hokkaido road trip spring

Japan Travel & Culture Guide

Hokkaido Spring Itinerary | Travel Plan 2024

Lately, I have been asked to create a suggested itinerary for those who are willing to visit Hokkaido in spring. I know it is not a big deal for me to do, but certainly for you, especially for newcomers. Visiting Hokkaido has always been a challenging destination for most of the backpackers and travelers.

To make it simple for you, I have thought of many different routes, for example – where to start from, where to finish in time, what to see, what to experience including where to stay!

Here, spring has not been much attractive as it is in the winter and summer. It does mean a lot, want to know why? In spring, you still could book hotel’s room at a reasonable price, less traffic on the road and so on.

A few weeks ago, I have published a post about Hokkaido summer itinerary . I kept that as simple as possible and this time I would do the same for you.

Though some of the summer attractions will be missed in this post because here I will recommend only the best spring holiday destinations. Is it clear to you?

You will get familiar with everything here soon. I request you to reorganize this itinerary with others. I hope this is not the only itinerary you are going to rely on. Get ideas from other source as well, but honestly I am thankful that you have come here for it. Let’s see what we find here.

There is a complete itinerary for your spring trip to Sapporo. Read it here .

Day 1 – Arrival in Hakodate, Hokkaido from Tokyo

I assume you are coming to Hokkaido from Tokyo. Just take this as example; nothing is going to be wrong assuming so.

Hokkaido Shinkansen has begun its journey on March 26, 2016, to a new route connecting two most important JR stations: Tokyo Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station .

It means getting to Hakodate from Tokyo is easy and fast! And according to my experience, a lot of visitors go to Hakodate to see its popular cherry blossoms spots from Honshu .

So, if you are one of them then your journey to Hakodate is really simple and hassle free now.

If you catch a Shinkansen (Bullet Train) in the early morning from Tokyo Station, I would definitely say that you could visit Fort Goryokaku , Motomachi , The Bay Area, Hakodate Park and Mount Hakodate.

Enjoy a lovely evening observing a great night view of Hakodate city from the observatory of Mount Hakodate . Stay the night in a hotel located near the Hakodate Station.

This hotel is a perfect choice for your overnight stay in the city.

Day 2 – Hakodate to Matsumae

Take a direct bus from Hakodate Station to get to Matsumae and enjoy the bus ride for sure. Have a great time viewing sakura at Matsumae Park and its castle area.

Also visit the nearby sightseeing attractions and then take a train back to downtown Hokodate. In the evening, leave the city for Toyako from Hakodate station by taking a Hokuto limited express train . Stay the night there.

You can check into this hotel .

Day 3 – Toyako (Lake Toya) to Sapporo

Lake Toya is one of the most beautiful caldera lakes in Japan. The area is packed with hiking trails, and hotels that provide their guests wonderful hot spring baths.

In Toyako, you should explore the beauty of Lake Toya , visit Mount Usu by Usuzan Ropeway for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Besides, pay a visit to Silo Viewing Platform , and Toyako Volcano Science Museum. They are worth visiting!

After the end of your day trip in Lake Toya, make you way to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido. Stay overnight at this hotel , located adjacent to Sapporo Station.

If you want then you can spend one more day here in Toyako . A very good relaxing day!

Day 4 – Sapporo to Otaru

Access to Otaru from Sapporo is not a daunting task. Along the JR Hakodate Main Line , there are several trains per hour that run between Sapporo Station and Otaru Otaru.

Otaru Aquarium, Otaru Canal , Mount Tengu, Sakaimachi Street, and Otaru City Museum are considered the main sightseeing attractions in the town.

Temiya Park is the best place to see cherry blossom in Otaru. Visit the park between late April and early May , and it will steal your heart away.

Even though Otaru is quite a popular holiday destination in the winter, you still would like to explore the town in the spring.

Get back to Sapporo in the evening so that you could have a nice dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden .

Day 5 – Sapporo to Asahikawa

Now it is time to head to Asahikawa , the second largest city of Hokkaido. There are limited express trains that connect Sapporo with Asahikawa in every 30 minutes.

Two things you never ever forget to do when you travel to Asahikawa, they are: visiting Asahiyama Zoo , and having delicious Asahikawa ramen . Besides, a visit to Ueno Farm would be a great experience.

There are many restaurants around the train station that serve traditional style ramen. I recommend you to rent a car in Asahikawa that would help you to discover rest of the attractions which are widely popular in the spring.

Roam around the city’s most popular attractions and visit Aeon Mall Asahikawa to buy some souvenirs.

In Asahikawa, you should stay in this hotel .

Day 6 – Asahikawa to Takinoue > Kamiyubetsu > Ozora

Drive your car to Takinoue Park to see Shibazakura, then head over to Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park . These two places would surly blow your mind as they are the wonders of spring in Hokkaido.

Stay overnight in Kitami area , and make your way to Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park in the next morning.

Park Hills is a nice looking guest house. Stay a night there.

Day 7 – Ozora to Akanko Onsen

If you like the atmosphere of Takinoue Shibazakura Park, then I guess you would also like spending few hours in Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park. After that, directly head toward Lake Akan (Part of Akan National Park).

Lake Akan offers you so many interesting things to do and see such as trekking, mountain climbing, fishing, sightseeing boat (cruise) trip and many more.

Stay the night at Akanko Onsen which is located not that much far from Lake Akan.

Day 8 – Akanko Onsen to Kushiro

In Kushiro , visitors usually go there for one big reason, what’s that? That’s for the graceful birds known as Red-crowned Crane or Japanese crane .

When you have enough time to visit Hokkaido, this is a kind of place to behold and you should not miss visiting it. Please note The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is the best place for bird watching in the region.

I have met with many photographers there before. All of them had one intention to take photographs of Japanese cranes. There are several Japanese crane viewpoints including a museum called Akan International Crane Center .

Leave for Tomamu resorts and try to get to the resort before late night and stay a night there.

Day 9 – Tomamu Resort -> Furano > Biei > Asahikawa

Get up very early in the morning to visit Unkai Terrace (sea of clouds). You can enjoy a lovely morning there and have your breakfast at the café. Once you are done with it, I want you to move to Furano.

Don’t forget to pay a visit to Farm Tomita, Furano Cheese Factory, and Furano Winery .

After the expedition, drive your car to Shikisai-no-Oka and then to Blue Pond. This is a lovely flower garden in Biei, and a perfect place to see early blooming spring flowers. Between late-April and early-May, you will see tulips, cherry blossoms and other flowers there.

I am sure you could reach to Asahikawa city before nightfall from there.

Hotel to stay in Asahikawa: JR Inn Asahikawa .

Day 10 – Asahikawa to Asahidake Onsen

Today you are going to explore the beauty of Daisetsuzan National Park . Hiking is great here especially in the summer and autumn.

Please take the Asahidake Ropeway and enjoy the view of surrounding vistas of the national Park. The ride itself is an amazing experience!

Then set off your journey to Sapporo by train. Stay overnight at Nest Hotel Sapporo Ekimae .

Day 11 – Sapporo in a day

Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido. I think you would like to see many spring flowers there! Visit at Nakajima Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park to see tons of cherry blossoms.

In addition, explore Odori park and participate in the lilac festival, which is held in mid May .

Please visit these places: Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo TV Tower, Mount Mowa Ropeway, Moerenuma Park , Sapporo Factory, Nijo Market and Susukino. Learn how to spend a day in Sapporo here .

Day 12 – Sapporo to New Chitose Airport

If you want to have a farmstay experience in Furano, the best way to do is to skip visiting either Kushiro or Asahidake Onsen. This will give you a day to have a great farmstay experience in Furano area.

This spring itinerary may not be a suitable one for you but just take it as an idea of a Hokkaido travel plan. In addition, by visiting all these stunning places, you will find out other top sightseeing attractions of the Hokkaido region.

I believe that a Self-drive trip to Hokkaido is just enjoying and it offers you a lot of freedom to move around in which time actually does not matter. You can move faster whenever you want to go or build your own itinerary deciding which one to visit and skip to save time and money.

Please note that self-drive trip is the best way to explore the northern and eastern part of Hokkaido.

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I have planned to fly into Hokkaido on 1/6 for 7 days and to visit Farm Tomita but they said that the Lavender will only bloom end Jun. Can you advise me what other alternatives for me to see some flowers or nursery in Hokkaido? I am from Singapore.

Hi David, Kindly check your email inbox to see our recommendations there. Thank you.

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Hokkaido Spring Itinerary: Exploring Colorful Flower Fields, Wildlife, and Local Culture

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, is known for its stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and unique culture. Spring in Hokkaido brings with it the promise of blooming flowers, melting snow, and warmer temperatures, making it an ideal time to visit. In this article, we'll take a look at a sample Hokkaido spring itinerary, covering some of the best things to see and do on the island during this season.

Day 1-2: Sapporo

Sapporo is Hokkaido's largest city and the perfect starting point for your Hokkaido adventure. Begin your trip with a visit to Odori Park, where you'll find a beautiful display of spring flowers, including cherry blossoms and tulips. If you're a beer lover, you can't miss visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum, where you can learn about the history of beer production in Japan and sample some of the brewery's finest offerings.

Day 3-4: Otaru  

Located about an hour from Sapporo by train, Otaru is a charming port town that's worth a visit. Take a stroll down the picturesque canal, lined with old brick warehouses that have been converted into restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can also visit the Otaru Music Box Museum, which features a collection of over 25,000 music boxes from around the world. Head to the Sakaimachi shopping street in the evening to sample some of Otaru's famous seafood.

Day 5-6: Furano and Biei

Spring is the perfect time to visit Furano and Biei, two small towns known for their stunning flower fields. Visit the Farm Tomita lavender fields in Furano to see acres of purple flowers in bloom, and stop by the Shikisai no Oka flower fields in Biei to see a variety of colorful blooms. You can also visit the Furano Cheese Factory to sample some of Hokkaido's famous dairy products.

Day 7-8: Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most beautiful natural areas. In the spring, you can see brown bears, deer, and other wildlife emerging from hibernation, and you can also see some of the park's stunning waterfalls and coastal cliffs. Take a boat tour to see the park's dramatic coastline, or hike one of its many trails to experience its beauty up close.

Day 9-10: Lake Toya

Lake Toya is a volcanic caldera lake located in southern Hokkaido. Take a relaxing boat ride on the lake to see the surrounding mountains and forests, or visit the Usuzan Ropeway to see panoramic views of the area. You can also visit the Toyako Onsen hot springs for a relaxing soak in natural hot water.

In conclusion, Hokkaido is an excellent destination for a springtime getaway, with plenty of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious food to enjoy. This itinerary is just a starting point, so be sure to explore the island's many other attractions and activities during your visit. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a beautiful natural setting, Hokkaido has something to offer everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Q what is the best time to visit hokkaido.

A Spring is a great time to visit Hokkaido due to blooming flowers, melting snow, and warmer temperatures.

Q What is the best way to end a Hokkaido spring itinerary?

A Visitors can end their trip in Sapporo, exploring the city's many museums, parks, and shopping areas or enjoying a visit to the Nijo Fish Market to sample some of Hokkaido's freshest seafood.

Q What is the weather like in Hokkaido during the spring?

A Hokkaido's spring weather can vary, but typically temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). It can still be quite chilly, especially in the evenings, so it's important to bring warm layers.

Q What are some other outdoor activities to do in Hokkaido during the spring?

A Hokkaido is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing. In the spring, visitors can enjoy cherry blossom viewing, as well as other flower festivals, such as the Shibazakura Festival.

Q How long should a Hokkaido spring itinerary be?

A A Hokkaido spring itinerary can be as short as 5-7 days or as long as 2-3 weeks, depending on how much time you have and what activities you want to do. It's important to factor in travel time between destinations, as well as time to rest and relax.

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8-Day Hokkaido Itinerary — Spring Road Trip Under S$1k

Feast on Hokkaido’s best cuisine in Sapporo, drive out of the city through breath-taking terrains, and taste some of Japan’s freshest seafood on this 8 day road trip through the best of Hokkaido — all under S$1k!

Planning a road trip in Hokkaido ain’t easy because there’s just SO MUCH to explore! Ski on powdery slopes in winter, hop around some of the most impressive flower fields in spring and try some of the best produce this region has to offer! If you’re up for an adventure in Hokkaido, here’s how you can experience them all under a S$1k budget (excld. flights)!

8D Budget Breakdown:

Accommodation: S$320.67 Food: S$349.26 Activities: S$53.48 Transport: S$188.84 TOTAL: S$912.24 Click here for detailed breakdown

*Note that this budget is for 4 pax which is the most economical for road trips especially when it comes to splitting the cost for bigger ticket items like car rental and the Hokkaido Expressway Pass. This figure might cost slightly more for 2-3 pax.

Check Flights to Hokkaido

Flight prices are not included in the budget due to seasonal fluctuations. To check the prices of flights for your specific dates of travel, use this widget below:

If you can’t see the widget above, click here to check flights from Singapore to Hokkaido instead!

Pre-trip Essentials

Connectivity:  If you’re going with a group of friends, you can get a pocket 4G WiFi (~S$5/day) to share! Just pick it up from the New Chitose Airport once you land and you’re good to go.

JR Hokkaido Kitaka IC Card: For seamless travel on public transport, get a rechargeable card (IC Card) that can be used on all public transport including JR trains, the subway and buses including the Airport Limousine bus.

If you have IC cards from other regions, like Tokyo (SUICA) , Osaka (ICOCA) , these can be used in Hokkaido too. If not, you can pre-purchase it online  (preloaded with ¥1,500) or get it at the station.

Car rental: Once you’ve had enough of the city, the best way to explore the other sights of Hokkaido is by driving. Japanese car rental sites can be a bit confusing so we  rented ours through Klook  (~S$70/day). Do note that the price does not include options like collision damage insurance (¥648/day), the Hokkaido Expressway Pass (HEP) and rental of the ETC card (¥324).

Day 1: Sapporo City

Accommodation:  Hotel MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park   — located just a 3-minute walk from Horohira Bashi Subway station.

Airport to Sapporo: The most direct route to the hotel is via the Airport limousine bus 14 to Nakajima at ¥1,030. The bus leaves every hour and the ride is about 1hr 9mins. Alternatively, the JR Airport Rail leaves about three times per hour, and only takes 37mins ¥1,070 (without reservation).

Getting around Sapporo: The key sights within the city are within walking distance. For the subway, you can use the Kitaca IC card or the 1-day unlimited subway pass for ¥830 (¥520 on weekends and public holidays).

Read also:  The Ultimate Sapporo City Guide: Top Things To Do In The Gateway To Hokkaido

Lunch at Nemuro Hanamaru Sushi

Located within the JR Sapporo station, this is perhaps one of the best places to start your trip in Hokkaido! A popular conveyor belt sushi place with quality cuts yet affordable plates ranging from ¥140 – 453, don’t be surprised to find a queue as long as 90 minutes! We arrived around 3PM and only had to wait for about 10 minutes, so do try to avoid the peak meal times.

Cost: From ¥1,200/pax (~S$15) Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM How to get there: From the JR Sapporo Station, go to the 6th floor of JR Tower Stellar Place.

*Pro-tip:  Grab some tasty baked cheese tarts from Kinotoya Bake while you’re at the station (located at the JR Station East Exit).

Check in at HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park

Our cosy abode for the next 2 nights in Sapporo City was at  HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Nakajima Park  located right outside Nakajima Park. Our room had a full view of the park where you can see locals jogging as early as 5AM.

If you’re here around mid-June, you’ll also get to catch the 100-Year-Old  Hokkaido Shrine Festival held in this park.

We got the Deluxe Family Room, which could fit the four of us comfortably but there are also comfortable rooms for two pax!

Cost: From   ~S$58/night Address:  1 Chome Minami 14 Jonishi, Chuo, 札幌市中央区 Hokkaido 064-0914, Japan How to get there: Walk 3mins from Horohira Bashi Subway station

Sapporo TV Tower

Located at the edge of Odori Park is an unmissable structure with a giant LED clock on its front. Measuring 147m, it’s the second tallest tower after the Tokyo Tower . Head up to the tower’s observatory for a 360° panoramic view of the city.

My favourite is the side of Odori Park but you can also catch sight of famous attractions like Mount Moiwa, the Sapporo Dome and even the Sapporo Beer Museum!

If you have time, check out the other historical building in the area like Akarenga Government Building (Red Brick) and the Sapporo Clock Tower . More sights around Sapporo in this comprehensive Sapporo City Guide !

Entrance fee: ~S$8 on Klook Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM How to get there: 5min walk from the Sapporo Municipal Subway Odori Station (Exit 27), or 15min walk from JR Sapporo Station (South Exit)

Suage Soup Curry for Dinner

The curry found in Hokkaido is quite different from the usual Japanese curries you find in places like Coco Ichibanya . As the name suggests, the soup curries have a lot more of a soup-like consistency and are more savoury than sweet which I personally prefer.

