for two people, so we added one portion of fried crab meat (¥1,650) and snow crab sushi (¥2,000). Both were really good!

*Pro-tip: Make a reservation online at least 10 days in advance — they close online bookings after that. Alternatively, go at off-peak hours. We went around 5:30PM and got a seat without reservation.

Cost: ~S$60/pax Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10PM (Last order 9:30PM) Address: 2-1-18 Kitasanjo-Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido

K.L.I.M Dessert Cafe

It isn’t a trip to Hokkaido if we didn’t include Hokkaido soft serve! For dessert, we headed to K.L.I.M which newly opened in 2021. We had milk soft serve with  dango  (¥1,100) and their signature black sesame and coconut soft serve with pearls (¥900). Both were really good!

Cost: From ¥400 (~S$3.90) Opening hours: 7PM – 3:30AM Address: 5 Chome Minami 6 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0806, Japan (They have another outlet that opens from 11AM – 5PM)

Where to stay in Sapporo (3 nights): The Knot Sapporo ( from ~S$93/night for a twin room). It’s 1.4km from Sapporo station, and right beside Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and several other restaurants.

*Pro-tip: Book with Citi Mastercard Credit Cards to enjoy 25% off hotel bookings on Agoda !

Day 3: Day Trip to Otaru

Getting from Sapporo to Otaru : 35min via train

Otaru is a charming coastal town that can easily be covered as a day trip. This is one train journey you don’t want to nap on — the route is extremely scenic. It snakes along the coast and we even spotted several surfers catching waves!

*Pro-tip: Pre-book your Hokkaido JR Pass via Klook and save up to S$50 with Citi Credit Cards.

Hiyoriyama Lighthouse

First stop of the day — Hiyoriyama Lighthouse . It’s a 30-minute bus ride from Otaru Station (¥240); get off at Otaru Aquarium. From there, it’s a short eight-minute walk to the lighthouse.

The area surrounding the lighthouse is really scenic. It’s the perfect vantage point to take in Otaru’s coast and the Sea of Japan — a highlight of this Hokkaido itinerary!

Beside the lighthouse is Nishin Goten, or Herring Mansion — a tribute to Otaru’s past where herring fishing played a major role in the city’s development. Drop by (¥300 entry) to catch a glimpse of life as a fisherman in the olden days!

Nearby, there’s also the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck and a few nature trails for those who’d like to spend more time exploring the coast.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 3 Chome-240 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan

Sankaku Market

Next stop, breakfast at Sankaku Market . From the outside, it doesn’t look like much.

Step inside and you’ll find several eateries all selling one thing: kaisendon . Kaisendons are Japanese rice bowls with fresh seafood — my absolute favourite. 🤤 What better place to try it than a fish market that supplies seafood?

There are several combinations to choose from, and you can even DIY your own bowl! We went with the four-seafood bowl (¥2,200 for a small portion and ¥2,700 for a large) — I chose scallop, salmon, shrimp and ikura . The seafood was seriously fresh and I was desperately savouring each bite to prolong the whole experience.

Our advice? Don’t bother ordering the small.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM Address: 3 Chome-10-16 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0032, Japan

Former Temiya Railway

Walking distance from Sapporo station, the Former Temiya Railway was once used to transport coal to Otaru. It’s a nice place to take photos, especially in autumn when the leaves are multi-coloured!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 1 Chome-15-14 Ironai, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0031, Japan

Otaru Canal

Otaru Canal is the city’s most recognisable attraction. Built in 1923 for small boats to transport goods to warehouses, the canal was restored in the 1980s and became a popular tourist spot. The warehouses now house restaurants and souvenir shops!

Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute sightseeing cruise (¥1,500) along the canal or just walk along the pedestrian street beside it. Boats depart hourly between 11AM and 6PM.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 5 Minatomachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0007, Japan

Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street

Hokkaido has shopping streets in every city, but few offer the same charm as Otaru’s Sakaimachi Dori Shopping Street . It’s a short walk from Otaru Canal and is home to many restaurants, souvenir shops and dessert stands.

Otaru is known for glassware, so you’ll find everything from glass jewellery to ornaments. I couldn’t resist buying a couple of tiny glass sculptures (¥550 each) to bring home!

Mochi with fruits for ¥350 each.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours — shops generally close by 7PM Address: 4-4 Sakaimachi, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0027, Japan

Soba Restaurant

Before heading back to Sapporo, enjoy authentic soba at this quaint little restaurant . There’s no English name or menu and there’s only six tables, but this turned out to be one of our most enjoyable meals.

They serve both cold and warm soba ; we went with the classic cold soba with giant tempura shrimp.

The noodles were springy; the dipping sauce refreshing and a nice balance of sweet and salty. The tempura shrimp was the biggest surprise — literally. It was huge and had a nice crunch to it.

After finishing, we were given hot water to add to the soba sauce. The water reduced the sweetness and made it into a nice soup, which was a nice end to the meal.

*Pro-tip: This soba restaurant is located opposite Minami-Otaru station. Take the train back to Sapporo from here instead of walking back to Otaru station.

Cost: ~¥1,000/pax (~S$9.90) Opening hours: 11:30AM – 3PM Address: 9-10 Sumiyoshicho, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0015, Japan

Day 4: Asahikawa

Getting from Sapporo to Asahikawa: 1hr 25min via train

Located north of Sapporo, Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second largest city. It’s surrounded by mountains and is a great base to explore surrounding nature spots like Daisetsuzan National Park and Biei!

Asahikawa Ramen Village 

For lunch, we headed to Asahikawa Ramen Village . There are eight ramen shops here — a great place to try Asahikawa’s soy-based ramen. I had soy ramen with minced pork (¥900) while Brendan tried it with intestines (¥900).

The ramen here is oilier than Sapporo ramen and the noodles are chewier.

*Pro-tip: A few of the same ramen shops can be found in downtown Asahikawa, so feel free to skip the trip here if you’d like to save time as the trains here can be infrequent.

Cost: From ¥900/bowl (~S$8.90) Opening hours: 11AM – 8PM Address: 4 Chome-119-48 Nagayama 11 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 079-8421, Japan

Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine

The Hokkaido Gokoku Shrine is a little out of the city centre, but that’s what makes it a hidden gem. Built in 1902, there are three giant torii gates — the photographers in us were really excited about this.

We visited on a weekday and there was only one other family around, which meant we had the place to ourselves to enjoy the architecture.

Do drop by the garden before leaving. It’s another great photo spot!

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: 1 Chome-2282-2 Hanasakicho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0901, Japan

Mutton BBQ Daikokuya Main Store

For dinner, we went to Mutton BBQ Daikokuya Main Store for another Hokkaido favourite —  jingisukan (mutton bbq). One set of meat (¥2,400) includes a portion of rump, shoulder loin and tenderloin. We also ordered sides like horseradish cucumber and kimchi (¥350 each), egg rice (¥300) and sausages (¥550 for two).

The meat surprisingly wasn’t gamey! My favourite part was the tenderloin, which we ended up ordering more of.

For dessert, we had sheep pudding (¥450) which was creamy and paired well with caramel sauce.

Cost: ~S$30/pax Opening hours: 5PM – 10PM (Mon – Fri), 4PM – 10PM (Sat – Sun) Address: Japan, 〒070-0034 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, 4 Jodori, 5 Chome−1425番地 3・4 仲通

Heiwa Shopping Street

Heiwa Shopping Street is Asahikawa’s main shopping hub, with plenty of restaurants too. It’s located right opposite Asahikawa station and was walking distance from our hotel.

We enjoyed exploring the little thrift shops which sell secondhand clothes, shoes and bags!

Opening hours: 24 hours — Shops generally close at 8PM Address: 8 Chome-41-28 8 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0038, Japan

Where to stay in Asahikawa: Hotel Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae ( from ~S$88/night for a Twin Room). It’s located beside Asahikawa station.

Day 5: Day Trip to Biei

The next day, we rented a car to explore the nearby town of Biei .

Car rental: From ~S$59.99/day via Klook . The car rental place was right beside our hotel in Asahikawa (Route Inn Grand Asahikawa Ekimae). Bring your international driving permit (IDP) and a credit card during pickup.

