Hokkaido is the northernmost and second largest of Japan’s four main islands and is often considered to be the country’s last frontier. It is a very beautiful island, known for its onsens (natural hot springs) and flower fields. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Japan.
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5-DAY HOKKAIDO ITINERARY
Once we arrived at New Chitose Airport, we took a one hour taxi ride to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo-Susukino, where we stayed for two nights. You can also take the train to Susukino Station, which also takes about one hour. It is about a five minute walk from Susukino Station to the hotel. The hotel is a walk away from Tanukikoji Shopping Street, Nijo Market, and Sapporo TV Tower, and a one hour train ride to Otaru.
DAY 1: OTARU
We spent our first day in Otaru, a port city known for its glasswork, music boxes, and sake distilleries.
OTARU CANAL
Otaru Canal was built in 1923 to support shipping to Hokkaido. Large vessels were unloaded by smaller ships, which then transported the goods to warehouses along the canal. Once modern docking facilities were built, the canal became obsolete. In the 1980s, the warehouses were transformed into museums, shops, and restaurants, which we are able to enjoy today. We did a lovely, narrated 40-minute cruise on the Otaru Canal.
SAKAIMACHI STREET
Sakaimachi Street is a preserved merchant street in Otaru. Many of the buildings have been converted into shops, restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, boutiques, and museums. Most shops close at around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
DAY 2: SAPPORO
Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city and capital, is Japan’s fifth largest city. It is also one of the nation’s youngest major cities. Everywhere we visited in Sapporo was in walking distance from our hotel, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sapporo-Susukino.
NIJO MARKET
Nijo Market, a public market located in the center of Sapporo, occupies about one city block. Both locals and tourists visit the market to shop for fresh local produce and seafood.
SAPPPORO TV TOWER
From the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower, you can get an incredible view of the city, including Odori Park, shown below.
ODORI PARK
It takes about 30 minutes to walk the length of the beautiful and lush Odori Park. During the winter, the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held here.
TANUKIKOJI SHOPPING STREET
Tanukikoji Shopping Street is a 7-street shopping arcade in downtown Sapporo. It is a great place for tax-free shopping and Hokkaido souvenirs.
SUSUKINO DISTRICT
Susukino is Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo.
RAMEN YOKOCHO – SUSUKINO
While in Susukino, be sure to make a stop at Ganso Ramen Yokocho (Original Ramen Alley). It has 17 ramen shops and is the birth place of the delicious miso ramen, which Hokkaido is famous for.
DAY 3: ASAHIKAWA
Located in the center of Hokkaido is Asahikawa, the island’s second largest city after Sapporo. The city is not known as a leading tourist destination, but its zoo, Asahiyama Zoo, is among Japan’s best and most popular.
We stayed at Y’s Hotel Asahikawa for two nights. It is located right next to Asahikawa Station, which made it very convenient for our train ride to Furano, Biei, and Asahiyama Zoo. Also, located next to Asahikawa Station is AEON MALL, a famous shopping mall in Japan that has a market, food court, restaurants, souvenirs, and more.
ASAHIYAMA ZOO
We took the bus from Asahikawa Station to Asahiyama Zoo. You can purchase the bus tickets at Asahikawa Station. Asahiyama Zoo is one of Japan’s most popular zoos with animals from almost every continent of the world.
DAY 4: FURANO & BIEI
Furano and Biei are known for their picturesque landscapes. Flower season in Hokkaido usually lasts from April to August, but it varies from year to year. We visited in July and the flowers were not fully bloomed yet but they were still very beautiful.
The Furano Biei Norokko Train is only in service from June to September and is included in the Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass. It operates between Asahikawa and Furano and stops at Lavender Farm Station. It is a relaxing one hour and 40 minute ride from Asahikawa, where you can sit back and enjoy the open air train and picturesque views as the train slowly moves across the countryside. The walk from Lavender Farm Station to Farm Tomita is less than 10 minutes.
FARM TOMITA
Farm Tomita is a stunning flower farm that features a wide variety of flowers including the beautiful lavender fields. You can even try some lavender ice cream, food, and drinks.
TOMITA MELON HOUSE
Tomita Melon House is a short walk from Tomita Farm and is usually open from June to September. Check their website for updates as the dates may change due to weather or melon harvest. They have a variety of sweet and fresh Hokkaido melon, as well as melon soft serve and other melon desserts.
SHIKISAI-NO-OKA ALPACA FARM
To get to Shikisai-No-Oka, you can catch the JR Furano Line to Bibaushi Station. From there you can catch a taxi, walk, or ride a bicycle. There are not many taxis in the area and the 30-minute walk seemed quite long so we decided to bike it to the alpaca farm. There is a bicycle rental near Bibaushi Station.
We visited Shikisai-No-Oka to see the adorable alpacas. The Alpaca Farm is open year round and while visiting you will be able to pet and feed them. They also have a beautiful flower farm but it was not in bloom when we visited.
DAY 5: NOBORIBETSU
Noboribetsu, a small quaint town located southwest of Sapporo, is known for its onsens. There are specialty shops and restaurants but most of them do not open until about 10 a.m.
We took the train from Asahikawa Station to Sapporo Station, which was about one hour and 30 minutes. Then, took another train from Sapporo Station to Noboribetsu Station, which was about one hour and 15 minutes.
We stayed at Noboribetsu Manseikaku for one night. I would suggest staying for two nights, if possible. If you are able to arrive in the morning, one night might be enough. We arrived in the afternoon and only had enough time to go to Oyunuma River Natural Footbath. We also made time to enjoy the onsen at the hotel and the delicious dinner buffet, dressed in a yukata (casual kimono).
OYUNUMA RIVER NATURAL FOOTBATH
Spring water flows from Oyunuma Lake into the Oyunuma River, giving you the experience of a warm and relaxing natural footbath. It is an easy 5-10 minute walk from the entrance to the footbath but it can get a little muddy in some areas so wear appropriate footwear. The sitting area also gets wet so you may want to bring a mat to sit on and towel to dry your feet. It was an amazing experience.
GETTING TO HOKKAIDO
Our flight to Hokkaido included a layover in Tokyo. We flew to Haneda International Airport then took a connecting flight to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. If you are flying to Hokkaido on an international flight and have a layover like we did, you will need to go to the domestic check-in counter once you arrive. At Haneda International Airport, once you are checked in, you will need to catch a shuttle to the terminal you will depart from.
TRANSPORTATION IN HOKKAIDO
The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is made for foreign visitors and is available for durations of 7, 14, or 21 days. There are two types of JR Passes – the JR Pass and Regional JR Pass. Unlike the JR Pass, which includes unlimited JR transportation (train, shinkansen, and local busses) throughout the country, the Regional JR Pass provides unlimited access to JR transportation within a specific part of the country, in this case, Hokkaido. You can also make seat reservations at no extra cost. Due to the increase in price of the JR Pass, it may or may not be worth it to purchase. It is best to price out your usage of public transportation before purchasing any JR Pass.
LUGGAGE DELIVERY BETWEEN HOTELS
If you are staying at multiple hotels and will be sightseeing along the way, the Yamato Transport makes it convenient for you to travel from one destination to another. They will deliver your luggage for you. See your hotel receptionist to schedule the delivery. You may need to pack a light overnight bag as there is limited service for same day deliveries.
Happy Travels!
BK Travel Collage 