On the second floor of a building in the Susukino district, Suage Curry Soup and Dining is often spotted with snaking queues down the stairs during dinner — but they do move quite quickly!

The specialty here is the option to add squid ink to your curry which gives it a nice twist. There’s also the option for add-ons like cheese or egg and the choice of five spiciness levels (1 being not spicy at all, to 5 being “super spicy”). The super spicy isn’t that spicy so if you’re a regular chilli padi eater, just go for level 5.

Cost: Curries from ¥980 Opening hours: 11:30AM – 10:30PM How to get there:  5-chome Minami 4jo Nishi, Chuo-ku  |  2nd Floor ,  Sapporo 064-0804,  Hokkaido

Drinks at Susukino

Susukino can be described to be the Dotonbori of Osaka — neon-lit buildings with giant beer signs competing for your attention and streets where pedestrians from all sides cross at once. Susukino is also where all the famous bars are at.

We checked out Flair Bar ES which overlooks Susukino Street. The bar is also famous for its exciting bartending show which happens twice a night at 7:30PM and 10:30PM. Expect fast-paced choreography, liquor bottles on the verge of smashing, and a bit of fire.

Flair Bar ES Cover Charge:  ¥300/pax (drinks from ¥550) Opening Hours:   6PM – 1AM (Mon – Sat), 6PM – 11:30PM (Sun) Address:  4 Chome-16 Minami 4 Jonishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0804, Japan

*Pro-tip:  Walk up to the bar and make a booking before dinner. The bar happens to be only 5 minutes from Suage Soup Curry.

Day 2: Sapporo

Brunch at ramen shingen.

Miso-broth ramen is Sapporo’s specialty and this small 15-seater store has obviously done something right. Arrive at 11:30AM (when the store opens) and you’ll already see a queue of 20 to 30 people. We arrived around 11AM and were one of the last of the first batch to enter so do come early as 90-minute queues here aren’t uncommon!

The menu is entirely in Japanese, but the first on the menu is spicy miso which was what we ended up having and I can almost say this is one of the best bowls of ramen I’ve ever had! The noodles have a nice springy texture and the broth is the sort you’ll want to finish every bit of.

The portions for their regular bowls (¥760) are pretty big so if you’re a small eater, you can opt for the half portion (¥540). The fried rice (¥300) is a great side to have if you still have a stomach for it!

Cost: From ¥540 Opening hours:  11AM – 1AM How to get there:  3min walk from Higashionganji-Mae Station ( Google Maps )

Shiroi Koibito Park (White Lover Park)

This fairytale-themed park 30 minutes from Odori station is created around one of Japan’s most famous white chocolate snack 白い恋人 (Shiroi Koibito) . Walk into an enchanted park with happy music on the speakers, colourful flowers all around and bubbles occasionally filling up the space.

Photo credit: Shiroi Koibito Park

For only an extra ¥540, this is the only place you can customise the tin of the biscuits with your favourite photo — available for both the 36 and 54-piece tins. You can take your photo there or bring along one from home. Great as gifts to your sweet-toothed friends.

Check out the cafe for other popular sweets, join a cookie-making class (¥972 to ¥1,296) or enjoy the scenery with a Shiroi Koibito flavoured soft serve (¥300/450) — one of my favourite soft serves ever in Japan (and that’s a lot given how good soft serves are around the country)!

Also watch out for their popular chocolate tours, especially the Premium Factory Course where the “Professor of Chocolate” will take you through a delectable, chocolate-y world.

Entrance fee: Free, ¥600 for paid area with exhibits Opening hours:  10AM – 6PM How to get there:  Take the Tozai Subway Line to Miyanowasa Station, then walk 7mins ( Google Maps )

Sapporo Beer Museum

Open since 1987, this is the only beer museum in Japan. There’s a free tour on the third floor of the building where you can read through 12 stations explaining how the beer ended up being manufactured in Hokkaido.

The explanations come in English, Korean and Chinese and have pretty interesting facts to uncover. The premium tour (¥500) includes two beers to taste but is only in Japanese.

If you went on the free tour, fret not about the beer since you’ll end up in the Star Hall on Level 1 where beer-tasting vouchers from the vending machine are available. We got the ¥600 taster set which, comes with the Sapporo Classic, Sapporo Black Label and a special Kaitakushi edition made from the original recipe.

Entrance fee: Free, or ¥500 for the premium tour Opening Hours:  11AM – 6PM, daily (last entry at 5:30PM) How to get there:  10min walk from Higashikuyakusho-Mae Station ( Google Maps ). From Sapporo station, there are 2 shuttle buses (¥210) that drops directly at the Beer Museum (North Exit Bus Stop 2, Line Number 188, or South Exit Loop Line no.88).

Sapporo Bier Garten (Beer Garden)

The last Hokkaido signature dish to try on your final night is “Genghis Khan”. I’m not entirely sure of how it got its name but it’s actually a lot like a Thai-style mookata except the ingredients are definitely a lot fresher!

Located right next to the museum, the Bier Garten has a 100-minute all-you-can-at buffet for ¥5,280, with free-flowing beer. The buffet includes a good spread of meats including Genghis Khan-style lamb, sushi, and snow crabs!!! If you only have one meal to splurge on in Hokkaido, this is our recommendation.

To reserve, call them at 0120-150-550 at least a day before! Walk-ins are available; just leave your name at the reservation counter in the Beer Museum, although the wait time sometimes goes up to 2 hours.

Cost: ¥5,280 for the all-inclusive buffet Opening hours: 11:30AM – 9PM (Last order at 8:30PM) How to get there: 15min walk from Higashikuyakusho-Mae Station ( Google Maps )

Read also: The Ultimate Sapporo City Guide: 18 Things To Do-See-Eat In The Gateway To Hokkaido

Day 3: Hakodate via Lake Toya/Noribetsu

Accommodation: Hakodate Kokkusai Hotel — located conveniently between the Hakodate Asaichi (Morning Market) and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

Car pick-up:  We left at sunrise on Day 3 so we picked up the car the day before. If you plan to leave later, the car rental shop opens at 8AM and can be collected just a short 6-minute walk from the JR Sapporo station.

*Pro-tip:  For getting around with the in-car GPS, just key in the Map Code or phone number (found on Google Maps).

Jigokudani Hell Valley

Not to be confused with the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano, this Hell Valley located in Noboribetsu is a 1.5 to 2.5-hour drive from Sapporo. From here, there are various easy well-paved walking trails ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. Parking here is ¥500.

Map code:  603 288 368*85

Alternatively, you can stop at the Oyunuma Brook Natural Footbath carpark. Get your feet soaked before taking on the 1.2km walking path to Jigokudani. This parking lot is free and can be identified with two tall blue statues called the Welcome Demons . From this spot, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the natural hot spring river.

Entrance fee:  Free Map code:  603 287 856*36 (Oyunuma Footbath Parking)

A 40-minute/70-minute drive (with toll/without toll) from Noboribetsu is a famous caldera, Lake Toya . The best view of the caldera is from the top of Mount Usu via the Usuzan Ropeway (~S$15) which leaves every 15 minutes.

Though, it’s really only worth the trip if the weather is sunny. If it’s cloudy, give it a miss.

There are various walking trails like the Kompirayama and Nishiyama Crater Walking Trail . You’ll be able to see some abandoned buildings damaged by the last eruption in 2000. Start from the visitor centre to grab some maps and be pointed to the start of the trail. Entrance to these trails are free.

Usuzan Ropeway Cost: From ~S$15/pax via Klook , ¥500 for parking Map code:  321 433 350*55

Lunch at Toya Marche

Toya Marche’s food isn’t life changing but the set meals are very reasonably priced compared to many of the overpriced eateries along the lake. Their specialty is in their beef dishes like Wagyu Miso Soup (¥650 comes with rice and salad) and the Toya Beef Gyudon ¥810, all turned out beyond satisfactory.

Cost: From ¥650 Opening hours: 9AM – 6:30PM Map code:  321 518 499*03

Drive from Lake Toya to Hakodate

With toll: 2.5 hours Without toll: 3 hours

Goryokaku Park

Photo credit: Prince Hotels

The star-shaped fort surrounding the park is often the icon that comes to mind when you think of Hakodate. But because of the huge area, the shape can only be seen from the top of the 107m Goryokaku Tower observatory .

That said, don’t forget to check out the park itself! It’s a popular spot during the Hanami period and you can spot locals arriving for a jog as early as 5AM.

Entrance fee:  Free for the park; ~S$9/pax for the tower via Klook Opening hours:  5AM – 7PM for the park; 8AM – 7PM for the observatory (opens 1hr later and closes 1hr earlier from Apr – Oct) Map code:  86 165 294*14 (nearest carpark)

Dinner at Unagidokoro Takahashi (うなぎ処 高はし)

Located just a street from the Goryokaku Park is a gem for Unagi lovers who don’t want to spend a bomb. There’s no English menu here but the staff are incredibly patient although we still couldn’t figure out the difference amongst the few that had pictures.

Regardless, the meal was delicious and well worth the price! Unagi sets range from ¥2,060 for the regular, ¥2,780 for the medium and ¥3,900 for the large, which can be shared amongst two. If you’re here over lunch, grab hold of their limited lunch sets that go at just ¥1,230.

Cost: From ¥2,060 for dinner Opening hours:  11:30AM – 1:45PM; 5PM – 8PM (closed on Tue) Map code:  86 165 624*63

Daimon Yokocho

Lined with more than 20 over small eateries and bars, Daimon Yokocho is a great alternative for dinner, snacks, and drinks. Each eatery only fits an average of 5-15 pax but you can find a variety of food including Genghis Khan, Chirashidon, seafood and even Squid ink gyozas (¥450/5pc) which were really good!

Opening hours: 5PM – 12AM Map code:  86 073 393*17 (Nearest carpark)

Check-in at Hakodate Kokusai Hotel

Conveniently within walking distance to both the Hakodate Asaichi morning market and the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse , our accommodation for the night in Hakodate was at the  Hakodate Kokusai Hotel  — which was selected as one of the Top 100 hotels in Japan.

Our favourite part though was the breakfast spread up on the SkyLounge! The spread offers a wide variety of Japanese, Western and even French cuisines all of which are incredibly fresh and delicious! Arguably one of our favourite meals in Hokkaido!

Cost: From ~S$109/night Map code:  86 042 874*36

Day 4: Hakodate to Otaru

Accommodation in Otaru: Hotel Sonia Otaru  — Located one street away from the famous Otaru Canal . Some rooms even offer scenic views of the canal.

Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market

If you didn’t get breakfast from Hakodate Kokusai Hotel (you really should), the Hakodate Asaichi Morning Market opens as early as 5AM. Grab a fresh bowl of Kaisendon (~¥2,000) or check out the indoor market for popular snacks like crab crackers, dried scallop and packed Ikura you can bring home.

Look out for seasonal fruits like the Yubari melon and light pink strawberries (which are supposed to be much sweeter but also way more expensive than the red ones).

Opening hours:  6AM – 2PM Map code:  86 072 374*58

Sightsee around Hakodate

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.

Former British Consulate of Hakodate.

Hakodate is insanely scenic! After making a quick shopping stop at the Kanemori Redbrick Warehouse  ( Map code:  86 040 324*11) , drive over to Motomachi Park ( Map code:  86 040 561*44) , take a walk around the Renaissance style Western buildings or drive through the Hachiman Zaka Slope  ( Map code:  86 040 324*11)  — all great for photos.

Drive From Hakodate to Otaru

With tolls: 4 hours Without tolls:  4 hours 40 minutes

Pit stop for Whiskey Lovers:  30 minutes before reaching Otaru is the town of Yoichi where you will find  Nikka Whiskey Distillery . There are tours around the distillery every 30 minutes but only in Japanese.

If you don’t understand Japanese, you can walk through the eight different sections of exhibits on your own and end off with a free set of three whiskeys to taste.

Map code:  164 635 844*63

Check-in at Hotel Sonia Otaru

There are only three to four accommodation options right across the famous Otaru Canal offering an unobstructed view of the scenic canal — Hotel Sonia Otaru is one of them.

The rooms are modern, newly renovated and spacious! Other than being just a street away from the Otaru Canal, the hotel is also conveniently located a 10-minute walk to the Sankaku Fish Market (小樽三角市場) and 10 minutes from the famous dessert street where you can find famous stores like LeTao and Kitakaro.

Cost:  From ~S$113/night Map code:  493 690 528*60

Dinner at Yabuhan Soba (Otaru)

One of the best places for soba in Otaru, Yabuhan (籔半) prides themselves on quality soba grown in Hokkaido, Rankoshi (2 hours south of Otaru). The queues can be quite long, but there are English menus available along with the history of how their soba came about.

Each item on the menu comes with two options, the “Jimono-ko” type, a Hokkaido specialty and the “Namiko” which is mixed with imported buckwheat flour. It depends on your taste but the former has a bit more bite to it and the Namiko noodles tend to be softer.

Cost: ~¥850 – ¥1,550 Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5PM – 8PM, closed on Tues Map code:  164 719 268*25

Day 5: Otaru to Asahikawa via Furano and Biei

Breakfast at otaru fish market.

Kaisendon with ikura, hotate, salmon and tamago for ¥1,200.

Being a port town, no trip to Otaru is complete without having your fill of freshly caught seafood on rice ( kaisendon ). The best place for a fresh bowl is, of course, the morning markets. Rinyu Asaichi (鱗友朝市) opens the earliest at 4AM but there’s another one just across the Otaru Station called Sankaku Market (小樽三角市場) and only 10 minutes from Sonia Hotel where we’re at.

*Pro-tip:  If you find the kaisendon stores too crowded within the market, check out the shops right outside which are usually less crowded, slightly cheaper, and their fish are just as fresh!

Rinyu Morning Market Opening hours: 4AM – 2PM Map code: 493 720 672*10 Sankaku Market Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM Map code: 164 719 531*33

Drive from Otaru to Furano

With tolls:  2 hours 40 minutes Without tolls:  3 hours 15 minutes

Grab some cakes and cream puffs from LeTao and Kitakaro before hitting the road!

Stop for lunch in Furano

Squid Ink Cheese for Tasting.

The Furano Cheese Special Pizza .

Furano Cheese Factory is an almost mandatory stop for cheese and ice cream lovers. Not only do you get to taste a range of cheese including squid ink and wine-flavoured cheese, there’s also a pizza restaurant with pretty decent pizzas (from ¥1,200, feeds 2-3 pax) and more than decent ice cream!

Pumpkin, cheese and asparagus-flavoured ice cream

The ice cream here is made of seasonal fruits and vegetables, so depending on when you’re around, you might spot interesting flavours like asparagus or pumpkin (¥350). Definitely worth a try, but our favourite was the classic cheese-flavoured soft serve (¥400).

Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM Map code:  550 840 171*82

Farm Tomita

This impressive vast land located in Furano has various flowers blooming from mid-May through early October every year and is absolutely free to explore!

The most famous of all is their lavender fields which go into full bloom in July but were just as stunning when we saw them around May. The greenhouse also has lavenders that bloom all year round, even through winters! Don’t forget to stop by the cafe for lavender ice cream and lavender coffee.

Entrance fee: Free Map code:  349 276 804*00

Sightseeing in Biei

30 minutes from Furano will bring you to a small town in Biei — famous for the scenic landscapes that make all the long hours of driving in Hokkaido worth its run.

If you’re a Mac user, stop by the  Shirogane Blue Pond  to see your desktop wallpaper (Lion OSx) come to life. It may not be the same shade of blue depending on the amount of sunlight (and weather over the last three days) but still really pretty nonetheless.

Map code:  349 569 814*88

Just a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond is an easily accessible but scenic waterfall:  Shirahige Waterfall . You can park pretty close by and the viewpoint is from the top of a bridge.

Map code:  796 182 575*30

Dinner at Asahikawa Ramen Village

Ramen lovers, Asaihikawa Ramen Village is the place to be! Here you’ll find eight famous ramen stores in Asahikawa clustered together. We popped by one of the only stores that was left open and ended up in Ittetsu-an (いってつ庵) which comes with a fairly English-friendly menu ranging from ¥700 – ¥1,100.

Each ramen has the option of shoyu , shio or miso broth but we recommend getting shoyu since it’s a specialty of Asahikawa! (Miso in Sapporo, Shio in Hakodate).

Cost: Ramen from ¥700 Opening Hours: 11AM – 8PM Map code:  79 410 454*44

Check in at Art Hotel Asahikawa

Comfort Twin Room.

Located just 12 minutes from the Asahikawa station and a 5-minute walk from Tokiwa Park, we loved  Art Hotel Asahikawa  for its cosy, Scandinavian design. If it’s available, try booking one of their six Japanese-style tatami rooms that fit up to four people. The hotel also has its own onsen and spa in the basement (at additional cost).