*Pro-tip: Get up to S$50 off your car rental on Klook with your Citi Credit Card.

Shirogane Blue Pond

Asahikawa to Shirogane Blue Pond: 49min drive

The Shirogane Blue Pond is arguably what put Biei on the map. The bright turquoise colour reflected in the water is actually due to aluminium particles from the nearby Shirogane Onsen.

There’s also a small dessert stand at the entrance — we got a soft serve and macaron before leaving!

Entrance fee: Free (¥500 parking fee) Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Shirahige Waterfall

Shirogane Blue Pond to Shirahige Waterfall: 4min drive

Shirahige Waterfall means “white beard waterfall” — a fitting name for the streams of water cascading down a cliff slide.

Walk along the bridge beside it to get a good view of the falls. It was snowing while we were there in the first week of November which only added to the charm of the place.

Entrance fee: Free Opening hours: 24 hours Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Tokachidake Observatory

Shirahige Waterfall to Tokachidake Observatory : 7min drive

Located 950m above sea level, Tokachidake Observatory is a fantastic spot to take in the surrounding volcanoes and mountains. It’s the starting point for a few hiking trails , but we were just there to check out the views and have lunch.

There are no restaurants here — we packed convenience store food before driving out of Asahikawa. The indoor seating area was a great spot to enjoy our food!

Shikisai no Oka

Tokachidake Observatory to Shikisai no Oka : 27min drive

Shikisai no Oka is known for its beautiful flower gardens that can be enjoyed from spring to fall. But there’s still a reason to visit during off-season — the alpaca farm that’s open all year round.

There were around 16 adorable alpacas in the feeding pen, with a bunch more resting inside. Purchase veggies to feed them (¥100/basket). Just make sure to watch out for their spit!

Entrance fee: ¥500 (~S$4.90) Opening hours: Varies depending on season Address: Shinsei, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0473, Japan

After stopping by the town of Biei for a coffee break, we headed back to Asahikawa to return the car.

We’d planned to also check out Asahidake Ropeway but the poor weather changed our plans. If the weather is in your favour, check out the scenic 1.7km round trip hike at the top of the ropeway!

Tenkin Izakaya

Tenkin Izakaya is one of Asahikawa’s oldest izakayas and was probably the best (or second best) meal of this Hokkaido itinerary! The interior is that of a traditional Japanese restaurant, where diners are seated on tatami mats on the floor.

I had a sashimi set (¥3,850) while Brendan ordered a tempura and sashimi bento (¥33,000). Mine had a good selection of fresh seafood ( ikura, scallop, prawn, tuna and more) as well as tempura and chawanmushi .

We also ordered Japanese black wagyu steak (¥3,245). The meat was delicious — really tender and juicy!

Cost: ~¥4,500/pax (~S$44.20) Opening hours: 3PM – 11PM Address: 7 Chome 3 Jodori, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0033, Japan

Day 6: Sapporo and Heading Home

Getting from Asahikawa to Sapporo : 1hr 25min via train

Streets of Sapporo

Our last day was spent wandering the city centre and doing last-minute souvenir shopping. Sapporo Kita 3-jo Plaza , the Hokkaidō Government Office and Botanic Garden Hokkaidō University are some scenic areas worth checking out if you have the time.

Katsuissen Conveyor Belt Restaurant

We couldn’t leave Hokkaido without eating at a sushi belt restaurant. The previous team ate at the popular Nemuro Hanamaru , so we wanted to try a different place. Katsuissen is located near Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade and is another highly-rated spot!

There’s all the classics — giant red shrimp, ikura, tuna, salmon. It was the perfect end to our Hokkaido trip.

*Pro-tip: Conveyor belt restaurants are really popular among locals. We shortlisted a few restaurants, but were turned away from two. Despite them closing at 10PM, they cut off their queues around 8PM to ensure all customers get seated. Make a reservation or arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Cost: ~S$30/pax Opening hours: 11AM – 3PM, 4:30PM – 11PM (Mon – Fri), 12PM – 11PM (Sat – Sun) Address: Japan, 〒060-0063 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Minami 3 Jonishi, 5 Chome−1

Tips for Planning Your Next Hokkaido Itinerary

We absolutely loved Hokkaido — the food, weather, views, shopping… one week was hardly enough.

If you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido, here are some tips:

1) Trains in Japan are very timely, so you have to be as well.

Since there were only two of us on this trip, we chose to travel via train most of the way so we could rest more on longer journeys.

We got the 7-day Hokkaido JR Pass ( ~S$239.95 ) and used the Japan Travel app (available on iPhone / Android ) to plan our routes. It shows bus and train timings too while on the go too!

*Pro-tip: The Hokkaido Rail Pass entitles you to free seat reservations on the reserved carriage! Just head down to the JR information desk at the train station and let the staff know which train timing you’ll like to reserve seats for.

2) Bring your passport for tax refunds!

Many shops offer tax refunds for tourists on the spot when you spend at least ¥5,000 (~S$48). You just have to show your passport to claim it!

3) Get discounts on flights, accommodation, and activities

Be sure to look out for travel deals so you can save on your travel essentials! We made use of these Citi Credit Card Travel Deals :

– Traveloka: Up to S$100 off hotels, flights or experiences – Agoda: 25% off hotel bookings with a Citi Mastercard Credit Card – Klook: Up to S$50 off bookings (incl. transport passes, car rental and WiFi); 20% off experiences

Citi Credit Cardmembers also earn 2 miles with every S$1 overseas spend with the Citi PremierMiles Card . Good news — Citi Miles never expire, so you can rake them in to redeem for your next adventure!

If you don’t own a Citi PremierMiles Card yet, apply now and get up to 30,000 bonus Citi Miles * *T&Cs apply. Welcome offer is valid till 31 Jan 2023.

4) Fill up this online registration form a few days before your flight to Hokkaido.

After completion, you’ll receive a QR code to show upon arrival at New Chitose Airport. Complete this at least a few days before your flight!

5) Pre-order your SIM Card before arrival  

We got the 14-day eSIM with unlimited data for ~S$37.89 . A QR code and set-up instructions were delivered via email so there was no need to source for SIM cards at the airport when we arrived (or even change the SIM cards).

Have questions about our Hokkaido itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

This post was brought to you by  Citi Credit Cards .

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hi may i know which month did you go?

Hi, the team went in November last year 🙂

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11 Days 9 Nights Hokkaido Self Drive Trip – Shin Chitose & Hakodate (Part 1)

We will start off by writing our self-drive travel experience in Hokkaido as this post allows us to share our whole trip experiences & photos, follow by adding travel guides and how to plan your Hokkaido trip posts later on.

As usual, we normally buy air tickets during promotion, so when AirAsia launched KL to Sapporo flight, we managed to book 2-way return for only RM248 per pax which is the cheapest ever flight to Hokkaido.

With AirAsia X flight, we arrived morning 8 am at Shin Chitose Airport which is 45 mins away from Sapporo City. Upon arriving Hokkaido, weather was negative 15 degree Celsius and visibility were very low even our plane couldn’t move upon landing and needed tow truck assistance to the gate.

Weather Condition Upon Arriving Hokkaido

Shin Chitose Airport is an attraction itself. With plenty of dining option available, it is the best starting point to fill our tummy with authentic Japanese food!

Ebisoba Ichigen is a shrimp based ramen which is very popular in Sapporo, the soup is filled with awesomely good shrimp umami topped with oozing nitamago, tender Japanese char siew & shrimp eggs. Ichigen opens at 10 am and fills up very fast hence it is good to be there before 10 am.

If your departure flight is in the morning like ours, it is recommended to tour Shin Chitose Airport during your arrival before starting your Hokkaido Trip as you won’t have time to visit it during departure day. The airport is also home to both Royce Chocolate World & Doraemon Sky Park.

Shin Chitose Airport is also the perfect place to buy omiyage (souvenirs) from Hokkaido with all famous souvenirs such ask Kinotoya, Le Tao, Shiro Koibito , Royce Chocolate, Snaffles are available in this airport. If your flight is in the late morning onwards, Shin Chitose Airport is a great choice to do your final shopping. Shops gradually open from 8.30 am. If you are taking AirAsia X flight, it might be too rush on departure day.

