summer journey in hokkaido pantip

Best of Hokkaido in Summer

Day 1 - Hakodate

Day 2 - Hakodate to Lake Toya

Day 3 - Lake Toya to Noboribetsu

Day 4 and 5 - Sapporo

Day 6 - Day trip to Otaru

Day 7 - Sapporo to Furano

Day 8 - Furano to Asahidake Onsen via Biei

Day 9 - Daisetsuzan National Park

Day 10 - Asahidake Onsen to Asahikawa

Day 11 - Asahikawa to Sounkyo

Day 12 and 14 - Shiretoko National Park

Day 15 - Shiretoko to Akan

Day 16 - Akan to Kushiro

The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Your Travel Flamingo

Digital Nomad & Female Travel Blog

Hokkaido in Summer: Guide to Japan’s Northern Treasure

May 4, 2021

If you are considering visiting Hokkado in summer, you’ve made an excellent choice.

As Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido remains somewhat of a mystery for most travelers venturing off to Japan. Depite being home to stunning destinations, it sees far less foreign visitors than the main Island.

The absolute best time to visit Hokkaido is in summer, where the weather is fair and reveals the best of what this region has to offer.

Summers in Hokkaido are characterized by colorful flower fields, rolling green hills, expansive national parks, and beer gardens in the cities.

Here’s everything you need to know when planning a trip to Hokkaido in summer!

About Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the second largest, and most northern island of Japan that shares a sea with Russia.

it’s not nearly as densely populated as Honshu, the main island where Tokyo and Osaka are located. In fact, a visit here sometimes feels nothing like what one would expect from a trip to Japan.

Instead of sky high buildings and ultra-modern metropolises, Hokkaido can feel quite rural in comparison. Instead of skyscrapers and flashing billboards, you’ll find vast farmland, snowy mountains, active volcano hikes, expansive lakes, and if you’re lucky, wildlife.

When to Go to Hokkaido

Most of Japan experiences a rainy season that last the duration of the summer. Luckily, Hokkaido does not have any rain season and is rarely affected by typhoons like the rest of the country.

This is why visiting Hokkaido in summer is a great choice for visitors coming to Japan in summer. You can avoid the sticky, incredibly humid weather that the rest of Japan will be facing this season!

Within the summer season, there are still certain time frames that are more ideal for visiting Hokkaido.

Hokkaido in June

Summer takes longer to arrive in Hokkaido than the rest of Japan. In fact, they are barely wrapping up their cherry blossom season by the end of May!

While June is a great season for exploring the cities like Sapporo and Asahikawa, it may still be a bit cold especially at higher elevations. This may rule out any hiking, such as to Asahidake where there can still be snow.

Plus, none of the flowers that make Hokkaido in summer famous will be in full bloom yet.

Hokkaido in July

Personally, I think July is the ideal month for visiting Hokkaido.

The month of July starts to see the the full swing of summer weather, ideal for any hiking or outdoor exploration in the national parks. This is also the month where most of the flower fields will be in full bloom and at their most beautiful.

If your reason for visiting is motivated by flower fields, absolute best time to visit is from the end of July to the beginning of August. This is when the sunflowers, lavender and other flowers will be blooming at the same time.

Hokkaido in August

August sees the best weather in Hokkaido. With day time temperatures averaging 20 degrees Celsius, and the longest days, it’s ideal for hiking adventures and spending time outdoors.

The flowers usually begin to fade away around the beginning of the month, but you may be able to catch some. If you time your visit right, you may also get to see some Obon Festival activities in the cities.

How Much Time Needed in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is larger than many may realize. This means that travel time between cities and destinations are usually several hours, and should be factored in when deciding how many days you need here.

To see the absolute highlights of Hokkaido, I’d suggest staying a minimum of 5 days . If you want to explore more of the national parks and the more off the beaten path attractions, opt to spend a full week here if not more.

Where to Stay in Hokkaido

For most visitors that plan to travel Hokkaido by train and on guided tours, then Sapporo makes an ideal base.

Even if you don’t spend most your time in Sapporo, you will definitely spend at least you first and last day here, so its important to choose a good hotel here.

The best hotels in Saporro are La’gent Stay and Karaksa Hotel , both centrally located and with onsite onsen baths for guests. For budget travelers, Hotel Classe Stay is a good option.

When visiting Asahidake, I stayed in Asahidake Onsen which I can fully recommend. The best hotel in this area is Bell Monte , a newly constructed hotel with luxurious onsen baths for guests.

For a great experience in Furano, I’d suggest Hitohana Winery Hotel .

Best Places in Hokkaido in Summer

There are many places to visit in Hokkaido, from natural wonders to charming farmlands to even some impressive cities. Below are the best places to go during summer in Hokkaido, plus what to see and do there.

Furano is a town located somewhat in the center of the island of Hokkaido. You’ll be surprised to arrive and find it nothing like the towns and cities on the mainland island of Japan.

There are no skyscrapers or bustling busy streets here, just rolling hills and farmland – and lot’s of it!

Despite its rural nature, Furano is still one of the most visited places in Hokkaido in summer. This is largely due to the famous flower fields that can be found here.

Furano Lavender Fields

The lavender fields of Furano are amongst the most beautiful places in Hokkaido in summer.

The fields are not quite as large as the ones in Provence, but they are still quite impressive. Come for the beauty of the flowers, stay for the enticingly fragrant air produced by the lavender.

While here, you can also try lavender flavored soft serve ice cream. As many know, Japan is kind of obsessed with soft serve ice cream, and this flavor is actually really good!

Tomita Farm Rainbow Flower Fields

Another must see flower field in Furano is the seemingly endless hills of colorful flowers at Tomita Farm.

The farm here uses a variety of flowers and colors to create rainbow flower fiels that sprawl out across the hills.

It’s a dreamy experience, being able to see all the flowers spread out across vast hills in all directions. Despite the popularity, it never gets too crowded here either. You can really enjoy your time here in peace.

Furano Fruit Picking

Eating fruit is not a staple in Japanese culture. Despite this, they are known to produce some of the highest quality, sweetest fruit.

A large majority of this fruit is produced in Hokkaido, right here in the Furano region.

The fruit that grows here ranges from berries, to melon, to squash and even asparagus. You can opt to visit a farm and try some locally grown products.

For a more hands-on experience, some visitors pay to do some fruit picking while here. For that, head to Ohashi Farm to pick cherries, or Yoshida Farm to try some fresh Japanese melon treats.

Biei is not far from Furano, and the two are usually visited in one trip. Like Furano, Biei is also characterized by farmland and flower fields.

The best way to see this area, is to rent abike so you can fully enjoy the scenery. Go for an electric bike when picking a rental bike, to to make cycling through this hilly area easier.

Biei Sunflower Fields

There are many sunflower fields spread out across Biei, and you really just have to drive around for some time until you’ll stumble upon one one.

One of the biggest and best sunflower fields is at Zerebu Hills, which is a large park home to many types of floral fields.

But the best sunflower fields were usually the unnamed random ones we encountered when randomly cycling along the roads.

These are usually larger, and without any entry fee or people so you are free to take as many pictures as you’d like (without damaging any flowers, of course).

Patchwork Road

This is not a destination, but an area. The name is likely a reference to the many patches of green farmland that covers the hills, forming a patchwork-like pattern on the landscape.

There is only one road running through this area so you can’t go wrong by driving or biking around and stopping whenever you see something beautiful (which happens often).

The scenery here is simply beautiful. So much so, that it has been the filming location for several marketing campaigns and commercials.

One famous landmark, is the Parent and Child Tree scene. These trees were planted for a commercial at some point and still remain today, serving as a popular photography spot.

You’ll also come across some farms selling locally produced goods, such as squash and pumpkin. There are even some art boutiques in this area, that make quirky little stops to admire local crafts and goods.

Panorama Road

Like Patchwork Road, this road is known for its scenic beauty.

Here you’ll find more rolling green hills, scenic farmland and just all around beautiful nature.

As you drive or cycle around the area, you’ll find the iconic circular hay stacks among the farm fields. This may not sound special to visitors from Europe, but these types of scenes are very uncommon in Japan.

If you want to see more colorful flower fields, you can pay a visit to Kanno Farms. This farm isn’t as big as Tomita Farm, but still worth a visit for more rainbow fields of colorful flowers.

Shirogane Blue Pond

The Blue Pond is a very famous landmark in Biei and all of Hokkaido. You’ll see photos of it on many postcards, and may recognize it from a computer screensaver you’ve had.

The Blue Pond is stunning any season, and a major photography hotspot in Hokkaido. During winter, it’s covered in ice and snow.

But if you come during summer in Hokkaido, you’ll find a strikingly bright turquoise pond. Funnily enough, this natural wonder was not actually created by nature. It’s a by-product of the nearby dam on the Biei River.

Shirahige Falls

A short bike ride from Shirogane Blue Pond is Shirahige Falls. This waterfall cascades down the slope of black volcanic cliffs into a rocky ravine below.

The water from this waterfall is the source for Shirogane Blue Pond, and also features the same bright blue waters in its basin.

The waterfall and pond both get their bright, ethereal coloring as a result of aluminum infused into its waters. The aluminum reflects light is a way that gives off its signature blue color.

Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido. As the location of the largest airport on the island, it’s likely to be your gateway into Hokkaido as well.

Sapporo is the one of the few places in Hokkaido that somewhat resemble the bustling metropolises on the main island of Japan. As a large city, Sapporo has a lot to explore, so opt to spend a day or two here at minimum.

Nijo Fish Market

Sapporo is famous for its high quality seafood.

The reason for the quality, has to do with the plankton rich waters which provide sea life with optimal health and nutrition.