Cost: From ~S$68/night Map code:  79 373 382*55

Day 6: Drive towards Monbetsu

Accommodation:  Monbetsu Prince Hotel — includes free access to their public Onsen in the basement of the building.

Hokkaido Ice Pavilion

Wet towels freeze into a solid net at -20°C.

Located in the town of Kamikawa (1 hour from Asahikawa) is one of the coldest places in Hokkaido; regardless of season! The Hokkaido Ice Pavillion tries to recreate a -41°C experience which is apparently Japan’s lowest record ever.

Jackets are provided, although it’s not very warm so do come prepared with sufficient clothing if you’re not very resistant to the cold!

Entrance fee:  ¥1,080 Opening hours:  9AM – 5PM Map code:  623 630 207*11

Drive to Monbetsu

The drive is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes since there are no toll roads between these two places. We didn’t spot any interesting food stops, so we grabbed some from the convenience stores to eat on the go.

Hill of Pink Flowers at the Takinoue Park

Around mid May to end of June, this 100,000 square metres of vivid pink flowers on the hill of Takinoue Park is unmissable. Located between Asahikawa and Monbetsu, this is definitely worth a pit stop!

Entrance fee: ¥500 Map code:  570 699 407*11

Seal watching at the Okhotsk Tokkari Centre

More than just a zoo-like enclosure, the Okhotsk Tokkari centre serves as a conservation centre for treating earless seals (Tokkari in the Ainu language). Five times daily, there’s an interactive feeding show where you get to see them perform simple tricks and a photo opportunity with these playful furry seals.

In the winter months from January to March, there are ice breaker cruises that leave 7 times a day from sunrise to sunset. These ships are designed to drill through the ice caps.

Entrance fee:  ¥200 (enter by dropping ¥100 coins into the unmanned gantry. There’s also a machine that changes ¥1,000 notes into coins) Opening hours:  10AM – 4PM Daily shows:  10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3PM Map code:  801 585 698*85

Dinner at Marutomi

For dinner, there are lots of small eateries around the Minatocho area, but we picked  Marutomi because it looked cosy and the menu was affordable. The food turned out better than expected!

Cost: Dinner sets from ¥950 – ¥1,600 Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2PM, 5PM – 9:30PM Map code:  401 358 844*41

Day 7: Drive to Lake Kussharo

Accommodation near Lake Kussharo: Yado Hanafurari   — a cosy lodge with Japanese-style tatami rooms and four adorable labrador retrievers!

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park

Home to an extensive field of over 200 varieties of tulips, the Kamiyubetsu Park is only open from 1 May to early June. It’s pretty from just about any angle if you’re lucky to catch it in full bloom! To find out if the tulips have bloomed, check the official website for the live image replaced every day.

Entrance fee: ¥500 Opening hours:  8AM – 6PM

Lake Hop Around Kussharo and Mashu

Accommodation near Lake Shikaribetsu:  Primal Stage — basic cabin that fits up to 6 people

Lake Kussharo: Japan’s largest caldera, the best lookout point is at the  Bihoro Observatory Pass  ( Map code:  638 225 129*58 ). If you only have time for one lake lookout, this is it. There’s a flight of stairs that leads up to lookout points at two heights — the top is worth the climb!

On the other side, another interesting stop is Sunayu Beach ( Map code:   638 148 651*00).  Dip your feet for free in the natural hot spring foot bath or walk down to the lake and dig your own. Dig far enough into the sand and you’ll create your very own onsen .

Between Sunayu and Lake Mashu, take a quick stop at  Mount Iō ( Map code:  731 683 812*41)  to check out the steaming sulphurous valley. It does feel like a toned-down version of Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani but the melon ice cream here might still be worth the pitstop!

Lake Mashu:  There are three lookout points around this lake. We only made it to the  first observatory  ( Map code:   613 781 339*63) but it  can get quite crowded since tour buses tend to stop here. For lesser crowds, check out the third observatory instead ( Map code:  613 870 628*52).

Note that there’s a ¥500 parking for both the Lake Mashu observatory and Mount Iō but you only need to pay once as the ticket covers both spots.

Day 8: Lake Kussharo to New Chitose Airport

With toll: 4.5 hours Without toll: 6 hours

This day depends on the time of your flight. If you have an early morning flight, you might want to drive back to Sapporo for a night. If evening, here’s what you can check out along the way.

Lake Shikaribetsu

At 800m above sea level, Lake Shikaribetsu is the highest lake in Japan. From December to April, the lake is usually frozen over. But from January to March, you’ll find an igloo village which melts, and then gets rebuilt from scratch every year.

The water was really hot and took a while to get used to .

In summertime, this lake is also a worthy pit stop for its scenic views. Pack some lunch to have a picnic, or dip your feet into the free foot bath nearby before catching your flight home!

From Lake Shikaribetsu, it’s a 2.5-hour drive to the airport so make sure you keep track of time!

Accommodation in Hokkaido

Accommodation can easily take up a huge chunk of the budget when travelling. Although we spent most of our time outside our accommodation, it’s always nice to return to a clean cosy abode.

What we liked about the MYSTAYS Hotel Chain was that the chains are affordable yet don’t scrimp on quality and comfort. They were often in really convenient locations too. From being just a street from the scenic Otaru Canal, to being a 5-minute walk from the train station, many of our picks with MYSTAYS ended up ticking all our boxes for a good valued accommodation option.

Ready to plan your Hokkaido road trip this spring? Check flight prices now:

Anything that we missed in this Hokkaido itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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42 comments.

Hello, great article. Can I check when were the exact dates you went to Hokkaido? I am planning a family trip to Hokkaido in late Apr – early May next year. Not sure if I will be able to see tulips then? Thanks!

Hi JT! We were there in May!

Hello, Which part of May is that? I see that you actually see both the pink moss and the sakura! Will you mind sharing as I am planning a May trip this year! 🙂

Hello! This was around end April to mid May but the forecast changes slightly every year so be sure to check before your book your flights!

Hello! For the car rental with Klook, did you settle the Hokkaido Expressway Pass, ETC Card Rental and the Collision Damage at the rental company itself? Can’t seem to find an option on those on the booking site. Thank you so much! (:

Yup we got those on the spot with the car rental company. 🙂

Thank you for the reply! Did you get charged extra for collecting the car the night before? We intend to leave during sunrise after reading through you comprehensive itinerary (: ! Thanks for the help!

Hi Darren, the car hire is based on your duration of use so yes we were charged the night before.

Ok! Thanks for the info

GREETINGS FROM SUVENSA TRAVEL & TOURS

We are pleased to inform that we are a registered travel agent in Malaysia would like to request for honeymoon package . Date suggested: 2/12/2019 -9/12/2019 No. of days: 8 days 7 nights No. of pax :2

Hi Santi, we do not organise honeymoon packages but we believe our itinerary is a good guide for travellers to follow along! 🙂

Hi Cherie, great writeup! Was actually feeling lost in my preparation before I stumbled on your article. Can I ask a couple of questions if you do not mind. 1. Car rental – the klook car rental link seems broken, can you direct me? 2. Car pick up is near where you stay? Thanks to advice, as this is my first trip to hokkaido, as well as car renting overseas 🙁

Hey Brian, thanks for the heads up on the broken link. We’ve updated the link ( http://bit.ly/2Z8EwVE ) — it’s even cheaper than what we paid previously but pick-up is now only available at Chitose Airport.

Hi, regarding the Mystay hotel, there is a price difference if I input 4 adults vs 2 adults for the deluxe family room. May I know what’s the difference between the price? Are we booking the room or the bed in this case?

Hi Cass, unfortunately we’re not too sure about this as it may be the policy of the hotel. Are you able to contact them directly?

Hi! Regarding the HEP & the ETC card, do you book online alongside with the car rental or you purchase it from the car rental store physically?

Hey Rey, we purchased ours at the rental store! Unless there’s an online promo for getting it online in advance (let me know if you’ve found one!), it’s more convenient to just get it at the store. They’ll explain to you the options and how to use it on the road.

Hi! Was it easy to rent a car and is parking easy? Is there something like parking coupons if we park nearby the tourist attraction spots?

Parking is pretty easy in Hokkaido so we didn’t have any problems. Often we do not have to pay near tourist attractions or restaurants. In town, there are parking lots with a centralised meter. You can rent a car at the place we shared in the article!

Hi there, I am now in Hokkaido following this itinerary. Some real helpful tips especially the ETC card for tolls. I got my car rental from times rental, a local car rental company. Initially the lady who speaks no English told my Husband tt no need for card just pay cash. I insisted n showed them a screenshot of the HEP card for 6 days at ¥7200 n the older colleague immediately understood what we wanted. Only for tourists. The tolls r EXPENSIVE if u dun have this card n in the first day from Sapporo to Hakodate, I think we paid like ¥6000 in tolls so we’ll worth it cos it’s unlimited for 6 days at ¥7200. They have diff prices for diff duration. Parking in all mystays are chargeable between ¥800 to ¥1200 in Hakodate, Ohtaru n Asahikawa. Public car park charges around ¥200 to 500 for 60 mins or 3 hrs. However it looks to be free at some places like the Asahikawa Ramen Village. Prince hotel car Parks r free but on a first come first serve basis.

Yes please get the ETC like what Mims said! You won’t regret it. And yup in attractions outside of town, parking is usually free.

Hi, Have anyone of you check around for “one way” car rental, e.g. pick up the car at Chitose and return at Sapporo? This would save one way of public transport between Sapporo and Chitose. Tried Times Car Rental but they don’t seems to have such service. KK

Hi KK, unfortunately we are unaware of this as well!

Managed to book a “one way” rental directly with Toyota Rent-a-Car. Pick up the car near Chitose Airport and drop off near Sapporo Station. No extra charge as long as within Hokkaido (same prefecture).

Thank you The Travel Intern for your sharing, it is very helpful.

Hi, thank you for the great post! Did you guys stay at Noboribetsu? I am looking for recommendation for Noboribetsu hotel and thinking if its worth staying at that area for 1 night as the hotel in that area are pretty costly. Await for ypur reply. Thank you!

Hi Fran, on this trip we didn’t stay overnight but on a separate trip with my family, we booked a night in a spacious Airbnb in the town of Date. It’s much cheaper than the hotels in Noboribetsu and only 30 minutes away from both Lake Toya and Noboribetsu.

Hi I am so tempted to arrange a trip to Hokkaido after viewing your blog. My only concern is the airfare. Which airline did you travel on? I am not a budget airline person.

We took Scoot because it was the only airline that flew direct from Singapore. Alternatively, SQ has a direct (but not non-stop) flight that’s codeshared with ANA for a stopover in Narita before going to Chitose.

Hello! Read your post several times over to help me arrange our own trip in May 2020. We only have 7 days with the 1st and last day spent traveling. These are the places we want to explore: Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Biei, Monbetsu, Lake Toya or Lake Kussharo whichever is better, and Hell Valley or any sulphorous valley whichever is more convenient with our itinerary. We want to stay in as less number of hotels as possible. How do you suggest we plan the sequence of these trip and where shall we stay? Hoping for your response. Thank you!

yay! makes me so happy when people find this post useful 🙂 If you’re skipping Hakodate, there’s actually enough time to do everything else. But if you want to chill more at each place, here’s my 2 cents: – Between Lake Toya and Kussharo, I loved Kussharo a ton more! Lake Kussharo is seriously underrated. But it’s also REALLY far away from everything else and if you want to visit a sulphurous valley, Jigokudani is in Noboribetsu which is 30mins from Lake Toya. If you prefer a shorter drive, pick Lake Toya. In terms of accommodation, Lake Toya and Otaru can be visited on day trips from Sapporo, Furana and Biei are quite near so you can stay at either or Asahikawa (since it’s on the way to Monbetsu). Monbetsu is a little far away so you’ll want to book a night there. In total, 3 accommodations: Sapporo, Asahikawa and Monbetsu.

Thanks for your reply! We want to go back to Sapporo the night before we leave (day 6). On day 5, we plan to stay at Asahikawa for the night after touring Furano and Biei. From Asahikawa to Monbetsu, we plan to visit Takinoue Park, Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, and Daisesutzan Park (or skip this if time does not permit) then be back by 6-7 pm to Sapporo and return the car to the rental place. Is this possible? So, in summary: Day 5 Furano/Biei tour – Asahikawa overnight stay. Day 6: Asahikawa – Takinoue Park, – Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, and Daisesutzan Park (optional) – Sapporo.

Hi saw your post and amaze by how budget it can be. I always think that it cost at least 5k per person to go to hokkaido. are the road safe to drive as my son can only drive the others cant. and how easily access for car rental to be picked up.

Yes! It’s really possible 🙂 We were there in Spring so the roads were clear and easy to drive on with many pit stops for drivers to rest. The only long drive is between Sapporo/Lake Toyo to Hakodate so be sure to plan in more breaks! The car rental pick up process is quite straight forward too. Just remember to get sufficient insurance and the Highway Express Pass.

Are there lots of mountain roads during your trip? For the drive from Sapporo to Hakodate via Lake Toya/Noribetsu and from Hakodate to Otaru? I’m the only one driving in my group so I’m worried that it is not easy or safe to drive, especially if there are lots of mountainous roads.

Nope, both routes have clearly paved highways so it’s an easy drive on relatively straight roads. There’s also lots of rest stops and convenience stores in between so if you’re the only driver, just remember to stop by one so you don’t tire out — especially during the Sapporo to Hakodate drive which will take around 4 hours

Hi Cherie, very wonderful blog with so much details. As I do not drive, could you advise which cities my family of 4 could visit using public transport such as train, bus or private car hire? We intend to spend 10 days there.

Thanks Harry! Definitely visit Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru and Furano! These are easy to get to by train!

I like your blog write-up. I will arrange one self drive trip in July 2023. Your info is very comprehensive and informative with map codes as well. Thanks a lot !

Hi, I like the write up and it is serving as the basis for my coming trip. I would like to know for accommodations, is it better to pre-book or were the occasions along the way where you guys had to book rooms on the go.

Hi Dave, we pre-booked everything before our trip! Generally the Japanese don’t like surprises! however if you need something last minute, I’m sure you can find something on one of the many OTAs too

Hello, Thank you very much for sharing your detailed itinerary with us. We are planning for our self-drive family holiday in early June for a full 11 days (excluding flight times). Where do you suggest for us to spend the additional 3 days? We prefer not to drive for more than 5 hours per day. Looking forward to receiving your advice with thanks. Best regards, Ethan

Hi Ethan! That really depends on what you would like to do! Our itinerary is quite packed so it’s possible to space it out. Alternatively you can consider some other ideas in the links here! https://thetravelintern.com/destinations/asia/japan-asia/hokkaido/

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How to Plan Your Perfect Hokkaido Itinerary In 2024

• Last Updated: January 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Getting Around Hokkaido

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our 12 Day Hokkaido Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you had a great trip. 🙂

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Hokkaidō road trip: exploring Japan's wild north

Jan 5, 2016 • 7 min read

With its wide-open spaces, national parks, active volcanoes, forests of silvery beech, forlorn coastlines and remote fishing towns, Hokkaidō is ideal for road trips.

Japan is famous for its efficient rail system and doesn't exactly scream road trip. But when most people think of Japan, they usually don't think of Hokkaidō . In contrast to Japan's densely populated main island of Honshū, Hokkaidō is home to just 5% of Japan's population on 20% of its land. There are trains here too, of course, but the network is limited. Even Hokkaidō's cities, laid out in neat grids of wide streets, are easy to navigate by car.

Explore Japan’s northernmost island with your own wheels and you’ll have the freedom to detour to sapphire-blue caldera lakes, stop to dip in seaside hot springs, and pull over wherever fresh seafood beckons. Another bonus: accommodation and food are both cheaper on unfussy Hokkaidō than on Honshū. Get your road trip started with our suggested itinerary.

Hakodate to Sapporo

Hakodate is Hokkaidō's southernmost port, where car ferries from Honshū disembark – and where you're now able to arrive via shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo and other points south through the Seikan Tunnel – making it a great road-trip starting point. Hakodate's two big attractions are its morning market and the night view from the top of Hakodate-yama . The market is a showcase for the rich bounty of Hokkaidō's seas, which you can sample in the form of kaisen-don , a dish of raw seafood on rice, at Kikuyo Shokudō ( hakodate-kikuyo.com ).

From Hakodate there are a couple of onsen (hot spring) options: the steaming hell pits of Hokkaidō's most famous onsen, Noboribetsu , or the casual seaside pools at Mizunashi Kaihin Onsen (or both). The latter is on the Kameda Peninsula east of Hakodate, and is regulated by the tides. Noboribetsu is north of the city, along the coastal highway heading towards Sapporo. You know you're getting close when you can smell the sulphur. Indeed you can follow your nose to a number of onsen in Hokkaidō.