Our trip started with only 2 of us before my brother & sister decided to join. Since there are 4 of us we decided to self-drive. Before the trip, we were struggling to choose whether to self-drive or travel by train and bus. The unknown fear of driving in different country and inexperience in snowing condition kept us thinking.

However, by the end of the trip, we were glad that we decided to self-drive as it is more convenient to get around and to visit secluded areas, especially during winter. Jumping into the heated car is much more comfortable than shivering in coldness while waiting for public transport.

We booked our car online with ToCoo! , one of the very reliable online car rental in Japan (Will blog in details on how to self drive in another post). If you are planning to drive a few days, rent from companies that offer Hokkaido Highway Pass which allows unlimited expressway with fix fare on certain highways. Do note not all car rental companies offer this.

Note: an International driving license is needed to rent a car in Japan.

Whether to self-drive depends on where are you visiting. You don’t have to self drive if you are planning to visit Sapporo & Otaru only. But if you plan to visit several places & smaller towns like Hakodate, Niseko, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Furano, Biei, Shiretoko, it is best to self-drive.

For our first Hokkaido road trip, we decided to explore Hakodate – Lake Toya – Niseko – Otaru & Sapporo. Since Hokkaido is very big, it is impossible to visit all their cities unless you have plenty of time.

First Stop – Hakodate (函館)!

Hakodate is approximate 280km away from Shin Chitose, though on paper it looks like a mere 3 hours drive. During winter, always double your usual travel amount when self-driving as in winter roads are slippery due to the formation of black ice and speed limit will be reduced to 50kmph during bad weather.

So our regret was not to visit Lake Toya first since Lake Toya is located between Chitose  & Hakodate. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed the long ride along the coastal road. It took us 5 hours plus to reach Hakodate with several stopping in convenience shops for rest & food along the road.

Located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is the third largest city in Hokkaido. Founded in 1454, the city is best known for the spectacular views from Mount Hakodate and its delicious, fresh seafood with squid as its prime attraction.

Lucky Pierrot is Hakodate’s home grown fast food chain few several restaurants in Hakodate. We ordered Shrimp Burger, Lucky Cheese Burger, Chinese Chicken Burger, Chinese Chicken Curry to try.

Though famous for their Chinese Chicken Burger, we do recommend to try their Grilled Squid, Shrimp Burger & order Chinese Chicken Curry instead as we find the Chinese chicken taste much better with curry.

One of the must-visit attraction is definitely Hakodate Morning Market, is where a cluster of 300 shops selling fresh seafood and vegetables. In short, is where you get to taste one of the freshest seafood.

Donburi Yokocho Ichiba is a food alley arcade nearby the Hakodate Morning Market is the place to find some of the best seafood donburi in town. Also, one of Hakodate’s speciality Dancing Squid donburi is found there.

Dancing Squid donburi is where the chef catches a live squid from the aquarium and quickly prepare the dish. As the squid is killed very fast, the muscle still reflexes hence the name dancing squid. This culinary skill is to ensure the ultimate freshness of the squid.

Video of Dancing Squid

Rest assured you do not have to gobble up the whole thing. Upon presenting the dish and upon verification of customer (and upon taking photos, videos, Snapchat, hoo ahh from tourists), the waitress will retrieve the bowl and the chef will further slice the squid into thin slices.

The Motomachi area which is located at the foot of Mount Hakodate became one of the favourite areas for foreign residents. Hence you can find a wide variety of beautiful exotic townscape with Western-style buildings and slopes.

Typical Tourist Mood

The Kanemori Warehouse in Hakodate is another must-visit. Located by the bay side, it was originally a port warehouse. Recently been redeveloped into an atmospheric shopping, dining and entertainment complex. This is the place to try amazing Hakodate patisserie such as Snaffles & Petite Merveille.

Cheese Souffle

Petite Merveille is famous for its delicate design pastries and cheese souffle. Not only that they are also famous for incorporating pumpkin as the main ingredient in their cakes & ice cream

Japanese cheesecakes are totally different compared to other variety of cheesecake such as New York Cheesecake which is usually very solid. Japanese cheesecakes are often as soft as cotton candy with milder cheese flavour.

Petite Merveille allows customers to taste their cheese souffle and definitely recommended is their Caramel Cheese Souffle. The enrich caramel flavour yet not overpowering the mild cheese is definitely to die for.

They even make cakes super duper cute you might just buy and keep as long as possible instead of eating it.

Milkissimo offers premium gelato and originates in Hakodate, you can order the beautiful flower petal ice cream from this stall.

Mount Hakodate was awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan describing the view from the mount top as worth taking time out to see. The ropeway requires only 3 minutes to reach the top, and there are souvenir shops and restaurant as well.

It is recommended to visit around 1 hour plus before sunset so you can take 3 different types of shot, afternoon, evening & night shot. During winter, remember to wear sufficient warm clothes as it is very windy & cold on the mountain.

Hakodate Beer brew artisan local beer delivered directly from their brewer, so if you are interested to try out local beer, this is the place. It is a beer hall with 200 capacity offering a variety of food as well.

Goryokaku Tower stands just next to the Goryokaku which allows the visitor a magnificent panoramic view of the entire star-shaped fort and surrounding moat unveils itself to visitors from the observation platform of the 107-meter Goryokaku Tower.

The Hakodate Magistrate Office in the centre of Goryokaku Fort is the administrative institution established by the Shogunate during the opening of Hakodate Port. From the tower, it is only 5 mins walk to the fort goryokaku and is free for visitors to visit.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden is the place to see snow monkeys enjoying their onsen during winter time. It is not actually a vast space of park but more like a mini zoo with a tropical botanical garden showcase.

After 3 days, our Hakodate trip has ended. Our next destination – Lake Toya! Stay tune for more post.

Do FOLLOW us on Facebook & Instagram and feel free to message us if you have any questions on your travel planning. Ill try my best to help out.

Hokkaido Blog

We have started to blog our Hokkaido Self Drive Trip, feel free to read the blog for our full travel experiences in Hokkaido.

• 11 Days 9 Nights Hokkaido Self Drive Trip – Shin Chitose & Hakodate (Part 1)
• 11 Days 9 Nights Hokkaido Self Drive Trip – Lake Toya & Niseko (Part 2)
• 11 Days 9 Nights Hokkaido Self Drive Trip – Otaru (Part 3)
• 11 Days 9 Nights Hokkaido Self Drive Trip – Sapporo (Part 4)
• 15 Must Visit Attractions & Food in Hakodate, Hokkaido
• Noboribetsu & Shiraoi
• Kushiro, Lake Akan & Lake Mashu

Hokkaido Car Rental

We did a self-drive trip in Hokkaido which we were glad we did especially during winter and visiting small cities. Driving made our trip much more comfortable and convenient. We rented our Car Rental online from ToCoo!

If you are planning to drive a few days, rent from companies that offer Hokkaido Highway Pass which allows unlimited expressway with fix fare on certain highways. Do note not all car rental companies offer this.

Hokkaido Hotels

For Hokkaido hotels, we used HotelCombined to search for the cheapest accommodation & to compare hotel prices.

103 Comments

Thks Tommy. It’s was very well documented. Looking forward to more write up from you. Once again, TQ for sharing ??

Hi Julie, thanks for the compliments. Stay tuned for other parts ^^

What is the estimated budget for this trip ? Thx

Hi Shaun, we spend less than RM5000 per pax as we are into food hunt this trip. It can be much cheaper if you are not into food

Can i know rm5000 per person include accommodation?

Hi Liew, Yes all expenses (lots of eating) except shopping

Very well write up. Can’t wait for your further travel articles in Hokkaido trip.

Hi Jimmy, hopefully next week 🙂

Hi Tommy is there any place for drinking (bar or night club)?

Hi Jenny, yes there are many izakaya, bars & even night club especially in Sapporo

Hi tommy can I know the total cost for the car rental fees? Thanks

Hi Tommy. I would like to know the cost of food at the places you recommended so that I can plan my budget. Thx.

Hi Vicky price range RM15 to RM60 depending on which food.