The waters here are also colder than the rest of Japan. In face, if you look closely at Hokkaido on a map, you’ll see that it’s actually a lot closer to Russia than the rest of Asia.

As a result, marine animals in this area develop more fat to insulate them from the lower temperatures. The end result is fish and seafood that is fatty, flavorful, and melts in your mouth.

The seafood here is caught locally, and always extremely fresh. You can find the best seafood at Nijo Market. It’s a large indoor and outdoor market selling all types of goods, but most famously, seafood.

Nijo Market is where you’ll find small street side tables to enjoy fresh uni (sea urchin) as well as stuffed crab, sashimi, or the popular local dish, uni ikura donburi (raw seafood over rice).

Come several times throughout your stay in Saporro, as this is definitely one of the best places you’ll encounter as a seafood lover in Japan.

Sapporo Brewery & Beer Garden

During the summer in Hokkaido, a number of beer gardens will pop up in the larger cities. One of the best ones is in Sapporo, appropriately named the Sapporo Beer Garden.

The Saporro Beer Garden is like Japan’s version of an Oktoberfest style beer garden. Here, you can order some yakiniku (barbecue) and local snacks, and of course drink some Sapporo beers on tap.

Sapporo Brewery

The beer garden is located right in front of the real Saporro Brewery.

For those who love Japanese beer, the Sapporo Brewery is a fun and educational way to see firsthand how this world famous beer is brewed.

A visit here offers a look into the history of Japanese beer, a tour of the brewing facilities, and of course beer tasting at the end of the tour.

For more information on the Sapporo Brewery Tours, click here .

Otaru is a beautiful harbor town, that is famous for its local glass art.

Historically, Otaru once was a thriving fishing and trading port. Its peak was during the 19th century, when Hokkaido had just become colonized and incorporated into the Japanese Empire.

Today, most visitors come to Otaru to enjoy the beautiful canals of the city, line with historic fishing buildings. Most of the town seems to retains a lot of its traditional appearance.

The whole town is connected by a network of small canals., and you can go for a boat tour while here to explore the town by sea.

Otaru is also only 30 minutes from Sapporo, making it a good candidate as a day trip. However, I think it’s worth the overnight stay just to have more time here and to see the town light up at night.

5. Daisetsuzan National Park

Daisetsuzan is the largest national park in Hokkaido, and truly unlike any other.

This park is most notable for its raw, unspoiled nature and very active volcanic areas.

Here, you can enjoy the spectacular natural scenery of an area which remains truly rugged and wild. This means you also have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, from deer to black bears.

Mount Asahidake

If you are coming to Hokkaido in summer, you can’t miss a chance to hike up Mount Asahidake. Asahidake is not actually a mountain, but a very active volcano.

Any doubts you may have about how active this volcano is will be put you rest once you see all the heated vents spewing sulfurous gases alongside its flanks.

The peak of Mt Asahidake towers above Daisetuzan Park at 2290 meters in elevation.

This hike’s starting point will take you through the forest, then through hilly areas covered in alpine flowers. As you approach the base of the volcano, you’ll leave the tree line behind and have a steep 2 hour ascent all the way up.

Here the landscape transforms into a martian world where you’ll pass by sulfuric ponds and vents all the way up to the summit. The entire volcano is covered in loose gravel which can be very frustrating at time, but worth the effort.

On a clear day, the view from the top is breathtaking, allowing a full 360 degree view of the national and lakes below.

Asahidake Onsen

As a volcanically active area, Asahidake is full of naturally occurring hot springs. Hot spring baths or onsen , as they are called in Japan, are an integral part of Japanese culture.

Locals believe that onsen baths have healing properties, and serve to better ones physical and mental health. Whether you believe this or not, its still an amazing way to relax and sooth sore muscles after a day outdoors.

The best place to stay to enjoy onsen is in Asahikdake Onsen Resort. Most hotels here have their own onsite onsen baths for guests, which are perfect after a long day.

An overnight stay in an onsen hotel also includes a fully traditional Japanese dinner of locally produced meats, vegetables and desserts.

6. Lake Toya

Toya is a volcanic crater lake that formed during a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Today, this beautiful lake is the main landmark feature of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.

Due to its volcanic origins, you’ll find many hot spring bathes located along the lake’s edge in the city of Toyako. Some smaller onsens and footbaths are even free!

The Lake Toya area offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. The lake and surroundings are ideal for hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

The lake is incredibly clear and clean. If the sun is strong enough, you can even go for a swim if you’d like!

You can enjoy your time here by simply walking along the edge of the lake as well, which offers amazing views of the lake and mountains.

From Toya Lake, can also marvel at Mount Usu, the active volcano found close by, or even Mount Yotei a bit further in the distance. You’ll also find some unique artwork on the lake’s shores, by walking through some of the sculptural parks.

7. Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko is located on the eastern peninsula of Hokkaido. Without any convenient train or public transport connections, it is definitely one of the most remote areas in Hokkaido.

It truly is one of the most beautiful national parks in Japan, and a visit here is worth the journey if you can make it. In fact, its natural beauty and abundant wildlife gained it a UNESCO title in 2005.

Since it’s located on a peninsula, this area is characterized by natural beauty on both land and sea. Shiretoko is home to an extremely dense population of diverse wildlife, which if you are lucky, you just may spot.

Interestingly, this park is home to perhaps the largest number of bears in Japan. The indigenous species of Japanese brown bears are among those found here.

So of course, visitors do need to exercise caution, since bear attacks do happen in Japan .

Aside from bears, you are more likely to see a spotted sea lion, fish owls and white tailed eagles.

If you’d like to try your luck at spotting marine life, head to the coast and join a whale watching tour The type of whales you can see depend on the season, but Shiretoko is mostly known for sperm whales, dolphins and orcas.

Other activities not to miss are driving along the coast of Cape Shiretoko, Shiretoko Lake, trekking Mount Rausu, viewing waterfalls, and of course, relaxing in more natural hot springs.

8. Goryokaku

This western style fort is a kind of a spectacle in Japan since it doesn’t resemble any Japanese architectural styles.

This fort is mostly known for its unique star shape, formed by its outer walls when viewed from above. The shape of the fort can best be viewed from one of its own towers.

The fort itself is a mere 150 years old, not nearly as old as one might assume. Still, it is impressive to see and in summer the trees and plants are in full bloom, offering beautiful scenery.

You can find Goryokaku in Hakodate.

9. Mount Yotei

There are many active volcanoes in Hokkaido, but Mount Yotei is often regarded as the most beautiful.

This volcano is sometimes even compared to Mount Fuji on the main island of Japan, likely due to the similarity in shape and the signature snowy cap.

The entire base of this particular volcano spans across 5 villages, one of which is Niseko, the most famous ski resort in Hokkaido. In winter, this area is completely full of skiers and snow-sports enthusiasts.

In summer, you’ll have full access to the many great outdoor activities to do here. Some activities to enjoy here are canoeing, rafting, trekking, fishing, golfing, and horseback riding.

Near Mount Yotei, you can visit Takahashi Dairy Farm, which produces their own dairy products. They specialize in sweets and of course, more regional flavors of soft serve ice cream.

Getting Around

Hokkaido By Train

Like the rest of Japan, Hokkaido is connected by a modern and efficient public transportation system.

The subway trains here are just as modern and convenient as the ones on Honshu Island. For getting to most cities or points of interest, it’s very convenient to take the train.

You can take the JR line trains from Sapporo to Biei, Furano and Asahikawa city. For other points of interest like Daisetsuzan National Park, you can take the bus.

For those who will visit Japan with a JR Pass, you’ll be glad to know you can use the JR Pass in Hokkaido on all shinkansen journeys as you would in the rest of Japan.

A one week JR pass now costs 29,650 JPY (about $270 USD), and using it on a week long trip in Hokkaido will likely save you quite a bit of money.

For more information on the JR pass, click here .

Hokkaido By Car

Some destinations in Hokkaido cannot be reached by train. For places like Shiretoko National Park and Lake Toya, you’ll need either need to rent a car or join a guided tour.

If you do choose to rent a car, you’ll have the advantage of complete flexibility and control over your itinerary. Most travelers in Japan don’t rent cars, but in Hokkaido I would say it’s a wise choice.

As long as you are comfortable driving on the left-hand side of the road (like in the UK), driving in Japan is a breeze. The roads are well maintained and the signs are easy to read (there are subtitles in “English”).

If you will rent a car, you should do that once you arrive in Sapporo.

Other Tips for Hokkaido

1. bring cash.

Japan is still a cash based country. Sure, in most larger shops or big cities, credit card is accepted.

But in Hokkaido you’ll spend time in more rural areas frequently, which means less chances they’ll take card.

You can’t ever be sure about whether or not you’ll be required to pay with cash so to be safe, keep some on hand at all times.

2. Bring a Bear Bell

If you plan to visit the national parks of Hokkaido in summer, do know that this is 100% bear country. In recent years, Japanese residents of Hokkaido have reported seeing a huge upswing in bear sightings and sadly, attacks are on the rise too.

Hokkaido is home to both Japanese black bears and brown bears, the first one being the one you really need to be wary of.

While an aggressive encounter with a bear is still a rare occurrence, they can happen. There are some pretty tragic stories of grizzly (no pun intended) bear attacks in Hokkaido , some of which are really horrific.

If you plan to hike or spend time in the wilderness, have a bear bell for at least one person in your group. Also, it pays to check in with the rangers before entering the park and checking about recent bear sightings or any warnings overall.

3. Pack for Cold Weather

Hokkaido in summer is an ideal destination for Japanese people looking to escape the stifling humidity present in the rest of Japan during summer.