Continue on to  Sapporo , the capital of Hokkaidō and the only place on the island that feels urban. The city is short on major sights but big on food and drink: it's the home of Sapporo beer and miso ramen. Outside the city, you can tour the Hokkaidō Brewery . You'll also be grateful for your wheels when you head out to Menya Saimi (5-3-12, 10-jō Misono, Toyohira-ku; 011-820-6511), arguably Sapporo's best ramen shop, located in an otherwise nondescript residential neighbourhood.

Both Hakodate and Sapporo have scores of good-value business hotels with double rooms for around ¥6000 (US$50). Noboribetsu is an onsen town with many places to stay, including sprawling Dai-ichi Takimoto-kan .

Sapporo to Daisetsuzan National Park & Akan National Park

You can think of Hokkaidō as having three distinct routes: the northern coast, the southern coast and the dead centre. The central route towards Akan National Park is far and away the most interesting, passing Daisetsuzan National Park. This is Hokkaidō's largest park, with several volcanic mountain ranges, alpine meadows and a good deal of wildlife. You can base yourself for a couple of days at one of the three onsen towns, Asahidake, Sōunkyō and Tokachi-dake , and hit the trails. Count yourself lucky if you can secure one of the six rooms at Lodge Nutapukaushipe , an eccentric log house with wood-burning stoves. En route to Daisetsuzan, it's worth taking a detour to Biei, where a network of country lanes winds through fields of wildflowers.

The other attractive option from Sapporo – especially for those with a fondness for stretches of desolate coastline – is to take the long northern route up to Wakkanai, a very windy former trading post from where ferries depart to remote Rebun-tō and Rishiri-tō. From Wakkanai, you can continue down Rte 238 along the Sea of Okhotsk. (You could also do this stretch on the way to Akan and visit Daisetsuzan on the way back to Sapporo.)

Whichever path you take, you'll want to see Akan National Park, home to several brilliantly blue caldera lakes. From the Bihoro Pass there's a spectacular view of Kussharo-ko , Japan's largest caldera lake, and its central island Naka-jima. There's also a somewhat touristy Ainu Village on the shores of Akan-ko and a fantastic lodge near Kussharo-ko, Marukibune , serving traditional Ainu dishes.

Akan to Rausu & Nemuro

From Akan National Park head north until you reach Rte 334 on the coast, then turn east towards the Shiretoko Peninsula. At the end of the road is the waterfall, Kamuiwakka-yu-no-taki . You can take a dip (in a swimsuit) in the fall's lower pool; the water is warm as the river above is fed from a hot spring. Beyond is Shiretoko National Park – true wilderness, as no cars are allowed in. If you want to pause your road trip, consider tackling the Shiretoko Traverse , a two-day hike that spans the park. Otherwise you can enjoy the scenery while driving through the Shiretoko Pass , which goes by mountain Rausu-dake and beech forests. On the other side of the peninsula, on the Nemuro Strait, Rte 87 runs up the coast nearly to the tip. Here there are a couple of teeny-tiny onsen, such as Seseki Onsen . In the evening, the harbours on the east coast are illuminated by the lights of squid boats night fishing.

Nemuro is the other little finger stretching out on Hokkaidō's east coast. At the tip, Nosappu-misaki marks the easternmost part of Japan – those islands you can see on the horizon are Russia. There's not much else to see here, but there is a good place to eat: Suzuki Shokudō (32 Nosappu, Nemuro; 0153-28-3198) draws visitors from afar for its sanma-don (raw Pacific saury on rice) and its signature way of doing miso soup with a whole crab in it. The diner also runs a small raid ā hausu (rider house), dirt-cheap dorm-style accommodation for motorcyclists and cyclists, of which Hokkaidō has many.

From Nemuro you can take Rte 44 down to Kushiro to visit the Japanese Crane Reserve . Kushiro also has an airport with flights back to Tokyo. Or continue down to Tomakomai, where you can catch the car ferry ( sunflower.co.jp ) that runs all the way to Oarai in Ibaraki (two hours north of Tokyo) in 17.5 hours. There is a public bath and a movie theatre on board!

Road-trip tips

• The best time of year to drive around Hokkaidō is mid-May through mid-October. Any later and snow threatens to cover mountain passes and ice can be a problem. Note that Daisetsuzan is the first place in Japan to see snow, usually in September. You might also want to give crowded July and August a miss.
• For a route heading from Hakodate to Kushiro, budget at least a week to allow for sightseeing, soaking and hiking time. In 10 days you could also go up to Wakkanai and visit the islands Rebun-tō and Rishiri-tō. But to get the most out of your time, take the one-way trip through the central Hokkaidō, return the car at the other end and fly out.
• Nippon Rent-a-Car Hokkaidō ( nrh.co.jp ) has offices at all airports in Hokkaidō and major train stations, such as Hakodate, Sapporo and Abashiri. It is possible to pick up and drop off the car at different locations. Some cars are equipped with English GPS systems.
• Navigating in Japan is easier than you might think: rental cars come standard with GPS devices that allow you to program the phone number of your destination (much easier than imputing complicated Japanese addresses).
• Hokkaidō's roads are well paved and well signposted in English. What you won't see noted in English is road closures, so if you're travelling around the shoulder periods (April, May, October and November), it's a good idea to run your route by someone before heading out. You'll also need to keep an eye on the speedometer (as the limits can be irrationally low) and look out for wildlife, such as deer.
• Most towns will have a petrol station and a convenience store, though it is wise to not let yourself get under half a tank. Many petrol stations close around 7pm or 8pm.
• Hokkaidō has dozens of campgrounds – you can search the full list at the official tourism website ( en.visit-hokkaido2.jp ). Those on two wheels can also take advantage of the region's network of rider houses, listed at Hatinosu ( hatinosu.net , in Japanese); these can fill up fast in the summer so it's smart to ring ahead.
• For more information on driving in Hokkaidō, see the tourism bureau's downloadable handbook ( hkd.mlit.go.jp ), in English.

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A Spring Road Trip in Hokkaido

We went on a mission finding beautiful spring spots on a day trip from Sapporo, finding as many noteworthy local sakura and sightseeing spots .    Sakura are very precious and delicate things, often only lasting about 2 weeks and then they’re gone.   In this case, timing your trip for the sake of viewing the sakura can be a tough one, as the forecast can vary.   But when the timing is right it really pays off.

With that said, even with the right dates you’d still want to get around and see as many sakura and beautiful sights as you could – right?   Well, we found out that t here are a lot of great spots for seeing sakura in Hokkaido that you can find all over the internet, but these are now super popular and therefore almost always packed full of people.  So we’ve gone and created a more local trip plan for you.

We did a day trip from Sapporo around central Hokkaido seeing some of the most beautiful local sakura and sightseeing spots that were just as beautiful (if not more) as the big popular parks , but completely empty !  

The drives are through it all – beautiful coastal, rural, city and farm drives (my favs were the vineyards in Yoichi) with mountainous views in the backdrop.  A spring road trip that will really make for a day to remember 🙂

1. Hokkaido Uni / Kita-ku park

Begin your day at Hokkaido University or a small park near here.   The uni sakura are generally vey spread out, but if you walk down the main road in the middle of it you’ll come across a few clusters of beautiful trees.   If you’d like to be fully immersed in sakura trees, or if you’re traveling with kids and want a space for the kids to play under the sakura trees then check the small local park near the uni out instead.

2. Hachiman Shrine, Yoichi

This shrine is a beautiful little reward for you as soon as you get off the highway .  Right on the main road, the red tori gate will pop out amongst the grey road and rural homes.  The shrine has a beautiful row of sakura trees that make this stop one of my favorite sakura spots of the entire road trip.

3. Cape Kamui, Shakotan 

For an activity that isn’t sakura related, but a wonderful sightseeing spot in Hokkaido, I highly suggest visiting Cape Kamui .   It’s a beautiful cape – green and gold in the spring – and has a great display of some of the clear water that can be found here in Hokkaido.   It’s a very popular spot over summer so making it here during spring before those large crowds come in is a great idea.

4. Tomari/Iwanai

This is another very small shrine area with a marked entrance of a few red tori gates to welcome you.   Once you enter you’ll see some beautiful large sakura and other beautiful trees to invite you all the way to the shrine itself.  This one can be found on your way to Iwanai from Cape Kamui – keep your eyes peeled!

4. Horikappu River, Kyowa 

A gravel road about 500m long, lined on one side with large and high sakura trees .   Close to the main highway roads going from Iwanai to Niseko, it feels like it’s in the middle of nowhere , but that only adds to the beauty of it .

Such a great photo spot 🙂

5. Mishima Shiba Sakura Garden, Kutchan

The small flowers here don’t actually match up with the cherry blossoms in the area, so although this area will be open over spring, the flowers won’t yet be blossoming.   This still makes for a gorgeous viewing spot of Mt. Yotei though, so worth the stop!

If you’d prefer to see these blooming instead then check in here Late May/early June instead (or as well 😉 )

6. Local Hirafu Park

This park is relatively new so the trees are still on the smaller side however, it gives an incredible view of Mt. Yotei !   On a windless day the still pond makes for some beautiful reflective photos of Yotei-san.

7. Local Park near Niseko

This is an awesome one to see in person and just a great way to finish the day .   Rows of beautiful large sakura trees are perfectly arranged on this park , making it feel like you’re really inside a pink dreamland .   A small creek sits below the park as well, adding to that fairytale vibe.

We hope that you enjoy this road trip and get to see these spots in great weather conditions, and with the sakura at their peak.  The sakura forecast obviously changes every year, but to get a gauge on sakura timings we had in 2020, ALL of the images in this article were taken May 2nd or May 8th.  I’d say that we were actually maybe a few days passed the peak of their bloom cycle, but it was still beautiful nonetheless!

If you’d like help hiring a vehicle to do this trip then we can help you out, or if you’d like a guide to take all the difficult parts out of the trip then get in touch with us 🙂

Let us know any other things that you came across on this road trip in the comments!

All photo cred to: @tttproductionss

HOKKAIDO TRAVEL INSPO?

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Read on to learn some more useful info about Japan’s northernmost island!

• Jun 18, 2023

Planning the Perfect Hokkaido Self-Drive Road Trip: Exploring Scenic Wonders on Wheels

Updated: Oct 14, 2023

Embarking on a road trip through Hokkaido is like stepping into a dream . With its stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and cultural gems , this northernmost island of Japan offers an unforgettable adventure for those who seek to explore its scenic wonders on wheels.

Wondering if you should be driving in Hokkaido or starting to plan your next road trip adventure? Then you absolutely have to read on. Buckle up and get ready for the ultimate Hokkaido road trip that will take you on a journey through breathtaking beauty and unforgettable experiences!

The first step to a successful road trip starts way before the trip itself, you'll need to reserve your rental cars , ensure that you have the correct driving permits , and then decide on the route , alongside where to base and sleep for the night . And we've got you all covered!

How is driving in Hokkaido, Japan like?

Driving in a foreign country can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, it's important to be well-prepared to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Like driving in Okinawa , Singaporean drivers will find it fuss-free as in Japan, they drive on the same side of the road as us. There won't be that much traffic as compared to the roads in Singapore except when in the bigger cities.

The speed limit is also modest, with single-lane expressways meaning that you don't have to worry so much about rowdy drivers trying to overtake you. The only caution I would give is to ensure that you have some winter driving experience or just go slow because the roads may be slippery and your tires may easily lose grip during the popular ski season.

How to book a rental car in Hokkaido, Japan?

First, think about where you'll like to start and end your trip . Most travellers to Hokkaido typically start in Sapporo , or more specifically Chitose Airport (as that's where most international flights land) or those doing a big Japan trip coming up from mainland Osaka and Tokyo , you'll likely start in Hakodate !

You can search for different Sapporo car rental companies on Klook depending on your travel dates. Some prefer global car rental companies but we chose toyota-rent-a-car as it is cheaper and because they have numerous pick-up and drop-off points around Hokkaido .

That's important if you are not looking to return back to the same place. For example, you might flight into Chitose, pick up the car there or in Sapporo, but head to Tokyo via Shinkansen and will need to return the car at Hakodate.

Next, determine the size and type of car that suits your needs . Consider factors such as the number of passengers, luggage space requirements, and the terrain you'll be traversing. If you're traveling during winter, opt for a car equipped with snow tires to ensure safe driving in snowy conditions. (P:S: Hokkaido's winter can be quite challenging and the roads are snowy and slippery)

Once you've selected a rental car provider and chosen your vehicle, make a reservation in advance . Especially during peak travel seasons, if you do that much later, you might not be able to even get a booking. That happened to us when we wanted to extend our car rental. We weren't able to because all the cars were booked! When making a reservation for your rental car, provide necessary details such as your travel dates, pick-up and drop-off locations, and any additional services you may require, such as GPS navigation or child seats . Another thing to consider is the insurance coverage.

Finally, review the rental agreement carefully before confirming your booking . Pay attention to the terms and conditions, insurance coverage, fuel policy, and any potential additional fees or surcharges. Ensure you have a valid driver's license that is accepted in Japan and meets the requirements of the rental car company.

Should I get an ETC card or the Hokkaido expressway pass?

My advice after driving multiple times in Japan and trying out both options - I would say, purchase the expressway pass (only for foreigners) along with the ETC card .

What is the ETC card you may ask? Think of it as your regular "paywave" whereby you don't have to manually hand the money to the staff at the tollgates and can simply just drive through. You'll only have to pay for all the tolls at the end of your trip to your car rental company. This really saves a lot of time and trouble having to scramble through foreign currency and coins on an exciting road trip.

As for the Hokkaido expressway pass , it is a fixed price for unlimited use of the expressways on your self-drive road trip. Think of it as a JR rail pass , but for self-drive tours. Though most car rental companies will ask if you need an ETC card, they often don't mention this expressway pass! So this secret will really save you quite some money if you are using the expressways often when driving in Hokkaido!

What documents do I need to drive in Hokkaido?

This is really important! You'll need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip. This document, accompanied by your valid driver's license , serves as a recognized translation of your license and is often required by rental car companies and local authorities. Also, please ensure that you have the appropriate class of IDP for the vehicle you'll be driving.

Where should I stay on a self-drive trip in Hokkaido?

Hokkaido is blessed with a well-connected network of roads that lead to some of the most beautiful destinations. You can consider starting your adventure in Sapporo, the vibrant capital city, and then venture towards the outskirts, making stops at iconic places such as Otaru , Furano , Biei , Furano , and Hakodate . Each location offers its own unique charm, from the canal-lined streets of Otaru to the rolling flower fields of Furano and Biei.

We'll cover this in the next blog post with a sample itinerary!

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Hokkaido in Springtime

The last of the cherry blossoms

May marks Hokkaido’s transformation, from the long dark days of Winter to the beginning of Spring. It may be the last place touched by the wave of cherry blossoms, moving from south to north, but the people here look forward to celebrating it even more than those in Nara or Tokyo. This is truely, the best time to travel to Hokkaido, Japan's northern island.

Also known as Sakura, Cherry blossoms are symbols of new life, a new beginning. It is the Sakura that keeps people going during the long dark winters, and with the sunrise being at 7 am and sunset at 4 pm in December, you may never see sunlight if you are inside an office all day. On average Sapporo receives 191 inches of snow a year, which is nearly 5 meters of snow that the locals need to shovel out of their doorways.

A long time ago, the aristocrats in Nara celebrated Spring by admiring plum blossoms, which bloom earlier than cherry blossoms. Today in Hokkaido, you can taste, see and feel the coming of spring, from the plum wine festival in April, followed by a picnic under the cherry blossoms, or dancing with lilacs at a festival, followed by a refreshing bicycle ride to the backdrop Shiba Sakura.

Of course, springtime in Hokkaido is more than just flowers, with this 4-day itinerary from the rivers to the mountains, you can truly immerse in a season of new beginnings. On no other island in Japan can you see salmon and chipmunks face to face, making it a more nature-orientated holiday than Kyoto or Tokyo. Even the food is different here. While the folks in Honshu look forward to bamboo shoots in Springtime, in Hokkaido, May is the best time to enjoy vegetables like Asparagus, which like bamboo, is a perennial shoot.

Day 1 - Zen and the circle of life

Spring marks a new beginning, and in Hokkaido, there is no better way to remember this than a visit to a nursery for baby salmon. At the aptly named Salmon Hometown Aquarium , the whole family can learn about the brave journey of the baby salmon, making its way from Chitose to Vancouver Island. Only 1 percent survive to return to Chitose River and the joy that the Aquarium staff have in welcoming them back for their homecoming is like seeing an Astronaut who survived a trip to Mars and back. As part of their breeding program, I am given a 3-inch baby salmon in a glass container, and by releasing it on the Chitose River, I am sending it off on its journey around the Pacific.