Hi Tommy I would like to know where did you pick up and drop off your rented car by TooCoo! in Hokkaido. Thanks.

Hi, at the car rental company located 5 mins drive away from airport. Ours provided us with shuttle bus

Hi tommy.. What is your impression for self-driving in Hokkaido? Is it difficult? Did you use GPS for driving there? Could I know how much rental car in Hokkaido? And how much I have to spend for rental car in Hokkaido included car-fuel? I have plan to go Sapporo next Spring. I look forward to receiving your feedback. Thanks ~ Budy – Indonesia

Hi Budy, driving in Hokkaido is quite easy, just drive slowly during winter due to slippery road. If you are in hokkaido in spring, it should be no problem. Approx USD600 for 10 days with 2 full tanks. Recommended if you going few cities. But if you visit Otaru & Sapporo only, driving not needed

Hi, Do you have good car rental in hokkaido as we are going on early jan. looking at 10 days rental.

Hi Alvin, we have listed the online car rental website we booked for our Hokkaido trip, go check it out

How easy/difficult is to drive in Japan/Hokkaido? I am from Canada and considering a self-driving trip. I have 20 yrs driving experience but have never driven in Asia.

Thanks T.C.

Hi Tony, if you have been driving in Canada during winter season, Japan should be normal for you just make sure snow tyre & metal is available. since most ppl like us never drove during winter before.

may i know is driving on snow dangerous?

Hi Ho, yes it is much dangerous so you need to drive slower & get snow tyre & perhaps metal wrap tyre. But driving in Hokkaido is recommended

Hi Tommy, Noted that there is option of “4WD” under the car rental via Tocoo, do we need this if we drive during December?

Hi Michelle, not needed 4wd but need snow tyre & snow chain metal for extra safety

can see that the car rental company provide snow tyre, so we need to request for snow chain metal?

Hi Michelle, yes to be safer, we drove with only snow tyre but still few slippery

Hi Tommy, If we travel frm period of 1/12 t 10/12, possible to see snow? If we planning for ski activities. Is this a good period?

Hi Trisha, early Dec is not advisable as snow is uncertain. After mid dec should be better

Hei thr, actually got anything special to focus for driving during winter time, bcoz tis might b my 1st time to drive during winter season…

Hi thanks for sharing! What about accommodation? =)

Hi Yan I will update soon on it.

Hi Tommy My family and I will be visiting Hokkaido in Jan 2017. The cities we are planning to visit is in this order, starting from Hakodate – Lake Toya/ Niseko – Otaru – Sapporo. We are still not sure about self driving. I just wanted to find out if there are public transports that will take us to Lake Toya and Niseko. Appreciate your advice.

Hi Felicia, yes there are train to both places but getting around that is a major prob. So i do recommend self drive, just be 3 times more careful

Thank you for responding. I read your advice to other readers about getting snow metal chains. Is it easy to get them installed on the tyres? Will there be instructions provided?

Hi Felicia, it is much safer with metal chain, bu we got only snow tyre without chain. Normally they will install for you

Hi Tommy, how do you get to Sineko? Self drive as well? is it dangerous to drive to Niseko? i’m going to visit Hokkaido in mid Dec.. still consider self drive or not… We are 2 families with kids. Total 10 of us. we will be covering Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko, Lake Toya and Hakodate. Appreciate your advise. Thanks.

Hi. Tommy, how about the packing fees for all destination?

HI Chin, what is packing fees

oops…sorry wrong typo.is there need any parking fees for visit places?

Hi Tommy, I’m also concerned on the parking fees for all destination in hakodate. As I’m also driving in Hakodate and I’m worried that parking fees is going to cost a lot. Thanks.

wonderful~It is definitely different with my experience in Hokkaido…btw, I’m with travel agency…your experience is totally amazing~

Thank you 🙂

Hi Tommy, reading your blog for the first time. Very interesting. I’ll be covering Sapporo-Lake Toya-Niseko-Otaru-Chitose.

Would you advise that i visit Lake Toya enoute to Niseko without staying a night? Thanks. Siok

Hi Siok, nope, I think accommodation is cheaper in Toya than Niseko during winter. You can round but miss the onsen or more view

Hi Tommy, can we return the car in the airport at 7am?

Hi Norman, yes we did return car around that time

Hi Tommy, thanks for the info. Is our IDP needed a exact one year valid date from the date of entry ?

Hi Norman, not needed as long as not expire by the time u return it

i never knew there are English blogs like yours, i would say i am very impress with your article, actually i am thinking of writing blogs like this too, and yours is just… wow. really loved it man.

Hi Tommy, hows the experience driving on winter ? Was contemplating whether should drive or by train. Will be travelling with 5 adults and 2 kids. I will be going to Hokkaido on 27/12/2016 – 06/01/2017 . . places to cover would be Hakodate, Otaru and Sapporo

Hi Lennie, If only sapporo & otaru you might not need to drive but if Hakodate, driving is better as more comfortable. Just drive twice slower than usual

Hi Tommy, I am planning to self drive Hokkaido in early July with 5 adults and was thinking of this route; Sapporo, Lake Toya, Hakodate, Niseko-Otaru-Chitose for 7 days. Q1) Is 7 days sufficient? Q2) where should I stop for the night?

Hi Alvin, will be rush if 9 to 12 days will be better

The car rental company you engaged, allows you to return the car at different location? Can you choose the type of model? I would love to drive a 面包车…..LOL

Hi, not all allows as they dont have several offices, but some like Toyota rental allows it. Yes you can choose several models offered by the company

Hi Tommy, do Malaysian need international licence to drive in Japan?

Hi Michelle, yes international driving license is needed

Hi Tommy, great read. Your Hokkaido blog post has actually inspired me to go in April and do a self-drive tour too.

How did you deal with parking though? Parking at your hotel? Parking at attraction sites? Parking in Otaru/Hakodate?

Thanks heaps Jo

Hi Jo, i think we only paid for car park in Sapporo and Otaru, the rest places has ample free car park. Our Sapporo hotel rate is 1200 yen per day

Hi, which month did you go? Do you have a video of how was the drive like?

Hi C, in early March, no video unfortunately

Your blog is so impressive! Anything that I need to take note if rent a car from Tocoo? Please advise.

Hi Rachel, do buy all insurance to ensure a peaceful drive

Hi Tommy, do you need an international license to drive at Hokkaido?

Hi ken, yes you do need international license

Hi another question, i plan to visit hokkaido next year March with my wife & planning self drive as well..i would like to inquire more to make this trip more convenience and relax. 1. What is the cost of self drive car + petrol of your trips. 2. Would you mind sharing name of the Inn you stay each cities? As i’ve check no room are available, guess too early for allotment. 3. Do you think RM10k enough excluded flight tickets? If not roughly how much would be sufficient. Guess many would like to know for advanced planning.

Hi Tommy Ooi,i reaching on Sapporo 1st Nov morning… And until now its haven’t booking any hotel😅.i happen to searching on line happening saw u guys post👍is very useful..can give me a suggestion where can I start my journey on the first day arrives n each hotel should staying? In Nov will it snow? I plan of stay in snow ski… Thks slot for helping n reply. 😉

This is the first blog I came across and it is really detailed and well-written. I believe it will help me a lot in my planning! Hope to find more details on accommodation soon too 🙂 Thank you!

Hi, read many posts and they strongly discouraged driving in late December. Can you share more information on your self-drive trip? Was it during late December too?

Hi, we droved in March, drove 50% slower than speed limit and enjoyed our trip due to comfort of heater in car

For car rental in Hokkaido, did you purchase the additional insurance such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Rental Car Assistance Pack (RAP)?

Hi Vivian, yes we did bought all.

May I know how do you get the car from the company? Do you need to walk or take bus to the office to get the car? Or is it just outside the terminal?

Cheers, Daveta

Hi, take the shuttle bus to their car rental office 5 mins away from airport

Thank for the info and May I know which company you rent from, I assume you have rent from Nissan?

Thanks for clarifying

Hi Daveta, from Niku car rental

Hi, would you mind to email me the full itinerary? I am going to Hokkaido this November.