Due to its northerly location, Hokkaido remains pretty comfortable in temperature throughout the summer months. But this also means it does get pretty cold sometimes, even during the day in summer.

This becomes amplified on days with rain or overcast skies. I’d recommend packing at least one solid cold weather outfit for your trip to Hokkaido. And on most days, always pack at least a light jacket in your day bag.

I’d also recommend bringing a waterproof jacket, as I did experience quite a bit of rain even in August.

Things to Eat in Hokkaido

If you are visiting in the beginning of summer, you may just catch the very end of the snow crab season in Hokkaido.

This is a delicacy, and the ones in Hokkaido are fresh, tender and just overall heavenly. You can try it at the Nijo Market in Sapporo. Look for the stuffed crab shells!

Around the Biei and Furano area, is where you’ll find many of Japan’s cantaloupe and melon farms. Fruit in Japan is notoriously expensive, but here at the source, you can try fresh melon and melon products for a fair price.

By melon products, I mean melon ice cream, melon sake and melon cakes, among other treats.

The melons in Japan have a distinctly sweeter and juicier taste than usual. I don’t know how they do it, but give them a try and you’ll see what I mean.

Jingisukan (Genghis Khan) Yakiniku

This is an awesome dish to share while knocking back Sapporo beers. The name is an ode to Genghis Khan, since the dish itself is a spin-off of Mongolian barbecue.

It’s unclear how this dish was introduced to Japan, but it likely originated from period in history when the Mongols invaded the country.

It’s served in a yakiniku style, with the meats brought to your table raw, and for you to DIY and cook it yourself. The meats on offer are usually comprised of grilled mutton, lamb, and lots of vegetables.

Hokkaido Ice Cream

Hokkaido’s most famous export may be it’s dairy products. So it goes without saying that a trip to Hokkaido should absolutely include knocking yourself out with as many soft serve ice creams as possible.

The secret to Hokkaido ice cream, is that they add a little bit of butter to it.

A little goes a long way, because the result is a flavor that is rich, but never too heavy. On top of Hokkaido ice cream, be sure to try other Hokkaido dairy based sweets, including cheese tarts, and even some Hokkaido cheese!

The “don” is short for donburi, which means a meal of something over rice. In the case of kaisen don, it’s usually a heavenly medley of scallops, ikura (raw fish eggs), uni (sea urchin), snow crab, and raw salmon over rice.

Each place may have their own take on this iconic local dish, but the theme that persists is the freshness of the seafood.

For some amazing kiasen don, head to Nijo Market in Sapporo, where you’ll have plenty of options to try this dish.

Hokkaido Ramen

While ramen can be found all over Japan, each region has it’s own speciality, and Hokkaido is no exception.

The capital of Sapporo is famously the origin of miso ramen. This type of ramen features a rich pork and umami-miso based broth. The noodles are usually of the thicker type, and it’s traditional to add a bit of butter.

This ramen is unique in flavor, as it’s more rich and hearty than other ramens. This is likely due to the fact that Hokkaido is a very cold place most of the year. This ramen’s recipe was specifically formulated to warm one up on a cold day.

FAQ for Hokkaido in Summer

Is hokkaido worth visiting in summer.

Summer is the absolute BEST time to visit Hokkaido. While it is a popular winter destination for skiing and some winter experiences, only in summer can you enjoy most of the outdoor and hiking activities Hokkaido is famous for.

Is it hot in Hokkaido in summer?

No, it never really gets hot in Hokkaido, even in summer. I’d say you can expect average daytime temperatures of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees fahranheit) in the cities.

Which is the best month to visit Hokkaido?

To experience summer in Hokkaido, late July is the absolute best time to visit. This gives you the best of great weather, flowers in peak bloom, and best times to go hiking and visit national parks.

And that wraps up this guide on planning a trip to Hokkaido in summer. have you been to Hokkaido? Let me know about your experience below!

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May 9, 2021 at 2:26 am

Aww this is heaven! I can’t believe that living 2 years in Japan, I’ve still never been to Hokkaido! I always thought my dream will be to go there during winter to see the Yuki Matsuri, but now, I need to add a summer visit to my list *w* thank you for sharing all those amazing infos!

May 9, 2021 at 6:09 am

I can’t wait to visit Japan. This is a great guide. Thanks

May 9, 2021 at 8:24 am

Hokkaido looks like such a beautiful place! I love the stunning flower fields! They look so colourful and vibrant! A great spot for photos! And on the topic – your photos are stunning! Thanks for the wonderful guide, I hope I get an opportunity to visit one day!

May 9, 2021 at 8:47 am

I have never heard of Hokkaido before but it looks like a stunning place to visit in the summer time. I would love to go there and take some photos!

May 9, 2021 at 5:17 pm

Loooove this post! I have only ever visited Hokkaido in winter so it is fabulous to see how beautiful it is in the summer with all those flowers. It sounds like heaven for hiking (as long as you bring a good rain coat!)

I could do with kaisendon (I still dream of the fresh crab and seafood in Otaru) and Hokkaido ramen is just sooo good.

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Visiting Hokkaido in Summer: Ultimate Guide to Hokkaido Weather and What To Pack

Here we'll share all about the weather in Hokkaido in summer , and the perfect clothing to wear. We'll also share why summer is the best time to visit Hokkaido! If you’re going to Hokkaido as well as visiting Tokyo and Osaka, you need to be aware that there’s a big difference in temperature!

Visiting Hokkaido in Summer 2023 (June to August)

3 reasons to visit hokkaido in summer, what's summer like in hokkaido (june - august) average temperature and precipitation, what clothes should i pack for hokkaido in summer, visiting hokkaido in june, visiting hokkaido in july, visiting hokkaido in august, recommended activities for hokkaido in summer, related articles.

Hokkaido is the furthest north of the islands of Japan. It’s 820km north of Tokyo and is separated from the mainland by a large stretch of water called the Tsugaru Strait. The average temperature in summer in Hokkaido is about 20 degrees Celsius which is cool and pleasant. In winter the temperature is often below zero and it also snows a lot.

On the mainland it feels humid, and it’s the rainy season in June through mid-July. However, there’s no rainy season in Hokkaido, so this is a very pleasant time of year to visit!

1. It hardly ever gets over 30℃ so the days are very pleasant! The summer temperature in Hokkaido is around 20 ℃. Due to abnormal weather conditions and global warming a high of 37.8 °C was recorded for the first time since records began in June 2014, but in a normal year there are very few days when the temperature exceeds 30° C. That’s makes for a cool and comfortable climate. Some days might feel a bit chilly if the temperature drops below 10 ℃ in the morning and evening. 2. There’s no rainy season and not much humidity in the air! On mainland Japan, you get a lot of rainy days from June to July and increased precipitation. During the rainy season (tsuyu) in Tokyo and Kyoto, and in most parts of Japan, it tends to get hot and humid. The humidity can be quite uncomfortable at this time of year. However, in Hokkaido there’s no rainy season . Humidity is not an issue and the climate is refreshing and comfortable. 3. The best time to see the lavender in Furano is early to late July! The summer in Hokkaido is short, and many flowers bloom all together between June and August. You can see the lavender fields in Furano all stretched out from the beginning through to the end of July. In Biei the flower patchwork rows bloom one after the other from June onward. It’s a truly awesome sight! There are plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits available, so this is a great time of year for sightseeing.

• Summer blooming flowers: Lilac (June), fly honeysuckle (June), begonia (June/July), lavender (July), roses (July and August), marigolds (July and August), sunflowers (August).
• Seasonal fish: tokishirazu (summer-catch salmon) (June), hokke (Okhotsk mackerel) (June onwards), surumeika (Japanese squid) (June onwards), sea urchin (June - August).
• Seasonal fruit and vegetables: White asparagus (June), asparagus (June/July), corn (July/August), yubari melon (June to August), potatoes (August/September).
• Summer event: Otaru Tide Festival (July 28 - 30, 2023). Venue: Otaru port around Wharf No. 3 (Fireworks display). Access: 10 minutes’ walk from Otaru Station (JR Hakodate main line)

It can be chilly in the mornings and evenings even in June, so it’s a good idea to have some warm outerwear like a fleece or cardigan.

It’s pleasantly cool, but the temperature can still get over 30 degrees on some days. Make sure you protect yourself against the sun with a hat and sunglasses. Sunscreen is also essential.

Rainfall picks up again in the fall - keep a foldable umbrella handy for days when you get sun and showers. Sunscreen is essential as the sunlight can be very strong.

• Area Sapporo / Chitose
• Category Summer
• How To: Sightseeing

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Japan Travel & Culture Guide

7 Days in Hokkaido Summer Itinerary (July/August)

Want to see beautiful lavender fields in Furano, Hokkaido ? The lavender season in Hokkaido, especially in Nakafurano area reaches its peak in mid July . If you plan on visiting Hokkaido in the summer, you may want to consider making a quick travel plan. Believe me, it is not late to take a trip there.

You still have got enough time to make a decision. You have to play an important role in order to make your trip a great summer adventure. Find cheap last minute flights and hotel reservations; also look for practical advice including insider trips and tricks.

Visiting Hokkaido won’t be a problem, if you are currently residing in Japan. You can easily book cheap domestic last minute flights from Jetstar Japan or Peach Aviation to fly to Hokkaido from Tokyo or other parts of Japan.

What’s going to be to the ones who live outside Japan? Don’t bother; I am here to inspire you. If the following suggested itinerary looks perfect and feasible to you, then this is going to be one of the best trip you would ever take and hopefully you will never forget.

Finding cheap last minute flights seems not a daunting task these days. I would try my best to share the most useful insider trips and the recommend the hotels for your perfect overnight stay.