At just a hop, skip and jump from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, the salmon release experience is only available in springtime, from March to May. School groups should book in advance, as the explanation is only partly in English.

Day 2 - The sweet delights of Umeshu

Japan Railways or JR takes 90 minutes to travel from Chitose on the Pacific Ocean to Otaru on the Sea of Japan, one of the first ports that were opened to international trade in the nineteenth century. From mid-April to mid-May, drink the sweet delights of the Japanese plum wine, at the Umeshu Festival . There are also some unique plum-inspired foods available at the event, including the likes of plum cheesecake, plum vinegar, and plum miso.

Day 3 - All things pink and purple

Sapporo is a city of outdoor activities, and whether you are Sapporo's Shinkawa River , viewing the Lilac Festival at Odori Park, or Kitahiroshima, you can cycle under avenues of cherry trees, which are in full blossom at the beginning of May. As this coincides with Golden Week , an option is to stay between the city and Chitose Airport, such as Emisia Hotel or Kitahiroshima Classe Hotel , and end your day there with a spa or a hot spring experience.

Day 4 - Chasing the Unkai

Like the cherry blossoms and other objects of beauty in Japan, the Unkai , or the sea of clouds can be elusive. Only a day earlier, the weather conditions had banished its appearance. Visitors may only have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this, and so we should appreciate every moment. It reminds me of the word “Sayonara”, which is more than just saying goodbye. The word Sayonara literally means “if this must be it, then so it must be.” It reflects the sentiment of longing, the pain of having to part ways. Whether it is the fleeting beauty of the passing cherry blossoms, or letting go of your children as they start their first day of school, life is full of moments of letting go, of accepting that what has passed cannot be recreated again, and yet giving thanks for the privilege of being part of someone's life. It is no wonder that the Japanese school year starts in April, and in taking these fleeting cherry blossoms, it is a way of letting nature teach us about the transient beauty of life.

In the days of old, people had to hike through the night or stay in the mountains to see the Unkai. Now we are only a gondola ride away from the summit. Stay overnight at Tomamu Resort , and at 4 am, take the first gondola to experience this mountain top majesty. The gondola operates from mid-May to mid-October.

Getting there

While trains are the best way to travel the short hops between Tomamu, Shin Sapporo, and Otaru, a hire car is recommended for further journeys to Shizunai to the southeast of the island or viewing the Shiba Sakura to the north, extending your vacation to a week.

With over 50 flights a day from Tokyo to Sapporo , it is no wonder this 90-minute flight is the world's busiest air route. Slower ways to reach Hokkaido include a car, train, or ferry.

Find out more about Sapporo Station .

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By Bonson Lam

Community writer

Information

Sapporo Station

Sapporo Station, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0806 ( Directions )

011-895-8811

sapporostation.com

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Hokkaido Summer Road Trip: A 7-Day Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Planning a summer road trip in Hokkaido? Here’s my ultimate itinerary for you!

In this itinerary, we'll take you on a 7-day road trip through some of Hokkaido's most breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and unique cultural experiences.

A road trip in Hokkaido is the perfect way to explore all of these wonderful attractions on the island.

Let’s dive in!

7-Day Hokkaido Road Trip

Day 1 - furano, day 2 - biei & asahikawa, day 3 - abashiri, day 4 - shiretoko, day 5 - akan, day 6 - obihiro, day 7- sapporo, useful resources.

✨Traveling to Eastern Hokkaido? Grab my Eastern Hokkaido Travel Planner

✨Stuck in your trip planning? Ask for my Local Expert Advice

✨Planning a winter trip? Check out my Winter Hokkaido Travel Planner

This post contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission to enjoy a cup of coffee on my trip☕

Hokkaido is a perfect summer road trip destination for those who love nature, outdoor activities, and delicious food.

This road trip itinerary features some of the best destinations in Hokkaido, including things to do and hotel recommendations. It is a “packed” itinerary for 7 days as Hokkaido is huge and has so many destinations we don’t want to miss. If you feel this itinerary is too busy, you can customize it by adding a few more days to some destinations and enjoy a more relaxing trip. It’s all up to you!

🚗Looking for a car rental?

Rentalcars.com compares prices of many well-known international & Japanese companies. If you want to rent from a company that is familiar with international travelers and offers comprehensive support services, take a look!

Klook covers big international names as well as Japanese local companies. Sometimes you will find cheaper prices from the local ones, so make sure to check it out.

Furano is a picturesque town that's known for its stunning natural scenery. Its lavender fields, which bloom in the summer, attract visitors from all over the world. But Furano is more than just lavender - it's also home to local wineries, a hot air balloon ride over flower fields, and beautiful forests .

Itinerary for Day 1

Rent a car at New Chitose Airport and hit the road for the 140-kilometer, 2.5-hour drive to Furano. Along the way, make a stop at Ice Cream Kacha for some tasty Hokkaido ice cream or enjoy a pizza lunch. You can also drop by Yubari Merode to grab some fresh and affordable Hokkaido melons in June and July.

Once you arrive in Furano, head straight to Tomita Farm , which is one of the town's most famous attractions. While the lavender fields are at their peak from mid-July to early August , you can enjoy a variety of colorful flowers at the farm from April to October!

For a relaxing evening stroll, head over to Ningle Terrace , a cozy log house village surrounded by a forest that's lit up with warm and cute lights. Here you can find locally-made crafts and accessories that make great souvenirs.

✨TRAVEL TIP

If you want a guided tour rather than self-driving, join Guided One-Day Tours from Sapporo . The popular destinations include Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more. You can visit many must-see places in one day while just relaxing in a car!

Where to stay

La Vista Furano Hills Natural Hot Spring ⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast Mountain view city hotel with hot spring

Shin Furano Prince Hotel ⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring, 👨‍👩‍👧For Family Prime location for Furano adventures

The Furano Natulux Hotel ⭐4 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design, 👩‍❤️‍👨For Couple Cozy hotel near JR Furano Station, perfect for a relaxing stay

Day 2 is all about a scenic drive from Furano to Asahikawa, with a stop in Biei along the way! Biei is renowned for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region, with vibrant flower fields that make it a photographer's paradise.

Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido and is famous for its food scene, with plenty of delicious local dishes to try.

Itinerary for Day 2

Head to Asahikawa, which is a 1.5-hour drive from Furano. Take your time and enjoy the scenic drive, as there are several beautiful roads with vast fields and forests along the way.

Make a stop at Shikisai no Oka in Biei, a stunning flower garden with colorful stripes over a hill. There are several farm restaurants in the area that make for a perfect lunch break.

After lunch, visit the famous Blue Pond , which is a 20-minute drive away from Shikisai no Oka. Its stunning blue color is the result of natural minerals in the water, making for a unique and memorable experience.

In Asahikawa, one of the main attractions is Asahiyama Zoo , which is known for its unique way of presenting how animals live in nature. Be sure to secure at least 2 hours to explore the zoo and see the animals up close. For dinner, head to a local restaurant to try Asahikawa shoyu ramen , a popular local specialty.

HOTEL AMANEK Asahikawa ⭐4 stars, ✨Modern Design, 🏢Excellent Location A newly-built modern hotel located 5 min walk from JR Asahikawa offering a public bath with a view

Dormy Inn Asahikawa ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Breakfast A city hotel located 10 min walk from JR Asahikawa, with a natural hot spring and great breakfast buffet

🚗Want to pick up a car at one location and drop it off at a different place? Then look for big names, such as Toyota Rental Car, Nissan Rental Car, Orix Rental Car, etc. They allow you to do that with an additional fee.

🛣️ Using tollway a lot? Look into Hokkaido Expressway Pass to enjoy unlimited highway access. The price starts at 3,700 yen for 2 days up to 11,500 yen for 14 days.

Milky Way Waterfall

Day 3 is a road trip from Asahikawa to Abashiri , so it's best to set off early in the morning as there are several must-see attractions along the way. You might even want to consider spending an extra night in Abashiri to explore the local museums and savor the fresh seafood.

Itinerary for Day 3

There are a few recommended stops on the way. Take the Sounkyo Ropeway to the top of Mount Kurodake, 1,300 meters above sea level, and enjoy breathtaking mountain views. In autumn, the valley is a beautiful display of autumn colors from September to October.

Just a five-minute drive from the ropeway station, Ginga no Taki (Milky Way Waterfall) is a viewpoint that offers a stunning view of two waterfalls that fall from a height of 120 meters.

If you're traveling between May and June , make a detour to the Shiba Sakura Park in Higashi Mokoto. You'll be amazed by the hills that are covered in pink with little Shiba Sakura flowers.

If you have the time, rent a bicycle from the Wakka Nature Center in Saroma and take a ride through the nature reserve. On a sunny day, you can enjoy a stunning sunset over Lake Saroma.

After a long day of driving, unwind and relax at an onsen hotel in Abashiri.

Hokuten no Oka Abashiriko Tsuruga Resort ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet A relaxing onsen resort hotel featuring the Ainu art in its well-designed interior

Kagariya ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Great Buffet An onsen ryokan with a lake view, offering seafood Kaiseki dinner and breakfast.

Dormy Inn Abashiri ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ♨️Hot Spring A budget business hotel with 7-eleven nearby

One more day in Abashiri?

If you want to spend a little more time in Abashiri, check out this Abashiri itinerary for things to do - museum hopping, a flower garden, a nature reserve, etc!

THE ULTIMATE HOKKAIDO TRAVEL PLANNERS

These e-guidebooks will save your weeks of research!

Overview of major destinations

Ready-made itineraries

Things to do, hotel reccomendations

Useful travel tips & many more

On Day 4, take a leisurely 1.5-hour drive from Abashiri to Utoro in Shiretoko along the beautiful Okhotsk Sea. As a designated World Nature Heritage site, Shiretoko offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the rich and untouched nature of Hokkaido.

Itinerary for Day 4

Start your day with a stop at Uminoba , a charming cafe with an ocean view located just a 10-minute drive from Abashiri's city center. Browse through their wide range of local souvenirs , including sweets, snacks, cooking ware, and T-shirts.

Next, head to Shari and visit the Road to Heaven , an iconic photo spot that can only be reached by car. Enjoy the scenic drive and take plenty of photos!

Once you arrive in Shiretoko, embark on a Nature Cruise to observe the local wildlife, including bears and dolphins. Alternatively, if you enjoy hiking, book a guided tour of the Shiretoko five-lake trail, which starts from the Shiretoko Nature Center . This hike offers stunning views of the beautiful mountain range in Shiretoko National Park.

Kita Kobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View Located right in front of Utoro Port, offering deluxe room options with a private open-air hot spring.

Hotel Kifu Club Shiretoko ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🛁Private Onsen, 🍴 Great Meals A cozy family-run onsen hotel with an ocean view

Route Inn Grantia Shiretoko Shari Ekimae ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🍴Breakfast Buffet Available An affordable stay near JR Shari station with a natural hot spring and free breakfast

Looking for a cozy hotel where you feel connected with a warm-hearted owner ? Then Sekka Shiretoko is a perfect place to stay for you. Check out the blog post below for a deeper look!

Stay at Sekka Shiretoko in Hokkaido - A cozy family-run hotel featuring a natural onsen and homemade local cuisine. Perfect for nature and outdoor enthusiasts!

Day 5 involves a 2.5-hour drive from Shiretoko to Akan, a charming onsen town situated on the shores of Lake Akan. Akan is known for its Ainu culture and offers opportunities to learn about the culture and history, and see traditional crafts.

Itinerary for Day 5

Take a quick stop at Oshinkoshin Waterfalls , a stunning waterfall located near Utoro. The viewpoint offers a great photo opportunity, and just 20 minutes is enough time to spend here.

On the way to Akan, visit Mount Io , an active volcano that lets you observe geothermal activity up close, and Lake Mashu , known for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.

In Akan, stroll through Ainu Kotan to explore local Ainu crafts and culture. Visit a theater to see traditional Ainu performances . In the evening, enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the town's many hot springs and savor some delicious local cuisine at your hotel.

Tsuruga Besso Hinanoza ⭐4 stars, 🛁Private Hot Spring, 🍷Fine Dining All 25 rooms come with a private hot spring with a beautiful lake view.

Akan No Mori Tsuruga Resort Hana Yuuka ⭐4 stars, 🍴Great Buffet, ♨️Hot Spring A cozy lake-side onsen hotel offering delicious buffet meals with various options

Hotel Gozensui ⭐3 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 👀 Beautiful View A classic Japanese-style onsen hotel overlooking the lake

Day 6 involves a 2-hour drive from Akan to Obihiro . Obihiro is a lesser-known destination among international travelers, but it is a gourmet paradise that is worth a visit. Located in the fertile Tokachi Plain, it is known for its fresh, locally grown produce, including grilled pork rice bowl, delightful sweets, and local wines.

Itinerary for Day 6

Begin the day by visiting Lake Onneto , a hidden gem that is a 20-minute drive from Akan. This tranquil lake is surrounded by a forest and offers stunning views of the mountains and the water.

After that, drive for 1.5 hours to Naitai Farm , a scenic viewpoint that overlooks the Tokachi Plain. You can have lunch at the terrace restaurant there and try local dishes such as burgers, beef curry, and roast beef made with Tokachi beef.

Next, head to Obihiro, a food lover's paradise. Enjoy local specialties such as Butadon , a grilled pork rice bowl, and Hokkaido sweets from famous brands like Rokkatei and Ryugetsu . Don't miss the chance to explore the local food stall village and try some street food.

Sanyoan ⭐4 stars, ♨️Hot Spring, 🧡Amazing Hospitality A luxury spa resort offering a relaxing stay and excellent services in Tokachigawa Onsen

Hotel Grand Terrace Obihiro ⭐3 stars, 🏢Excellent Location,🍴Breakfast Buffet A convenient city hotel located near JR Obihiro Station

Hotel Nupka ⭐2 stars, 🏢Excellent Location, ✨Modern Design A simple, budget hotel with complimentary breakfast, located near the station.

✨Planning a trip? Grab my Ultimate Travel Planner & Itineraries

✨Looking for places to stay? Check out my Hotel Recommendations

On Day 7, you have the option to either drive from Obihiro for 3 hours to Sapporo and spend a few days there if you like, or drive for 2.5 hours to New Chitose Airport to catch your flight back home.

Itinerary for Day 7

If you are an early riser, you can start your day with a 1.5-hour drive from Obihiro to Unkai Terrace . This scenic spot offers stunning views of a "sea of clouds" when the weather conditions are right. Even without the clouds, you can still enjoy the cafe, bar, and walks with amazing views.

Before reaching Sapporo or heading to the airport, you might want to make a quick stop at the Mitsui Outlet Park if you enjoy shopping. This outlet mall offers a wide variety of brands at discounted prices.

Sapporo TIP

🍶Want to enjoy the night like a local? Check out this guide to Sapporo's most popular izakaya areas .

Also join Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour with MagicalTrip! The friendly and outgoing local guides provides you a small group tour to make your experience much more personal and authentic.

✨ If you are tired of driving, join Guided One-Day Tours from Sapporo , including transporation. You can just relax and enjoy excursions to Otaru, Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and many more!

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo ⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🏢Excellent Location Urban city hotel with a great location directly connected to JR Sapporo station

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Sapporo ⭐4 stars ♨️Hot spring 🍴Great Breakfast City hotel with beautiful urban views, newly opened in February 2021

Sapporo Grand Hotel ⭐4 stars 🧴Good Amenities 🏢Excellent Location Family-friendly Western-style hotel directly connected to JR Sapporo Station

NEED ADVICE ON YOUR TRIP PLAN?

I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!

I’ve been helping international travelers plan their dream trips to Hokkaido for the past 3 years. I’d be happy to plan your itinerary with you for Eastern Hokkaido as well as other regions.

Check out what you can ask me & why you should plan with a local expert like me.

You might also like…

One Week in Hokkaido: 8-Day Itinerary For First-Timers (Sapporo, Otaru, and Niseko)

Got one week in Hokkaido? This 8-day Hokkaido itinerary has the perfect highlights for first-timers to the island. Broken down by day, this road trip starts from the vibrant city of Sapporo and winds through fantastic photo hotspots in Niseko , Shakotan, Yoichi, and Otaru . Use this sample Hokkaido itinerary as a reference and customize it to your personal situation for the epic Hokkaido trip you've always dreamed of taking!

Hokkaido Itinerary Day 1: Sapporo to Niseko via Mount Yōtei

3 recommended hotels in niseko, hokkaido itinerary day 2: open up all your senses to the beautiful world of niseko, hokkaido itinerary day 3: shakotan sights and world-class hokkaido whiskey, 3 recommended hotels in otaru, hokkaido itinerary day 4: enjoy the lingering olden streetscapes of otaru town, day 5: sceneries and activities on the outskirts of otaru, hokkaido itinerary day 6: laid-back sightseeing at sapporo city, hokkaido itinerary day 7: but wait there's more to be done in sapporo yet, 3 recommended hotels in sapporo, hokkaido itinerary day 8: from sapporo to new chitose airport, book an unforgettable experience in hokkaido.