Hi Matt, unfortunately we dont have full itinerary, just a guide and self explore

hi , am planning to self drive, can the Nissan Note put 2 big bags.

Hi EB, yes possible 2 X 28″bag

Which hotel do you stay in hakodate?

Hi Tommy, how safe is it to drive in snowy winter? We wanted to self-drive but our travel agent strongly advised us not to. Thanks.

Hi, driving in winter for us was an amazing experience albeit we took notice to drive 50% slower and didnt rush our trip so we can take our sweet time

Awesome post! It looks like you had a great time in Hokkaido. I’m glad. Love all the practical information you shared!

Hi Tommy, how many luggage you fit in the rental car?

Hi Hailey, 2 large size luggage

Thank you for your tips

Hi Tommy I have read through your article on self drive Hokkaido . my family of 6 plan to travel to Hokkaido from 1st july to 9th july 2018 via airasia. I need your input on my travel plan . 1st july arrive Sapporo in the morning. Drive to Hakodate and visit Nororibetsu on the way. Spend 2-3 th july in Hakodate . Is 2 full days enough for Hakodate? 4th july morning Drive to Lake toya . On the way visit Niseko. 5th July afternoon or evening Drive to Otaru. spend 6th july in Otaru. 6th july evening drive to Sapporo. Spend 7 and 8 july in Sapporo. Please comment on my trip planning . Thankyou. Appreciate your reply.

Hi Renee, for your months you might consider going to Furano instead where there are lavender. Do double check the flower seasons in Hokkaido

We self drive to Hakodate. Please recommend a hotel you stayed before

Hi Tommy, May I know how to book the car rental that can allow you to return the car early in the morning at 7am near airport as our flight is 9.20am. They always put in as 8am only is their opening for the day and can accept the returned car at 8am. How do you use the GPS for the places to visit, just type in the map code ?? Any ways to use road that avoid tolls ?? As we are going there in May 20 to May 27, where should we head to in order to see the flowers ? Appreciate your reply. Thanks.

Hi Rowena, our flight time was the same as yours. So I dropped all passengers at airport to queue for check in while I drove the car to return it. Since petrol is not cheap in japan we just follow the way shown by gps. Yes type map code

Hi I was told driving in Sapporo city is a bit challenging and it’s advisable to take public transport. I intend to hire a 2 lit car, does hotel provide parking lot for such big car?

Hi Constance, we self drove and find it very convenient compare to public transport. But we drove very slow to avoid accident

Hi Tommy, i’m planning to visit Hokkaido this coming May with my parents & we’re planning to self drive to Hakodate. Would like to know if is easy to drive around in Hakodate? And how you deal with parking around Hakodate (mainly in area like Motomachi Park, Hachimansaka slope, Goryokaku Tower, etc)? Really appreciate your feedback ^^

Hi Tommy – I am planning for a trip to Hokkaido this Dec 2018 and intend to self-drive after i read your blog. My routing will be Chitose > Lake Toya (2 nights) > Hakodate (3 nights) > Niseko (2 nights) > Sapporo (5) with a day trip to Otaru. We intend to drive from Chitose and then return car in Sapporo. However, as i searched other blogs, I am contemplating if i should self-drive due to warnings of icy road, blizzard, etc. Could you share your experience driving in Dec as my routing is likely the same as yours? I wanted to explore Rail but with the 4 of us with luggage it may be a bit cumbersome and with the cold weather, i am unsure if rail is a better option compare to self-drive. I heard from some friends that it is okay, just go slow but again some friends advised against it. Any tips and your experience sharing is appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Tommy, I would like to thank you for your great blog, very detail, awesome photos, and lots of info. I have checked your blog for almost 2 years, and finally me and family just visited Hokkaido last week based on all info in this blog. (although I cannot afford to buy the king crab and wagyu in Marche…lol)

Once again, thank you, wishing you all the best and having more great trips in future. Regards from Indonesia.

Dear Donny, glad to hear that! We receive the greatest satisfaction whenever our readers inform us our blog help them in the trip. Take care

Thanks for sharing your experience online.

I am planning for a trip to Hokkaido next year (13 March to 25 March 2020) (12 days and 11 nights). I will be arriving at Shin-Chitose (13 March, 8am) and departing at the same airport (25 March, 5pm).

I will be traveling with 2 seniors. Therefore winter activities like snowboarding or skiing is out for us. However, last year, I brought them to NZ and we did zip lining, RTV bikes and horse riding. If it is not so physical intensive, I will let them experience it.

In term of budget, I will always try to keep it low. I will avoid hefty parking if possible. We are ok to stay in dorminatory. As for food, I don’t mind paying extra if it is worth the experience. Of course not to the extend of fine dining.

Can you recommend an itinerary to me? It will be a great help.

Regards Poh

Hi Tommy, After reading this great blog sharing your wonderful experiences, I feel more confident now to self-drive for my coming trip to Hokkaido from April 13 to 20 (8D7N). I have Airbnb credit of RM3500 for one single booking for our group of 8 and intend to cover Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Toya, Hakodate, Noboribetsu, Furano, Biei, Asahikawa and Lake Shikaribetsu. If snow has not fully melted and ski resort still opens, we intend to visit Niseko Ski Resort. I need your advice, where should we put up since we could only book one single homestay and make day trips to the various destinations. Also, will the roads be snow free around this time and whether my draft itinerary is too challenging too cover all the places. Lastly, which 8 seaters would you recommend for us. Thank you.

Hi Michael, i do recommend to self drive as it is more convenient if you are hopping around few places. Just drive slower.However the number of places you mentioned, it is kinda impossible to complete within 7 nights. You will be rushing around. I doubt you can based in one place to get around all these places. Only Furano ski resort is still open that period. The best bet is Sapporo to cover Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu, Furano, Biei, Asahikawa. Still it would be tiring though. 1st day noboribetsu & lake toya, 2nd day otaru, 4th Furano & Biei, 5th Asahikawa, 6 & 7 Sapporo

Hi Tommy, Thanks for your prompt reply, appreciate your view on following: 1) Based on your recommendation, I have decided to leave out Hakodate and Lake Shikaribetsu and find a homestay near Sapporo as our base. 2) May I know whether car parking is easily available at the main attractions in Sapporo & Otaru & what are the fees and method of payment? Or do you think that it’s better to use the subway for touring Sapporo & Otaru. 3) Is there any type of 8 seaters van with good luggage space that do not require the “D“ licence? Thanks again,

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Hokkaido autumn travel blog — 15+ top things to do & best places to visit in hokkaido during autumn.

Autumn in Japan begins from the end of September and lasts until the end of November. Hokkaido is one of the first places in the land of the rising sun witnesses the landscape gradually changing from green to yellow and red. Hokkaido is a popular winter destination, but few people know that Hokkaido is not only beautiful in the winter, try to visit this place in other seasons, you will find it interesting all-year-round, especially in the fall. For the people of Japan, Hokkaido is an ideal destination to see the autumn leaves (Momiji)!

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So, are you planning a trip to visit Hokkaido in september (Hokkaido september travel, Hokkaido autumn guide) when the autumn begins and Hokkaido autumn month to see Hokkaido autumn foliage (Hokkaido autumn leaves, Hokkaido fall foliage)? Let’s check it out our suggested best of Hokkaido in autumn through Hokkaido september blog (Hokkaido autumn blog, Hokkaido autumn travel blog) and Hokkaido autumn trip blog to explore what to do and 15 top things to do in Hokkaido in september, places to visit in Hokkaido during autumn, and things to do in Hokkaido in autumn as well as Hokkaido autumn leaves forecast 2022 to find out the answer!

Hokkaido fall foliage forecast 2023: Some things you need to know before going to Hokkaido to enjoy autumn

Hokkaido autumn leaves forecast 2023.

The leaves begin to change color in Kyoto sometime in October. The peak of autumn leaves is usually in mid November and you can see the red leaves colors on the trees until mid-December. Thus, in an average year, the red leaves season in Kyoto lasts from October 15 to December 15, with a peak around November 15. Here is the autumn forecast in Hokkaido 2023.

This red leaves season will come later than every year. Perhaps the scorching heat of summer is the main reason why this year’s red leaf season comes much later than every year. Experts explain that temperature plays an important role in determining the timing of color change and the intensity of leaf color.