Hokkaido’s summer is so addictive, you will feel it right there and yeah it’s worth visiting again. I mean it! Also this travel plan is suitable for those travelers who want to explore most of the summer attractions from Sapporo city.

Day 1 – Sapporo

There is nothing much to say about Sapporo . Do I have to tell you? If you were following my Sapporo related posts here, you might have noticed why this city is so precious in Hokkaido.

In Sapporo, many visitors prefer to go with numerous day trip operated by local travel agents. They make your trip easy with providing experts tour guide as well as transportation. Despite of seeing some advantages of a day trip, there are some disadvantages, for example, time to stay in one place is so limited.

If you stay in a hotel located nearby JR Sapporo station , you won’t just save your time but also taxi fare. Why don’t you check out the following hotels? They are really good in terms of quality services and easy access to the station:

1) JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

2) HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Aspen

3) Century Royal Hotel Sapporo

There is a simple “ Sapporo in one day itinerary ” I have shared with you before. All the sightseeing spots can be visited anytime you want, in fact, they are not seasonal attractions. You don’t need to visit all those places within a day because you will have time to discover them on the other day.

The attractions you might be interested in visiting on the first day of your trip are Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Beer Museum, Hokkaido University Botanical Garden, Nakajima Park, Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo ESTA, and Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade .

Day 2 – Sapporo to Jozankei Onsen

Jozankei is one of the most popular hot springs resort towns in Hokkaido featuring beautiful scenery year-round and open-air hot springs including a lot of public foot baths. There are plenty of reasons to visit Jozankei, it is hard to describe them all.

A walk around the resort town would be an amazing idea, go for it! And you would be delighted to see the surrounding deep green trees and mountains. Enjoy the public foot baths as well as open-air hot springs to make your mind relax to the fullest.

There is no train from Sapporo to Jozankei but daily buses. The one way trip takes about an hour by bus. After spending a day trip there, get back to Sapporo. Prepare yourself leaving for Asahikawa on the next day if you don’t want to take a day trip from Sapporo to Furano .

Day 3 – Sapporo to Asahikawa/Sapporo to Furano

People like exploring Hokkaido , that’s why they don’t forget to repay their debt by writing awesome travel stories with you all.

Surly they want to inspire other travel aficionados who are not that much familiar with Hokkaido. I have come across some travelers who also write inspiring travel stories on their own blogs.

There was a guy (solo traveler) who visited Hokkaido last year in the summer, told me that his travel tale and the photographs he captured did inspired his friends back in his home country. He also said a trip to Asahikawa was not just a good decision; rather it helped him to access to Biei and Furano areas quite easily.

People visiting Furano and Biei in the summer are suggested to make hotel reservation in advance. If you are late, someone will book your room! Keeping this in mind, if you were not aware of this fact but yet wish to go there should make hotel reservation in Asahikawa.

In fact, here rental car is cheaper than in Furano area. If you are not interested in self-driving, there is other way and that would be a great relief. During the lavender season, a special train called Furano-Biei Norokko-go on the JR Furano Line connects Asahikawa with Furano Station.

It also stops at Biei Station, Kamifurano Station, Lavender Farm Station , and Nakafurano Station. The ride is absolutely mind-blowing as you will witness gorgeous Hokkaido’s picturesque country landscape along the way. It makes easier to reach most of the flower farms located in Furano and Biei .

If you would like to have a day trip from Sapporo to Furano, you don’t need to get to Asahikawa this time. Find a full day trip here , and enjoy the trip to the fullest offered by Hokkaido Chuo Bus .

If you are not interested in that trip, you have to stay in Asahikawa . Again you stay in a hotel which is adjacent to JR Asahikawa station . Stay overnight at JR Inn Asahikawa .

Hop on the train to Asahikawa from Sapporo early in the morning. Please note one way journey takes about 80 minutes by limited express trains. Once you arrive in JR Asahikawa station, directly go to the hotel and check in.

Leave the luggage and go out to catch the Furano-Biei Norokko-go . Or if you think you don’t want to go outside the city, head towards Asahiyama Zoo and Ueno Farm . Enjoy a lovely dinner time in the evening at one of the restaurants located nearby the station.

Day 4 – Asahikawa to Furano via Biei

For day 4 in Hokkaido, those who will be taking the day trip from Sapporo should come to Asahikawa, and visit its top attractions, and then again they get back to Sapporo by train.

But those who will not, who actually will be staying in Asahikawa on day 3, should follow the instructions I am going to share here. Hop on the train (Furano-Biei Norokko-go) and get off at the stations you would like to. My suggestion to you is, directly reach Lavender-Batake Station (Lavender farm station).

Get off the train, visit Farm Tomita right away. Then visit rest of the flower farms according to your travel plan and time. Read about the best thing you could do in Furano and Biei in summer . Also see which of these flower farms look fabulous to you before you go there. Get back to the hotel in Asahikawa by train.

Alternatively, if you want to explore the area by a rental car, that is OK! Find a cheap rental car here . After having a wonderful day trip in Furano and Biei area, you should get back to Asahikawa, then to Sapporo on the same day.

If possible, catch the train that departs before the last one, earlier ones would be better as well. Stay one more day in Asahikawa if you want to go back to Furano again to explore rest of its hidden gems including Biei’s impressive flower fields.

Yes! Stay overnight in Sapporo. This time at Nest Hotel Sappoto Ekimae .

Day 5 – Hokuryu-cho

Visiting Hokuryu either from Sapporo or Asahikawa is possible and it’s easy to reach there. A day trip to this small town, yet very awe-inspiring with its mind-boggling sunflower fields would be a hilarious experience.

You can hope for taking a lot of incredible photographs there. Please note, the area is home to about 1.5 million sunflowers of various kinds. Sunflower fields in Hokuryu are at their most intense from late July to mid August .

Read this travel guide to get some travel tips before you visit Hokuryu sunflower village .

Day 6 – Sapporo to Lake Toya (Toyako Onsen)

Seated at the foot of Mount Usu and along the shore of Lake Toya , this spectacular hot spring resort town offers year-round recreational activities for travelers of all ages. There you witness beautiful surrounding lake views including display of breathtaking fireworks at night.

Depending on the weather conditions, this summer event happens almost every evening from April 28th to October 31st , starting at 8:45 pm for about 20 minutes. Besides, other activities include hiking , cruising around the lake, horse riding , playing golf, hands-on-activities and more.

You can reach JR Toya station by limited express trains that connect Sapporo with Hakodate. The trains stop at Toya Station, so get off the train and head toward Toyako Onsen either by train or taxi.

I recommend you stay overnight at The Lake View Toya Nonokaze Resort , it is a very good hotel, located near the lakeshore.

Day 7 – Sapporo

Today in the morning, you leave Toyako Onsen for Sapporo . Rest of the day you visit the other places that you have not managed to see on the first day of your Hokkaido summer trip. You may visit Moerenuma Park and have a pleasant time by taking a walk along the walkways and exploring its stunning landmarks.

Besides, if you happen to be around July 20-August 17 , you have a great chance to experience a summer matsuri in downtown Sapporo, it’s called Sapporo Summer Festival .

In the evening, enjoy shopping at Sapporo’s most popular shopping centers and streets.

I am sure this itinerary helps you organize your own trip. You don’t need to follow all the guides I have provided here, instead make your own travel plan using the ideas you see in this post.

Thank you very much.

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14 Comments

Hi Takkhis, thank you so much for such a thorough blog. my husband and i will be visiting Hokkaido to tokyo from Aug 7-aug 18, this year. I have booked all our accommodations but can still cancel them. Arrive in Sapporo morning of Aug 7 and stay there for 2 nights, travel to asahikawa on the 9th for 2 nights stay, travel to hakodate on the 11th for 2 nights stay, Aomori on the 13th for 2 nights and finally travel to tokyo on the 15th of August for 3 nights stay. Do you think i need to buy JR pass 7 or 14 days? Does our itinerary doable or hectic? i’d really appreciate your opinion or any suggestion. thank you so much. Arlyn

Hi Arlyn, I have answered your all questions and changed your travel plan a little to make your trip enjoyable, please check your email inbox. Thank you very much.

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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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A Spectacular Hokkaido Summer Itinerary

As I recently noted, it’s debatable whether summer is actually the best time to visit Hokkaido or not . If you’ve settled upon traveling to Hokkaido between June and September, however, and are ready to start planning your Hokkaido road trip, you are now in the right place.

This page is a Hokkaido self drive itinerary, but it’s also more than that. It’ll talk you through Hokkaido attractions from the obvious to the somewhat obscure, and also give you tips for Hokkaido rental cars and where to stay in Hokkaido during the summer. There’s a lot of ground to cover (here, and once you land in Hokkaido), so let’s get started.

Hokkaido Car Rentals

Car rental is Hokkaido is basically unavoidable, since the public transportation in Japan’s northernmost island leaves a great deal to be desired. Though this involves some inconveniences (you’ll need to obtain an International Driving Permit in your home country, for example), it makes your trip a lot easier, particularly if you don’t have very long, and you don’t plan to take a lavender farm tour from Sapporo .

Additionally, driving in Hokkaido is a pretty stress-free affair, particularly if you buy the “Expressway Pass” that affords you unlimited use of Hokkaido’s tollways, where you can (in practice, if not according to the law) drive as fast you want. Likewise, one benefit of the relatively high rental car prices in Hokkaido (plan to pay no less than ¥8,000 per day of your Hokkaido road trip summer) is that they include insurance.

Top Hokkaido Summer Attractions

Furano’s lavender farms.