Start your Hokkaido itinerary for a hotspots road trip by hopping into a rental car in Sapporo and driving southwards out to National Route 230 until you reach the hot spring town of Jozankei, taking in the sights along the way. There's no need to pay an entry fee here, and there are free foot baths available for travelers to rest their feet in should they desire. After that refreshing breather, clamber back onto the car and head farther south until you cut through Nakayama Pass. Stop by the popular roadside station Bōyō-Nakayama and try out the local specialty - deep-fried sweet potatoes covered in a sweet and crispy batter.

Once you're adequately recharged, make your way down the mountain pass towards the towns of Kimobetsu or Kyōgoku, and Mount Yōtei, also known as Yezo Fuji or Hokkaido's Mount Fuji , will slowly reveal itself. This famously photogenic mountain is your first chance to snap a commemorative photo with a fabulous view!

You'll pass by Kyōgoku town's Fukidashi Park next. It's a famous spring water spot of Japan that produces water that's so clean and fresh, locals and tourists alike visit the place to draw them for drinking. Naturally, the area also makes for a beautiful picture. At the roadside station here, called Meisui Plaza, you'll also be able to treat yourself to some tasty Jingisukan, a local grilled mutton delicacy seasoned with salt. Once you're full and satisfied, the next destination is Niseko , which is directly connected to Kyōgoku town via Roads 97 and 66. Take a quick stroll around town once you arrive, then check into a hotel to rest up for the next day of activities.

• Address 45-1, Kawanishi, Kyogoku Town, Abuta-gun
• Phone Number 0136-42-2292

Hours: Plaza May to October 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; November to April 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Restaurant May to October 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last order 4:50 p.m.); November to April 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last order 4:15 p.m.) Closed: Roadside Station November to April - 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month (operations are currently suspended until further notice) Roadside Station Kyogoku Meisui Plaza

• Address 4-5-43 Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 044-0080 View Map
• Nearest Station Hirafu Station （Hakodate Main Line）

Vacancy search, reservation

• from 29,040JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• from 29,808JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

• Address 480-1 Niseko, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, 048-1511 View Map
• Nearest Station Niseko Station （Hakodate Main Line）
• from 13,700JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• from 18,036JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

The biggest appeal of Niseko is its view - a pristine, natural landscape that is surrounded by towering mountains . Day two is the day where you get to open up all of your senses to the fantastic experiences to be had here! Wake up at 6:30 a.m. and be the first to enjoy strolling through the clean air of Niseko in a hot air balloon!

• Address 485 Niseko, Niseko-town, Abuta-gun
• Phone Number 0136-55-8128

Hours: Open early morning and late evening from June to September, except on days when there are no reservations up to the day before (Hot air balloon gathering spot) 485 Niseko, Abuta-gun, Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area, next to Restaurant New Sanko

And since you're at Niseko , don't miss rafting down the rapids in a rubber boat, one of Niseko 's defining experiences in summer !

• Address 60-4 Chuo-dori, Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun
• Phone Number 0136-43-2882

After grabbing lunch at a restaurant in Niseko , it's time to check out #NisekoSiesta, a popular tourist hotspot that only recently opened in 2017. Six round-shaped beds are scheduled to appear here at the midpoint of Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu from July 11 to September 22, 2020, and they are ideally suited for taking a luxurious siesta while being surrounded by nature 's sights and sounds. This quick nap will relieve any stress accumulated from the trip so far and refresh you for the next stop.

• Address 204 Yamada, Kucchan-town, Abuta-gun Niseko Mt. Resort Grand HIRAFU

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Sunday, August 9 to Sunday, August 16, 2020 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

The next place to visit is the Niseko View Plaza Rest Area, where souvenirs and fresh local produce such as vegetables and sausages are on sale. You can also set up a casual barbeque party if you head over to nearby campsites that rent out suitable equipment, such as Niseko Riverside Hill Campground. Note, however, that the rest area doesn't sell meat products, so you'll have to get them from the nearby supermarket instead.

• Address 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko-town, Abuta-gun
• Phone Number 0136-43-2051

Hours: Information Plaza 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Direct Produce Corner: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Late April to October); 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (November to Late April) Takeout Corner: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Late April to October); 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (November to Late April)

After mountainous Niseko , it's time to set off for a different sight - the vast, blue sea! Get up early and drive towards Shakotan Peninsula along the coastal road until you reach Cape Kamui, one of Hokkaido's most recognizable natural landscapes . Once there, you can hike along a recreation trail until the tip of the cape. Sea urchin is the local delicacy in Shakotan town, and summer just so happens to be Hokkaido urchin season ! This seafood delicacy is so popular, some of the more popular shops sell out their stock very quickly. If you're planning to snack on some sea urchin for lunch, therefore, make it an early lunch to avoid disappointment!

• Address Kozakicho, Shakotan-town, Shakotan-gun

After that, head to Yoichi town by going around the Shakotan Peninsula. Return your rental car here and switch to a taxi for the next leg of your journey. Why? Because you're going to a famous Japanese whiskey distillery next, and surely you'll want to taste-test as many different types of whiskey as you can! After all, this particular distillery belongs to Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, a company that has received top awards from whiskey shows all around the world. After you've compared the various types of whiskey offered to you during the tour, don't forget to snag a souvenir or two to commemorate the visit. You're probably feeling a little tipsy by now, so it may be a good idea to walk off the intoxication by taking in the sights around Yoichi Station on the JR Lines. Once you're ready, take the train to Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line and check into a hotel at Otaru Town.

• Address 7-6, Kurokawacho, Yoichi-cho, Yoichi-gun, Hokkaido, 046-0003 View Map
• Nearest Station Yoichi Station （Hakodate Main Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0135-23-3131

• Address 1-2-15, Ironai, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0031 View Map
• Nearest Station Otaru Station （Hakodate Main Line） 10 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 0134-29-2345
• from 30,200JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

• Address 3-282 Shukutsu, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0047 View Map
• Nearest Station Otaru Station （Hakodate Main Line）
• Please enquire directly about rates. View Deal
• from 27,500JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Otaru is a unique town that not only preserves historic buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras (the period from 1868 to 1926) but makes full use of them even now. This romantic mix of olden and modern is what makes the place a trendy tourist hotspot. When Hokkaido was being developed, Otaru Canal served as an essential means of goods transport, and this canal has been preserved to this day. The old-style lamps and warehouse cluster along the canal and come together with the water channel to create a unique atmosphere.

• Address Minatomachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido Otaru canal, 047-0007 View Map
• Phone Number 0134-32-4111

Plenty of shops can be found along the Otaru Canal. Drop by Kitaichi Glass Otaru No. 3 to admire Otaru 's traditional glasswork and visit the cafe that is illuminated by 167 glass lamps for a meal you won't soon forget!

• Address 7-26, Sakaimachi, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0027 View Map
• Nearest Station Minami-Otaru Station （Hakodate Main Line）
• Phone Number 0134-33-1993

The Otaru Music Box Museum , constructed in 1912, is full of nostalgic music box melodies.

• Address 4-1, Sumiyoshicho, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0015 View Map
• Phone Number 0134-22-1108

The now-defunct railroad remnants of the former Temiya line still runs through the town and is a popular photo spot as well. After basking in Otaru 's history and culture, have some lunch at Otaru 's sushi street. There are also rickshaws along Otaru Canal offering paid rides across town for anyone looking for an exceptional experience.

When the sun starts sinking into the horizon, that's when Otaru 's real charm starts to shine. Also, this is the time when cruise ships that tour the length of the Otaru Canal and Otaru Port lower their gangplanks for visitors. The 40-minute boat ride is one of the best ways to experience Otaru at night.

The second day of your Otaru sightseeing will take you slightly farther away from the town center to Shukutsu, where popular tourist attraction Otaru Aquarium - a place that everyone in the family can enjoy - is located. You definitely don't want to miss the exciting dolphin, and sea lion shows here!

• Address 3-303, Shukutsu, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0047 View Map
• Nearest Station Otaru Station （Hakodate Main Line） 25 minutes by bus
• Phone Number 0134-33-1400

Near the aquarium is the Otaru Shukutsu Panorama Observation Deck, where you can admire the shoreline of Japan Sea and its vicinity from a vantage point.

If history and culture is more your thing, the Otaru Nishin Goten can also be found nearby! This tangible cultural asset of Hokkaido is a vestige of the great prosperity Otaru used to enjoy due to herring fishing.

• Address 3-228, Shukutsu, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido, 047-0047 View Map
• Phone Number 0134-22-1038

Grab some lunch back in town and hop onto a Ryugu Cruise ship that departs from Otaru Port. The ship will coast along the shoreline of Otaru and end up at the Blue Cave, an intriguing natural landscape where the water surface is in a brilliant shade of blue in contrast to the usual sea color.

• Address 4-5 Minatomachi, Otaru-city
• Phone Number 0134-32-3911

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 6:20 p.m. Closed: Open daily from late-May to October

On day six, catch a train from Otaru Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line that will take you back to Sapporo Station, where there are plenty of great photo spots located just a stone's throw away. For starters, head to the Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city's most recognizable landmark buildings. Formerly used as a theater for the Sapporo Agricultural College, the building has many important historical relics on display as well, so we would highly recommend taking a good look around inside after snapping some lovely shots of its external architecture .

• Address Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido north 1 west 2, 060-0001 View Map
• Nearest Station Odori Station （Namboku Line / Tozai Line / Toho Line）
• Phone Number 011-231-0838

A short distance from Sapporo Clock Tower is the large Odori Park that stretches through Sapporo 's midsection from east to west. Right at the park 's western edge is the impressive Sapporo TV Tower.

This large tv tower isn't all about broadcasting either - there are shops and restaurants to be explored inside as well. Don't forget to check out the observatory deck on the higher floor with its panoramic view of Odori Park .

• Address 1, Odorinishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 060-0042 View Map
• Phone Number 011-241-1131

When night falls, head downtown to the glitzy Susukino area for a different sort of sightseeing! The neon signboard of Mr. Nikka, the mascot character of Nikka Whisky, watches over this gorgeous street as its symbolic representation. There's no lack of things to see and do here, and you can find all the food Hokkaido is famous for here as well, from crabs to seafood and Jingisukan meals, all served up to you in quaint Japanese-style bars called izakaya or trendy-looking restaurants and bars . Go on and restaurant-hop all you like as you take your time to enjoy the sights and sounds this place has to offer!

On the last day of the trip, travel a little farther out from Sapporo 's town center to some popular spots on the outskirts of the city. Your first destination is Maruyama Zoo , which can be reached by taking the subway out, then transferring to a bus. Get ready to be greeted by adorable animals living on the zoo 's vast premises. It's almost as if you've stepped out of the city into somewhere else altogether! The zoo has taken great care to ensure that animals are exhibited in an accurate portrayal of their ecology, so there is much to learn and love here.

• Address 3-1, Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 064-0959 View Map
• Nearest Station Maruyama koen Station （Tozai Line） 15 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 011-621-1426

Next, take the subway again to Shiroi Koibito Park , a snack-based theme park built by Ishiya Co. Ltd., well-known as the manufacturer of the popular Sapporo souvenir snack, "Shiroi Koibito". The park is also connected to a sweets factory, exhibition hall, garden , and assorted shops.

• Address 2-2-11-36 Miyanosawa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 063-0052 View Map
• Nearest Station Miyanosawa Station （Tozai Line）
• Phone Number 011-666-1481

End your fantastic trip with a fantastic night view of Sapporo from Mount Moiwa. To get there, take a subway train, then transfer to a steelcar. At Mount Moiwa's ropeway platform, hop onto the Morris Car, a ropeway cable car that will take you to the mountaintop. The glittering lights from the city beneath is especially romantic and must be personally experienced to truly savor. Finally, treat yourself to a hearty dinner at the observatory restaurant there.

• Address Moiwayama, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 005-0041 View Map
• Nearest Station Ropeway iriguchi Station （Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line）
• Phone Number 011-561-8177

• Address 6-18-3 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 060-0005 View Map
• Nearest Station Sapporo Station （Hakodate Main Line）
• from 8,200JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• from 9,400JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

• Address 11 Minami 2-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, 060-8615 View Map
• Nearest Station Chuo kuyakusho mae Station （Sapporo Streetcar Yamahana Line）
• from 10,814JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

Finally, it's day eight. Pack up your memories and memorabilia and take the airport express from Sapporo Station on the JR Lines to New Chitose Airport Station. We hope you've had a great time reading over this recommended Hokkaido itinerary. Of course, Hokkaido's beautiful sights are not limited to the ones we've introduced in this article! Go ahead and use our sample itinerary as it is, change things around a little, or completely revamp the schedule to fit your circumstances. Whatever you choose to do, we're confident your trip to Hokkaido will become a special trip that you'll cherish the memories of for many years to come! English translation by: Huimin Pan *This article was originally published in May 2020. Details may have changed since this time. *Business hours are subject to change depending on the spread of Covid-19.

We also recommend these experiences to make your trip all the more memorable!

• Area Niseko / Rusutsu
• Category Other Sightseeing
• How To: Sightseeing

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Everything You Need To Know About Driving On Hokkaido, Japan

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2023

Categories Japan

Do you want to make a road trip around Hokkaido? You've come to the right place! In this extensive guide, you can read everything you need to know about driving in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido covers 20% of the total land area of Japan but only 5% of the total population lives here. That's why this rugged and wild island is made for road-tripping.

Empty roads and breathtaking views are what Hokkaido is all about. Before you set out on your Hokkaido road trip, be sure to read this guide to prepare yourself for an epic road trip in Japan.

Driving in Hokkaido

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

Hokkaido: an awesome road trip destination

One of the many reasons I fell completely and utterly in love with New Zealand was the fact that often, there wasn't a single sign of civilization.

No manmade structures, just epic scenery. Roads where you did not come across another car in a 3-hour drive…

And I was hoping to find this on Hokkaido as well.

And wow, Hokkaido is beautiful!

Though not as untouched as (parts of ) New Zealand, Hokkaido is untamed and truly gorgeous. While Hokkaido is quite a popular destination for Japanese people, it's still pretty unknown to foreign tourists.

So when I was researching Hokkaido and our road trip itinerary, I discovered not much has been written about driving in Hokkaido (at least, not in English).

I usually find a couple of travel blogs or travel guides with useful information, but for a Hokkaido road trip, not so much.

To make sure you don't experience the same problem, I've written this Hokkaido road trip guide to share our experiences and hopefully tell you everything you need to know about driving and renting a car in Hokkaido.

Driving around Hokkaido is great and getting your own wheels is the best way to explore this wild Japanese island. You can set your own itinerary and go at your own pace.

Plus, if you are into hiking like me, having a car makes it much easier to reach the many hiking trails you can find on Hokkaido.

In general, driving in Hokkaido is very easy and straightforward. But there are some things that are important to know before setting off on your dreamy Hokkaido self-drive road trip.

Hokkaido self-drive road trip: things to know

What is the best time to visit Hokkaido?

Winter (november until march).

If you plan to rent a car in Hokkaido I recommend avoiding traveling in the wintertime. Actually, let me rephrase that: only rent a car in Hokkaido in winter when you know what you are doing!

Driving on Hokkaido in winter is not easy and can be very dangerous. Roads can be very slippery or completely blocked.

If you do want to drive Hokkaido in winter, prepare well and make sure you have snow chains, a blanket, water, and some food when you hit the road.

Average temperatures in December, January, and February are below zero, but keep in mind winter sometimes lasts until April in Hokkaido.

Spring (April until June)

We visited at the end of April/start of May and I think Spring is a great time to visit Hokkaido. We got to see the cherry blossoms (Sakura), but also hiked in the snow.

Some days were sunny and warm and we could comfortably wear a t-shirt. On other days temperatures were only a couple of degrees above 0 (Celsius). So bring thermal underwear and lots of layers.

If you plan to go camping, make sure to bring a warm sleeping bag !

Spring is a very nice time to visit Hokkaido, especially in May and June. In April many restaurants, attractions, and campsites are still closed, most of them open during Golden Week, Japan's national holiday.

Golden Week can be extremely busy so if you plan to travel during this period, make sure to book a hotel in time (or go camping as we did).

Summer (July and August)

July and August are the busiest months in Hokkaido, mostly because of the famous flower fields near Furano. The best time to visit the flower and lavender fields is in mid to late July.

Another benefit of visiting Hokkaido in Summer is that most (but not all) snow has melted away and there are lots of amazing hiking trails to be discovered.

I would love to do the 2-day Shiretoko Traverse one day…

Autumn (September and October)

Autumn is also a very nice (and popular) time to visit Hokkaido. Hokkaido is a famous ‘leave' spot, you can actually check the Foliage Forecast or Autumn Color Report on Japan Guide to plan the best time for your visit.