It is expected that Sapporo will be the first place where you can enjoy the beauty of the Japanese red leaf season, the peak time on November 6 (gingko leaf), November 7 (maple leaf). In Hokkaido, maple leaves turn red color around October 25, 13 days later than the years.

Tokyo is also considered to be the place where the red leaf season will appear late, the color of the leaves starting from mid-November to early-December. In Kyoto, the red foliage will look most impressive on December 9.

Hokkaido autumn leaves forecast 2023: When is autumn in Hokkaido the most beautiful?

Kokkaido autumn month: Hokkaido is the region that welcomes the earliest autumn of the country. From early September to the end of November is the best time for you to enjoy autumn here. Hokkaido is extremely large, so the best time to see red leaves in areas is different, but the majority of places to see red leaves falls in the range of mid-September to late-Octorber as shown below in the table.

However, I like to go to Hokkaido in October because this is the “peak time” of autumn, the scenery is extremely poetic, romantic and the weather is very pleasant, beautiful beyond words.

Hokkaido weather in autumn: What to wear?

Weather is one of the extremely important factors that effects the quality of a trip. Japan is a country with 4 distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter. In October, the weather was pleasant, but the temperature was also very low, although it was not a cold peak period, but the average temperature this season was only about 11 degrees Celsius – 16 degrees Celsius. So, choose the appropriate clothes such as sweaters, coats and gloves, can bring a few extra stickers to keep the body warm.

Hokkaido autumn travel blog: Top things to do in hokkaido in autumn and best places to visit in hokkaido during autumn

Admire the red autumn leaves (momiji).

Momiji (red leaves) is the reason why people want to coming to Hokkaido every autumn comes. The red leaves season is considered to be the most romantic season of the year in Japan, because of the blending of sunshine, wind, and incense, colors make for a great scenery. Imagine you are walking in the golden sunshine of autumn, sometimes with gentle breeze, in front of you is a forest covered with red leaves of maple leaves, nothing is more wonderful. The moment you watching the red leaves slowly fall, sometimes it tended to follow a gentle breeze passing by, making your heart sobbing.

The land of the rising sun with four seasons all brings its own beauty, but the fall season is more captivating. Especially in Hokkaido – a land with a cold climate, fortunate to welcome the earliest autumn in Japan, it is even more charming and poetic with Momiji red maple leaf season comes.

In the early days of September, the maple leaf forests seemed to have strange miracles when they come together turned yellow and red as if they were dyed. But if only a few scattered trees on the street turn their colors, of course I will not be happy like this!!! But, in Hokkaido, the forests of maple leaves is dense and large, spreading along the roads and attractions that anyone see them will be admired. The cameras will have the opportunity to blink continuously, indeed a dream background.

One of the best places to see red maple leaves in Hokkaido is Daisetsuzan National Park. It is Hokkaido’s largest national park with an area of over 2000 km2. This is almost a wild area, a paradise for those who love nature, want to conquer nature and love adventure. And is one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Hokkaido., the next is Shiretoko and Onuma National Park . If you want to see the maple leaves with the valley view, let go to Noboribetsu area, the ground is filled with yellow leaves, the red leaves spread into a thick mattress that you can lie on it.

In Hokkaido there is an extremely interesting activity that I have never tried anywhere before, that is renting a camping car with a group of friends. It sounds strange, you will rent a fully equipped camper van, buy some food and travel to Hokkaido’s most beautiful maple leaf attractions. If you like, stop and spread the canvas on the maple leaves and resting like a picnic “When we were young”. The best is that you can drive yourself, it’s so good!

Immerse yourself in Coral Grass Colonies at Lake Notoro

Notoro Lake is a saltwater lake connected to the Sea of Okhotsk, located not far from Memanbetsu airport, with a total area of 580,000 square meters. In the fall, from September, a leafless plant called “coral grass (glasswort)” will dye the whole corner of the lake by red, making people fascinated with beauty, especially in sunset moments. In Hokkaido, coral grass grows only in some areas of the lagoon, lakes with certain moisture and salinity such as Notoro, Komuke, Furen … so travelers who love to discover unique and rare beauty of nature should definitely not miss this place.

Another red color that few people know in Hokkaido is coral grass. Not as famous as Momiji and therefore less popular. The lake shores with full of coral grass in full bloom in the fall are extremely beautiful and strange sights for those who “anti social” and want their own space.

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Japan Travel Guide – Hokkaido | Tohoku | Tokyo | Kyoto

9 Days in Hokkaido Winter Itinerary | Dec-Jan

A lot of Japan enthusiasts from all over the world would like to visit Hokkaido this winter . This is arguably the best winter holiday destination in the land of the rising sun, and one of the top in the world .

Are there any other competitors throughout Japan who could beat it?

With its stunning winter activities, such as skiing , snowmobiling, snow rafting, snowboarding, ice fishing, dog sledding, drift ice sightseeing cruising, horse riding, and including participation in the snow festivals, the area is stunningly mind-boggling. Please note winter scenery here takes your breath away.

Hokkaido is a land best known for its picture-perfect mountains, winter festivals , drift ice, lavender flowers, sea foods, and wild animals. In winter, you will miss the majestic views of lavender farms , but the rest of things are awaiting you.

Whether you embark on a trip to Hokkaido in early winter (Late November to Early January) , or during its peak winter season (Mid January to early March), you will be familiar with the winter traditions that belong to locals.

This suggested Hokkaido itinerary is for the ones who dream of visiting the area in February . But this one that you are reading right now, is especially crafted for travelers who are supposed to spend their Christmas and New Year’s Holidays in Hokkaido .

Travelers coming to Hokkaido in mid January , or after the end of the snow festivals may also follow this suggested itinerary. This is also a perfect itinerary for travelers coming from Honshu, who intends to leave Hokkaido by trains.

Read about the best things to do in Hokkaido , which shares the best activities!

A 9-Day Suggested Itinerary for Hokkaido (Early Winter)

Before we get to the main point, which I mean the suggested itinerary, there is something to share with you. Bear in mind as I always say, the island is big and offers a list of incredible places to go.

It will be unrealistic to think of visiting all the places within 8 days. That’s the truth. However, you have the right to modify this itinerary to make the best of your winter vacation.

There are many ways you can start your trip. You may begin your trip from Sapporo, or Hakodate. According to my experience, the best way to start off your trip is from the capital city – Sapporo .

But this time I would suggest you to begin your expedition from Niseko , a perfect place to see snow in December. So, let’s get started now!

Please note if you wish to explore Hokkaido’s winter attractions from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) via Aomori to Hakodate. And if that is so, start your dream trip from Hakodate !

Day 1 – Chitose->Niseko

If you arrive in New Chitose Airport in the morning, there is a chance of taking a half day trip around the area of Grand Hirafu resort , Niseko. You can take Chuo Bus to reach Niseko. Click here to see the departure time of the buses.

Check in at The Vale Niseko , a top recommended hotel, which is located at the base of Niseko Annupuri Mountain , and takes a 10-minute drive from JR Kutchan Station . There you can find a nice ski rental shop.

It’s always lovely to walk around Grand Hirafu resort and the restaurants you find there are very good. Night skiing/snowboarding can be enjoyed on the slopes of Grand Hirafu .

Go for it, if you love skiing and snowboarding! If you are not in the mood for skiing, and searching for alternatives, I would suggest you to enjoy a gondola ride there, and spend time on exploring nature.

In addition, a visit Niseko Milk Kobe is also recommended because there you can find a list of delicious fresh dairy products such as cake, soft-served ice cream, yogurt, cheese, pastries and so on.

Day 2 – Niseko->Sapporo

Today you will take a half day trip to Niseko Village , one of the notable ski resorts in Niseko. Get on the shuttle bus to reach Niseko Village . Visit this page to see the timetable of the shuttle service.

Apart from skiing in this resort town, visitors are offered to experience various outdoor activities including horse riding, snowmobiling, snow rafting, reindeer sledding and so on.

Before you get on the bus to Sapporo, you may want to try some fresh seafood at Ezo Seafoods . The restaurant is well known for eating fresh seafood in Niseko. Get back to your room, pack your things, and then check out!