If the Lavender Farms of Furano rank among Hokkaido points of interest you want to visit (and I don’t see why they wouldn’t), allow me to save you some trouble selecting dates: You should take your Hokkaido summer road trip during the last half of July, which is when the lavender is at peak bloom. Once you select these dates, book your rental car, flights and hotel (more on that in a second) as early as possible to avoid getting charged through the nose.

The blue pond of Biei

There are some potential downsides to visiting Hokkaido at peak lavender bloom, however, first among them that Hokkaido weather in July isn’t always as sunny as marketing photos would have you believe. This is also the busiest time of summer in Hokkaido . In addition to the calamitous crowds at Farm Tomita (at least the main part— Lavender East is pretty tranquil by comparison), other Hokkaido sightseeing like Biei’s iconic Shirogane Blue Pond will be bursting at the seams with tourists.

TIP: Although definitely worth visiting in summer as well, I prefer the Blue Pond during Hokkaido’s underrated autumn season .

Volcanic Lake Toya or Noboribetsu

If you’re looking for slightly more dramatic scenery during your Hokkaido self drive itinerary summer, rest assured: Japan’s northernmost island is as volcanic as the rest of the country. Whether you book a stay at one of the resorts along the shores of Lake Toya , or head to the popular hot springs town of Noboribetsu , there are plenty of amazing views and hot springs onsen baths to be had during the road trip Hokkaido takes you on.

Asahikawa Zoo and Numata fireflies

My Hokkaido self drive itinerary summer included all the places I mentioned above, but it also expanded upon them. For example, after traveling from Furano up to Biei (where I saw Shirahige Falls , which sits just two minutes by car from the Blue Pond), I spend a night and half a day in underrated Asahikawa , whose zoo is one of the most-visited in Japan, and which sits near Numata , Hokkaido’s premier spot for seeing fireflies.

Capes Kamui and Shakotan

To be sure, though Hokkaido is an island, many travelers skip the coast entirely—head to Capes Kamui and Shakotan . In addition to the beautiful views you can enjoy from atop the summit, the walk down to the wild beaches you find here is lush and gorgeous. If your Hokkaido self drive itinerary lasts longer than about 3-4 days, these are definitely places you should consider adding to it.

Sapporo and Otaru

Or, you could simply walk down to the oceanfront in the port city of Otaru . It’s just a short bus ride from one of the most obvious places to go in Hokkaido in summer: the prefectural capital of Sapporo . When it comes to where to put it in your Hokkaido summer road trip itinerary, I personally think this huge city makes a better last stop than a first one. (Especially since coming here last will allow you to enjoy Sapporo’s beer—and its beer museums—without the temptation to drive drunk!)

Visualizing a Summer Week in Hokkaido

The photos above should provide an enticing preview of the sort of imagery you can expect when you enjoy your Hokkaido road trip summer. Looking for a more tangible visualization? Check out the Hokkaido self drive map, which you can click (or you can click here ) to see the route I’ve described in this post mapped out in a relatively broad way.

Where to Stay in Hokkaido During the Summer

Prices on Hokkaido summer hotels tend to be high, even for simply ryokan and guest houses. As a result, you’ll want to book these as soon as possible after lining up flights, booking a rental car and finalizing your route around the island.

Some of my favorite places I stayed in Hokkaido during the summer were the simple (but homey) Mimatsuso Ryokan in Asahikawa and the stylish b hotel susukino in Sapporo. If I’m honest, rural Hokkaido accommodation (i.e. in Furano, Biei and Toya Onsen) left a lot to be desired.

BONUS: Want to see summer flowers close to Sapporo? Add the Makomanai Takino Cemetery to your itinerary! In addition to featuring a massive Buddha surrounded by a lavender-covered mound, it’s also home to bizarre replies of Stonehenge and the Easter Island Monoliths.

Other Hokkaido Road Trip FAQ

Is it difficult to drive in hokkaido.

Hokkaido is probably the easiest part of Japan to drive in, due to its low population density, high speed limits and spacious expressways. With this being said, driving in Hokkaido during its long, snowy winter is highly discouraged, given the sparse availability of emergency services.

What is the best way to travel around Hokkaido?

Hokkaido (with the exception of Hakodate) doesn’t have a Shinkansen , which means that trains are slow (albeit reliable) way of getting around the island. On the other hand, traveling by car isn’t always optimal either, given the large distances between some places. In practice you may need to combine various transport modes, including intra-island flights.

Do you need a car to explore Hokkaido?

You don’t need a car to explore Hokkaido, but it makes matters easier. This is particularly the case if you wish to visit the lavender fields of Furano, which would otherwise require you to take slow, circuitous train or bus routes to reach.

The Bottom Line

Even if you only use it as a starting point, this Hokkaido self drive itinerary will make planning your trip a lot easier. From tips about renting cars and where to stay, to an overview of Hokkaido attractions from the obvious (Furano’s lavender farms) to the slightly more obscure (Capes Kamui and Shakotan), Hokkaido is a lot of fun to visit during summer. Want to make sure your Hokkaido road trip is one for the record books? Commission a custom Japan itinerary , and let me sweat the details.

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Hokkaido Itinerary: A 10-Days Travel Blog

Last updated on May 10th, 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 In Summer – Things To Do & 4-Day Itinerary

• Post author: Beti
• Post published: February 15, 2022
• Post category: Japan
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Hokkaido is probably the best place to escape Japan’s rainy season in summer. In July it rains practically all over the country, while the heat and high humidity in August can turn your holiday in Japan into a nightmare, almost everywhere you go, but… not in Hokkaido! Besides, airline tickets to Sapporo are reasonably priced, especially when compared to the Shinkansen prices, making Hokkaido in summer a great destination for a short weekend getaway. 

Top 5 things to do in summer in Hokkaido, a 4-day itinerary for nature lovers, lots of practical tips and an approximate budget for such a trip. All you need to know to plan a short trip to Hokkaido in summer. Let’s start!

What's in this blog post?

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER

1. lavender farms in furano.

If you want to take a breath of fresh air and enjoy Hokkaido’s nature, the famous lavender farms in Furano could be your best choice. The blooming season lasts from the end of June to early August and the peak season falls in mid-late July, when the flowers look most impressive. I travelled in Hokkaido in early July, so I had no choice but to visit the lavender farm for the first time in my life. Not in France, but in Japan. Who would have expected this?

Even if, like me, you prefer wildlife to rows of human-planted flowers, the lavender farms in Furano are still worth a visit. I’ll tell you why.

There is probably no other country in the world where flowers are treated with such attention and respect as in Japan. The delight over the beauty of blooming flowers is an exceptionally Japanese experience. So if you want to experience the real Japan, you should watch both flowers and… Japanese watching the flowers. 🙂 If you travel in Japan in spring, you might see cherry blossoms (hanami), whereas in summer, go to Furano. It is a fantastic place to enjoy the colorful flower beds, the sweet scent of lavender and pleasant weather.  

In addition, the vicinity of the majestic Tokachi mountain range makes the farms even more beautiful. Therefore, if you have a little bit more time in Hokkaido, you can do some interesting hikes in the area (a bit of details later in the article). Besides, driving around Furano allow you to get to know Japan in a less touristy –  rural version.

Three main lavender farms in Furano

1. Tomita Farm – If you are an average flower lover or have little time, visiting one farm is enough. But visit Tomita Farm then. Opened in 1958, it is the oldest lavender farm in Furano. This is where the purple history in Hokkaido began.  It offers all you look for – vibrant purple fields of lavender as well as other colorful flowers, purple lavender ice cream and shops with plenty of souvenirs. The views over the flowers and the Tokachi mountains are delightful. You just need to be aware that Tomita Farm is a popular tourist location, so it can get quite busy.

2. Lavender East (also owned by Tomita) –  One of the biggest lavender farms in Japan, 4 km away from the original Tomita Farm. Besides lavender fields, it also has a shop, cafe and observation deck as well as a 15-minute ride on the “Lavender Bus” through the purple fields. Although it remained closed for the visitors during the 2021 season as a prevention of Covid-19 spread, I was still  able to see it quite well from the road.

3. Flower Land Kamifurano –  I recommend visiting this farm in the second half of July, because earlier flowers may not be “ready” for your visit. This flower land is 10 km from Tomita Farm, on a hill overlooking the Tokachi mountain range and colorful flower fields. During my visit (early July), the flowers had not fully bloomed yet, and the mountains were hidden behind thick clouds. Nevertheless, the delicious melon I tasted at the farm made the drive worthwhile. This part of Hokkaido is famous for its amazing melons!

2. Shirogane Blue Pond

The color of the pond is really impressive. What’s more, surrounding larches and birches make it an almost mystical place. Shirogane Blue Pond is undoubtedly one of a kind, so it is totally worth the 40 min drive from Furano Station  (35 km) . 

What’s interesting, Shirogane Blue Pond has been created artificially. It is a by-product of works on the Biei River completed after the 1988 eruption of Mount Tokachi, an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park. This is when the new dam was built to protect the town of Biei from dangerous volcanic mudflows. The unreal blue colour of the pond is caused by the mix of minerals such as colloidal aluminium hydroxide occurring naturally in the water coming from the nearby Shirahige Falls.

Apart from a pleasant stroll around the pond and an obligatory blue ice cream, as it’s probably the only place on Earth where you should go for a blue ice cream, there is not much development in the area. Therefore, no unnecessary distractions – you can enjoy nature, which is awesome!

If you think you’ve seen a blue pond like this before, but have never been to Hokkaido, don’t worry, you’re fine. You are probably just an Apple Mac user. In 2012,  Shirogane Blue Pond appeared on one of the Apple computers wallpapers and partly for this reason, the blue pond became so famous.