10 things to know when planning a road trip to Hokkaido

1. bring your geneva convention international driver’s permit.

In Japan, you won't be able to rent a car unless you bring an international driving permit (as well as your national license).

More specifically, Japan only recognizes international driving permits based on the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Make sure to check if your country provides such a permit beforehand and bring the right documents!

2. Drive on the left

Japan is one of the few countries outside of the former British Empire where people drive on the left, you can read more about the reasons behind this peculiarity at Wiki .

For many people, including myself, driving on the left is the exact opposite of what they are used to. So be careful!

3. Be prepared to drive very slow

Driving in Hokkaido (and everywhere in Japan) is excruciatingly slow… While the road conditions are usually excellent and traffic is very light outside cities, speed limits are very strict.

While the 100km/h on the Expressway (I’ll explain more about the Expressway later on in the post) isn’t actually that bad, the parts where we could actually drive 100km/h can be counted on one hand.

The electronic signposts kept saying the speed limit was 70km/h instead of the 100 km/h mentioned in the information leaflets. And 70km/h on an empty road feels slow… Very slow!

Nobody seemed to keep those limits except us, but we didn’t want to risk a speeding ticket and thus caused a lot of traffic jams (read annoyed Japanese drivers who got stuck behind us, the ignorant gaijin who obeyed the ridiculously low-speed limits).

Read this guide about driving in Hokkaido for more details about speed limits and traffic rules and regulations.

You can read more about driving in Japan in general on Japan Guide , which is the go-to website for everything you need to know about Japan.

And if you want to read more about traveling Hokkaido in general, also check out this great guide .

4. Consider buying a Hokkaido Expressway Pass

Hokkaido is big and you'll be driving large distances… As I mentioned above, driving is slow. In villages, there are a gazillion traffic lights and the speed limit varies between 30 and 50 km/h.

The alternative is the Hokkaido Expressway, a toll road, which in my opinion is worth the extra money you have to pay because it saves you a lot of time.

Luckily, Japan has all sorts of attractive discounts available to foreign visitors, one being the Hokkaido Expressway Pass.

This pass allows you to drive on all the Expressway toll roads for a fixed fee. So instead of paying toll fees for every little piece of expressway you drive on, you pay a fixed daily fee for unlimited use of the Hokkaido Expressway.

You can find information about fees and other useful information about the pass on this website.

What’s important to know is you have to rent an ETC (meaning Electronic Toll Collection) card, this card is provided by pretty much all the rental companies in Japan.

The Hokkaido Expressway Pass is registered onto your ETC card and enables you to pass through the ETC toll booths on the Expressway.

In other words, you don’t have to stop every time you enter or leave the expressway, you just drive through the ETC lane (slowly), the machine reads your card containing the Hokkaido Expressway Pass and the gate opens. Easy peasy.

5. Check the colors when filling up your tank

In Japan, the different types of fuel are color coded which made filling up our tank with the right fuel very easy. Yellow is hi oku (high octane), red is regular, and green is diesel . Mantan means full tank in Japanese.

I have to admit I did not actually do any work myself because many gas stations are fully serviced. The very friendly and helpful staff working at these stations did all the work for me.

I felt a bit useless, standing next to the car and watching how one person was filling the tank while the other was cleaning off some tiny mud specs of the back of our car…

But definitely great service!

6. Get a coffee or enjoy the view at a Michi-no-Eki (road station)

Michi-no-Eki are road stations and these come in all shapes and sizes. Some are very luxurious with cute little cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, or shops selling local products.

Others are as simple as a parking lot with a (usually super clean!) restroom. And spectacular views!

7. Use phone numbers for your GPS

My map reading skills aren’t bad but my Japanese is limited, to say the least… Therefore I was very happy to rely on our GPS when road-tripping around Hokkaido.

The great thing about Japanese car navigation systems is that you can put in a telephone number as a destination. No need to read complicated Japanese Kanji characters!

While road signs are (luckily) also displayed in the alphabetic language, English isn't very widely spoken in Japan and even less in Hokkaido.

In fact, there is a large demand for English teachers in Japan. Teaching English happens to be a great way to make money while traveling, check out TEFL Academy for more information on how to get certified.

Anyway, I digress. Make sure to ask your rental company if they can set the GPS to English when you pick up your rental car .

Also, I recommend getting a Japanese SIM card with unlimited data so that if you get lost, you can use Google to get back on track.

Keep in mind that cellphone coverage in the remote regions of Hokkaido can be spotty so also download an offline map

8. Download the Michi Japan Road Guide

Reader John pointed out a great and useful app when traveling around Hokkaido by car: the Michi Japan Road Guide . He says:

In the app you can find all the onsen (even the natural ones), campsites and other places to stay, road stations and even offline maps!

9. Don't drive at night

We had to drive to a 7-11 one night because there were no restaurants or other shops nearby and we were hungry. It was dark, extremely dark. Except for lots of shimmering eyes reflecting the light of our headlights.

Eyes belonging to deer grazing by the side of the road. Deer you do not want to hit with your car. So avoid driving in the dark, it's dangerous (and very uncomfortable as well).

Make sure to have a bit of backup food and find a place to spend the night before darkness falls!

10. Rent the right car for your trip

​Now that you're all set up to embark on your Hokkaido road trip, there's just one thing left to do: book a rental car .

Before you do so, it's important to decide which car is the best fit for your travel plans. Some questions to ask yourself are:

• Which areas in Hokkaido do you plan to visit?
• Do you plan to do any off-road driving?
• Which season are you traveling in?
• How big is your travel party (aka how much space do you need)?

For example, if you're traveling during the fall, ask for snow chains at the rental company.

And if you're traveling with kids , don't rent the smallest model because you may have trouble fitting both your kids as well as your luggage into a small hatchback.

Be sure to inquire about safe car seats and consider bringing your own if there aren't any safe models for your kid(s).

​ If you're not used to driving a manual car,  rent an automatic car for peace of mind.   You don't want to be spending your holiday learning how to shift gears manually. Instead, you want to enjoy the ride and admire the gorgeous views.

​​ Check RentalCars.com for the best deals (I've booked with RentalCars many times, and they usually offer the cheapest rates and good customer service).

How much does it cost to rent a car in Hokkaido?

The exact amount will depend on the type of car you decide to rent, but it's important to also take into account the other costs associated with renting a car in Japan .

Costs to consider when renting a car on Hokkaido

• Fuel  ⇒ between ¥164 per liter of fuel.
• Major Insurance Coverage fee  ⇒ ¥1650 per day. This insurance is mandatory when renting a car. Be sure to check if this is included in the rental fee or if this needs to be paid directly to the car rental company in Hokkaido).
• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) ⇒ ¥550 per day. This insurance is optional, having this gives me peace of mind but it's up to you to decide if you want to add this insurance or not.
• Hokkaido Expressway Pass ⇒ between ¥820 and ¥1850 per day, depending on how many days the pass covers ( check current prices here ). This pass is optional but worth the money in my opinion.
• ETC card ⇒ between ¥300 and ¥500 per day, depending on the rental company. If you want to use the Hokkaido Expressway Pass you'll need an ETC card as well.

The total cost of renting a car for 10 days was  ¥42.527 , which comes down to ¥4253 (€34/$39) per day . Add to this the daily rental fee of the car you would like to rent and you have your total.

How to save money on a Hokkaido road trip

If renting a car seems expensive to you, keep in mind that having a car gives you the option to:

• Go camping with a tent (we paid between ¥400 – ¥800 per person per night).
• Sleep in your car (free).

This will save you a lot of money on accommodation in Japan! You can read all about the costs of traveling in Japan in this post and check out our Hokkaido self drive itinerary here .

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

Hokkaido driving tips: in conclusion

I hope this Hokkaido self-drive guide and travel tips will help you plan your Hokkaido road trip! Feel free to ask any questions you may have about driving on Hokkaido, I’m happy to help!

Also read my other posts about Japan :

• 1 month Japan itinerary
• Tokyo itinerary
• Kyoto itinerary
• Osaka itinerary
• Hiroshima itinerary
• Miyajima itinerary
• Japanese Alps itinerary
• Kamikochi itinerary
• Japan off the beaten track
• Travel packing list for Japan

Enjoy your self-drive trip in Hokkaido!

This post was updated in October 2022 .

Sunday 29th of January 2023

Chanced upon your blog while searching for car rental in Iceland!! LOL! Now I have to think about where I wanna go in October! Anyway, thanks for creating this...great help if we decide on Hokkaido.

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Haha, Google may have sent you over for a reason;-) Jokes aside, Iceland is gorgeous too, we made a road trip there with a campervan in winter which was a really cool experience. If you do end up going to Hokkaido, feel free to send me a message if you've got any questions. And no matter where you go, have an amazing trip and take care!

Laura Benjelloun

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hi! Great blog! my husband and i are planning on doing the same, but for a month and we are excited. I was wondering if you knew anything about renting a camping van. We want to save on hotels and such, and we love camping so.... Thank you and happy travels on the next adventure! -The Grumps

Wednesday 28th of August 2019

That's so exciting! I'd love to spend a month on Hokkaido... Regarding the camper van, I've spent hours and hours on the internet trying to find one. However, in 2016 these were unavailable (or at least I couldn't find them). Perhaps things have changed now, or perhaps there is an English website offering them. A camper van was our preferred choice as well but the tent and car were a good alternative. Have a wonderful trip!

Friday 2nd of August 2019

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Johan and I am planning to visit Hokkaido in September. This is an amazing guide to drive in Japan, thank you for writing all the details in regards to your experience. I have some concern about driving in Japan...

Were all the road signs are in Japanese? or they have Latin wording? Also, I read your info regarding use phone number as navigation, can we just put the hotel name instead? Or if like we want to go to the 5 lake in Shiretoko, can we just type "Shiretoko?" I was driving in New Zealand and Europe several times, it is easy since we can type in Latin word, despite of all the domestic rules that needs to understand before driving.

I hope you don't mind with my questions... :) My only concern is that the signs are in Japanese, they don't speak English very much... Thank you in advance :)

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

Thank you for your email and how exciting you'll be making a road trip on Hokkaido in September! Of course I don't mind your question:-)

Regarding the Japanese road signs, they are usually displayed both in Kanji as well as the Latin alphabet so don't worry about that! Not many people on Hokkaido speak English (in my experience) but people are very helpful nonetheless and with patience and signing you can get a long way.

About the phone numbers, I'm not sure if you can type in Shiretoko. I think it depends on your navigation system. I'd probably buy a local sim card with some data so you can connect to Google maps as well. Or you can download the maps with me app and the map of Hokkaido before you leave your home country so you can navigate using that as well.

Happy road tripping!!! Lotte

Sunday 7th of July 2019

One more confusion, is international driver permit (IDP) same as international driver license? From the internet, IDP looks like a passport book and International driver license looks like a typical license (plastic card). Which one does Japan accept to rent a car?

Thursday 11th of July 2019

Hi! The IDP is indeed like a passport book and that's the one you need for Japan. However, you also need the driving license from your own country! Have a good trip:-)

Hi, We are planning 7 days late September visiting Asahikama, Furano, Biei, Sounkyo, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Sapporo last. Will be leaving Sapporo for Taipei after the trip. Thinking of arriving from Tokyo to Asahikama then rent a car and returning the car in Sapporo. Someone suggests that we should fly into Sapporo CTS, rent a car and return the car at the same location. I have the following questions....

1. If I return the car in Sapporo and pay drop off fee (how much?) then I don't have to make an unnecessary round trip like this. Furthermore, there is extra expressway toll charge and fuel cost if we back track. Will extra charges equal or more than the drop off charge?

2. Do you suggest we rent a car in Asahikawa for a few days to visit Furano, Biei and Sounkyo. Then take train to Noboribetsu, Lake Toya and Sappora. I know Sappora doesn't need a car to get around. But what about Noboribetsu and Lake Toya? Will this be more cost effective and less hassle? Please advise. Thanks.

Saturday 20th of July 2019

Your trip to Hokkaido sounds really nice. Regarding your question:

1. I don’t know if the drop-off fee will offset the extra fuel charges and toll. This website (https://www2.kumagaku.ac.jp/teacher/~masden/tolls/) can help you calculate toll charges and if you look up fuel prices for Japan you could calculate an estimate for fuel as well. I’d compare that to the drop-off fee you are quoted. 2. I’d hire the car for the entire trip. getting around in Noboribetsu and Lake Toya is also much easier when you have your own transport. You don’t need it for Sapporo so I’d plan your trip in such a way you spend the first or last days there and rent the car for the other days.

Hope this helps! Have a great trip:-) Lotte

Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary, Day 1 & 2: Hakodate

After an incredible experience spending 10 days on the road in Tasmania , we couldn’t wait to do it again. This time, the magnificent island of Hokkaido – Japan’s largest and northernmost province – was our destination of choice.

This post marks the beginning of our 10-day Self-Drive Hokkaido Road Trip Experience . Let’s dive into it!

Our journey started with a flight from Singapore to Tokyo, and then another domestic flight to Hokkaido. There were several options to fly direct from Singapore to Hokkaido, however they were substantially more expensive than doing a transfer. Hence, we went with a comfy flight with Singapore Airlines to Tokyo, and switched to Vanilla Air to reach Hokkaido.

Note: Singapore Airlines has frequent Advance Purchase promotions , which offers heavily discounted rates if you book 30 or 60 days in advance. We were able to secure a good price this way!

Around 15 hours later, we found ourselves in Hakodate, which is Hokkaido’s third largest city. There wasn’t much to see in Hakodate Airport , so we hopped onto a shuttle bus (the schedule can be found here ) bound for Hakodate Station, located in the heart of the city. Do note that the bus isn’t free – you’ll have to fork out 410 yen for adults, and 210 yen for children.

From there, our accommodation for the next two nights, Toyoko Inn Hakodate , was a mere 5-minute walk away.

Fort Goryokaku

For now, the sun was starting to set – we were racing against time! After taking a breather, we headed out to Fort Goryokaku , where we hoped to be able to catch our first eyeful of the cherry blossoms.

Typically, late April is the time when sakura is in full bloom in Hokkaido. Thankfully, we were able to catch glimpses of it in the park surrounding Fort Goryokaku, a star-shaped citadel built in the last years of the Edo Period against the Western powers.

In the center of the park stands the Former Magistrate Office, where we found towering cherry blossom trees just waiting to be photographed as the sun began to set.

Tuckered out from all the travelling, we decided to call it a night. After digging in to two bowls of ramen at a random shop, we headed back to rest up.

Hakodate Morning Market

Even on holiday, there are really only two things that I’d happily wake up early for – great photo opportunities, and delicious breakfast. This particular morning, we were getting up nice and early for the latter at the Hakodate Morning Market .

Also known as the Hakodate Asaichi, it is usually open from 5am till 12pm (from 6am during winter), so we only had limited time to peruse rows of bustling stalls.

Here, there was every type of seafood that Hokkaido is known for – crab ( kani ), sea urchin ( uni ), salmon roe ( ikura ) – and the famous Yubari King melon , which costs around 300 yen (~S$4) per slice. Costly, yes, but its incredible sweetness makes it well worth the cash.

After sampling some of the wares, we decided to settle for a random store which sells the popular Hokkaido seafood  donburi  (rice bowl). This was the moment I had been waiting for in the months leading up to this trip – my first indulgent mouthful of fresh, delicious seafood – crab, sea urchin, and scallops ( hotate ). And it was everything that I expected it would be.

Plus, we had a great view of Mount Hakodate from our table too. Perfection.

Bellies filled, we decided to walk it off with a stroll down to Hakodate’s Bay Area. Along the way, we enjoyed the cool sea breeze, calm waters, and funky buildings.

The main attraction here is the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse – really a series of warehouses – which has been around since 1887 .

Each warehouse had something beautiful to offer. There was one which had lovely handmade glassware and music boxes for sale. Another had a quaint cafe – look out for Petit Merveille – with fluffy, decadent cakes and desserts. Yet further down was one warehouse that had a ton of dried snacks and seafood.

What set this place apart from typical shopping malls, though, was the relaxed and chill vibe around here, likely due to the fact that its right by the sea. After all, what says  relaxed  better than the sound of crashing waves and cool sea breeze?

We still had some time before sunset, which we wanted to catch atop Mount Hakodate. So we decided to take another walk to a district called Motomachi , which is famous for its foreign looking buildings.

The reason why there are so many half-Western, half-Japanese buildings in this area is because the harbor of Hakodate was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade way back in 1854, resulting in an influx of foreigners into the region.

Do keep a lookout for the Russian Orthodox Church, Catholic Motomachi Church, and Saint John Church as you head up the hill.