Leave for Sapporo! Say goodbye to Niseko.

In the evening, you may consider taking a walk in Odori Park , where the Sapporo White Illumination takes place. Without doubt, this could be your best place to enjoy Christmas Eve.

Stay overnight at JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo .

Day 3 – Sapporo and Otaru

For day three, interesting places to visit are some of Sapporo’s iconic attractions , and Otaru city .

Learn some ideas on how to spend a day in Sapporo . As you are supposed to head over to Otaru today, you’d better cancel visiting Mt. Moiwa tonight. Accessing Otaru from downtown Sapporo is not a daunting task; it’s super easy.

Otaru is a 30 minute train ride from JR Sapporo Station. Multiple trains run hourly between Otaru Station and Sapporo Station. Taking this into account, you should catch the train to Otaru before 16:00.

If you expect to see some other sightseeing attractions of Otaru such as Otaru Museum, and Otaru Aquarium , then you better get there early.

You can spend a lifetime of holidays in Hokkaido, and it will not be a great adventure if you don’t pay a visit to a port city, Otaru, especially in the winter.

It has a picture-perfect canal (Otaru Canal), lit up with lights breathtakingly every evening during the winter months. One little secrete to share that roaming around city in the evening is fabulous than doing it before the sunset.

Have your lunch there and get back to Sapporo by train. Goodnight!

Day 4 – Sapporo->Asahikawa->Sapporo

Hokkaido is home to different species of wild animals including birds (migratory and non-migratory). Brown bears, Hokkaido ezo deer, red foxes, red-crowned cranes, white tailed eagle, and Steller’s sea eagle , are said to be found throughout the region, especially in eastern part of the island though.

Not many visitors to Hokkaido have time to go to the east to see its unspoiled nature and wildlife.

Considering all this fact, you ought to visit Hokkaido’s number one zoo, called Asahiyama Zoo , in Asahikawa. You are offered to see a list of endangered animals such as polar bears, red pandas, Japanese cranes, and other species .

There, an exciting penguin parade can be observed from Late December to mid March every year, usually happens twice a day. I hope you don’t miss this hilarious experience.

With reserved seating option, there are limited express trains that connects Sapporo with Asahikawa every 30 mintues. If you have a Japan Rail Pass or Hokkaido Rail Pass , you don’t need to buy any tickets.

Just hop on the train, enjoy the ride until it stops at JR Asahikawa Station. From there, you will take the bus to reach Asahiyama Zoo .

If you are traveling with kids, then DAY 4 will be definitely a top-notch holiday experience for the whole family.

Return to downtown Sapporo with a lot happy memories.

Day 5 – Sapporo->Jozankei

Your today’s expedition is a full day trip to Jozankei , a hot spring resort town with many public foot-baths and onsen , is located on the outskirts of Sapporo city.

If snowy winter weather is a rare thing in your home town, a day trip to Jozankei would be the experience of a lifetime. Here, winter scenic magnificence greets you in every direction.

Excellent onsen bath and beautiful surroundings would inspire you to travel here year round. So, don’t you think it’s worth a visit during winter? The best way to get to this hot spring resort from Sapporo is by bus.

Day 6 – Sapporo->Noboribetsu

Every hot spring resort town in Hokkaido has its own unique features to offer. More than just an attraction, Noboribetsu is a hot spring resort town that boats of its Jigokudani (Hell valley – a place to see real volcanic activity).

You can reach Noboribetsu by limited express trains that stop at Noboribetsu Station. Is there any other alternative? Yes there is! You have to make a ryokan reservation at Dai-ichi Takimotokan .

It does not only provide traditional Japanese style guest rooms with perfect hot spring bath facility but also provides a shuttle bus service for its visitors from JR Sapporo Station .

Departure time is at 14:00. This hassle free bus ride is about two hours. Enjoy the ride, explore the hell valley, and relax your body and mind taking an onsen bath.

Learn about the most popular onsen resorts in Hokkaido .

Day 7 – Noboribetsu->Hakodate

After you check out, you should get to the station and wait for the train to Hakodate. It’s always a good decision when you decide yourself staying in a hotel located adjacent to Hakodate Station. So would you mind checking in at Comfort Hotel Hakodate ?

Before you make your way to the Hakodate ropeway , I would tell you to visit the Red Brick Warehouse and I think you will not regret walking down the street of Motocmachi neighborhood .

The neighborhood looks stunning during the time of Hakodate Illumination . The area is packed with historical buildings and a stroll along the streets will take you back to the past.

Take the ropeway to climb Mount Hakodate , and enjoy Hakodate City night view from the observation deck. Spend all the evening there and then get back to your hotel. Call it a day!

Day 8 – Hakodate

On your last day, spend your morning exploring the Hakodate Morning Market . And then move to Fort Goryokaku (A Star Shaped Western Style Citadel), one of must see attractions in Hakdoate, which was build in 1855 during the Edo period .

Please note the area is said to be one of the best places to see cherry blossom in Hokkaido.

You must visit Goryokaku Tower’s observation deck for experiencing a picturesque bird’s eye view of the giant fortress. For a little bit of history, pay a visit to Hokkaido Hakodate Museum of Art .

In the evening, head over to Motomachi again and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll. That will be an experience of a lifetime.

Day 9 – Hakodate to Chitose

If you are leaving Hokkaido for Honshu, hop on a train as per schedule. And if your flight time is in the afternoon, take the early morning train to reach Chitose Airport from Hakodate. Have a great journey!

Have you liked this suggested itinerary? Are you still confused about your Hokkaido trip, contact us to get some useful travel guides.

If you are looking for a best pocket wifi to stay connected to the internet when traveling around Hokkaido, use this one . You can read my review on this pocket wifi before you look for an alternative.

Thank you for reading this post.

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Circle Hokkaido for the Ultimate Japan Road Trip

That figure would be sparser still if it weren’t for the bustling metropolis of Sapporo, a cultural hub of sizable magnitude with robust nightlife and perhaps the best ramen on planet Earth. That’s all nice, but it’s even nicer if you have a car, because you can absorb the full range of these exhilarating experiences within easy driving distance of the airport.

And since everyone loves a good circle story, we’ve assembled a 250-mile loop affording you a taste of all this awesomeness, including—but hardly limited to—the ramen. Follow the blueprint below to head out on the most memorable of Hokkaido adventures. Just please remember to stay on the left side of the road when you do.

How to rent a vehicle

Now that you’ve got the administrative part out of the way, reserving your rental will be a breeze. New Chitose Airport , the main hub servicing Sapporo, has dozens of options from well-known providers including Sixt, Budget, and EuropCar. The agencies are located on the first floor of the Domestic Terminal. Rates dip down to as little as $35 per night for a weeklong compact rental and qeeq.com is a good site for securing deals like these.

Slurp a bowl of miso ramen in Sapporo

From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo can take up to one hour in heavy traffic conditions, and should cost about $10 in tolls. Once you arrive you’ll find an entire street dedicated to the famed noodle soup. “Ramen Alley” is home to no less than 17 different restaurants specializing in it, and these often serve it up in traditional Hokkaido style—with corn and butter. You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants here—but if you’re showing up late at night after the bars, head to Baisensha , which stays open until the early morning and renders a sensational miso-based offering.

Parking is nonexistent on this small street, which is known locally as Ganso Ramen Yokocho. But it’s an easy 2 minute walk from the Susukino subway station. If you stay overnight at the nearby Sapporo Park Hotel , you can ditch the car and stroll up the street 10 blocks up, or follow the Toyohira River for a more scenic detour. Rooms start at $43 a night at the three-star property, though parking costs extra.

Explore the coast from Sapporo to Yoichi

Walk along the century-old Otaru Canal to soak in the scenery, or drive up to the tip of the peninsula to explore the local aquarium . If you’re looking to get a little more adventurous you can rent a kayak from neighboring Shioya Beach to explore the turquoise blue sea caves which puncture the coastal terrain. Or check out the haunting remains of a shuttered cliffside amusement park and resort in Otamoi.