The pond can be visited all year round, however in summer, it reveals all its charm. No wind, blue skies and green trees makes the blue color even more radiant. This is probably my favorite place, out of all I visited on the island of Hokkaido in summer.

3. Sapporo Beer Museum

“The beer that made Sapporo famous” – it is hard not to agree with this marketing slogan. Sapporo is the oldest brewery in Japan, founded in 1876. Sapporo beer is widely available throughout the country and exported all over the world. Although its current headquarters is located in Tokyo (Ebisu), the beer was first brewed in Sapporo. If you want to learn about beer history, try some beers – for example the delicious Sapporo Classic available only in Hokkaido, enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of the historical brewery’s complex, then Sapporo Beer Museum visit is simply a must.

First of all, especially if you live in Japan and miss European architecture’s style, you are going to love the red-brick building, where the museum is located. In addition, the entire brewery’s complex consists not only of the museum, but also the “Star Hall” for beer tasting, museum shop, several restaurants and beer garden. That’s a perfect setup to enjoy your afternoon in Hokkaido in summer.

Secondly, the entrance to the museum is free. Just keep in mind that the information is mostly available in Japanese, which is quite surprising for such a large and well-known tourist attraction. Well, that’s Japan…  Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the visit, mainly because of the historical beer posters. Here are some of my favorites.

But what’s the coolest thing about any brewery visit? Beer tasting at the end, isn’t it? The “Star Hall” where you  end your museum visit is a beautiful space where you can taste a variety of Sapporo beers. This is where the entire frustration caused by the lack of information in English is gone. Sample of 3 beers cost 800 JPY / 7 USD.

4. The views of Sapporo from Mt. Moiwa

Even if you have already experienced many great views of extraordinary cities, there is something special about the panorama from Mount Moiwa (531 m) that makes it an unforgettable experience. Is it because the view of the city of Sapporo stretches to the horizon endlessly? Or is it the contrast of unspoiled nature and green mountains surrounding the neverending city on the other side? Or maybe the picturesque little white pagoda on top of one of the smaller hills? Probably it’s a little bit of everything

The lovely white stupa is one of 80 Peace Pagodas around the world, built from the Japanese monk’s initiative to promote peace after World War II. The first Peace Pagoda I’ve seen was in Pokhara in Nepal where I got stuck for 8 months during pandemic in 2020. I could see it every day from my balcony. There are many Peace Pagodas in Japan, the first was constructed in Kumamoto, others were built for example in Hiroshima or Nagasaki among others. 

But if you want to read more about the Peace Pagoda in the picturesque city of Pokhara click HERE [ coming soon ].

The view from Mount Moiwa is especially beautiful in the evening. Therefore, it is best to arrive before sunset and wait for the city lights to go on. If you come in summer, your time on the observatory deck will definitely be more pleasant. Nevertheless, in case you come in colder months, you can always go to the lounge area inside the building.

T he panoramic round trip ropeway ride to the top of Mount Moiwa costs 1,800 JPY (16 USD) and there is also a hiking path leading to the top of the hill.

5. Camping with sheep & rabbits

Hokkaido in summer is a great place to travel in a campervan or in a tent and staying at the Hoshinitenotodokuoka campground is a great solution. Firstly, it’s hard to carry your own camping gear if you arrive by plane, but this campsite offers comfortable bungalows as well as tents set up and equipment rental. Secondly, if you want to enjoy the city life in Sapporo, it is much better to stay in the center than at a campsite on the outskirts. Consequently, a campervan might not be the best option in Sapporo. Finally, Hoshinitenotodokuoka campground is simply the best because of the… sheep and the rabbits. In fact, you can ignore the first two reasons and concentrate on … sheep and rabbits. 🙂

Have you ever started your day surrounded by amazing nature, with very well-mannered sheep walking lazily by your bungalow and the company of cute rabbits that you can play with endlessly? If yes, did your day end up with a fire and star gazing? If so, you are a winner in life, but if not, just come to the Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite to become one.

To clarify, the sheep are released to the grassy campsite in the morning while the rabbits are kept in an outdoor enclosure all the time.

Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite details

Due to the limited amount of the artificial light around Nakafurano, Hoshinitenotodokuoka campsite, by the way, what an easy name to remember :), is famous for its starry skies. Actually, this complicated name of the camping ( 星に手のとどく丘)  has a beautiful meaning and translates into “The hill reaching the stars”.  

Moreover, a local specialty – the Mongolian Genghis Khan grill is prepared at the campsite every day – from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. All you need to do is check in before 5 PM and let the staff know you want to come for dinner. This way, you don’t even have to worry about preparing your own meal. Hoshinitenotodokuoka camping is a perfect solution for comfortable campers.:)

In addition, it’s a foreigner friendly place where the staff speaks English. Just remember to book it via the website  HERE . Since it  fills up pretty quickly during the summer months do it well in advance.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO IN HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER?

Furano cheese factory and furano winery.

Wine and cheese lovers will definitely enjoy Furano.  Firstly, Hokkaido milk is known throughout Japan for its excellent quality, so when you are in Hokkaido, be sure to taste the local dairy products. There is no better place than Furano Cheese Factory to taste and buy local cheeses (wine cheddar is my favorite), eat pizza with delicious mozzarella as well as an amazing ice cream made with fresh Furano milk. You can also see the cheese production through the glass window. But honestly, eating is much more enjoyable than watching. What’s best, this yummy food can be enjoyed outdoors, at the picnic table  surrounded by beautiful nature.

Secondly,  wine production in Furano has a long history, it began in 1972. Currently, the Furano Winery offers many types of wine. The white “Chateau Furano” is my personal favorite. Nevertheless, wine tasting at Furano Winery is a very different experience than those in Europe, Australia or New Zealand. It might sound a bit strange, it’s self service. After inserting a 500 JPY coin into the machine, pour yourself a glass of wine. That’s it, you get no explanation about the wine at all, you can learn a bit from a brochure. But hey, it’s still worth it! You’re in Japan, so why not to try the local wine? Besides, the view from the vineyard is really nice.

Hokkaido Museum (in Sapporo)

If you want to learn more about the history of Hokkaido and its indigenous people  oppressed by Japanese rule for centuries  – the Ainu, this is the right place for you. Besides, you will be able to learn why the sixth most populous city in Japan (almost 2.7 million inhabitants) has such a short history. I visited Sapporo in July 2021 when the museum was closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but I hope to visit next time. 

Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park (from Furano)

Daisetsuzan National Park, located in the center of the island of Hokkaido, consists of three volcanic mountain groups:  

• the Tokachi mountains, the nearest from Furano, 
• the Daisetsu mountains with the highest peak in Hokkaido – Asahi ( 2,291 m)   and;
• the Shikaribetsu range.

Ryonkaku Onsen (1,270 m) located 40min ~ 30km by car from Furano station is the starting point of many interesting trails in the Tokachi mountains. From here, you can start hiking towards the highest mountain in the Tokachi mountain range, named for a change…  Mount Tokachi (2,077 m), as well as towards Mount Furano (1,912 m). Hiking Mount Tokachi takes approximately 7 h (round trip). Since it is an active volcano, volcanic landscapes are guaranteed during this trek. Mount Furano hiking, famous for its rich alpine flora and flowers, takes less time – about 5 h.

4-DAY HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER ITINERARY FOR NATURE LOVERS

Day 1: arrival to hokkaido and transfer to furano.

• Evening arrival at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and car rental.
• Transfer to Furano to La Vista Furano Hills Naturals Hot Spring hotel with the onsen.
• If you arrive late, you will not have much time for dinner. I had onigiris (Japanese stuffed rice balls) from Seven Eleven across the street. Well, you can’t say you’ve been somewhere in Japan if you haven’t eaten onigiri there. Besides, it is an integral part of Betiful World! 🙂

Day 2: Visiting lavender farms and Genghis Khan BBQ

• Morning visit to the most famous lavender farm – Tomita Farm.
• Pizza and ice cream at Furano Cheese Factory for lunch. What else do you need to be happy?
• Afternoon visit to the Flower Land Kamifurano. If you have enough flowers for today, you can head towards the town of Biei – nestled among hills and vast plains. Patchwork Road and Panorama Road are said to be pretty areas. Unfortunately I did not have enough time to check it myself.
• Hokkaido’s delicacy for dinner – Genghis Khan BBQ – mutton and vegetables cooked on a cast iron grill – served at Hoshinitenotodokuoka Camping, where you stay overnight. If like me, you don’t eat meat, don’t worry, grilling vegetables is great fun too!

Day 3: One more lavender farm, Blue Pond, Furano Winery and Mt. Moiwa in Sapporo

• Morning – Play time with sheep and bunnies on the campsite. 🙂
• Visit to the Lavender East Farm.
• Drive to Shirogane Blue Pond, Shirahige Falls and Tokachidake Observatory, back to Furano.
• How about cheese fondue with a beautiful view at Furano Wine House for lunch? It doesn’t sound bad, does it?
• Afternoon visit to Furano Winery. 
• Transfer to Sapporo (2h10min ~ 120 km drive). Try to reach Mt. Moiwa before sunset.
• Ropeway ride to the top of  Mt.Moiwa.
• You will probably have no time and energy left for a big dinner. Just grab a quick bite. I had cheese I bought at the Cheese Factory.

Day 4: Visiting Sapporo (Odori Park, TV Tower, Nijo Market, Sapporo Beer Museum) & flight back

• Start your day with a light breakfast. I ate a delicious melon Hokkaido is famous for.
• Visiting Odori Park and TV Sapporo Tower Observatory for great views of the city.

• The Nijo Market, which is a smaller version of the Tokyo Tsukiji market, is famous for its seafood, especially crabs. 
• Lunchtime – ramen at the famous Ramen Alley in downtown Sapporo  – Ganso Ramen Yokocho in Susukino.