As we were walking, we came across Mount Hakodate Ropeway , and decided to just go for it. We bought the round trip tickets, which costs 1280 yen per adult (and 640 yen per child). A one-way ticket would cost 780 yen for adults (390 yen for children), and we didn’t want to get stranded up there.

Fun fact: did you know that there’s a radio station at the ropeway? We would also find broadcasting towers atop Mount Hakodate later on as well.

Because we were there early, we were fortunate to have the entire motorcar to ourselves!

When we reached the top, it was just as we expected – the skies were clear as day, and we had an incredible view of the Hakodate region.

That is, until the clouds started rolling in without any warning whatsoever. And just like that, the show was over.

We hung around the observation decks, souvenir shops, and cafe for a while, hoping to catch another glimpse of the ground. But it was not meant to be – the clouds were there to stay, and night was falling fast. Thankfully, we’d grabbed some great shots already, and that was enough.

Dinner time! We headed back to the Kanemori warehouses to try out the soup curry at a restaurant we had passed by earlier – Genghis Khan Meimeitei . It was the first time we’ve tried something like this, and it was delicious – perfect for the chilly weather.

It was a satisfying end to a long day. Tomorrow, we’d be getting our car and starting the road trip for real.

Loved the pictures? Then you’ll probably this full-on, photos-only version of our Hakodate experience. Check it out!

Next up: Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary, Day 3: Noboribetsu

Daniel has a serious and dangerous case of wanderlust, which turns out to be pretty handy for travel writing. As cliche as it might sound, he aspires to take his content production studio onto the road and become a digital nomad one day.

1500km, 10 Cities, 10 Days: Our Self-Drive Hokkaido Road Trip Experience (Itinerary Included)

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Hokkaido Self Drive Itinerary: Asahikawa, Furano, Biei

Last updated on April 27th, 2024

In this Hokkaido self-drive itinerary travel guide blog, we are sharing with you what to do and see at Furano, Biei, Asahikawa, Farm Tomita, and many attractions by traveling on a rental car in summer.

We visited Hokkaido in Summer, through the trip was tiring due to long-distance travel by self-driving. But it was truly a memorable experience for our family. While this is my second visit to Hokkaido and it might seem like repeating some of the places. So I am not going to share the complete Hokkaido self-driving itinerary and only focus on my visit to Asahikawa, Furano, and Biei which I am not covering on my previous Hokkaido trip.

The amazing flower field Furano is our main highlight for this Hokkaido self-driving itinerary in summer. Additionally, I will also share how to rent a car and tips for driving in Hokkaido in another post. Continue to read on our Hokkaido self-drive travel blog here!

Table of Contents

Pre-Trip Essentials

Hokkaido is located in Northernmost Japan’s prefecture and it is very easy to get to Hokkaido by air and railway. Frequent domestic and international landed in New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido. If you are flying to Hokkaido directly, it is most likely that you will land at Sapporo New Chitose Airport, it’s probably the most accessible airport to visit Hokkaido.

Wifi Connectivity : Nowadays, it is important to stay connected to check on navigations, location, and travel information. You can get a 4G Sim Card once you reach New Chitose Airport. We recommended getting a Wifi router if you are traveling in a group as it is more value for money. You can connect up to 6 devices to the router at once.

Kitaca IC Card : When traveling in Japan, it is recommended to get a rechargeable IC card that can be used in transportation, convenience stores, and even vending machines. The Kitaca IC Card is similar to IC Card from other regions, like Tokyo (SUICA), and Osaka (ICOCA) which can be used in Hokkaido too. Alternatively, you can purchase the Kitaca IC Card which is preloaded ¥1500 in advance, and get it at the station.

Planning on Hokkaido Self Drive Itinerary

Due to the vast landscape and less populated, the best way to explore the beauty and attractions of Hokkaido by self-driving. The forest, mountain, lake, and natural beauty make it the most photogenic place in Japan. The simplest way to get around in Hokkaido is by car. I had been to Hokkaido using public transport and self-driving. In my opinion, I really recommended renting a car to drive yourself, especially for those traveling with family and kids. The attractions are not close to each other and required a good planning itinerary. Added, some of the attractions are hard to reach by public transport.

Moreover, traveling in Hokkaido is not cheap. So please prepare a reasonable budget for your trip. Driving in Hokkaido for a group of four travelers can help to save on some of the transportation fees and be more flexible. But, Japanese car rental sites can be a bit confusing. You can check your rental car and prebook it via RentalCars.com . It is easy to use and compare various types of rental cars with different coverage include. Most importantly, high customer reputation and review.

If you need more help, feel free to read through our Driving in Hokkaido: Tips For Renting a Car in Hokkaido .

Where To Stay

During our Hokkaido summer visit, we planned to visit Furano and Biei to see the famous flower fields and scenery.  The journey from Sapporo to Furano or Biei takes approximately 2 hours. A day trip from Sapporo to Furano and Biei is doable but it can be very tiring, especially for the elderly. After consideration, we decided to stay somewhere near the attractions to easily get around.

The accommodations in Furano and Biei are limited and not cheap. The budget accommodations are almost fully booked in the peak season of Summer! There is another alternative solution was to stay at Asahikawa about 30 to 60 minutes away from Furano. Asahikawa is the second-largest city in Hokkaido, very well connected with public transport, and easy to drive from Sapporo to explore Furano and Biei. Besides, there is also a lot of famous food that you can try out during your stay, making it a perfect base if you wish to live in the city area for yummy Japanese food yet want to stay closer to the Furano and Biei.

So we made Asahikawa our base for traveling to Biei and Furano due to its convenience and price.

Accommodation Tips : We stayed in JR Inn Asahikawa which is located right beside the JR Asahikawa station. It is very convenient as there are a lot of eateries and a big AEON Mall within walking distance. Most importantly, the room rate is much cheaper compare with the hotel in Furano and Biei. Besides, it is also one of the best hotels in Asahikawa if you are traveling by train.

If you want something out of town and traditional, you can drive up to Asahidake and stay in one of the onsen hotels.

Day 1: From Sapporo To Furano

We spend our night in Sapporo and picked up the rental car the day before start-up our Hokkaido self-drive itinerary. Take note that some of the rental shops only open at 8 or 9 am. So if you plan to leave early, you might need to consider picking up your car one day earlier. Just key in the Map Code or phone number that is found on google maps into your GPS, and you are ready for your Hokkaido self-driving trip!

Our first destination for our Hokkaido road trip was the flower-filled rural town of Furano. It is about a two-hour drive from Sapporo city but you might take a longer time due to the journey being packed with incredible scenery. We visited the Farm Tomita for a beautiful flowery spectacle.

Farm Tomita

Located in Nakafurano, Farm Tomita (ファーム富田) is one of the popular attractions and a must-visit during summer. It is where you can witness an abundance of vivid colors with an impressive vast land of a flower blooming from June to early October every year. However, Farm Tomita gain its popularity by its vast land of stunning lavender fields. One destination I would recommend not to miss if you are in Hokkaido in Lavender season.

Our visit to Farm Tomita is not the popular Lavender season and we miss the chance to mesmerize lavender to full bloom. But still, there is still plenty of full bloom of flowers for us to take breathtaking photos. Several flower fields such as Japanese Poppies, Salvia, Begonias, and Bugle give a very colorful show.

Walking along the paths and enjoying sunshine and breeze makes us feel so refreshed and joyful. We were greeted by the rainbow flower field and we can even smell the flower in the air. We wandered around in the spectacular flower field and take endless photos with colorful flowers as a backdrop.

Next, we spend time touring the souvenir shops that keep us entertained during our visit. A variety of lavender souvenirs can get here such as lavender oil, lavender soap, dried lavender, and more. Don’t forget to try the lavender soft-serve ice cream which is so refreshing on a hot Summer day!

There is also a Tomita Melon House located next door to Tomita Farm. The refreshing melon was so delicious and sweet! Fresh fruit for a light meal. All in all, visiting Farm Tomita can easily take up half a day to enjoy the natural beauty.

Farm Tomita Travel Tips : Farm Tomita is easy to access by self-driving with ample parking available.

Entrance Fee: Free Map Code: 349 276 804*00

Saika no Santo

Next, we proceed to Saika no Santo from Farm Tomite. Compare with Farm Tomita, Saika no Sato is smaller and less crowded. It is located on the hill and surrounded by lush forest trees, overlooking the Furano landscape. The brightly colored flowers grown by the paths up the hill make a magnificent view. We even walk up to the hilltop to enjoy the beautiful valley view and the mountain beyond. The flower field in Saika no Santo is so gorgeous with a backdrop of mountains.

The Saiko no Santo is peaceful and serene. We spend about 1 hour here before proceeding to the next destination.

Getting to Saiko no Santo : 5 minutes drive from Farm Tomita.

Ningle Terrace

Our next destination is Ningle Terrace, a picturesque timber cottages village with many woodshops selling local produce and handmade souvenirs. It is located beside the Shin Furano Prince Hotel , a popular ski resort with a playground for snow activity in the winter.

Once we arrived, we will off to the romantic and cozy wooden huts. Each of the cottages housed skilled craftsmen working on specialty arts and souvenirs. The area, walkway, and cottages transform the Ningle Tringle into a fairy tale scene. The natural surroundings such as Pine trees, and waterfalls give off a dreamy vibe. Can’t imagine the magical scene on a winter night when the lights lit up with snowy cap white snow. 

We enjoyed our lovely walk in the romantic scene and hanging around to watch the craftsmen at work. It is an enchanting little area to visit even during the day.  Personally, I have enjoyed the peace of the area surrounded by trees and little wooden cottages. Too bad it was too crowded with tourists and the price is slightly expensive. We ended our visit to Ningle Terrace with a cup of coffee at one of the cabin cafes right in the middle of the woods. It was an enjoyable time to enjoy the serenity of the entire place. Worth to spend some time visiting.

Hokkaido Self Driving Tips : Recommended visiting during the evening time when fluorescent bulbs lit up and fewer people. However, take note that the road leading to Ningle Terrace can be quite dark and deserted. It is about 10 minutes by car from Furano Station.

Asahikawa Ramen Village

We end our day 1 Hokkaido self-drive itinerary with a satisfying bowl of ramen at Asahikawa Ramen Village . We actually planned to visit Furano Cheese Factory and Furano Wine Factory in our initial Hokkaido self-drive itinerary but ended skipped it to slow down our pace. You may include it if you have more time to spend.

Asahikawa Ramen Village houses of eight popular best ramen shops in Asahikawa. It is the best place to try a variety of famous Asahikawa Ramen in one easy location. Each shop with a menu located outside of the shop. But no worry, you wouldn’t go wrong with any one of them.

Our bowl of Asahikawa ramen in Asahikawa Ramen Village. It was not the first time we tasted the Asahikawa ramen. Asahikawa is known for its shoyu (soya sauce) based broth with thin hard noodles. The price is reasonable, about 800 yen. Ramen lover, don’t miss the chance!

After the flavorful ramen, we ended our first day Hokkaido Self-Drive itinerary and back to the hotel for good rest. But still, we spend some time at the AEON mall next to our hotel for some Japanese snacks and drinks. 

Getting to Asahikawa Ramen Village : 10 minutes drive from our hotel JR Inn Asahikawa .

Asahikawa Ramen Village Opening Hours: From 11:00 to 20:00 Map Code: 79 410 454*44

Day 2: Asahikawa, Biei

Next, our second day of the Hokkaido road trip itinerary is Biei, a majestic rural area with an hour’s drive from Asahikawa. Again, the driving journey is full of incredible scenery and we took longer than we planned.

We visited Shikisai no Oka, Shirogane Blue Pond, and the Shirahige waterfall and spend the time mesmerizing the beautiful hilly scenery at Patchwork Road and Panorama Road.

Shikisai no Oka

The Shikisai no Oka (四季彩の丘) is an amazing flower garden, stretching across seven hectares of land on Oka no machi Biei. The “rainbow field” is definitely our favorite attraction for our Hokkaido self-drive itinerary. We had a marvelous tour of the colorful, striped fields which is truly amazing. The hilly flower field can be tough for the elderly, so we decided to ride the tractor-pulled buggy which cost us 500 yen.

We had a great time taking photos of the colorful flower fields. The layered strips of color against the backdrop of the magnificent mountain range were all worth it. A feast for our eyes and an experience that we never forget.

This is why so many people flocked to Hokkaido every summer! Such a beautiful sight!

There’s an Alpaca farm on-site to keep the kids and adults entertained. The entrance fee is 500yen per pax and we also paid an additional 100 yen for a small basket to feed and touch the alpaca.

Shikisai no Oka Travel Tips : No entrance fee to enter the Shikisai no Oka but you may do a 200 yen donation to maintain the flower field. We were happy to donate as the workers worked hard to maintain the magnificent flower field. Besides, the parking fare will be waived if you are spending in the restaurant on the second floor.

Shirogane Blue Pond

Next, we drove along the scenic journey to Shirogane Blue Pond (青い池) . For Mac users, the Shirogane Blue Pond is where you see your desktop wallpaper come to life. The color of the blue pond will be different depending on the amount of sunlight.

I visited Shirogane Blue Pond by public bus during my last visit to Hokkaido. The time spent here was limited and rushed in order to catch the bus schedule. So this round we can spend more time mesmerized by the colorful Blue Pond freely. Just follow the one-way footpath to walk around the pond. A calm and picturesque attraction in Biei.

Entrance Fee : Free Map Code : 349 569 814*88

Shirahige waterfall

Just a 5-minute drive from the Blue Pond is an easily accessible but scenic waterfall: Shirahige waterfall . So it is worth coupling together if you’re visiting Shirogane Blue Pond.

There is plenty of car park available nearby. We parked pretty close by and the waterfall can be viewed from the bridge with few steps away. The deep turquoise blues and mineral-rich blue waters made the sight. Besides, this is the blue water from the river that flows into the Shirogane Blue Pond. Simply beautifully. We spend about 30 minutes at the viewpoint.

Entrance Fee : Free Map Code : 796 182 575*30

Patchwork Road and Panorama Road

Time to make your way to the beautiful landscape of Biei to Patchwork Road and Panorama Road. In fact, Biei is surrounded by vast expanses of the hill with Patchwork Road located in the northwest while Panorama Road is in the south of town. The never-ending rolling hill, wonderful scene, and picturesque farm make it an enjoyable driving journey.

There are a few popular spots to take a photo along the driving journey. Some of the spots are even filmed in the TV commercial such as Ken & Marry trees, Seven Star Trees, Mild Seven Hill, and more.

In fact, I visited those amazing scenery by cycling during the summer a few years back. Read more if you are planning on a physically demanding itinerary like me!

Related Article : Furano Biei Cycling Trip to Patchwork Road and Panorama Road

Dinner with Genghis Khan

At the end of the day, we drove back to Asahikawa city and enjoy the Genghis Khan grill lamb, a must-eat when visiting Hokkaido. Jingisukan Daikokuya (成吉思汗大黒屋) probably serve the best Jingisukan in Hokkaido. We know this place three years ago and we’re still happy to go there again. It is a local restaurant with awesome local food.

We waited for about 30 minutes during our visit on weekdays to get into the restaurant. But the wait was worth it! The restaurant is full of a smoky smell but it makes me feel like entering an authentic local restaurant.

We ordered several servings of the Genghis Khan and of the marinated lamb and the vegetables. The taste was still amazing like what we had before. Truly a delicious meal.

We enjoyed dinner and will visit again if we are in Asahikawa again!

Hokkaido Self Driving Itinerary

All in all, hopefully, you can get an idea of how to plan your Hokkaido self-drive itinerary to Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa for 2-3 days. Bear in mind, don’t visit Hokkaido in a rush. Make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. These areas are truly one of the most beautiful places we have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Our recommended Hokkaido self-drive itinerary is only focused on Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa. But, make no mistake with it. Hokkaido is truly huge and we are only spending 2 days in these places for the flower field itinerary which is hardly accessible by public transport. If you are interested, you may read on our travel blog about other attractive places in Hokkaido.

• Best Hokkaido itinerary in Summer
• Things to do in Sapporo by 2-Days
• Where To Stay in Sapporo: Best Accommodation Guide
• Day trip to Otaru and Nikka Whisky Distillery

Travel Blog to Hakodate, Lake Toya, and Noboribetsu

• Hakodate, the historical city in Hokkaido
• Lake Toya Itinerary: Mt Usu, Onsen, Firework And More
• Noboribetsu itinerary: The Best Therapeutic Onsen in Japan
• Where To Stay in Noboribetsu: Best Onsen Ryokan Pick
• Best Onsen Hotel in Noboribetsu: Daiichi Takimotokan Review

Hokkaido Transportation Guide:

• How to visit Hokkaido by flight, train, bus, car
• How to travel and save with JR Hokkaido Rail Pass

Now, it’s time to experience the magical place for yourself, friends, and family members.

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