From here it’s just a 30-minute drive to the center of Yoichi, home to an eponymous distillery —one of the original producers of Japanese whisky. The facility was built in 1934 by legendary craftsman Masataka Taketsuru, and it continues to operate in the same way he conceived all those years ago. Hour-long tours are free, but must be reserved ahead of time through the company’s website.

Drive through the mountains from Yoichi to Niseko

Hotel options are robust here, but if you feel like rewarding yourself after a long day on the road, book an overnight stay at Higashiyama Niseko Village , a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property. The five-star lodging offers ski-in/ski-out positioning at the foot of its respective resort. Even if you’re not a skier (or it’s not the right season) it affords a whole host of amenities including an on-site onsen , a stately sushi counter with an omakase menu highlighting Hokkaido-sourced seafood, and a proper whisky bar. All of it sits under the shadow of the stunning Mount Yōtei, an active stratovolcano guarding the distant horizon.

Rooms start at $565 per night and include free shuttle service into the neighboring town of Hirafu. Since you’ve already parked the car for the night, allocate some time for a bar-crawl there. Bar Gyu is a cozy speakeasy like no other, accessed through an unmarked refrigerator door, hidden down a residential street. Only slightly more conspicuous within the Grand Hirafu is Toshiro’s Bar —a welcoming lounge that houses one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky you’ll find anywhere.

Get killer views from Lake Toya to Muroran

Next, drive southwest along the edge of the lake, through Tsukiura Forest National Park. Eventually you’ll veer south and away from the water onto Route 703. And from here you can take a brief pitstop at the Usu Volcano Observatory .

Keep heading south and you’ll meet up with Route 37, which you should follow for approximately 30 minutes until you branch off to cross Hakucho Bridge. The towering suspension structure was completed in 1998 and is the largest of its kind in Eastern Japan. It offers impressive views of Uchiura Bay which opens up and out of the city of Muroran over the passenger side window of your vehicle.

Once within city limits, book your overnight at the Hotel Muroran Hills , a no frills destination where rooms start at around $100 per night. It’s conveniently located amidst the many shops, bars, and restaurants of this historic port town. And you can walk 15 minutes down to Itanki Beach, a popular location for spying whales and dolphins as they exit and enter the bay.

Take a hike in Shikotsu-Toya National Park

After the hike, drive back down Route 350 alongside Lake Kuttara before meeting back up with highway E5. Next you’ll splinter northeast with Route 276. During this last scenic stretch you can pull off the road to spy a pair of picturesque cascades: Maruyama Tomi Falls and the Shichijo Waterfall. Immediately thereafter, you’ll begin gaining glimpses of Lake Shikotsu. Skirt the pristine body of water along Route 453 and then stop at the Poropinai Observatory to soak in the sweeping panorama. From here you’ll only have to head east for 45 minutes on highway 16 to get you back to New Chitose Airport for the completion of your epic Hokkaido loop.

Once you’ve dropped off the rental car—but before you head through airport security—allow time to explore the third floor food court of the domestic terminal. The dining here is world-class and you owe yourself one last bowl of corn and butter-studded ramen before hightailing it out of Hokkaido. Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Brad Japhe is a contributor for Thrillist.

10 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido

Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!

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The blooming season of cherry blossoms, or sakura, is a time of year that many, both from Japan or around the world, look forward to seeing once spring comes. While many associate cherry blossoms with warmer regions and expect to see them generally around March, Hokkaido offers a unique and charming experience later in the year. Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan with plenty of incredible nature spots resulting in later but equally incredible cherry blossom experiences. So if you’re planning to come to Japan in later spring and plan to visit the breathtaking views of Hokkaido, be sure you know where to find the best cherry blossom viewing opportunities.

1. Goryokaku Park

2. maruyama park, 3. nijukken road, 4. matsumae castle & park, 5. seiryuji temple, 6. temiya park, 7. hokiji temple, 8. morimachi oniushi park, 9. noboribetsu cherry trees, 10. moerenuma park, japan wonder travel tours , other articles you might be interested in.

Nestled in Hakodate, Goryokaku Park is the star of the city, a historical site adorned with over 1600 trees. The star-shaped fort transforms into a sea of blossoms during late April, providing a picturesque setting for hanami (flower viewing) enthusiasts. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the moats for a panoramic view. Be sure to check out the nearby tower for an incredible view of the fort, as well as some great history lessons about the fort. Not to mention some great souvenir shopping.

Sapporo’s Maruyama Park is a popular cherry blossom destination. Home to the iconic Maruyama Zoo, this park boasts over 1400 cherry trees. The park is also well known for its wildlife throughout the park, along with its many varieties of other vegetation. Nighttime illuminations create a magical atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors. Savor the beauty of the illuminated blossoms while enjoying local street food.

For a unique cherry blossom experience, head to Nijukken Road in Hakodate. Lined with cherry trees, this road transforms into a tunnel of blossoms during spring. Whether you’ve got a car and are able to drive leisurely between the 3,000 trees lining the street or would prefer to stroll down it, its an ideal spot for some prime cherry blossom viewing. The sight is particularly breathtaking in early May, providing a quieter alternative to other bustling spots.

Matsumae Castle, originally built to fend off foreign ships, is surrounded by an astounding 10,000 cherry trees. If you’re looking to marvel at sheer quantity, then look no further than here. Not to mention, the trees also boast around 250 different varieties of trees. The castle grounds become a canvas of pink hues, offering an impressive backdrop for photos. Visit during the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival for a lively celebration. It’s also a great idea to visit the cherry blossom museum they have on site, where you can learn more about the process of cherry blossom growth and care.

In Kitami, Seiryuji Temple presents a serene cherry blossom experience. This temple is quite unique- most people may think that every shrine or temple is ancient or at least hundreds of years old, but actually in truth many are still being built. This temple in fact was built only 40 years ago in 1982. The temple’s grounds feature trees over 150 years old, creating a tranquil experience infused with a sense of historic ambiance. Visit during the daytime for a peaceful hanami picnic under the blossoms.

Tucked away in Otaru, Temiya Park is a hidden gem for cherry blossom enthusiasts. It is actually the fourth oldest urban park in Hokkaido, and is famous for its arboretum. This park, famous for its Western-style architecture, is adorned with approximately 700 cherry trees. Beyond these trees, there are also chestnut trees that makeup what is said to be the northernmost natural forest. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the water, surrounded by blooming sakura.

Hokiji Temple is known greatly for its 300 year old weeping cherry blossoms. These are quite a rare site in Hokkaido, so if you’re looking for an interesting version of cherry blossoms, then this is a great opportunity. The location also boasts a remarkable illumination even at night throughout late April and to mid may. Be sure to visit in the evening for an amazing display.

Off the beaten path in Morimachi, Oniushi Park offers a tranquil setting with its cherry blossom-lined paths. The park features various species of cherry trees, creating a diverse and visually stunning experience. One of the impressive points of this location is its backdrop, the twin-peaked Komagateke looms in the background adding to the serene atmosphere. Here you can easily embrace the peaceful surroundings away from the crowds.

If you enjoyed the Nijukken road, then you’ll enjoy another scenic, cherry blossom-lined street between Noboribetsu Station and Noboribetsu Onsen. 2000 cherry blossoms of the ezoyama variety that have lined this 8 kilometer stretch of road since 1934 when they were planted by locals. They were originally planted to commemorate the birth of the crown prince who is now the emperor.

Designed by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese-American artist, Moerenuma Park in Sapporo is a fusion of art and nature. While enjoying the park’s unique sculptures and landscapes, take in the beauty of cherry blossoms that grace the park during spring. The harmonious blend of art and nature makes Moerenuma Park a must-visit destination.

In conclusion, Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season is a testament to the region’s diverse natural beauty. From historical sites to hidden gems, each spot offers a unique and enchanting experience. Hokkaido is almost like a bonus cherry blossom viewing opportunity; with its later blooming season you enjoy other great locations across Japan without sacrificing any time in Hokkaido. In fact, there are some places where it blooms early in case you want to have a remarkably long cherry blossom viewing adventure. Whether you prefer the lively atmosphere of festivals or the tranquility of secluded parks, Hokkaido has a cherry blossom spot tailored to your preferences.

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