• Afternoon visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum, followed by an early dinner at the Beer Garden.
• Transfer to the new Chitose airport for the evening flight to Tokyo.

4-DAY TRIP BUDGET (HOKKAIDO & FURANO)

The approximate cost of my trip in Hokkaido in summer (July 2021) for 2 people, food expenses are not included, was 80,000JPY (~700 USD).

Breakdown: 

• Return flights from Tokyo Narita to Sapporo for 2 pax ~ 30.000 JPY (260 USD). 
• 3 night accommodation for 2 pax ~ 28.000 JPY (250 USD).
• Car rental from Budget (the smallest size vehicle) ~ 11.000 JPY (100 USD).
• Road toll & petrol ~ 10.000 JPY (90 USD).

Most of the attractions are free and the entrance fee is only required for the Mt. Moiwa ropeway (1,800 JPY / 16 USD) and the Sapporo TV Tower Observatory (800 JPY / 7 USD).

Hopefully after reading this article, even if you are the most avid winter sports enthusiast, who so far considered the second largest island of Japan to be a great winter travel destination only, visiting Hokkaido in summer became an interesting alternative for you. 🙂

HOKKAIDO IN SUMMER: PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Hire a car as it’s the best way to travel in Hokkaido. Just watch out for wildlife when driving in the evening. About 10 deer and a few foxes crossed the road on the 2-hour drive to Furano. The nature of Hokkaido is truly wild! <3
• The famous Ramen Alley in Sapporo (Ganso Sapporo Ramen Yokocho) is a little street full of tiny restaurants serving ramen soup. You’re in Japan, in Sapporo – the birthplace of “Miso Ramen”, so it shouldn’t be anything out of the ordinary, right? Well, some restaurants serve vegetarian ramen, which is quite rare in Japan. What’s more – it is delicious!
• If you travelled or lived in Japan, you know it’s ruled by three convenience store brands – Seven Eleven, Familymart and Lawson. Hokkaido has its own well-developed convenience store chain – Seicomart, which offers many local products. Try it!
• There are two buildings worth visiting in Furano Winery. The Furano Winery, the main wine shop and the cellar with wine aging in barrels, is where you can also taste wine for a small fee (500 JPY / 5 USD). Whereas the Furano Wine House is a restaurant located on a hill (2 min by car from the Furano Winery).
• If you are more of a sweet tooth than a wine lover head to Campana Rokkatei (1 km from the Furano Winery) to enjoy local desserts with stunning views of the vineyards .

And if you are looking for a beach holiday in Japan in summer, check out my Ishigaki guide –  “ ISHIGAKI ISLAND ON A SCOOTER – A TROPICAL PARADISE IN JAPAN “

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3 Perfect Days in Hokkaido For a Fun & Relaxing Summer

• Travel , Videos

There are countless things to do in Hokkaido during summer so to experience Japan’s second largest island is a challenge to see in only 3 days. Here’s how to experience the island and have a fun, relaxing time that might be quick, but still immersive!

Watch the video below for a visual journey of beautiful Hokkaido!

Can’t watch the video right now? No problem! I include a recap with photos and details below ▾

Sapporo Station Shopping

Head over to Sapporo Station, the main train station of Hokkaido . And like all major stations in Japan, it has a few malls connected to it, so shop your heart out with tax-free shopping! A few favorite malls to shop at are JR Bargain Tower for high-end bargain shopping and ESTA where BIC Camera, Uniqlo, and Loft is located.

TIP: Make sure to bring your passport with you! Most places require that you bring your passport and buy at least 50 US dollars worth of stuff to get it tax-free.

IF SHOPPING ISN’T YOUR THING:  Take the subway over to the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the history of Sapporo beer while beer tasting!

Sapporo Beer Festival, Odori park

After exploring Sapporo station, walk over to Odori Park. It’s a famous park that runs through the center of Sapporo and is also the location of the Sapporo Beer Festival that happens every summer from July 20 to August 20. The festival is 6 blocks long, with each block featuring a Japanese beer, like Suntory, Asahi, Kirin, and of course, Sapporo! My favorite! ?

Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space

After drinking, walk your tipsiness off underground through the Sapporo Underground Pedestrian Space. It’s an underground walkway between Odori and Sapporo Station. It’s got a rat race feeling that you wouldn’t otherwise experience in the rest of Hokkaido.

ganso sapporo ramen street

For dinner, eat at Ganso Sapporo Ramen Street. It’s a tight alleyway of small ramen shops tucked inside Susukino which is only 2 subway stops away from Sapporo Station. Anthony Bourdain is known to have eaten here and you can see why once you have your share of the ramen. The best miso ramen I’ve ever had was from this alleyway. So don’t miss out on this!

IF IT’S NOT TOO LATE:  Walk your ramen-filled belly off at Tanukikoji Shopping Street a few blocks away. The stores close at 8pm  so we weren’t able to make it so what’s actually better is to check out the shopping street first and then eat ramen since the ramen shops close at 3am.

Pick up your car rental from Toyota Rent-A-Car at Sapporo Station. Make sure to reserve it online beforehand because we decided to walk in and we ended up waiting more than an hour. And take your time getting used to driving on the other side of the road, especially if you’re not used to it. When in doubt, keep left.

Lunch at Kumagera restaurant

Take a 2 and a half hour scenic drive through mountains and tunnels and stop at Furano to have lunch at Kumagera, a restaurant recommended by locals for their Hokkaido twist on Japanese cuisine. We had the pork whey curry which was really good. I actually couldn’t tell how different it was from other Japanese curries but it was some pretty damn good curry.

Tomita Farm

Next up, take a 15-minute drive to top your lunch with dessert at Tomita Lavender Farm, with their fresh lavender soft serve and walk around the flower farm. And don’t forget to take photos at this beautiful spot! The lavender is only in bloom from late June to early August and best viewed within the first 2 weeks of July.

Tomita Melon House

And the eating doesn’t stop yet! Right across Farm Tomita is Tomita Melon House, where you can eat the iconic Japanese melons in different forms from soft serve , to shakes , to the melons itself .

WHILE YOU’RE IN THE AREA:  Drive 30-minutes to Shirogane Blue Pond  and/or Shikisai No Oka, another beautiful flower farm. We decided to drive back since we didn’t want to drive in the dark.

Once you’re back in Sapporo, head over to Mt. Moiwa, known for its view of Sapporo . How you reach the top of the mountain is by ropeway and cable car. By going this way, you get to see the city lights slowly unfold in front of you, it’s a beautiful sight.

TIP: It’s best to go here at night. Even better is during sunset because the skies turn to a pretty purple and pink.

Drive 2 and a half hours down to Cape Kamui by oceans, mountains, and farmland. Cape Kamui is a peninsula with a hiking trail that looks like you’re walking along the back of a huge dragon. It goes up and down with some parts steeper than the other. After your hike, cool yourself down with soft serve ice cream served at the parking lot called “Shakotan Blue.” It’s vanilla-flavored but they colored the ice cream to match the blue color of the ocean in Shakotan.

TIP: Once you arrive at Cape Kamui, wear comfy shoes , use the bathroom , and bring water with you because you’re about to go on quite a hike.

Misaki Restaurant

Head over to Misaki restaurant, 15 minutes from Cape Kamui, for the freshest uni you’ve ever had! If you’ve never had uni or sea urchin, this is the best place to eat it for the first time.

TIP: Come in earlier for their rare, red uni since they only sell 20 to 30 bowls a day.

IF UNI ISN’T YOUR THING: Drive to Jozankei farm , a fruit farm that’s only 40 minutes from Sapporo, and eat “Gengis Khan” or Jingusikan, a grilled mutton dish that originated from Hokkaido. And then finish your food experience by picking fresh strawberries! The farm closes at 4pm.

More shopping at Sapporo Station!

Head back to Sapporo Station for one last shopping binge! Because if you’re Filipino like me, you’re always buying pasalubong for your family and friends back home. ? At the station, stores close at 9pm and restaurants at 11pm, so if you want, you can have dinner late. For convenience, you’ll find a whole floor of restaurants on the 6th floor of JR Tower once you’re done shopping.

TIP:  Don’t forget your passport again! And a yummy spot for dinner is  Nemuro Hanamaru, a popular rotary sushi restaurant for fresh seafood that won’t break the bank.

So there you have it! That is my perfect 3-day itinerary for a fun and relaxing summer in Hokkaido. I hope you enjoyed the tips I wrote down. Those were things I originally planned for but ended up not doing. If you liked this post, comment below and I’ll keep making more of these. But let’s be real, I’d still be making these posts because I love making them. ?

Stay tuned for my next post, “How to Create the Orange & Teal Filter Using Adobe Lightroom (It’s so easy!)”

Talk to you soon! Jojo ?

If you liked this post, check out my other post, “8 Hokkaido Foods You Have to Eat During Summer.”

15 Comments on 3 Perfect Days in Hokkaido For a Fun & Relaxing Summer

Love the pic of you over looking the night view of Sapporo!

aww thank you so much! it’s one of my favorite spots in Sapporo!

Wow. So many amazing places to visit. Lovely photos. Tomita Farm looks stunning. Lovely post. xoxo Cris https://photosbycris.blogspot.com.au/2017/07/novotel-on-collins-melbourne-my-winter.html

thank you so much Cris! Tomita farm was so beautiful! And smelled amazing too!

I’ve seen your youtube video, and I must say, this is one of the best detailed 3 day tour in Hokkaido. Is it easy to drive to going to Tomita Farm?

Hi Joe! Thank you so much! Yes it’s an easy drive to Tomita farm. It’s just the distance that is long but it’s a very scenic ride

Hai Jojo! Your three days in Hokkaido are truly perfect. I am very happy to be able to read your holiday experience. Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge about holidays. Theapartmentsumalas.com

Thank you Auyla! I’m so glad you got something out of my post! Hokkaido was easily one of my favorite places in Japan. <3

Hello there! ❤️ What month did you visit Hokkaido?

I visited late June 🙂

hi there! i love your photos, we will be visiting these farms to on jun, it will be of great help if you can share link where to rent a car? Thank you

Hi Yan! Here’s the link: http://www.toyotarentacar.net/english/ I rented it from their Sapporo Station location. Enjoy Hokkaido!

What have you been up to? I am fascinated about covid19. Can you talk about it? If the same thread is opened please redirect my post :). Thanks :).

PS: I don’t know any people with covid and you? rambo 😀

Where’s this uni restaurant near Cape Kamui? The uni bowl is amazing. Thanks for sharing the tips 🙂

Misaki restaurant 🙂

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Recommended Route Hokkaido summer

Breathe the warm summer air in the wilds of hokkaido.

In the summer, Hokkaido is a rugged playground for hikers, walkers and anyone with a love of the great outdoors. Explore primeval forests, cycle around caldera rims with views of beautiful crater lakes and gain a deeper appreciation for Indigenous tradition and culture. Make Hokkaido your summer adventure destination of choice. Our journey begins in Shiretoko , a two hour drive from Hokkaido’s Memanbetsu Airport, which is a 100 minute flight from Haneda .

The contents of this page are meant as an example to use in creating your travel plans and do not represent a package tour. Lodgings, travel, guides, and all other accommodations must be arranged for by the traveler.

Explore by Interest

Journey through the traditions and natural landscapes of Japan

• Recommended Routes
• Hokkaido (summer)

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Hokkaido in the summer, lavender ice cream and more

Hokkaido is well known amongst skiers and snowboarders for its luscious powder snow in winter. In Japan, Hokkaido has often been voted the most beautiful prefecture and is a popular holiday destination. Located on an island just above the main island of Honshu, Hokkaido offers a lot more than just winter sports (including a reprieve from the humidity of Honshu, Hokkaido is remarkably cooler even in summer). 

First and foremost, the food

No matter what season you are in Hokkaido, you should eat as much food as you can. Soup curry, which is exactly as it sounds, a curry in soup form, is so delicious and chock full of vegetables. If you can add a piece of bacon to it. And while you’re at it, grab a bowl of Sapporo ramen. The region-wide miso flavour actually comes from Sapporo! With crinkled noodles in a medium miso broth, Sapporo ramen is one of Japan’s top ramen styles.

There’s also ジンギスカン, Genghis Khan、 which is barbecue lamb. Like Korean barbecue, you are generally given the meat and onion to cook to your liking. And all year round you can enjoy fresh seafood, either in sushi, sashimi or 海鮮丼　 Kaisendon , a seafood bowl. Hokkaido is particularly famous for its sea urchin and crab. Many restaurants offer a crab set course, which is the perfect way to try different styles of cooking crab.

These dishes can be enjoyed all year round, but how about during summer? Hokkaido is the dairy capital of Japan, thus making its ice cream the best. Wherever you go, you’ll see places boasting about Hokkaido soft cream. May as well try it in Hokkaido! During summer the lavender fields are open, the perfect setting for eating Hokkaido lavender-flavoured soft cream. It’s also the best time for Yubari Melon, the best of all melons. A full melon can cost upwards of 5,000~ yen, but you can often find desserts or cuts of this delicious melon at more reasonable prices.

The famous Hokkaido onsens 

Onsens are such a unique experience, there is nothing like a Japanese onsen. Hokkaido is particularly famous for fresh flowing water, often you’ll smell a strong egg smell during your Hokkaido journey – that’s the sulphur in the water. 

There are many fantastic places to visit for your onsen experience, but three of the most popular are Lake Toya, Jozankei, and Noboribetsu. The next section is all about Noboribetsu, so let’s skip it for now. 

Jozankei is close to Sapporo, taking 75 minutes on the Kappa liner, which departs 13 times a day. You will need to make a reservation, particularly in winter. Because it’s not as popular a destination during summer, they often have deals on bus fare with one onsen entry at a discounted price. Any tourist information centre in Sapporo should be able to help you. 

The town itself is nice to walk around with a big bridge to walk across and cute statues of our Kappa friends located all around. The Kappa is the guardian of Jozankei, but don’t worry about them taking you! Long ago a man went fishing and never came back. A year later he appeared in his father’s dreams saying he was living happily with his Kappa wife and child. Since then, nobody has drowned in Jozankei.

Lake Toya, also called Toyako (胡 ko means lake in Japanese) has a great view of the huge lake as well as Mount Usu. Mount Usu is an active volcano that erupted in 2000. Lake Toya is a fairly touristy town with many hotels offering buffet and onsen. You don’t have to stay in a fancy hotel to experience this, many offer their baths for 500-1000 yen. There’s a promenade too with foot onsens to relax in.

Noboribetsu, a land of hell and oni

Now, if you want to get serious about onsens, Noboribetsu is the best place to go. Noboribetsu is the most famous onsen town with around 11 different water types. Some hotels have 8 baths, each with different properties.  The water in  Noboribetsu is often considered to be the most effective in Japan. Again, if you don’t want to stay at a hotel you can enjoy the onsens for around 700-2000 yen. 

This water generally comes from Hell Valley, called 地獄谷 Jigokudani in Japanese. Walking distance from Noboribetsu, this appropriately named valley is where you can view hot steam vents and sulfuric streams. There’s a lot to do. There’s a walking track to Oyunuma that takes about 20-30 minutes which has a sulphurous pond with a surface temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. Be warned that the smell of eggs is strong, and you will likely smell it for hours after. But, definitely worthwhile for the sight.

Last, for something a little bit different there is the Noboribetsu Date Jidai Village. The entrance fee is high at 3,300 yen but has a lot on offer. There are many shows you can watch to learn about Japanese called, from ninjas to geisha. The Beauties in Full Bloom asks for one member of the audience to join them on stage, be sure to put your hand up. You’ll get to read romanized Japanese, wear a cool costume and drink some nihonshu . They also have a ninja maze, goblin cat temple and house of monsters exhibits to walk through. It’s a particularly fun experience for children, but equally enjoyable for adults.

Furano, flowers everywhere

Furano is located in the centre of Hokkaido and is famous for lavender. Poppies, lilies and sunflowers also grow in the area, but people are most drawn to the long rows of lavender. Not only that, but they sell delicious treats like lavender soft cream (Yes, using Hokkaido milk) and lavender cheesecake. Farm Tomita is free to enter and has a great view of Mount Tokachi. You can also take a ropeway for a view of the valley.

Rishiri, a hiker’s delight

Rishiri is a little harder to get to than anywhere else on this list. If you are planning on coming to Rishiri, it’s best to fly directly from Tokyo to Wakkanai airport. It’s a small airport so you will need to book well in advance, in fact, there’s only one flight between Tokyo and Wakkanai every day. There are two scheduled flights to Sapporo from Wakkanai though. 

From Wakkanai, you can take Heartland Ferry to Rishiri’s Oshidomari port. The ferry takes just under 2 hours and costs upwards of 2,6000 yen per person. Be sure to check the timetable as there are limited services. Rishiri has both hotels and camping. The campsite Yun i is within walking distance to the ferry, as well as the town and Rishiri Fuji onsen. There are barbecues and fresh water available too. 

The hike to the peak of Rishiri

From Yuni campsite, you can walk to the start of the Mount Rishiri Fuji trail. (You can see how we walked from the campsite to the trail starting here . If you are wanting to hike in Japan, YAMAP is an excellent app to see nearby trails. It’s only in Japanese though) Mount Rishiri Fuji is an extinct volcano that resembles the real Mount Fuji.

The difference is that the trail to the peak of Mount Rishiri is more difficult than Mount Fuji’s and more interesting. Mount Fuji is incredibly beautiful to look at but there is no flora on the route. Whereas Mount Rishiri has beautiful flora, particularly in summer, and magnificent views over the ocean. On top of that, it has nowhere near the foot traffic Mount Fuji does. However, the course is long and not easy for beginners. 

After you finish your hike, you can relax and melt at the conveniently located Rishiri Fuji onsen. There are restaurants nearby to eat at too. If you feel up to it, you can walk to the Yuhigaoka observation deck and watch the sunset. There is a car hire on the island if you don’t want to walk. Take some time to tour around the island, there’s a lighthouse and lots of great viewpoints for Mount Rishiri. To drive around the whole island takes just over an hour. 

Once you’ve taken the ferry back to Wakkanai, why not hire another car for the day and make the trip to Cape Soya? Cape Soya is the most northern part of Hokkaido, the tip of Japan. There’s a park with a lot of monuments as well as some restaurants. You’ll also find things like ‘the northernmost vending machine in Japan’ and the ‘most northernmost toilets’ as well as a peace bell. 

Niseko, not just a winter destination

Last but not least, is the world-class powder snow resort town of Niseko. But during summer there are a lot of activities happening too. You can ride the Gondola up Mount Hirafu to enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Yotei from the top. You can walk down the track, or for more daring people you can ride your mountain bike down. There are many other activities to enjoy in Niseko, kayaking, treetop courses, and golf, that can only be done in the summertime. And because summer isn’t so populated you can easily book restaurants (that are open).

What was your Hokkaido experience like? If you have any details you want to add or questions you’d like to ask, please leave a comment below. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive Japan treats and follow our Instagram for unique Japan content.

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